Fluid heating device

Abstract

The objective is to provide a fluid heating device that can improve the heating efficiency of the fluid. [Solution] The fluid heating device according to the embodiment comprises a housing and at least one heater which is plate-shaped and provided inside the housing so as to be substantially parallel to the central axis of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid heating device.

Background Art

[0002] There are fluid heating devices that heat gases such as air and liquids such as water. Examples of fluid heating devices include a warm air device that heats air and a hot water device that heats water.

[0003] As such a fluid heating device, for example, a fluid heating device provided with 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 electric 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 rise of the PTC heater is suppressed and the temperature of the PTC heater decreases, 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, since the PTC heater indirectly heats the fluid through the heat exchange fins, there is a problem that it is difficult to improve the heating efficiency of the fluid.

[0005] Therefore, the development of a fluid heating device capable of improving the heating efficiency of the fluid has been desired.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a fluid heating device that can improve the heating efficiency of a fluid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The fluid heating device according to the embodiment comprises a housing and at least one heater that is plate-shaped and provided inside the housing so as to be substantially parallel to the central axis of the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to embodiments of the present invention, a fluid heating device can be provided that can improve the heating efficiency of a fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating a fluid heating device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid heating apparatus in the direction of line AA. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the heater in the direction of the BB line. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater in the CC direction. [Figure 5] This is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a fluid heating device according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] 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.

[0012] The fluid heating device 1 according to this embodiment directly heats the flowing fluid 100. The fluid 100 can be, for example, a gas (e.g., air) contained in the environment in which the fluid heating device 1 is installed, or a liquid such as water or a solution (e.g., coolant). However, the type of fluid 100 is not limited to those exemplified. In the following section, a fluid heating device 1 that heats the air contained in the environment will be described as an example.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a fluid heating device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid heating device 1 in Figure 1 along the direction of line AA. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fluid heating device 1 includes, for example, a heating unit 10 and a fluid supply unit 20.

[0014] For example, the longitudinal dimension W of the heating unit 10 (housing 11) is approximately 20 mm to 300 mm, the short-side dimension H of the heating unit 10 (housing 11) is approximately 10 mm to 300 mm, the depth dimension d of the heating unit 10 (housing 11) is approximately 5 mm to 150 mm, and the depth dimension D of the fluid heating device 1 is approximately 25 mm to 200 mm.

[0015] The heating unit 10 includes, for example, a housing 11 and a heater 12. For example, the housing 11 is cylindrical, with openings at both ends in the direction along the central axis 11a. The housing 11 has, for example, a first inner wall 11d1 and a second inner wall 11d2 that faces the first inner wall 11d1 across the central axis 11a. The contour of the housing 11 when viewed from the direction along the central axis 11a can be, for example, a polygon, a circle, an ellipse, etc. However, as shown in Figure 1, if the contour of the housing 11 is a quadrilateral such as a rectangle or a square, the area of ​​the heater 12 (heat transfer area) can be increased. For this reason, it is preferable that the contour of the housing 11 when viewed from the direction along the central axis 11a is a quadrilateral.

[0016] When viewed from the direction along the central axis 11a of the housing 11, the dimension W of the housing 11 and the dimension H of the housing 11 can be appropriately changed according to the space of the environment where the fluid heating device 1 is installed, the flow rate of the heated fluid 100a required for the fluid heating device 1, the size of the region for supplying the heated fluid 100a, and the like.

[0017] The material of the housing 11 is not particularly limited as long as it has a certain degree of rigidity and heat resistance. The material of the housing 11 can be, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or a resin having heat resistance such as a fluororesin.

[0018] The heater 12 has a plate shape and can be provided at least one inside the housing 11. When a plurality of heaters 12 are provided, the plurality of heaters 12 can be arranged side by side at intervals in a direction intersecting the central axis 11a of the housing 11.

[0019] The fluid heating device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided with two heaters 12. For example, one heater 12 faces the first inner wall 11d1. For example, the other heater 12 is provided via the space 11b from the heater 12 facing the first inner wall 11d1 and faces the second inner wall 11d2.

[0020] The heater 12, the space 11b between the heaters 12, the heater 12 facing the first inner wall 11d1, the space 11c1 between the heater 12 and the first inner wall 11d1, and the heater 12 facing the second inner wall 11d2 and the space 11c2 between the heater 12 and the second inner wall 11d2 serve as flow paths through which the fluid 100 to be heated flows.

