Heater Device

Abstract

To provide a heater device in which a uniform temperature distribution can be achieved, the heater device including a heat generating part arranged on one side of an insulating substrate, a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode arranged on one side of the insulating substrate and forming an electric field, and a detection circuit detecting the proximity or contact of an object based on a change in an electric field that is formed by each of these electrodes.SOLUTION: A heater device includes: a first heat generating part 21A; second heat generating parts 21B disposed to sandwich the first heat generating part; a plurality of first detection parts 27A disposed between one of the second heat generating parts 21B and the first heat generating part 21A; and a plurality of second detection parts 27B disposed between the other of the second heat generating parts 21B and the first heat generating part 21A. The plurality of first detection parts 27A are disposed in a first column at predetermined intervals in one direction on one surface of an insulating substrate 25, and the plurality of second detection parts 27B are disposed in a second column at predetermined intervals offset in the one direction with respect to the plurality of detection parts 27A in the first column. The first column and the second column are disposed alternately in a direction intersecting the one direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater device. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional heater device is described in Patent Document 1. This device includes a heat generating portion disposed on one side of an insulating substrate that generates heat when current is applied, a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode disposed on one side of the insulating substrate that form an electric field, and a detection circuit that detects contact or proximity of an object based on a change in the electric field formed by these electrodes. When the detection circuit detects contact or proximity of an object, it reduces the amount of current applied to the heat generating portion below the normal state or stops the current application. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-184171 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the device described in Patent Document 1, the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode receive the heat from the heat generating part and diffuse it in the surface direction, improving the surface temperature distribution. However, this device has a problem in that the temperature distribution becomes uneven because there is a large difference in density between the wiring of the heat generating part, the transmitting electrode, and the receiving electrode.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and has an object to further uniformize the temperature distribution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 comprises a heat generating portion (21) formed in a linear shape on one surface of an insulating substrate (25) and generating heat when electricity is applied thereto, and a plurality of detection portions (27) that dissipate heat from the heat generating portion and detect the proximity or contact of an object, the heat generating portion having a first heat generating portion (21A) and a second heat generating portion (21B) arranged to sandwich the first heat generating portion, the plurality of detection portions having a plurality of first detection portions (27A) arranged between one side of the second heat generating portion and the first heat generating portion, and a plurality of second detection portions (27B) arranged between the other side of the second heat generating portion and the first heat generating portion, and a first row in which a plurality of first detection portions (27A) are arranged at predetermined intervals in one direction on one surface of the insulating substrate, and a second row in which a plurality of second detection portions (27B) are arranged at predetermined intervals shifted in one direction relative to the plurality of detection portions in the first row, are arranged alternately in a direction intersecting the one direction.

[0007] According to such a configuration, the first detection section and the second detection section that dissipate heat from the heat generating section are evenly arranged, so that the temperature distribution can be made even more uniform.

[0008] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an installation position of the heater device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is an external view of a heater device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the heater device according to the first embodiment, showing a cover member in perspective. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] 1A is a diagram showing the temperature distribution in a comparative example in which multiple first detection units and multiple second detection units are arranged in a lattice pattern, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the temperature distribution when multiple first detection units and multiple second detection units are arranged in a staggered pattern. [Figure 6]FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged front view of a heater device according to a second embodiment, seen through a cover member. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged front view of a heater device according to a third embodiment, seen through a cover member. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a front view of a heater device according to a fourth embodiment, seen through a cover member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] (First embodiment) A heater device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. As shown in Fig. 1, the heater device 20 is installed inside a vehicle such as a road vehicle. The heater device 20 constitutes a part of a heating device for the vehicle. The heater device 20 is an electric heater that generates heat when powered from a power source such as a battery or generator mounted on the vehicle. The heater device 20 is formed in a thin plate shape. The heater device 20 generates heat when power is supplied.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the heater device 20 can be referred to as a planar heater having a heat generating surface 24a that radiates radiant heat H primarily in a direction perpendicular to its surface in order to heat an object positioned in a direction perpendicular to its surface.

[0013] A seat 11 for a passenger 12 to sit on is installed in the cabin. The heater device 20 is installed in the cabin so as to radiate radiant heat H to the feet of the passenger 12. The heater device 20 can be used as a device for immediately providing warmth to the passenger 12, for example, immediately after another heating device is started. The heater device 20 is installed on a wall surface in the cabin.

