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: A heater according to an embodiment is a heater that comes into contact with a relatively flowing fluid and heats the contacted fluid. The heater includes a base portion that has a plate shape, has a first surface that is a convex curved surface and a second surface that faces the first surface and is a concave curved surface, and is three dimensionally bent, and at least one heat generating portion provided on at least one of a first surface side of the base portion and a second surface side of the base portion.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, which are made up of multiple plates arranged three-dimensionally, making it difficult to miniaturize the device when using a PTC heater.

[0005] Additionally, heaters have been proposed that use thermal conduction to heat solid materials such as toner. These heaters have a flat base extending in one direction and a heat generating portion provided on one side of the base. Therefore, if a heater with a flat base is used to heat a fluid, it can be made smaller.

[0006] However, when a heater having a flat base is used to heat a fluid, there is a problem in that it becomes difficult to improve the efficiency of heating the fluid.

[0007] 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]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-059368 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-197971 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] 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]

[0010] The heater according to the embodiment is a heater that comes into contact with a relatively flowing fluid and heats the fluid in contact with it. The heater includes a plate-shaped base having a first surface that is a convex curved surface and a second surface that is a concave curved surface opposite the first surface, and is three-dimensionally curved; and at least one heat generating portion provided on at least one side of the base, on the side of the first surface and on the side of the second surface of the base. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] 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]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating the effects of a heater according to a comparative example. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating the effects of a heater. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective 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; [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a fluid heating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating heater arrangements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 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.

[0014] (heater) The heater 1 according to this embodiment comes into contact with and heats a fluid that flows relative to the heater 1. For example, the heater 1 heats the flowing fluid by being immersed in the flowing fluid. For example, the heater 1 moves within the fluid, causing the fluid to flow and heating the fluid.

[0015] The fluid 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), etc. However, the type of fluid is not limited to those exemplified.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heater 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, 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.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the base 10 has, for example, a plate shape and extends in one direction. The base 10 has, for example, a surface 10a (corresponding to an example of a first surface) and a surface 10b (corresponding to an example of a second surface) opposite to the surface 10a. For example, the surface 10a can be a convex curved surface. For example, the surface 10b can be a concave curved surface.

[0018] The base 10 is, for example, three-dimensionally curved. For example, the contour of the surface 10a projected onto a horizontal plane and the contour of the surface 10b projected onto a vertical plane are curved. For example, the contour of the surface 10b projected onto a horizontal plane and the contour of the surface 10b projected onto a vertical plane are curved. In this case, the surface 10b is curved following the contour of the surface 10a. At least in the region where the heat generating unit 30 is provided, the distance (thickness) between the surface 10a and the surface 10b is approximately constant.

[0019] The dimension of one end of the surface 10a may be the same as or different from the dimension of the other end of the surface 10a in the extension direction of the base 10. In the case of the heater 1 illustrated in Figure 1, the dimension of one end of the surface 10a is different from the dimension of the other end of the surface 10a.

[0020] The dimension of one end of surface 10b may be the same as or different from the dimension of the other end of surface 10b in the extension direction of base 10. In the case of heater 1 illustrated in Figure 1, the dimension of one end of surface 10b is different from the dimension of the other end of surface 10b. For example, the dimensions of the portion of the surface 10b that faces the surface 10a can be approximately the same as the dimensions of the surface 10a.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Here, the thermal conductivity of metals is higher than that of inorganic materials such as ceramics. Therefore, if the base 10 is made of metal, the temperature rise time of the heater 1 can be shortened. Furthermore, the rigidity of metals 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. If the rigidity of the heater 1 can be increased, the flow rate and flow velocity of the fluid flowing relative to the heater 1 can be increased, and the viscosity and density of the fluid can be increased. Therefore, the processing capacity of the fluid heating devices 200 and 200a described below can be improved, and the types of fluids that can be heated can be increased. Furthermore, the life of the heater 1 can be extended.