[0021] Also, in the fluid heating device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two heaters 12 are provided so as to be substantially parallel to the central axis 11a of the housing 11. By doing so, the flow path resistance in the spaces 11b, 11c1, 11c2 can be reduced, so that it becomes easy to increase the flow rate and flow velocity of the fluid 100 flowing inside the spaces 11b, 11c1, 11c2.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the heater 12 in the BB line direction in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater 12 in the CC line direction in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the heater 12 includes, for example, a base 12a, an insulating part 12b, a heating element 12c, a wiring part 12d, and a protective part 12e.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, for example, the base 12a is plate-shaped and extends in one direction. The shape of the base 12a when viewed from a direction intersecting the surface of the base 12a is, for example, rectangular. The longitudinal dimension and the short-axis dimension of the base 12a can be appropriately changed according to the internal dimensions of the housing 11. The thickness of the base 12a can be appropriately changed according to, for example, the magnitude of the force applied to the heater 12 when the fluid 100 flows through spaces 11b, 11c1, and 11c2.

[0024] The base portion 12a is formed from a heat-resistant material. For example, the base portion 12a can be formed from metals such as stainless steel or aluminum alloys, or from inorganic materials such as ceramics.

[0025] Here, the thermal conductivity of metal is higher than that of inorganic materials such as ceramics. Therefore, if the base 12a contains metal, the heating time of the heater 12 can be shortened, or the heating efficiency of the fluid 100 can be improved. Also, the rigidity of metal is higher than that of inorganic materials such as ceramics. Therefore, if the base 12a is made of metal, the rigidity of the heater 12 can be improved. If the rigidity of the heater 12 can be improved, even if the flow velocity or flow rate of the fluid 100 is increased, damage to the heater 12 can be suppressed.

[0026] On the other hand, inorganic materials such as ceramics generally have insulating properties. Therefore, if the base portion 12a is made of an inorganic material, the insulating portion 12b, which will be described later, can be omitted. For example, if the base portion 12a is made of an insulating material, the heating element 12c and the wiring portion 12d can be directly attached to the base portion 12a. Furthermore, if the base portion 12a is formed from an insulating material, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of short circuits and leakage currents.

[0027] The heater 12 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 includes a base 12a containing metal. The heating element 12c and wiring section 12d are provided on one side of the base 12a. An insulating section 12b is provided between the heating element 12c and wiring section 12d and the base 12a.

[0028] The insulating portion 12b is provided, for example, on one side of the base portion 12a. The insulating portion 12b insulates the conductive base portion 12a from the heating element 12c and the wiring portion 12d. Therefore, the insulating portion 12b covers at least the area on one side of the base portion 12a where the heating element 12c and the wiring portion 12d are provided. The thickness of the insulating portion 12b is not particularly limited as long as insulating properties can be ensured. The thickness of the insulating portion 12b can be, for example, about 20 μm to 150 μm.

[0029] The insulating portion 12b is formed from a material that has heat resistance and insulating properties. The insulating portion 12b includes, for example, ceramics, glass materials, glass materials with added fillers including inorganic materials, and oxides such as aluminum oxide. The insulating portion 12b can be formed by, for example, thermal spraying, firing, or anodizing.

[0030] The heating element 12c converts applied power into heat (Joule heat). For example, the heating element 12c is linear and extends in the longitudinal direction of the base 12a. The electrical resistance per unit length of the heating element 12c can be approximately uniform or different in the direction in which the heating element 12c extends. For example, the electrical resistance per unit length of the heating element 12c illustrated in Figure 3 is approximately uniform in the direction in which the heating element 12c extends. For example, the width and thickness of the heating element 12c are approximately constant. To change the electrical resistance per unit length of the heating element 12c, at least one of the width and thickness should be changed.

[0031] Furthermore, in the heater 12 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, three heating elements 12c are provided, but at least one heating element 12c can be provided. When multiple heating elements 12c are provided, they can be arranged side by side with spacing between them in a direction intersecting the direction in which the heating elements 12c extend. Also, when multiple heating elements 12c are provided, the length, width, and thickness of the heating elements 12c may be the same, or at least one of the length, width, and thickness of the heating elements 12c may be different. In the heater 12 illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the length, width, and thickness of the three heating elements 12c are the same.