[0014] The heater device 20 is installed so as to face the occupant 12 in an assumed normal posture. The road vehicle has a steering column 14 for supporting a steering wheel 13. The heater device 20 is installed on the lower surface of the steering column 14 and on the lower surface of an instrument panel cover 15 so as to face the occupant 12, respectively.

[0015] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the heater device 20. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the heater device 20 includes a heat generating portion 21, a transmitting electrode 23, a receiving electrode 24, an insulating substrate 25, and a cover member .

[0016] The insulating substrate 25 is composed of a plate-like member extending along the XY plane defined by the axes X and Y. The insulating substrate 25 has a thickness in the direction of the axis Z. The insulating substrate 25 is formed in a thin, substantially rectangular plate shape. The insulating substrate 25 is composed of a resin material having high insulation properties and resistant to high temperatures, such as a polyimide film. The heating portion 21, the transmitting electrode 23, the receiving electrode 24, and the cover member 26 are formed on the surface of the insulating substrate 25 facing the occupant.

[0017] Heat generating portion 21 is linear and formed in a meandering manner on one surface of insulating substrate 25. That is, heat generating portion 21 having a linear shape is formed on one surface of insulating substrate 25 in a largely meandering manner.

[0018] In this way, the heat generating portion 21 is formed to meander greatly, so that the temperature distribution can be made uniform.

[0019] In addition, since the heat generating portion 21 has a linear shape, when the passenger's finger or the like comes into contact with the heat generating portion 21, the transfer of heat to the finger is suppressed, thereby making it possible to rapidly lower the temperature of the contacted part and suppress the passenger's thermal discomfort.

[0020] The heat generating portion 21 has a first heat generating portion 21A, a second heat generating portion 21B, and a third heat generating portion 21C. As shown in Fig. 3, the first heat generating portion 21A, the second heat generating portion 21B, and the third heat generating portion 21C are connected to form a single line. The second heat generating portion 21B can be considered to be disposed so as to sandwich the first heat generating portion 21A.

[0021] The heat generating portion 21 is made of a conductive material. Specifically, the heat generating portion 21 can be made of a metal such as copper, an alloy of copper and tin (Cu-Sn), silver, tin, stainless steel, nickel, or nichrome, or an alloy containing these metals.

[0022] A connection terminal 28 is formed on each end of the heat generating portion 21. Each connection terminal 28 is connected to a control unit (not shown).

[0023] The transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode 24 are made of a conductive metal material, and are formed between adjacent heat generating portions 21 .

[0024] Heat generating portion 21, transmitting electrode 23 and receiving electrode 24 are formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than insulating substrate 25 and cover member 26. Transmitting electrode 23 and receiving electrode 24 have the function of diffusing heat generated by heat generating portion 21 in a planar direction.

[0025] The transmitting electrode 23 has a linear transmitting electrode main line portion 231, and a transmitting electrode branch line portion 232 branching off from the transmitting electrode main line portion 231 and extending toward the receiving electrode 24. The transmitting electrode branch line portion 232 in this embodiment is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the transmitting electrode main line portion 231. The transmitting electrode main line portion 231 extends along one of the adjacent heat generating portions 21. A connection terminal 291 is connected to the transmitting electrode 23.

[0026] The receiving electrode 24 has a linear receiving electrode main line portion 241 and a receiving electrode branch line portion 242 branching off from the receiving electrode main line portion 241 and extending towards the transmitting electrode 23. The receiving electrode branch line portion 242 in this embodiment is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the receiving electrode main line portion 241. The receiving electrode main line portion 241 extends along the other adjacent heat generating portion 21. A connection terminal 292 is connected to the receiving electrode 24.

[0027] Further, the above-mentioned connection terminals 28, 291 and 292 are connected to a control device (not shown).

[0028] Moreover, the two transmitting electrode branches 232 of the transmitting electrode 23 are formed so as to sandwich one receiving electrode branch 242 of the receiving electrode 24 therebetween.

[0029] The detection unit 27 is configured by the transmitting electrode main line portion 231 of the transmitting electrode 23, the two transmitting electrode branch line portions 232, and the receiving electrode main line portion 241 and one receiving electrode branch line portion 242 of the receiving electrode 24. The multiple detection units 27 dissipate heat from the heat generating unit 21 by diffusing it in the planar direction, and also form an electric field for detecting the proximity or contact of an object.

