heater

Abstract

The objective is to provide a heater that can be miniaturized and has improved fluid heating efficiency. [Solution] The heater according to the embodiment is a heater that comes into contact with a fluid. The heater comprises: a plurality of first parts having a plate shape, extending in a first direction, and having a first end on the side intersecting the first direction and a second end opposite to the first end; a plurality of second parts having a plate shape, extending in the first direction, inclined with respect to the first parts, and having a third end on the side intersecting the first direction and a fourth end opposite to the third end; and a heating element provided in at least one of the first parts and the second parts, extending in the first direction. The first end of the first part is connected to the third end of the second part adjacent to the first part. When viewed from the first direction, the second end of the first part and the fourth end of the second part coincide with a curved curve or a bent straight line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a heater.

Background Art

[0002] There are heaters that heat fluids such as air and water. Heaters for heating fluids are provided, for example, in heating devices that heat air or in hot water devices that heat water.

[0003] As such a heater, for example, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater has been proposed. When an electric current flows through the PTC heater, the temperature of the PTC heater rises according to the magnitude of the current. When the temperature of the PTC heater exceeds the Curie temperature, the resistance value of the PTC heater increases and it becomes difficult for an electric current to flow through the PTC heater, suppressing the temperature rise of the PTC heater. When the temperature of the PTC heater decreases due to the suppression of the temperature rise of the PTC heater, it becomes easier for an electric current to flow through the PTC heater and the temperature of the PTC heater rises again. Therefore, by using a PTC heater, the heating temperature can be self-controlled.

[0004] However, the heat generated in the PTC heater is transmitted to the fluid through heat exchange fins. Since a plurality of plate materials are three-dimensionally arranged in the heat exchange fins, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to miniaturize when using a PTC heater.

[0005] Also, heaters for heating solids such as toner have been proposed by heat conduction. Such a heater has a flat plate-shaped base extending in one direction and a heating element provided on one surface of the base. Therefore, if a heater having a flat plate-shaped base is used for heating a fluid, miniaturization can be achieved. However, when using a heater having a flat plate-shaped base for heating a fluid, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to improve the heating efficiency of the fluid.

[0006] Therefore, there was a need for the development of a heater that could be miniaturized and have improved fluid heating efficiency. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-054934 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-240606 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a heater that can be miniaturized and has improved fluid heating efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The heater according to the embodiment is a heater that comes into contact with a fluid. The heater comprises: a plurality of first parts having a plate shape, extending in a first direction, and having a first end on the side intersecting the first direction and a second end opposite to the first end; a plurality of second parts having a plate shape, extending in the first direction, inclined with respect to the first parts, and having a third end on the side intersecting the first direction and a fourth end opposite to the third end; and a heating element provided in at least one of the first parts and the second parts, extending in the first direction. The first end of the first part is connected to the third end of the second part adjacent to the first part. When viewed from the first direction, the second end of the first part and the fourth end of the second part coincide with a curved curve or a bent straight line. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a heater that can be miniaturized and whose fluid heating efficiency can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the heater according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side view of the heater in Figure 1, as seen from the X direction. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effects of the heater in the comparative example. [Figure 4] (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the effects of the heater. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heater according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heater according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are schematic side views illustrating the case where multiple heaters are provided. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side view illustrating an example of a case where heaters are installed in combination. [Figure 9] This is a schematic side view illustrating a heater according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic side view illustrating a bent heater. [Figure 11] This is a schematic side view illustrating the arrangement of heaters. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments will be illustrated below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] Furthermore, the arrows X, Y, and Z in each drawing represent three mutually orthogonal directions. For example, the X direction (corresponding to an example of the first direction) can be the longitudinal direction of heater 1. For example, the Y direction can be the short direction of heater 1. For example, the Z direction can be the thickness direction of heater 1.