[0023] Furthermore, if the base 10 is made of metal, it can be formed by plastic processing such as press working, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the base 10 and, in turn, reduces the manufacturing cost of the heater 1.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The heater 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a base 10 containing metal, and an insulating part 20 provided between the heat generating part 30 and the base 10.

[0026] The insulating portion 20, the heat generating portion 30, the wiring portion 40, and the protective portion 50 can be provided on at least one of the surface 10a of the base portion 10 and the surface 10b of the base portion 10. 1, the insulating portion 20, the heat generating portion 30, the wiring portion 40, and the protective portion 50 are provided on the surface 10a of the base portion 10. In the following, as an example, a 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 of the base portion 10 will be described.

[0027] The insulating portion 20 is provided to insulate the conductive base portion 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 portion 10 where the heat generating portion 30 and the wiring portion 40 are provided. In the heater 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the insulating portion 20 covers the entire surface 10a of the base portion 10. 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 material. The insulating portion 20 can be formed by, for example, thermal spraying or firing.

[0028] The heat generating unit 30 converts the applied power into heat (Joule heat). The heat generating unit 30 is provided on the surface 10a of the base 10 via the insulating unit 20. If the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the heat generating unit 30 can be provided directly on the surface 10a of the base 10.

[0029] The heat generating portion 30 is linear and extends in at least one of the directions of the extension of the base 10 and the direction intersecting the extension of the portion 10. In the heater 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the heat generating portion 30 extends in the direction of the extension of the base 10.

[0030] The electrical resistance value per unit length of the heat generating section 30 can be approximately uniform in the direction in which the heat generating section 30 extends, or can vary. For example, the electrical resistance value per unit length of the heat generating section 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 is approximately uniform in the direction in which the heat generating section 30 extends. For example, the width and thickness of the heat generating section 30 are approximately constant. To change the electrical resistance value per unit length of the heat generating section 30, it is sufficient to change at least one of the width and thickness.

[0031] 1 illustrates an example in which multiple heat generating portions 30 are provided, but it is possible to provide at least one heat generating portion 30. 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 a direction intersecting the direction in which the heat generating portions 30 extend. The length, width, and thickness of the heat generating portions 30, as well as the number of heat generating portions 30, can be changed as appropriate depending on the amount of heat generated by the heater 1.

[0032] 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 material 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 surface 10a of the base 10 using a method such as screen printing, and then curing the material using a method such as baking.

[0033] The wiring portion 40 is provided on the surface 10a of the base portion 10 via the insulating portion 20. When the base portion 10 is made of an insulating material, the wiring portion 40 can be provided directly on the surface 10a of the base portion 10.

[0034] The wiring section 40 includes, for example, a terminal 41, a wire 42, and a wire 43. The terminal 41 is electrically connected to the heat generating portion 30. For example, a pair of terminals 41 may be provided. For example, the pair of terminals 41 may be provided side by side near one end of the base 10 in the direction in which the base 10 extends. Furthermore, the terminals 41 may be provided near each of the ends on both sides of the base 10 in the direction in which the base 10 extends.

[0035] In this case, the pair of terminals 41 are electrically connected to a controller 203 (described later) or the like via a connector, external wiring, etc. Therefore, if the pair of terminals 41 are provided side by side near one end of the base 10, it is possible to reduce the wiring space around the heater 1 and improve the workability of the wiring work.

[0036] In addition, if a conductive fluid comes into contact with the heater 1, a waterproof connector can be connected to the pair of terminals 41, or the connection portion between the terminals 41 and the external wiring can be covered with silicone resin or the like.

[0037] 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, a plurality of heat generating parts 30 are connected in series by the wiring 42. Note that if only one heat generating part 30 is provided, the wiring 42 can be omitted.

[0038] The wiring 43 electrically connects the terminals 41 and the heat generating portion 30. The wiring 43 is not necessarily required and can be omitted. For example, the terminals 41 can be directly connected to the end of the heat generating portion 30. However, as long as the wiring 43 is provided, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 41 can be changed as desired. Therefore, it is easy to set the arrangement of the pair of terminals 41 taking into consideration the wiring space, the workability of the wiring work, and the like.