[0030] In this embodiment, of the multiple detection units 27, the detection unit 27 arranged between one side of the second heat generating unit 21B and the first heat generating unit 21A is called the first detection unit 27A, and the detection unit 27 arranged between the other side of the second heat generating unit 21B and the first heat generating unit 21A is called the second detection unit 27B.

[0031] In this heater device, a first row in which a plurality of first detection units 27A are arranged at predetermined intervals in the X direction on one surface of an insulating substrate 25, and a second row in which a plurality of second detection units 27B are arranged at predetermined intervals shifted in the X direction relative to the first detection units 27A in the first row, are alternately arranged in a Y direction perpendicular to the X direction.

[0032] Further, the second detectors 27B are arranged at positions shifted in the X direction by half the predetermined interval between the first detectors 27A with respect to the first detectors 27A. That is, the second detectors 27B are arranged at positions shifted in the X direction by half the pitch, which is the predetermined interval between the first detectors 27A. In this manner, the first detectors 27A and the second detectors 27B are arranged in a staggered manner.

[0033] Next, the operation of this heater device will be described.

[0034] When a voltage is applied between two connection terminals 28 arranged on both ends of heat generating portion 21, heat generating portion 21 generates heat. The heat from heat generating portion 21 is transmitted to detection portion 27 and dissipated by detection portion 27.

[0035] 4, when a predetermined voltage is applied between the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode 24. Here, for example, when a human finger approaches or comes into contact with the area between the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode 24, part of the electric field E is transferred to the human finger, the electric field E detected by the receiving electrode 24 decreases, and the electrostatic capacitance between the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode 24 changes.

[0036] A control device (not shown) judges the proximity or contact of a human finger based on whether the change in capacitance between the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode 24 is equal to or greater than a threshold. When contact or proximity of an object is detected, the control device reduces the amount of electricity supplied to the heating unit 21 below the normal level or stops the electricity supply. This can reduce the thermal discomfort felt by the passengers.

[0037] Figure 5(a) shows a comparative example in which a first row in which multiple first detection units 80A are arranged in one direction at a predetermined interval and a second row in which multiple second detection units 80B are arranged in one direction at a predetermined interval without being shifted in one direction relative to the first detection units 80A in the first row are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

[0038] In this comparative example, the first detection unit 80A and the second detection unit 80B are densely packed in regions and sparsely packed in regions, and the temperature is high in the dense regions and low in the sparse regions, resulting in large temperature unevenness.

[0039] In contrast, Fig. 5(b) shows a configuration in which a first row in which a plurality of first detection units 27A are arranged at a predetermined interval and a second row in which a plurality of second detection units 27B are arranged at a predetermined interval, shifted in one direction with respect to the first detection units 27A in the first row, are alternately arranged in the Y direction. That is, Fig. 5(b) has the same configuration as the heater device of this embodiment.

[0040] In the heater device of this embodiment, the first detection portions 27A and the second detection portions 27B in the first row are uniformly arranged, so that the temperature distribution is also uniform and temperature unevenness is reduced.

[0041] As described above, the heater device of this embodiment includes a heat generating portion 21 formed in a linear shape on one surface of an insulating substrate 25, which generates heat when current is applied, and a plurality of detection portions 27 that dissipate heat from the heat generating portion and detect the proximity or contact of an object. The heat generating portion includes a first heat generating portion 21A and a second heat generating portion 21B arranged to sandwich the first heat generating portion 21A. The plurality of detection portions 27 include a plurality of first detection portions 27A arranged between one side of the second heat generating portion 21B and the first heat generating portion 21A, and a plurality of second detection portions 27B arranged between the other side of the second heat generating portion 21B and the first heat generating portion 21A. A first row in which a plurality of first detection portions 27A are arranged at a predetermined interval in one direction on one surface of the insulating substrate 25, and a second row in which a plurality of second detection portions 27B are arranged at a predetermined interval with respect to the plurality of detection portions 27 in the first row, are alternately arranged in a direction intersecting the one direction.

[0042] According to such a configuration, the first detection section 27A and the second detection section 27B that dissipate the heat from the heat generating section 21 are evenly arranged, so that the temperature distribution can be made even more uniform.

[0043] Further, the second detectors 27B are disposed at positions shifted in one direction with respect to the first detectors 27A by half the predetermined intervals of the first detectors 27A.