[0032] The number, arrangement, length, width, and thickness of the heating elements 12c can be appropriately changed according to the required heat output of the heater 12. Furthermore, as will be described later, the heating elements 12c can be provided on both sides of the base 12a. In other words, the heating elements 12c only need to be provided on at least one side of the base 12a.

[0033] Furthermore, while Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the case where the heating elements 12c are provided on the same side of the base 12a in the direction in which the two heaters 12 are aligned, the design is not limited to this. For example, the heating elements 12c can be provided on opposite sides of the two heaters 12 in the direction in which the two heaters 12 are aligned. For instance, the heating element 12c of one heater 12 can be provided on the side of the space 11b of the base 12a, and the heating element 12c of the other heater 12 can also be provided on the side of the space 11b of the base 12a.

[0034] The heating element 12c can be formed using, for example, ruthenium oxide (RuO2), silver-palladium (Ag-Pd) alloy, silver-platinum (Ag-Pt) alloy, etc. The heating element 12c can be formed by, for example, applying a paste-like material onto the insulating part 12b using a screen printing method, and then hardening it using a firing method, etc. If the base part 12a is formed from an insulating material, the heating element 12c can be formed by, for example, applying a paste-like material to the base part 12a using a screen printing method, and then hardening it using a firing method, etc.

[0035] The wiring section 12d is provided on the base 12a via the insulating section 12b. If the base 12a is made of an insulating material, the wiring section 12d can be provided directly on the base 12a.

[0036] The wiring section 12d includes, for example, a terminal 12d1, a wire 12d2, and a wire 12d3. Terminal 12d1 is electrically connected to the heating element 12c. For example, a pair of terminals 12d1 can be provided. Terminal 12d1 can be provided, for example, near the end of the base 12a. In the heater 12 illustrated in Figure 3, terminals 12d1 are provided near both ends of the base 12a in the longitudinal direction of the base 12a.

[0037] The pair of terminals 12d1 are electrically connected to a controller or other device located outside the fluid heating device 1, for example, via a connector or external wiring. The connection between the terminals 12d1 and the external wiring may be covered with silicone resin or the like.

[0038] The wiring 12d2 is provided, for example, to connect multiple heating elements 12c in parallel. In Figure 3, three heating elements 12c are connected in parallel by a pair of wiring 12d2. Note that if only one heating element 12c is provided, the wiring 12d2 can be omitted.

[0039] Wiring 12d3 is provided to electrically connect each of the pair of terminals 12d1 to the heating element 12c via wiring 12d2. Therefore, if the pair of terminals 12d1 are directly connected to the heating element 12c or wiring 12d2, wiring 12d3 can be omitted. However, if wiring 12d3 is provided, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 12d1 can be arbitrarily changed. Therefore, it becomes easy to set the arrangement of the pair of terminals 12d1 considering the wiring space around the heater 12 and the ease of wiring work.

[0040] The terminals 12d1, wiring 12d2, and wiring 12d3 are formed using materials containing, for example, silver or copper. For example, the terminals 12d1, wiring 12d2, and wiring 12d3 can be formed by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating part 12b using a screen printing method or the like, and then curing it using a firing method or the like. If the base 12a is formed from an insulating material, the terminals 12d1, wiring 12d2, and wiring 12d3 can be formed by applying a paste-like material to the base 12a using a screen printing method or the like, and then curing it using a firing method or the like.

[0041] The protective portion 12e is provided on the base portion 12a, for example, via the insulating portion 12b. The protective portion 12e covers the heating element 12c, the wiring 12d2, and the wiring 12d3. The terminal 12d1 is exposed from the protective portion 12e. If the base portion 12a is formed from an insulating material, the protective portion 12e is provided directly on the base portion 12a and covers the heating element 12c, the wiring 12d2, and the wiring 12d3.

[0042] The protective section 12e has functions such as insulating the heating element 12c, wiring 12d2, and wiring 12d3, transmitting the heat generated in the heating element 12c to the outside, and protecting the heating element 12c, wiring 12d2, and wiring 12d3 from external forces and the fluid 100 to be heated.

[0043] The protective portion 12e is formed from a material that has heat resistance and insulation properties, as well as high chemical stability and thermal conductivity. For example, the protective portion 12e is formed from a glass material. In this case, the protective portion 12e 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 portion 12e can be, for example, about 10 μm to 60 μm.