[0014] The heater 1 according to this embodiment contacts a fluid such as a gas or a liquid and heats the contacted fluid. The heater 1 is provided, for example, inside the flowing fluid. The gas is, for example, air contained in the environment where the heater 1 is provided. The liquid is water, a solution such as a coolant liquid, etc. However, the type of the fluid is not necessarily limited to those exemplified.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view for exemplifying the heater 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view when the heater 1 in FIG. 1 is viewed from the X direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heater 1 has, for example, a base portion 10, an insulating portion 20, a heating portion 30, a wiring portion 40, and a protection portion 50.

[0016] The base portion 10 extends in the X direction. The base portion 10 has, for example, a plurality of portions 11 (corresponding to an example of the first portion) and a plurality of portions 12 (corresponding to an example of the second portion). The portions 11 and the portions 12 extend in the X direction. The portions 11 and the portions 12 are plate-shaped.

[0017] The portion 11 has an end portion 11a (corresponding to an example of the first end portion) on the side intersecting the X direction and an end portion 11b (corresponding to an example of the second end portion) facing the end portion 11a. When viewed from the thickness direction of the portion 11, the shape of the portion 11 is, for example, rectangular.

[0018] The portion 12 has an end portion 12a (corresponding to an example of the third end portion) on the side intersecting the X direction and an end portion 12b (corresponding to an example of the fourth end portion) facing the end portion 12a. When viewed from the thickness direction of the portion 12, the shape of the portion 12 is, for example, rectangular.

[0019] Sections 11 and 12 are arranged alternately. Section 12 is inclined relative to section 11. The end 11a of section 11 is connected to the end 12a of the section 12 adjacent to section 11. For example, the shorter side of section 11 is connected to the shorter side of the section 12 adjacent to section 11.

[0020] Multiple parts 11 and multiple parts 12 can be formed as a single unit. The number of parts 11 and the number of parts 12 can be appropriately changed according to the amount of heat required for the heater 1 and the space in which the heater 1 is installed. In this case, the number of parts 11 and the number of parts 12 can be the same, or the number of one can be one more than the number of the other.

[0021] Furthermore, when viewed from the X direction, the base 10 is curved in the Z direction. For example, when viewed from the X direction, the end 11b of section 11 and the end 12b of section 12 overlap with the curved curve 100. For example, multiple connecting sections 10a of section 11 and section 12 are located on a single curved curve 100.

[0022] In this case, there are no particular limitations on the shape of the curved curve 100, and it can be appropriately changed depending on the size and shape of the space in which the heater 1 is installed (for example, the size and shape of the internal space of the container or piping). For example, the curved curve 100 may be a closed line shape such as a roughly circular or roughly elliptical shape, or it may be an open line shape such as a roughly circular arc or a roughly elliptical arc. Note that the curve 100 exemplified in Figures 1 and 2 is a roughly circular arc.

[0023] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the Y-direction dimension of the base 10 is larger than the Z-direction dimension of the base 10. Therefore, if the base 10 is curved in the Z-direction, it becomes easier to install the heater 1 inside containers or pipes with small Y-direction dimensions.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, when viewed from the X direction, the angle θ between part 11 and part 12 can be, for example, 80° or more and 160° or less. In this case, the multiple angles θ at the base 10 may be the same or different.

[0025] The thickness of section 11 is, for example, about 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm. The length (width dimension) of section 11 in the shorter direction is, for example, about 5 mm to 15 mm. The width dimension of section 11 can be appropriately changed depending on the number and arrangement of the heat-generating elements 30 provided in section 11.

[0026] The thickness of section 12 is, for example, about 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm. The length (width dimension) of section 12 in the shorter direction is, for example, about 5 mm to 15 mm. The width dimension of section 12 can be appropriately changed depending on the number and arrangement of the heat-generating elements 30 provided in section 12.

[0027] In this case, the thickness of part 12 can be the same as the thickness of part 11, or it can be different from the thickness of part 11. Also, the width dimension of part 12 can be the same as the width dimension of part 11, or it can be different from the width dimension of part 11.