[0044] As a result, the plurality of first detection sections 27A and the plurality of second detection sections 27B are arranged in a staggered manner, which makes it possible to further uniform the temperature distribution.

[0045] Moreover, the heat generating portion 21 is linear and formed in a meandering manner on one surface of the insulating substrate 25. This makes it possible to achieve a more uniform temperature distribution.

[0046] Second embodiment A heater device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. As shown in the figure, the heat generating portion 21 of the heater device of this embodiment has a curved portion 211 that forms a curved line. Also, the transmitting electrode main line portion 231 of the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode main line portion 241 of the receiving electrode 24 each form a waveform.

[0047] The heat generating portion 21 has a first heat generating portion 21A and a second heat generating portion 21B disposed so as to sandwich the first heat generating portion 21A.

[0048] In addition, the multiple detection units 27 include multiple first detection units 27A arranged between one side of the second heat generation unit 21B and the first heat generation unit 21A, and multiple second detection units 27B arranged between the other side of the second heat generation unit 21B and the first heat generation unit 21A.

[0049] In addition, the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B each have a wave-shaped peak portion 21M protruding in a direction intersecting with one direction, and a wave-shaped valley portion 21V protruding in a direction opposite to the direction intersecting with the one direction.

[0050] Furthermore, the peaks 21M of the second heat generating portion 21B on one side face the peaks 21M of the first heat generating portion 21A, and the valleys 21V of the second heat generating portion 21B on the other side face the valleys 21V of the first heat generating portion 21A.

[0051] The detection portion 27 is disposed between the peak portion 21M of the second heat generating portion 21B on one side and the peak portion 21M of the first heat generating portion 21A, and between the valley portion 21V of the second heat generating portion 21B on the other side and the valley portion 21V of the first heat generating portion 21A.

[0052] In this way, the detection unit 27 can be arranged between the peak portion 21M of the second heat generating portion 21B on one side and the peak portion 21M of the first heat generating portion 21A, and between the valley portion 21V of the second heat generating portion 21B on the other side and the valley portion 21V of the first heat generating portion 21A.

[0053] Moreover, the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B have curved portions 211 that form a wave shape.

[0054] The heat generating portion 21 having a linear shape can be regarded as a wire stretched under tension, and the heat generating portion 21 does not have sufficient strength when an external force is applied thereto.

[0055] In contrast, the curved curved portion 211 can be regarded as a wire that is loosely stretched so as to curve, and can ensure greater strength when an external force is applied to the heat generating portion 21 compared to a heat generating portion that is straight-lined.

[0056] In addition, the transmitting electrode main wire portion 231 of the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode main wire portion 241 of the receiving electrode 24 are respectively arranged between one side of the second heating portion 21B and the first heating portion 21A, and between the other side of the second heating portion 21B and the first heating portion 21A.

[0057] The transmitting electrode main wire portion 231 of the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode main wire portion 241 of the receiving electrode 24 are formed so as to extend along the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B, respectively.

[0058] The transmitting electrode main wire portion 231 of the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode main wire portion 241 of the receiving electrode 24 each have a waveform. Therefore, compared to a case in which the transmitting electrode main wire portion 231 of the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode main wire portion 241 of the receiving electrode 24 are configured to be linear, it is possible to ensure greater strength when an external force is applied to the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode 24.

[0059] Third embodiment A heater device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. As shown in the figure, the heat generating portion 21 of the heater device of this embodiment has a curved portion 211 that forms a curved line. Also, the transmitting electrode main line portion 231 of the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode main line portion 241 of the receiving electrode 24 each form a waveform.

[0060] The heat generating portion 21 has a first heat generating portion 21A and a second heat generating portion 21B disposed so as to sandwich the first heat generating portion 21A.

[0061] In addition, the multiple detection units 27 include multiple first detection units 27A arranged between one side of the second heat generation unit 21B and the first heat generation unit 21A, and multiple second detection units 27B arranged between the other side of the second heat generation unit 21B and the first heat generation unit 21A.

[0062] In addition, the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B each have a wave-shaped peak portion 21M protruding in a direction intersecting with one direction, and a wave-shaped valley portion 21V protruding in a direction opposite to the direction intersecting with the one direction.

[0063] Moreover, the peaks 21M of the second heat generating portion 21B on one side face the valleys 21V of the first heat generating portion 21A. Moreover, the valleys 21V of the second heat generating portion 21B on the other side face the peaks 21M of the first heat generating portion 21A.