[0044] The protective portion 12e can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating portion 12b, heating element 12c, wiring 12d2, and wiring 12d3 using a screen printing method, and then curing it using a firing method. If the base portion 12a is formed from an insulating material, the protective portion 12e can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the base portion 12a, heating element 12c, wiring 12d2, and wiring 12d3 using a screen printing method, and then curing it using a firing method.

[0045] Furthermore, the heater 12 may be further provided with a detection unit that detects the temperature of at least one of the fluid 100 and the heating element 12c. The detection unit can be, for example, a thermistor. The thermistor can be formed by, for example, applying a paste-like material onto the insulating part 12b using a screen printing method and curing it using a firing method. If the base part 12a is formed from an insulating material, the detection unit can be formed by, for example, applying a paste-like material to the base part 12a using a screen printing method and curing it using a firing method. The material of the thermistor can include, for example, manganese and cobalt, and at least one of copper and nickel.

[0046] 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 12d described above. In this case, the protective section 12e can cover the detection section and wiring. The terminals can be exposed from the protective section 12e. The detection section is electrically connected to a controller or the like located outside the fluid heating device 1, for example, via a connector or external wiring.

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater 13 according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the heater 13 has, for example, a base 12a, an insulating part 12b, a heating element 12c, a wiring part 12da, and a protective part 12e. The heater 13 can be provided with a wiring section 12da instead of the wiring section 12d of the heater 12 mentioned above.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the wiring section 12da has, for example, a terminal 12d1, a wire 12d2a, and a wire 12d3a. The wiring section 12da can be provided with wires 12d2a and 12d3a instead of wires 12d2 and 12d3 of the aforementioned wiring section 12d.

[0049] The wiring 12d2a is provided to connect multiple heating elements 12c in series. In Figure 5, three heating elements 12c are connected in series by two wirings 12d2a. Note that if only one heating element 12c is provided, the wiring 12d2a can be omitted.

[0050] The wiring 12d3a electrically connects the pair of terminals 12d1 to the heating element 12c. If the wiring 12d3a is provided, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 12d1 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, as shown in Figure 5, each of the pair of terminals 12d1 can be provided near one end of the base 12a in the short direction. As mentioned above, connectors and external wiring are electrically connected to the pair of terminals 12d1. Therefore, if the pair of terminals 12d1 are provided near one end of the base 12a, the wiring space around the heater 13 can be reduced, and the workability of wiring can be improved.

[0051] In Figure 5, terminals 12d1 are provided near the end of the base 12a in the longitudinal direction, but the position of the pair of terminals 12d1 is not limited to this. For example, the pair of terminals 12d1 can also be provided in the central region of the base 12a in the longitudinal direction.

[0052] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater 14 according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the heater 14 includes, for example, a base 12a, an insulating part 12b, a heating element 12c, a wiring part 12db, and a protective part 12e. The heater 14 can be provided with a wiring section 12db instead of the wiring section 12da of the heater 13 mentioned above.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the wiring section 12db has, for example, a terminal 12d1, a wire 12d2a, and a wire 12d3b. The wiring section 12db can be configured such that the wire 12d3b is provided in place of the wire 12d3a of the aforementioned wiring section 12da.

[0054] The wiring 12d3b electrically connects the pair of terminals 12d1 to the heating element 12c. If wiring 12d3b is provided, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 12d1 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the pair of terminals 12d1 can be placed close to each other. As mentioned above, connectors and external wiring are electrically connected to the pair of terminals 12d1. Therefore, if the pair of terminals 12d1 are close to each other, the wiring space around the heater 14 can be reduced, and the workability of wiring can be improved.

[0055] In Figure 6, a pair of terminals 12d1 are provided close together near one end of the base 12a in the longitudinal direction, but the position of the pair of terminals 12d1 is not limited to this. For example, the pair of terminals 12d1 can also be provided close together in the central region of the base 12a in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater 15 according to another embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the heater 15 has, for example, a base 12a, an insulating part 12b, a heating element 12c, a wiring part 12dc, and a protective part 12e. The heater 15 can be provided with a wiring section 12dc instead of the wiring section 12d of the heater 12 mentioned above.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the wiring section 12dc includes, for example, terminal 12d1, wiring 12d2a, and wiring 12d3c. The heater 15 can be provided with a wiring section 12dc instead of the wiring section 12db of the heater 14 mentioned above.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the wiring section 12dc has, for example, a terminal 12d1, a wire 12d2a, and a wire 12d3c. The wiring section 12dc can be configured such that the wire 12d3c is provided in place of the wire 12d3b of the aforementioned wiring section 12db.