[0028] The lengths of section 11 and section 12 in the X direction can be appropriately changed depending on the space in which the heater 1 is installed. In this case, the length of section 12 can be the same as the length of section 11, or it can be different from the length of section 11.

[0029] The base 10 is formed from a material that has heat resistance and high thermal conductivity. For example, the base 10 can be formed from metals such as stainless steel or aluminum alloys, or from inorganic materials such as ceramics.

[0030] In this case, 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 heating time of the heater 1 can be shortened. Also, 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. Furthermore, if the base 10 is made of metal, it can be formed by plastic deformation processes such as bending and pressing, or by drawing. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the base 10, and consequently the manufacturing cost of the heater 1, can be reduced.

[0031] On the other hand, inorganic materials such as ceramics generally have insulating properties, so if the base 10 is made of an inorganic material, the insulating part 20 described later can be omitted. The heater 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has a base portion 10 containing metal and an insulating portion 20.

[0032] The insulating section 20, the heating section 30, the wiring section 40, and the protective section 50 can be provided in at least one of the multiple sections 11 and 12. In the heater 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the insulating section 20, the heating section 30, the wiring section 40, and the protective section 50 are provided in each of the multiple sections 11 and 12.

[0033] In this case, the insulating part 20, the heating part 30, the wiring part 40, and the protective part 50 can be provided on the concave side of the base 10, on the convex side of the base 10, or on both the concave side and the convex side of the base 10. In the heater 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the insulating part 20, the heating part 30, the wiring part 40, and the protective part 50 are provided on the concave side of the base 10.

[0034] 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 on the surface of the base portion 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 is ensured. The insulating portion 20 is formed from a material that has heat resistance and insulating properties. The insulating portion 20 can be formed from, for example, ceramics or glass materials. The insulating portion 20 can be formed by, for example, thermal spraying or firing.

[0035] The heating element 30 converts the applied power into heat (Joule heat). The heating element 30 is mounted on the insulating element 20. If the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the heating element 30 can be mounted directly on the base 10. The heating element 30 is linear and extends in the X direction.

[0036] The electrical resistance per unit length of the heating element 30 can be approximately uniform or different in the X direction. In the heating element 30 illustrated in Figure 1, the electrical resistance per unit length is approximately uniform in the X direction. For example, in the heating element 30 illustrated in Figure 1, the width and thickness dimensions are approximately constant. To change the electrical resistance per unit length of the heating element 30, at least one of the width and thickness dimensions should be changed.

[0037] The heating element 30 is formed using, for example, ruthenium oxide (RuO2), silver-palladium (Ag-Pd) alloy, silver-platinum (Ag-Pt) alloy, etc. The heating element 30 is formed by, for example, applying a paste-like material onto the insulating element 20 using a screen printing method, and then hardening it using a firing method, etc. If the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the heating element 30 is formed by, for example, applying a paste-like material onto the base 10 using a screen printing method, and then hardening it using a firing method, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, although the above examples illustrate a case where one heating element 30 is provided in each of section 11 and section 12, multiple heating elements 30 can also be provided in at least one of section 11 and section 12. In this case, the multiple heating elements 30 can be arranged in a line with predetermined intervals in a direction intersecting the X direction. The number of multiple heating elements 30 can be appropriately changed according to the amount of heat required by the heater 1.

[0039] The wiring section 40 is provided, for example, to electrically connect the heating section 30 to a controller or the like, which is located outside the heater 1. The wiring section 40 is provided on top of the insulating section 20. If the base section 10 is made of an insulating material, the wiring section 40 can be provided directly on the base section 10.

[0040] The wiring section 40 includes, for example, a terminal 41 and wiring 42. For example, a pair of terminals 41 can be provided. For example, one terminal 41 can be provided on one end of the base 10 in the X direction. For example, the other terminal 41 can be provided on the other end of the base 10 in the X direction. The pair of terminals 41 are electrically connected to a controller or the like provided outside the heater 1 via a connector and connecting wiring. If a conductive fluid comes into contact with the heater 1, a waterproof connector can be used, or the connection portion between the terminals 41 and the connecting wiring can be covered with silicone resin or the like.