[0064] The detection unit 27 is disposed between the peak 21M of the second heat generating portion 21B on one side and the valley 21V of the first heat generating portion 21A, and between the valley 21V of the second heat generating portion 21B on the other side and the peak 21M of the first heat generating portion 21A.

[0065] According to this, the heat of the heat generating portion 21 is sufficiently dissipated from the detection portion 27 formed at the point where the distance between the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B is maximum, thereby further reducing temperature unevenness.

[0066] Furthermore, the transmitting electrode main wire portion 231 of the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode main wire portion 241 of the receiving electrode 24 each have a waveform. Therefore, compared to a case in which the transmitting electrode main wire portion 231 of the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode main wire portion 241 of the receiving electrode 24 are configured to be linear, it is possible to ensure greater strength when an external force is applied to the transmitting electrode 23 and the receiving electrode 24.

[0067] (Fourth embodiment) A heater device according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. As shown in the figure, a first detection section 27A and a second detection section 27B of the heater device of this embodiment each have a receiving electrode 24 and a transmitting electrode 23 arranged to sandwich the receiving electrode 24. Specifically, the transmitting electrode 23 is formed in the Y direction of the insulating substrate 25 so as to sandwich the receiving electrode 24.

[0068] Moreover, the first detection section 27A and the second detection section 27B are disposed so as to be sandwiched between the heat generating sections 21 adjacent to each other.

[0069] Specifically, the heat generating portion 21 has a first heat generating portion 21A, a second heat generating portion 21B, and a third heat generating portion 21C. The first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B are formed to extend in the X direction. The first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B are arranged alternately as they proceed in the Y direction. The third heat generating portion 21C is formed to connect one end in the X direction of the first heat generating portion 21A to one end in the X direction of the second heat generating portion 21B, and to connect the other end in the X direction of the first heat generating portion 21A to the other end in the X direction of the second heat generating portion 21B. In this way, the first heat generating portion 21A, the second heat generating portion 21B, and the third heat generating portion 21C are formed to form a single meandering line. The first detection unit 27A is disposed between adjacent second heat generating units 21B and adjacent first heat generating units 21A, and the second detection unit 27B is disposed between adjacent second heat generating units 21B and adjacent first heat generating units 21A.

[0070] The receiving electrode 24 has a receiving electrode main line portion 241 extending in the same direction as the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B, and a receiving electrode branch line portion 242 extending from the receiving electrode main line portion 241 in a direction intersecting the receiving electrode main line portion 241. The receiving electrode branch line portion 242 in this embodiment is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the receiving electrode main line portion 241.

[0071] The transmitting electrode 23 has a transmitting electrode main line portion 231 extending in the same direction as the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B, i.e., in the X direction, and a transmitting electrode branch line portion 232 extending from the transmitting electrode main line portion 231 in a direction intersecting the transmitting electrode main line portion 231. The transmitting electrode 23 further has a transmitting electrode connection portion 233 that connects between the two transmitting electrode main line portions 231 extending parallel to the X direction. The transmitting electrode branch line portion 232 in this embodiment is formed so as to extend toward the adjacent receiving electrode 24. The transmitting electrode 23 is formed in a U-shape on one surface of the insulating substrate 25. Connection terminals 291, 293 are formed on both ends of the transmitting electrode 23, respectively.

[0072] The receiving electrode 24 and the transmitting electrode 23 are each connected to a signal terminal of an integrated circuit (not shown), and the transmitting electrode 23 is grounded inside the integrated circuit.

[0073] However, according to the inventors' investigations, it was found that in a heater device in which the heat generating portion 21 and the detection portion 27 are arranged on one side of the insulating substrate 25, the detection portion 27 is easily affected by noise emitted from the heat generating portion 21.

[0074] Therefore, in the heater device of this embodiment, the transmitting electrode 23 is disposed between the heat generating part 21 and the receiving electrode 24 of the detection part 27 so as to sandwich the receiving electrode 24. Specifically, the transmitting electrode 23 is formed in a U-shape between the first heat generating part 21A and the second heat generating part 21B, and the receiving electrode 24 is formed inside this transmitting electrode 23 so as to be sandwiched between the transmitting electrode 23. This suppresses the effects of noise emitted from the heat generating part 21.