[0059] The wiring 12d3c electrically connects the pair of terminals 12d1 to the heating element 12c. If the wiring 12d3c is provided, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 12d1 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the pair of terminals 12d1 can be placed close to each other. As mentioned above, connectors and external wiring are electrically connected to the pair of terminals 12d1. Therefore, if the pair of terminals 12d1 are close to each other, the wiring space around the heater 15 can be reduced, and the workability of wiring can be improved.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in the heater 15, the region where the pair of terminals 12d1 are provided is adjacent to the region where the heating element 12c is provided in the longitudinal direction of the base 12a. Therefore, the dimension (width dimension) of the base 12a in the short direction can be reduced, thus enabling further miniaturization of the heater 15.

[0061] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, if the region where the pair of terminals 12d1 are provided is aligned with the region where the heating element 12c is provided in the short-side direction of the base 12a, the dimension (width dimension) of the base 12a in the short-side direction will increase, but the contact area between the heaters 13 and 14 and the fluid 100 will increase. Therefore, it becomes easier to improve the heating efficiency of the fluid 100.

[0062] The positional relationship between the area where the pair of terminals 12d1 are provided and the area where the heating element 12c is provided can be appropriately selected according to the required size and heating efficiency of the fluid heating device 1.

[0063] Furthermore, while the above examples illustrate cases where multiple heating elements 12c are connected in parallel and in series, multiple heating elements 12c may also be connected in series and parallel. Additionally, heaters 12, 13, 14, and 15 can be used in combination. Furthermore, although a heating element 12c extending in the longitudinal direction of the base 12a has been exemplified, multiple heating elements extending in the short direction can also be provided. In this case, the multiple heating elements can be arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the base 12a. Alternatively, the heating elements may be rectangular or meandering in shape.

[0064] Furthermore, while the above examples illustrate the case where heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) are provided in the internal space of the housing 11, it is also possible to provide additional heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) on the inner wall of the housing 11.

[0065] In this case, an insulating material can be provided between the inner wall of the enclosure 11 and the heaters 12 (13, 14, 15). The insulating material can include, for example, high-temperature insulating wool, ceramics, and heat-resistant resins such as fluororesin. Examples of high-temperature insulating wool include refractory ceramic fiber (RCF), alumina fiber (PCW), and alkali earth silicate wool (AES). In this case, if the insulating material includes high-temperature insulating wool, the heat transferred to the inner wall of the enclosure 11 can be effectively reduced.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fluid supply unit 20 supplies fluid 100 into the interior of the housing 11 from one end of the housing 11. The fluid supply unit 20 may be, for example, an axial fan such as a propeller fan, or a centrifugal fan such as a sirocco fan. Although the example shows the fluid supply unit 20 being located at one end of the housing 11, the fluid supply unit 20 can also be located at a position separated from the housing 11, for example, via a duct.

[0067] As shown in Figure 2, the fluid 100 flowing through space 11c1 is heated by heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) facing the first inner wall 11d1. The fluid 100 flowing through space 11c2 is heated by heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) facing the second inner wall 11d2. The fluid 100 flowing through space 11b is heated by heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) facing the first inner wall 11d1 and heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) facing the second inner wall 11d2. The heated fluid 100a in spaces 11c1, 11c2, and 11b is discharged to the outside from the other end of the housing 11.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the fluid heating device 1, the heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) are provided inside the housing 11 through which the fluid 100 to be heated flows, so that the fluid 100 can be heated directly. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the fluid 100 can be improved. Also, as mentioned above, the thermal conductivity of metal is higher than that of inorganic materials such as ceramics, so if the base 12a contains metal, the heating time of the heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) can be shortened and the heating efficiency of the fluid 100 can be further improved.

[0069] Furthermore, if the plate-shaped heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) are arranged to be approximately parallel to the central axis 11a of the housing 11, the flow resistance inside the housing 11 can be reduced, making it easier to increase the flow rate and velocity of the fluid 100 flowing inside the housing 11.

[0070] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a fluid heating device 1a according to another embodiment. The fluid heating device 1a illustrated in Figure 8 can be modified by replacing the heater 12 of the fluid heating device 1 with a heater 112. While the aforementioned heater 12 had an insulating part 12b, a heating element 12c, a wiring part 12d, and a protective part 12e on one side of the base 12a, the heater 112 has insulating parts 12b, heating elements 12c, wiring parts 12d, and protective parts 12e on both sides of the base 12a.