[0039] 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 method such as screen printing, and then curing the paste-like material using a method such as baking. 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 surface 10a of the base 10 using a method such as screen printing, and then curing the paste-like material using a method such as baking.

[0040] The protective part 50 is provided on the surface 10a of 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 surface 10a of the base 10, and covers the heat generating part 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43.

[0041] The protective unit 50 has, for example, the function of insulating the heat generating unit 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43, the function of transferring the heat generated in the heat generating unit 30 to the outside, and the function of protecting the heat generating unit 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 from external forces and fluids to be heated.

[0042] 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 20 μm to 80 μm.

[0043] The protective portion 50 can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating portion 20, the heating portion 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 using a method such as screen printing, and then curing the material using a method such as baking. In this case, the terminals 41 are exposed from the protective portion 50. When the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the protective portion 50 can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the base 10, the heating portion 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 using a method such as screen printing, and then curing the material using a method such as baking.

[0044] The heater 1 may further include a detection unit that detects the temperature of the fluid and / or 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 at least one of the surfaces 10a and 10b of 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 / or copper and / or nickel.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Next, the function and effect of the heater 1 will be described. First, the function and effect of the heater 101 according to the comparative example will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the effects of the heater 101 according to the comparative example. In FIG. 2, in order to avoid complication, only the outer shape of the heater 101 as viewed from the direction in which the heater 101 extends is depicted.

[0047] 2, when the fluid 100 is supplied to one surface of the heater 101, the fluid 100 that has come into contact with the heater 101 flows out from the end of the heater 101 in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the heater 101. This shortens the time that the fluid 100 is in contact with the heater 101, making it difficult to improve the heating efficiency of the fluid 100. In this case, increasing the length of the heater 101 in the direction intersecting the extension direction of the heater 101 to improve the heating efficiency would result in an increase in the size of the heater 101.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the effects of the heater 1. As shown in FIG. 3, when the fluid 100 is supplied to the concave curved surface of the heater 1, the fluid 100 flows along the concave curved surface of the heater 1. Therefore, the fluid 100 is less likely to dissociate from the concave curved surface of the heater 1. As a result, the heating efficiency of the fluid 100 can be improved. Furthermore, the area where the fluid 100 comes into contact with the heater 1 can be increased without increasing the dimension of the heater 1 in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the heater 1.

[0049] That is, with the heater 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the heater 1 and improve the heating efficiency of the fluid 100. Furthermore, when the heater 1 moves in the fluid, the fluid 100 in contact with the heater 1 can be made to flow efficiently.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heater 1a according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the heater 1a includes, for example, a base portion 11, an insulating portion 20, a heat generating portion 30, a wiring portion 40, and a protective portion 50. The heater 1a may be provided with a base 11 instead of the base 10 of the heater 1 described above.

[0051] 4, the base 11 is, for example, plate-shaped and extends in one direction. The base 11 has, for example, a surface 11a (corresponding to an example of a first surface) and a surface 11b (corresponding to an example of a second surface) opposite to the surface 11a. For example, the surface 11a can be a convex curved surface. For example, the surface 11b can be a concave curved surface.

[0052] The base 11 is, for example, three-dimensionally curved. For example, the contour of the surface 11a projected onto a horizontal plane and the contour of the surface 11b projected onto a vertical plane are curved. For example, the contour of the surface 11b projected onto a horizontal plane and the contour of the surface 11b projected onto a vertical plane are curved. In this case, the surface 11b is curved following the contour of the surface 11a. At least in the region where the heat generating portion 30 is provided, the distance (thickness) between the surface 11a and the surface 11b is approximately constant.

[0053] The dimension of one end of the surface 11a may be the same as or different from the dimension of the other end of the surface 11a in the extension direction of the base 11. In the case of the heater 1a illustrated in FIG. 4, the dimension of one end of the surface 11a is different from the dimension of the other end of the surface 11a.