[0075] As described above, the heater device includes a plurality of detectors each including a transmitting electrode 23 and a receiving electrode 24 that form an electric field for detecting the proximity or contact of an object. The receiving electrode 24 is disposed between one side of the second heat generating portion 21B and the first heat generating portion 21A, and between the other side of the second heat generating portion 21B and the first heat generating portion 21A, and includes a receiving electrode main line portion 241 that extends along the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B. The transmitting electrode 23 includes a transmitting electrode main line portion 231 that is disposed between one side of the second heat generating portion 21B and the first heat generating portion 21A, and between the other side of the second heat generating portion 21B and the first heat generating portion 21A, so as to sandwich the receiving electrode main line portion 241. The transmitting electrode main line portion 231 extends along the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B.

[0076] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the transmitting electrode 23 has the transmitting electrode main wire portion 231 disposed between one side of the second heat generating portion 21B and the first heat generating portion 21A, and between the other side of the second heat generating portion 21B and the first heat generating portion 21A, so as to sandwich the receiving electrode main wire portion 241. The transmitting electrode main wire portion 231 extends along the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of noise generated from one or the other of the first heat generating portion 21A and the second heat generating portion 21B on the receiving electrode 24.

[0077] The transmitting electrode 23 has a transmitting electrode branch portion 232 extending from the transmitting electrode main line portion 231 in a direction intersecting with the transmitting electrode main line portion 231. The receiving electrode 24 has a receiving electrode branch portion 242 extending from the receiving electrode main line portion 241 in a direction intersecting with the receiving electrode main line portion 241.

[0078] In this way, the transmitting electrode 23 can be configured to have a transmitting electrode branch portion 232 extending from the transmitting electrode main line portion 231 in a direction intersecting with the transmitting electrode main line portion 231. Furthermore, the receiving electrode 24 can be configured to have a receiving electrode branch portion 242 extending from the receiving electrode main line portion 241 in a direction intersecting with the receiving electrode main line portion 241.

[0079] (Other embodiments) (1) In each of the above embodiments, the detection unit 27 is configured by the transmitting electrode main line portion 231 of the transmitting electrode 23, the two transmitting electrode branch line portions 232, and the receiving electrode main line portion 241 and one receiving electrode branch line portion 242 of the receiving electrode 24. However, the configuration of the detection unit 27 is not limited to this configuration.

[0080] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the second detectors 27B are disposed at positions shifted in one direction from the first detectors 27A by half the intervals between the first detectors 27A.

[0081] However, the length by which the plurality of second detectors 27B are shifted relative to the plurality of first detectors 27A does not have to be 1 / 2 the predetermined interval of the first detectors 27A.

[0082] (3) In each of the above embodiments, a first row in which a plurality of first detectors 27A are arranged at predetermined intervals in one direction and a second row in which a plurality of second detectors 27B are arranged at predetermined intervals in one direction, shifted from the plurality of detectors 27 in the first row, are arranged alternately in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. However, the direction in which the first row and the second row are arranged alternately does not have to be a direction perpendicular to the one direction.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the claims. The above-mentioned embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined except when the combination is clearly impossible. In the above-mentioned embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly considered to be essential in principle. In the above-mentioned embodiments, when the numbers, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of the components of the embodiment are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers, except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle. In the above-mentioned embodiments, when the material, shape, positional relationship, etc. of the components are mentioned, they are not limited to the material, shape, positional relationship, etc., except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly limited to a specific material, shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

[0084] (summary) According to a first aspect shown in some or all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the heater device includes a heat generating portion formed in a linear shape on one surface of an insulating substrate, which generates heat when current is applied, and a plurality of detection portions which dissipate heat from the heat generating portion and detect the proximity or contact of an object. The heat generating portion includes a first heat generating portion and a second heat generating portion arranged to sandwich the first heat generating portion. The plurality of detection portions include a plurality of first detection portions arranged between one side of the second heat generating portion and the first heat generating portion, and a plurality of second detection portions arranged between the other side of the second heat generating portion and the first heat generating portion. A first row in which a plurality of first detection portions are arranged at a predetermined interval in one direction on one surface of the insulating substrate, and a second row in which a plurality of second detection portions are arranged at a predetermined interval with a shift in one direction from the plurality of detection portions in the first row, are alternately arranged in a direction intersecting the one direction.