[0071] In other words, the heater 112 has a heating element 12c (corresponding to an example of a first heating element) provided on one side of the base 12a, an insulating part 12b (corresponding to an example of a first insulating part) provided between the base 12a and the heating element 12c provided on one side, a heating element 12c (corresponding to an example of a second heating element) provided on the other side of the base 12a, and an insulating part 12b (corresponding to an example of a second insulating part) provided between the base 12a and the heating element 12c provided on the other side.

[0072] If heating elements 12c are provided on both sides of the base 12a, the amount of heat radiated to one side of the base 12a and the amount of heat radiated to the other side of the base 12a can be made to be approximately the same. As a result, the area heated by heater 112 becomes larger than the area heated by heater 12. If the area heated by heater 112 becomes larger, the number of heaters 112 can be reduced, which makes it possible to miniaturize and reduce the cost of the fluid heating device 1a.

[0073] Furthermore, a heating element 12c provided on one side of the base 12a can be electrically connected to a heating element 12c provided on the other side of the base 12a by conductive vias that penetrate the thickness direction of the base 12a. In this way, a terminal 12d1 can be provided on one side of the base 12a, which reduces the wiring space around the heater 112 and improves the workability of the wiring work.

[0074] In the heater 12 described above, an example was given in which heating elements 12c are provided on both sides of the base 12a. However, in heaters 13, 14, and 15, heating elements 12c can also be provided on both sides of the base 12a.

[0075] Furthermore, while the above examples illustrate the case where multiple heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) are arranged in the short direction of the housing 11, it is also possible to arrange multiple heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) in the long direction of the housing 11. For example, multiple heaters 12 (13, 14, 15) can be arranged so as to be approximately parallel to the central axis 11a of the housing 11.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The following are additional notes regarding the embodiments described above.

[0078] (Note 1) The enclosure and; A plate-shaped heater, provided inside the housing so as to be substantially parallel to the central axis of the housing, and at least one heater; A fluid heating device equipped with the following.

[0079] (Note 2) The aforementioned heater is It has a plate-like shape, with a base extending in one direction; A heating element provided on at least one side of the base; A fluid heating device as described in Appendix 1, having the following features.

[0080] (Note 3) The aforementioned heater is It is plate-shaped, extends in one direction, and has a metal-containing base; A heating element provided on one side of the base; An insulating portion provided between the base and the heating element; A fluid heating device as described in Appendix 1 or 2, having the following characteristics:

[0081] (Note 4) The aforementioned heater is It is plate-shaped, extends in one direction, and has a metal-containing base; The base, with a first heating element provided on one side; A first insulating portion provided between the base and the first heating element; The base is provided with a second heating element on the other side; A second insulating portion provided between the base and the second heating element; A fluid heating device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, having the following characteristics:

[0082] (Note 5) A fluid heating device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, further comprising a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid into the interior of the housing from one end of the housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 Fluid heating device, 1a Fluid heating device, 11 Housing, 11a Central axis, 11b Space, 11c1 Space, 11c2 Space, 11d1 First inner wall, 11d2 Second inner wall, 12 Heater, 12a Base, 12b Insulation part, 12c Heating element, 13 Heater, 14 Heater, 15 Heater, 20 Fluid supply unit, 100 Fluid, 100a Fluid, 112 Heater

Claims

1. The enclosure and; A plate-shaped heater, provided inside the housing so as to be substantially parallel to the central axis of the housing, and at least one heater; A fluid heating device equipped with the following.

2. The aforementioned heater is It has a plate-like shape and a base that extends in one direction; A heating element provided on at least one side of the base; A fluid heating apparatus according to claim 1, having the following features.

3. The aforementioned heater is It is plate-shaped, extends in one direction, and has a metal-containing base; A heating element provided on one side of the base; An insulating portion provided between the base and the heating element; A fluid heating device according to claim 1 or 2, having the following features.

4. The aforementioned heater is It is plate-shaped, extends in one direction, and has a metal-containing base; The base, with a first heating element provided on one side; A first insulating portion provided between the base and the first heating element; The base is provided with a second heating element on the other side; A second insulating portion provided between the base and the second heating element; A fluid heating device according to claim 1 or 2, having the following features.

5. The fluid heating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid into the interior of the housing from one end of the housing.

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