[0041] The wiring 42 electrically connects the terminal 41 and the heating element 30. The wiring 42 can be provided between the terminal 41 and the heating element 30. Note that the wiring 42 is not necessarily required and can be omitted. For example, the terminal 41 can be directly connected to the end of the heating element 30. However, if the wiring 42 is provided, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 41 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the pair of terminals 41 can be provided side by side on one end of the base 10 in the X direction. If the pair of terminals 41 are provided side by side on one end of the base 10, the electrical connection between the heater 1 and a controller or the like provided outside the heater 1 can be made on one end of the heater 1. This makes it possible to reduce the wiring space and make wiring work easier.

[0042] The terminals 41 and wiring 42 are formed using materials such as silver or copper. For example, the terminals 41 and wiring 42 are formed by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating part 20 using a screen printing method or the like, and then curing it using a firing method or the like. If the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the terminals 41 and wiring 42 are formed by directly applying a paste-like material onto the base 10 using a screen printing method or the like, and then curing it using a firing method or the like.

[0043] The protective unit 50 has, for example, the function of insulating the heat-generating unit 30 and the wiring 42, 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 and the wiring 42 from external forces, the fluid to be heated, etc.

[0044] The protective portion 50 is provided, for example, on top of the insulating portion 20. If the base portion 10 is made of an insulating material, the protective portion 50 can be provided directly on the base portion 10. The protective portion 50 covers the heating portion 30. The protective portion 50 can also cover at least a portion of the wiring 42. The terminals 41 are exposed from the protective portion 50.

[0045] The protective part 50 is formed from a material that has heat resistance and insulation properties, as well as 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, about 10 μm to 60 μm.

[0046] The protective part 50 is formed by, for example, applying a paste-like material onto the insulating part 20, the heating part 30, and the wiring 42 using a screen printing method, and then curing it using a firing method. In this case, the terminal 41 is exposed from the protective part 50. If the base part 10 is made of an insulating material, the protective part 50 is formed by, for example, applying a paste-like material onto the base part 10, the heating part 30, and the wiring 42 using a screen printing method, and then curing it using a firing method.

[0047] Furthermore, the heater 1 may also be provided with a detection unit to detect the temperature of the heat-generating part 30. The detection unit is, for example, a thermistor. The thermistor is formed by, for example, applying a paste-like material onto the insulating part 20 using a screen printing method and curing it using a firing method. If the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the detection unit is formed by, for example, applying a paste-like material directly to the base 10 using a screen printing method and curing it using a firing method. The material of the thermistor may include, for example, manganese and cobalt, and at least one of copper and nickel.

[0048] Furthermore, a wiring section electrically connected to the detection section can be provided. The wiring section may have terminals and wiring, similar to the wiring section 40 described above. In this case, the protective section 50 can cover the detection section and the wiring. The terminals can be exposed from the protective section 50.

[0049] A heater 1 having the above configuration can be formed, for example, as follows. First, multiple sets of insulating parts 20, heating parts 30, wiring parts 40, and protective parts 50 are sequentially formed on the surface of a flat metal plate.

[0050] Next, the metal plate is bent to form a portion 11, which is provided with an insulating portion 20, a heating portion 30, a wiring portion 40, and a protective portion 50, and a portion 12, which is also provided with an insulating portion 20, a heating portion 30, a wiring portion 40, and a protective portion 50.

[0051] Next, the metal plate on which parts 11 and 12 are formed is curved to form the base 10. For example, a base portion 10 having a curved shape and comprising a portion 11 and a portion 12 can be formed, and an insulating portion 20, a heating portion 30, a wiring portion 40, and a protective portion 50 can be sequentially formed on each of the portions 11 and 12. However, as mentioned above, if the insulating portion 20, heating portion 30, wiring portion 40, and protective portion 50 are first sequentially formed on the surface of a flat metal plate, and then the base portion 10 is formed by bending the metal plate, the manufacturing cost of the heater 1 can be reduced and the manufacturing period can be shortened.