[0085] Also, according to the second aspect, the plurality of second detectors are disposed at positions shifted in one direction with respect to the plurality of first detectors by half the predetermined interval of the plurality of first detectors.

[0086] This allows the plurality of first detection units and the plurality of second detection units to be arranged in a staggered manner, thereby making it possible to further uniform the temperature distribution.

[0087] According to a third aspect, the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion have a curved portion forming a wave shape.

[0088] The curved portion can be thought of as a wire that is loosely stretched so that it curves, and compared to a straight-line heating portion, it can ensure greater strength when an external force is applied to the heating portion.

[0089] According to a fourth aspect, the heater device includes a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode that form an electric field for detecting the proximity or contact of an object. The transmitting electrode is disposed between one side of the second heat generating portion and the first heat generating portion, and between the other side of the second heat generating portion and the first heat generating portion, and has a main line portion that extends along the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion. The receiving electrode is disposed between one side of the second heat generating portion and the first heat generating portion, and between the other side of the second heat generating portion and the first heat generating portion, and has a main line portion that extends along the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion. The main line portion of the transmitting electrode and the main line portion of the receiving electrode each form a waveform.

[0090] Therefore, compared to a case in which the main line portions of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are configured to be straight, it is possible to ensure greater strength when an external force is applied to the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.

[0091] In addition, according to a fifth aspect, the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion each have a wavy peak portion protruding in a direction intersecting one direction, and a wavy valley portion protruding in a direction opposite to the direction intersecting the one direction.

[0092] In addition, at least one of the peaks of the second heat generating portion on one side and the peaks of the first heat generating portion face each other, and the valleys of the second heat generating portion on the other side face each other, and the valleys of the first heat generating portion face each other.

[0093] The detection portion is disposed between the peaks of the second heat generating portion on one side and the peaks of the first heat generating portion, and between the valleys of the second heat generating portion on the other side and the valleys of the first heat generating portion.

[0094] In this way, the detection unit can be disposed between the peaks of one second heat generating portion and the peaks of the first heat generating portion, and between the valleys of the other second heat generating portion and the valleys of the first heat generating portion.

[0095] In addition, according to a sixth aspect, the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion each have a wavy peak portion protruding in a direction intersecting one direction, and a wavy valley portion protruding in a direction opposite to the direction intersecting the one direction.

[0096] In addition, at least one of the peaks of one second heat generating portion and the valleys of the first heat generating portion face each other, and the valleys of the other second heat generating portion and the peaks of the first heat generating portion face each other.

[0097] The detection portion is disposed between the peaks of one of the second heat generating portions and the valleys of the first heat generating portion, and between the valleys of the other of the second heat generating portions and the peaks of the first heat generating portion.

[0098] According to this, the heat from the heat generating portion is sufficiently dissipated from the detection portion formed at the point where the distance between the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion is maximum, thereby further reducing temperature unevenness.

[0099] According to a seventh aspect, the multiple detection units include a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode that form an electric field for detecting the proximity or contact of an object. The receiving electrode is disposed between one side of the second heat generating unit and the first heat generating unit, and between the other side of the second heat generating unit and the first heat generating unit, and has a receiving electrode main line portion that extends along the first heat generating unit and the second heat generating unit. The transmitting electrode is disposed between one side of the second heat generating unit and the first heat generating unit, and between the other side of the second heat generating unit and the first heat generating unit, so as to sandwich the receiving electrode main line portion, and has a transmitting electrode main line portion that extends along the first heat generating unit and the second heat generating unit.

[0100] According to this, the transmitting electrode has a transmitting electrode main wire portion disposed between one side of the second heating portion and the first heating portion, and between the other side of the second heating portion and the first heating portion, so as to sandwich the receiving electrode main wire portion. The transmitting electrode main wire portion extends along the first heating portion and the second heating portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of noise generated from one or the other of the first heating portion and the second heating portion on the receiving electrode.

[0101] According to an eighth aspect, the transmitting electrode has a transmitting electrode branch portion extending from the transmitting electrode main line portion in a direction intersecting with the transmitting electrode main line portion, and the receiving electrode has a receiving electrode branch portion extending from the receiving electrode main line portion in a direction intersecting with the receiving electrode main line portion.