[0054] The dimension of one end of the surface 11b may be the same as or different from the dimension of the other end of the surface 11b in the extension direction of the base 11. In the case of the heater 1a illustrated in Fig. 4, the dimension of one end of the surface 11b is different from the dimension of the other end of the surface 11b. For example, the dimensions of the portion of the surface 11b that faces the surface 11a can be approximately the same as the dimensions of the surface 11a.

[0055] For example, the base 11 can be made of a metal such as stainless steel or an aluminum alloy, or an inorganic material such as ceramics. The material of the base 11 can be the same as the material of the base 10 described above.

[0056] 4, in the case of heater 1a, insulating portion 20, heat generating portion 30, wiring portion 40, and protective portion 50 are provided on surface 11b, which is a concave curved surface, of base 11. Note that, as in the case of base 10 described above, if base 11 is made of an insulating material, insulating portion 20 can be omitted.

[0057] The function and effect of the heater 1a can be the same as that of the heater 1 described above. For example, when the fluid 100 is supplied to the concave curved surface of the heater 1a, the fluid 100 flows along the concave curved surface of the heater 1a. Therefore, the fluid 100 is less likely to dissociate from the concave curved surface of the heater 1a. As a result, the heating efficiency of the fluid 100 can be improved. Furthermore, the area where the fluid 100 comes into contact with the heater 1a can be increased without increasing the dimension of the heater 1a in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the heater 1a.

[0058] That is, with the heater 1a according to this embodiment, the heater 1a can be made smaller and the heating efficiency of the fluid 100 can be improved. Furthermore, when the heater 1a moves in the fluid, the fluid 100 in contact with the heater 1a can be made to flow efficiently.

[0059] (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, heater 1a, or 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. In the following, a case where the heater 1 is provided will be described as an example.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 5 illustrates an example in which one heater 1 is provided, but the number of heaters 1 is not limited to this. At least one heater 1 is required. Also, at least one of the heaters 1 and 1a may be provided.

[0062] Furthermore, when multiple heaters 1, 1a are provided, multiple heaters 1, 1a can be arranged in the flow direction of the fluid 100, or multiple heaters 1, 1a can be arranged in a direction intersecting the flow direction of the fluid 100.

[0063] The container 201 has a box shape. There are no particular limitations on the external shape of the container 201. For example, the external shape of the container 201 can be a rectangular parallelepiped. The container 201 has a space inside through which the fluid 100 flows. A supply pipe 201a is provided at one end of the container 201. A discharge pipe 201b is provided at the other end of the container 201. The supply pipe 201a and the discharge pipe 201b face each other. For example, the central axis of the discharge pipe 201b can be positioned on an extension of the central axis of the supply pipe 201a.

[0064] A heater 1 is provided inside the container 201. In this case, the concave curved surface of the heater 1 can be made to face the supply pipe 201a. In this way, the fluid 100 can be easily supplied to the concave curved surface of the heater 1, making it easier to obtain the effects of the heater 1 described in FIG.

[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 power applied to the heater 1 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] 5, the fluid 100 supplied into the container 201 through the supply pipe 201a flows inside the container 201 toward the discharge pipe 201b. Because the heater 1 is immersed in the fluid 100 flowing inside the container 201, the fluid 100 flows along the concave curved surface of the heater 1. Therefore, the heat generated in the heater 1 can be directly transferred to the fluid 100, and the fluid 100 can be prevented from dissociating from the concave curved surface of the heater 1. As a result, the heating efficiency of the fluid 100 can be improved.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a fluid heating device 200a according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, a fluid heating device 200a includes, for example, a heater 1, a container 201, a supply unit 204, a drive unit 205, and a controller 203.

[0075] The supply unit 204 is connected to the supply pipe 201a of the container 201 via a pipe or the like. When the fluid 100 is a liquid, the supply unit 204 can be, for example, a tank that stores the fluid 100. When the fluid 100 is a gas, the supply unit 204 can be omitted, or a filter or the like can be provided instead of the supply unit 204.