[0052] If the base 10 is formed from an inorganic material such as ceramics, for example, a base 10 having a curved shape and comprising a portion 11 and a portion 12 can be formed, and an insulating portion 20, a heating portion 30, a wiring portion 40, and a protective portion 50 can be sequentially formed on portion 11 and portion 12, respectively.

[0053] Next, we will explain the effects of heater 1. First, the effects and benefits of the heater 101 in the comparative example will be explained. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the effects of the heater 101 in the comparative example. Note that in Figure 3, to avoid complexity, only the outer shape of the heater 101 as viewed from the X direction is shown.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, when fluid G is supplied to the heater 101 from the Z direction, the fluid G that comes into contact with the heater 101 flows out from the Y-direction (short-side direction) end of the heater 101. Therefore, the time that fluid G is in contact with the heater 101 is shortened, making it difficult to improve the heating efficiency of the fluid G. In this case, if the heating efficiency of the fluid G is improved by increasing the length of the heater 101 in the Y direction, the heater 101 may become larger, making it difficult to install.

[0055] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating the effects of heater 1. Note that in Figures 4(a) and (b), only a portion of the outer shape of heater 1 as viewed from the X direction is depicted to avoid complexity.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the heater 1 can be installed inside the flowing fluid G. As shown in Figure 4(a), when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from the Z direction, the fluid G that comes into contact with the heater 1 flows along the uneven surface of the heater 1. Since the fluid G flowing along the uneven surface of the heater 1 is less likely to separate from the uneven surface of the heater 1, the heating efficiency of the fluid G can be improved.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the heater 1 has multiple uneven surfaces arranged side by side. The heater 1 is also curved in the Z direction. Therefore, the fluid G flowing along the uneven surfaces of the heater 1 becomes even less likely to separate from these surfaces. Additionally, having multiple uneven surfaces arranged side by side increases the contact area between the heater 1 and the fluid. This further improves the heating efficiency of the fluid G.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4(b), when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from a direction opposite to the Z direction, the fluid G that comes into contact with the heater 1 flows along the uneven surface of the heater 1. Therefore, similar to the case illustrated in Figure 4(a) (when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from the Z direction), the fluid G is less likely to separate from the multiple uneven surfaces of the heater 1. In addition, the contact area between the heater 1 and the fluid can be increased. As a result, the heating efficiency of the fluid G can be improved.

[0059] In this case, as shown in Figure 1, since the heater 1 is curved in the Z direction, if the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from a direction opposite to the Z direction, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the flow velocity and flow rate of the heated fluid G downstream of the heater 1. However, the heating efficiency of the fluid G may decrease compared to when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from the Z direction.

[0060] Furthermore, when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from the X direction or from the opposite direction to the X direction, the fluid G that comes into contact with the heater 1 flows along the uneven surface of the heater 1 in the X direction or the opposite direction to the X direction. In this case as well, the fluid G is less likely to separate from the multiple uneven surfaces of the heater 1. In addition, the contact area between the heater 1 and the fluid can be increased. As a result, the heating efficiency of the fluid G can be improved.

[0061] However, if the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from the X direction or the opposite direction of the X direction, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the flow velocity and flow rate of the heated fluid G downstream of the heater 1 compared to when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from the Z direction or the opposite direction of the Z direction. However, the heating efficiency of the fluid G may decrease compared to when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from the Z direction or the opposite direction of the Z direction.

[0062] Furthermore, when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from the Y direction or the opposite direction to the Y direction, the fluid G that comes into contact with the heater 1 flows along the uneven surface of the heater 1 in the Y direction or the opposite direction to the Y direction. In this case as well, the fluid G is less likely to separate from the multiple uneven surfaces of the heater 1. In addition, the contact area between the heater 1 and the fluid can be increased. As a result, the heating efficiency of the fluid G can be improved.