[0102] In this way, the transmitting electrode can be configured to have a transmitting electrode branch portion extending from the transmitting electrode main line portion in a direction intersecting with the transmitting electrode main line portion. Furthermore, the receiving electrode can be configured to have a receiving electrode branch portion extending from the receiving electrode main line portion in a direction intersecting with the receiving electrode main line portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 20 Heater device 21 Heating Part 21A First heating section 21B Second heating section 21M Mountain 21V Tanibe 23 Transmitting electrode 24 Receiving electrode 25 Insulating substrate 26 Cover member 27 Detection unit 27A First detection section 27B Second detection section 211 Curved section

Claims

1. A heat generating portion (21) formed in a linear shape on one surface of an insulating substrate (25) and generating heat when electricity is applied thereto; a plurality of detection units (27) that dissipate heat from the heat generating unit and detect the proximity or contact of an object; The heat generating portion has a first heat generating portion (21A) and a second heat generating portion (21B) arranged so as to sandwich the first heat generating portion, The plurality of detection sections include the plurality of first detection sections (27A) arranged between one of the second heat generating sections and the first heat generating section, and a plurality of second detection sections (27B) arranged between the other of the second heat generating sections and the first heat generating section, A heater device in which a first row in which the multiple first detection portions (27A) are arranged at a predetermined interval in one direction on one surface of the insulating substrate and a second row in which the multiple second detection portions (27B) are arranged at a predetermined interval offset in the one direction relative to the multiple detection portions in the first row are alternately arranged in a direction intersecting the one direction.

2. The heater device according to claim 1 , wherein the second detection portions are arranged at positions shifted from the first detection portions in the one direction by half the predetermined intervals of the first detection portions.

3. 3. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion have a curved portion (211) that forms a wave shape.

4. The plurality of detection units each include a transmitting electrode (23) and a receiving electrode (24) that form an electric field for detecting the proximity or contact of the object, the transmitting electrode is disposed between one side of the second heat generating portion and the first heat generating portion, and between the other side of the second heat generating portion and the first heat generating portion, and has a transmitting electrode main line portion (231) extending along the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion; the receiving electrode is disposed between one of the second heat generating portions and the first heat generating portion, and between the other of the second heat generating portions and the first heat generating portion, and has a receiving electrode main line portion (241) extending along the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion; 4. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting electrode main line portion and the receiving electrode main line portion each have a waveform.

5. The first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion each have a wave-shaped peak portion (21M) protruding in a direction intersecting with the one direction, and a wave-shaped valley portion (21V) protruding in a direction opposite to the direction intersecting with the one direction, and at least one of the peak portion of the second heat generating portion and the peak portion of the first heat generating portion face each other, and the valley portion of the second heat generating portion and the valley portion of the first heat generating portion face each other, 5. A heater device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection portion is arranged between the peak portion of one of the second heating portions and the peak portion of the first heating portion, and between the valley portion of the other of the second heating portion and the valley portion of the first heating portion.

6. The first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion each have a wave-shaped peak portion (21M) protruding in a direction intersecting with the one direction, and a wave-shaped valley portion (21V) protruding in a direction opposite to the direction intersecting with the one direction, and at least one of the peak portion of the second heat generating portion and the valley portion of the first heat generating portion face each other, and the valley portion of the second heat generating portion and the peak portion of the first heat generating portion face each other, 5. A heater device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection portion is arranged between the peak portion of one of the second heating portions and the valley portion of the first heating portion, and between the valley portion of the other of the second heating portions and the peak portion of the first heating portion.

7. The plurality of detection units each include a transmitting electrode (23) and a receiving electrode (24) that form an electric field for detecting the proximity or contact of the object, the receiving electrode is disposed between one of the second heat generating portions and the first heat generating portion, and between the other of the second heat generating portions and the first heat generating portion, and has a receiving electrode main line portion (241) extending along the first heat generating portion and the second heat generating portion; 4. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting electrode has a transmitting electrode main wire portion (231) that is arranged between one side of the second heating portion and the first heating portion, and between the other side of the second heating portion and the first heating portion, so as to sandwich the receiving electrode main wire portion, and that extends along the first heating portion and the second heating portion.

8. the transmitting electrode has a transmitting electrode branch portion (232) extending from the transmitting electrode main line portion in a direction intersecting the transmitting electrode main line portion, 8. The heater device according to claim 4, wherein the receiving electrode has a receiving electrode branch portion (242) extending from the receiving electrode main line portion in a direction intersecting the receiving electrode main line portion.

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