[0076] The driving unit 205 moves the position of the heater 1 in the fluid 100 via the boss 60. For example, the driving unit 205 rotates the heater 1 via the boss 60. By rotating the heater 1, the fluid 100 flows inside the container 201 from the supply pipe 201a side toward the discharge pipe 201b side. The driving unit 205 may have, for example, a motor. The driving unit 205 may also have a power supply brush (slip ring) for supplying power to the rotating heater 1 and receiving signals from a detection unit provided in the heater 1.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of the heater 1. In FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which four heaters 1 are provided, but the number of heaters 1 is not limited to this. At least one heater 1 is required. Also, at least one of heater 1 and heater 1a may be provided.

[0078] 6 and 7, at least one heater 1 can be provided on the side surface of the boss 60. When multiple heaters 1 are provided, the heaters 1 can be provided at positions that are rotationally symmetrical around the central axis of the boss 60.

[0079] 6, the boss 60 has a columnar shape and has a hole 60a formed at the position of the central axis. For example, the rotation shaft of a motor provided in the drive unit 205 can be provided in the hole 60a of the boss 60.

[0080] The controller 203 controls the operation of each element provided in the fluid heating device 200a. For example, the controller 203 controls the power applied to the heater 1, and therefore the temperature of the fluid 100, based on a signal from a detection unit provided in the heater 1. Receiving the signal from the detection unit provided in the heater 1 and applying power to the heater 1 can be performed via a power supply brush or the like provided in the drive unit 205.

[0081] For example, the controller 203 controls the motor provided in the drive unit 205 to control the flow rate of the fluid 100 flowing inside the container 201 and, ultimately, the flow rate of the heated fluid 100 discharged from the container 201.

[0082] The heated fluid 100 can be stored in the tank 301, discharged from the nozzle 302, or supplied to the member 400 to be heated, as in the case of the above-described fluid heating device 200. Furthermore, as in the case of the above-described fluid heating device 200, the fluid 100 discharged from the member 400 (the fluid used to heat the member 400) can be returned to the supply unit 204.

[0083] Although the above describes an example in which the container 201, the supply unit 202, and the supply unit 204 are provided, these may be omitted. For example, heated air may be directly supplied to the member 400 or the like by moving the position of the heater 1 by the drive unit 205 in the atmosphere.

[0084] Furthermore, for example, by moving the position of the heater 1 by the driving unit 205 in a liquid stored in a tank or the like, the liquid can be heated and stirred.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The following are additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0087] (Appendix 1) A heater that contacts a relatively flowing fluid and heats the contacted fluid, a plate-like base having a first surface which is a convex curved surface and a second surface which is a concave curved surface opposite to the first surface, and which is three-dimensionally curved; at least one heat generating portion provided on at least one of the first surface side of the base and the second surface side of the base; A heater equipped with:

[0088] (Appendix 2) 2. The heater according to claim 1, wherein the second surface is curved to conform to the first surface.

[0089] (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.

[0090] (Appendix 4) With the boss; At least one heater according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3 provided on the boss; a drive unit that moves the position of the heater through the boss in the fluid; A fluid heating device comprising:

[0091] (Appendix 5) 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; A fluid heating device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 heater, 1a heater, 10 base, 11 base, 20 insulating part, 30 heat generating part, 40 wiring part, 50 protective part, 60 boss, 100 fluid, 200 fluid heating device, 200a fluid heating device, 201 container, 203 controller, 205 drive part

Claims

1. A heater that contacts a relatively flowing fluid and heats the contacted fluid, a plate-like base portion having a first surface which is a convex curved surface and a second surface which is a concave curved surface and faces the first surface, and which is three-dimensionally curved; at least one heat generating portion provided on at least one of the first surface side of the base and the second surface side of the base; A heater comprising:

2. 2. The heater according to claim 1, wherein the second surface is curved to conform to the first surface.

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. With the boss; At least one heater according to claim 1 or 2 provided on the boss; a drive unit that moves the position of the heater through the boss in the fluid; A fluid heating device comprising:

5. 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; A fluid heating device comprising:

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