[0063] However, if the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from the Y direction or the opposite direction to the Y direction, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the flow velocity and flow rate of the heated fluid G downstream of the heater 1 compared to when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from the Z direction or the opposite direction to the Z direction, but the heating efficiency of the fluid G may decrease.

[0064] Furthermore, even when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 from directions other than those mentioned above, the relationship between the heating efficiency of the fluid G and the fluid velocity and flow rate of the fluid G changes. Therefore, the direction in which the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1 (the arrangement of the heater 1 in a container or piping) can be appropriately changed according to the required temperature, flow rate, flow velocity, etc. of the fluid G.

[0065] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heater 1a according to another embodiment. To avoid complexity, only a portion of heater 1a is shown in Figure 5.

[0066] The heater 1a can be provided with at least one additional hole 10b in the base 10 of the heater 1 described above. When multiple holes 10b are provided, they can be arranged in the X direction, as shown in Figure 5. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the holes 10b can be provided in at least one of the parts 11 and 12, or in the connecting part 10a of part 11 and part 12.

[0067] As mentioned above, the fluid G may be supplied to the heater 1 from the Z direction or from the opposite direction to the Z direction. In this case, depending on the application of the heater 1a, the flow velocity and flow rate of the heated fluid G may be insufficient downstream of the heater 1a. If a hole 10b is provided, the heated fluid G can be allowed to flow downstream of the heater 1a through the hole 10b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the insufficient flow velocity and flow rate of the heated fluid G downstream of the heater 1a.

[0068] The size, number, pitch, shape, and arrangement of the holes 10b can be appropriately changed according to the size of the heater 1a, the intended use of the heater 1a, and the required flow velocity and flow rate of the heated fluid G. For example, the size, number, pitch, shape, and arrangement of the holes 10b can be determined by conducting experiments or simulations.

[0069] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heater 1b according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the heater 1b has, for example, a base 10c, an insulating part 20, a heating part 30, a wiring part 40, and a protective part 50. In other words, heater 1b can be made by replacing the base 10 of heater 1 with base 10c.

[0070] When viewed from the X direction, the multiple connecting portions 10a of portions 11 and 12 overlap with a single curved curve 100a. That is, the base portion 10c is curved in the Z direction. Although the aforementioned curve 100 was approximately a circular arc, the curve 100a can be, for example, approximately an elliptical arc.

[0071] If the curve 100a is approximately an elliptical arc, the dimension of the base 10c in the Y direction can be made smaller than the dimension of the base 10 described above. Therefore, it becomes easier to install the heater 1b compared to when the heater 1 is installed inside a container or pipe with a small dimension in the Y direction.

[0072] Furthermore, if the curve 100 is approximately a circle, it becomes easier to install a heater inside, for example, a cylindrical tube or a cylindrical container. If the curve 100 is approximately elliptical, it becomes easy to install a heater inside, for example, an elliptical tube or a container that has an elliptical cylindrical shape.

[0073] Furthermore, when the fluid G is supplied to the heater 1b from the Z direction, the heating efficiency of the fluid G can be increased compared to that of the heater 1. However, downstream of the heater 1b, the flow velocity and flow rate of the heated fluid G will be lower compared to that of the heater 1.

[0074] Therefore, the curvature of heaters 1, 1a, and 1b can be appropriately changed according to the required temperature, flow velocity, flow rate, etc. of the heated fluid G. For example, the curvature of heaters 1, 1a, and 1b can be determined by conducting experiments or simulations.

[0075] Furthermore, similar to the case of the heater 1a described above, at least one hole 10b can be provided in the base 10c. If a hole 10b is provided, it is possible to suppress insufficient flow velocity and flow rate of the heated fluid G downstream of the heater 1b.

[0076] Furthermore, multiple heaters 1, 1a, and 1b can be provided as described above. Figure 7(a) is a schematic side view illustrating a case where multiple heaters 1, 1a are provided. Figure 7(b) is a schematic side view illustrating a case where multiple heaters 1b are provided. Note that in Figures 7(a) and (b), only the outlines of heaters 1 and 1a as viewed from the X direction are shown to avoid complexity.

[0077] For example, in the case of containers or pipes where the dimension in the Y direction is long and the dimension in the Z direction is short, multiple heaters 1, 1a can be installed side by side in the Y direction, as shown in Figure 7(a).

[0078] For example, in the case of containers or pipes where the dimension in the Y direction is short and the dimension in the Z direction is long, multiple heaters 1b can be installed in the Y direction, as shown in Figure 7(b). In this way, heaters 1 and 1a can be efficiently positioned according to the shape and dimensions of containers, piping, etc.

[0079] Furthermore, when multiple heaters are installed, the bases of each heater can be integrated. This makes handling and assembly of the heaters easier. On the other hand, if the bases of multiple heaters are separate, the versatility of the heaters can be increased, which can lead to reduced manufacturing costs and simplified inventory management.

[0080] Furthermore, the aforementioned heaters 1, 1a, and 1b can also be installed in combination. Figure 8 is a schematic side view illustrating a case where heater 1(1a) and heater 1b are installed in combination. Note that in Figure 8, to avoid complexity, only the outlines of heater 1(1a) and heater 1b as viewed from the X direction are shown.

[0081] For example, the dimensions of containers and pipes in the Y direction may change in the Z direction. In such cases, heater 1(1a) can be provided in the longer Y-direction section, and heater 1b can be provided in the shorter Y-direction section. In this way, heaters 1(1a) and 1b can be efficiently positioned according to the shape and dimensions of containers and pipes.

[0082] Furthermore, multiple heaters can be arranged in at least one of the X, Y, and Z directions, or multiple heaters of different shapes can be arranged in at least one of the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0083] Figure 9 is a schematic side view illustrating a heater 1c according to another embodiment. Note that in Figure 9, to avoid complexity, only the outer shape of the heater 1c as viewed from the X direction is shown. As shown in Figure 9, heater 1c can be made by replacing the base 10 of heater 1 with base 10d.

[0084] When viewed from the X direction, the base 10d is curved in the Z direction. Similar to the base 10 described above, the base 10d has a plurality of parts 11 and a plurality of parts 12. The base 10d also has a plate-like part 13 (corresponding to an example of a third part) that extends in the X direction. Part 13 is connected to the end 11b of part 11 and to the end 12b of part 12 adjacent to part 11. Parts 11, 12, and 13 can be formed integrally.

[0085] Similar to the case of the base 10 described above, when viewed from the X direction, the end 11b of part 11 and the end 12b of part 12 overlap with the curved curve 100. For example, when viewed from the X direction, the connection part 13a between part 11 and part 13, and the connection part 13b between part 12 and part 13 can be made to overlap with the curve 100. Note that, similar to the case of the base 10 described above, the shape of the curve 100 can be changed as appropriate.

[0086] Furthermore, the base portion 10d may be provided with at least one of the aforementioned holes 10b. Furthermore, multiple heaters 1c can be arranged in at least one of the X, Y, and Z directions, or they can be installed in combination with the aforementioned heaters 1, 1a, and 1b.

[0087] Heater 1c can enjoy the same effects as heater 1 described above. Furthermore, if part 13 is provided between the end 11b of part 11 and the end 12b of part 12, the fluid G can flow through the large space between part 11 and part 12. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the fluid G can be improved. In this case, a heating element 30, a wiring element 40, and a protective element 50 may be provided in part 13 to further improve the heating efficiency of the fluid G.

[0088] Furthermore, while curved heaters 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c were used as examples above, a bent heater 1d can also be used. Figure 10 is a schematic side view illustrating a bent heater 1d. Note that in Figure 10, to avoid complexity, only the outer shape of the heater 1d as viewed from the X direction is shown. Figure 11 is a schematic side view illustrating the arrangement of heater 1d. As shown in Figure 10, the heater 1d can be the same as the heater 1 described above, but with the base 10 replaced by the base 10e.

[0089] The base portion 10e, like the base portion 10 described above, has a plurality of parts 11 and a plurality of parts 12. When viewed from the X direction, the end 11b of part 11 and the end 12b of part 12 coincide with a bent straight line. The bent straight line includes, for example, a straight line 100c extending in the Y direction and a straight line 100d intersecting with straight line 100c. For example, the bent straight line can be a straight line that is approximately L-shaped. Note that in a straight line that is approximately L-shaped, the angle between straight line 100c and straight line 100d is not limited to 90°.

[0090] For example, when viewed from the X direction, in the Z direction, the end 11b of part 11 and the end 12b of part 12 coincide with the straight line 100c. For example, when viewed from the X direction, in the opposite direction to the Y direction, the end 11b of part 11 and the end 12b of part 12 coincide with the straight line 100d.

[0091] Furthermore, the base portion 10e may be provided with at least one of the aforementioned holes 10b. Furthermore, multiple heaters 1d can be arranged in at least one of the X, Y, and Z directions, or they can be installed in combination with the aforementioned heaters 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c.

[0092] Heater 1d can enjoy the same effects as heater 1 described above. Furthermore, if the heater 1d is bent, it can be efficiently placed inside a cubic or rectangular container, or inside a square pipe, as shown in Figure 11.

[0093] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0094] The following are additional notes regarding the embodiments described above.

[0095] (Note 1) A heater that comes into contact with a fluid, A plurality of first parts having a plate-like shape, extending in a first direction, having a first end on the side intersecting the first direction, and a second end opposite to the first end; A plurality of second portions having a plate-like shape, extending in the first direction, inclined with respect to the first portion, a third end on the side intersecting the first direction, and a fourth end opposite to the third end; A heating element provided in at least one of the first portion and the second portion, extending in the first direction; It is equipped with, The first end of the first portion is connected to the third end of the second portion adjacent to the first portion. A heater in which, when viewed from the first direction, the second end of the first part and the fourth end of the second part coincide with a curved curve or a bent straight line.

[0096] (Note 2) The curved shape is one of a roughly circular shape, a roughly ellipse, a roughly circular arc, or a roughly elliptical arc. The heater described in Appendix 1, wherein the bent straight line is a roughly L-shaped straight line.

[0097] (Note 3) The heater according to Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a plate-like shape, extending in the first direction, and a third portion connected to the second end of the first portion and the fourth end of the second portion adjacent to the first portion.

[0098] (Note 4) The heater according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first part and the second part is provided with at least one hole.

[0099] (Note 5) The heater is a heater according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, which is provided inside the flowing fluid. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 1 Heater, 1a-1d Heater, 10 Base, 10a Connection part, 10b Hole, 10c-10e Base, 11 Part, 12 Part, 13 Part, 20 Insulation part, 30 Heating part, 40 Wiring part, 50 Protection part, 100 Curve, 100a Curve, 100c Straight line, 100d Straight line, G Fluid

Claims

1. A heater that comes into contact with a fluid, A plurality of first portions having a plate-like shape, extending in a first direction, having a first end on the side intersecting the first direction, and a second end opposite to the first end; A plurality of second portions having a plate-like shape, extending in the first direction, inclined with respect to the first portion, a third end on the side intersecting the first direction, and a fourth end opposite to the third end; A heating element provided in at least one of the first portion and the second portion, extending in the first direction; It is equipped with, The first end of the first portion is connected to the third end of the second portion adjacent to the first portion. A heater in which, when viewed from the first direction, the second end of the first portion and the fourth end of the second portion coincide with a curved curve or a bent straight line.

2. The curved shape is one of a roughly circular shape, a roughly ellipse, a roughly circular arc, or a roughly elliptical arc. The heater according to claim 1, wherein the bent straight line is a straight line that is approximately L-shaped.

3. The heater according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plate-like shape, extending in the first direction, and a third portion connected to the second end of the first portion and the fourth end of the second portion adjacent to the first portion.

4. The heater according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion is provided with at least one hole.

5. The heater is provided inside the flowing fluid, as described in claim 1 or 2.

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