Heater device

Abstract

To provide a heater device which can improve the accuracy of temperature detection by a temperature detection element without increasing a resistance value of a heater wire.SOLUTION: A heater device 1 comprises an insulating base material 10, a heater wire 11, a temperature detection element 13, pieces of wiring 14 and 15, and a branch wire 12. The heater wire 11 is provided on the insulating base material 10. The heater wire forms a path where a current flows when supplied with power, and it generates heat with the power supply. The temperature detection element 13 is provided on the insulating base material 10, and its electrical characteristics change depending on the temperature. The pieces of wiring 14 and 15 are provided on the insulating base material 10, and they are electrically connected to the temperature detection element 13. The branch wire 12 is provided on the insulating base material 10. The branch wire has one end which is connected to the heater wire 11 and the other end which extends to the periphery of the temperature detection element 13 without being connected to the heater wire 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a heater device that is mounted on a vehicle and warms a passenger by radiating radiant heat to the passenger.

[0003] The heater device described in Patent Document 1 is a planar heater including a heater wire provided on a substrate, a chip thermistor as a temperature detection element for detecting the heat generation temperature of the heater wire, and a thermistor line as wiring for transmitting a detection signal of the chip thermistor. In this heater device, by etching a metal foil attached to the substrate, a heater wire and a thermistor line are formed on a predetermined surface of the substrate, and a chip thermistor is installed on the thermistor line. Thereby, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to thinly manufacture a planar heater having a temperature detection function.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the heater device described in Patent Document 1 above, since the heater wire is arranged while avoiding the chip thermistor and the thermistor line within a predetermined surface of the substrate, there will be a location where the distance between the chip thermistor and the heater wire is far. Therefore, there is a problem that the difference between the temperature of the chip thermistor and the heat generation temperature of the heater wire becomes large, and the detection accuracy of the heat generation temperature of the heater wire by the chip thermistor deteriorates. And when the temperature detection accuracy by the chip thermistor deteriorates, when the controller of the heater device controls the energization of the heater wire based on the detected temperature of the chip thermistor to control the temperature of the planar heater, there will be a problem that the response speed of the temperature control decreases.

[0006] By the way, in order to solve the above problems, it is conceivable to extend and crawl the heater wire to a place where the temperature difference from the heater wire becomes large around the chip thermistor. However, if it is done in this way, the total length of the heater wire becomes long and the resistance value of the heater wire increases. Therefore, there is a problem that the temperature rising speed of the planar heater becomes slow when the heater wire is energized.

[0007] In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to improve the temperature detection accuracy by a temperature detection element in a heater device without increasing the resistance value of the heater wire.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, according to the invention according to claim 1 、4、6 The heater device includes an insulating base material (10), a heater wire (11), a temperature detection element (13), wirings (14, 15), and a branch wire (12). The heater wire is provided on the insulating base material, forms a path through which an electric current flows when energized, and generates heat when energized. The temperature detection element is provided on the insulating base material, and its electrical characteristics change according to the temperature. The wiring is provided on the insulating base material and is electrically connected to the temperature detection element. The branch wire is provided on the insulating base material, one end is connected to the heater wire, and the other end extends around the temperature detection element without being connected to the heater wire. Furthermore, according to the invention according to claim 1, when the width of the portion of the branch line on the heater line side is W1 and the width of the end portion of the branch line far from the heater line is W2, it has the relationship of W1≧W2. Also, according to the invention according to claim 4, when the width of the portion of the branch line on the heater line side is W1, the width of the end portion of the branch line far from the heater line is W2, and the width of the heater line is W3, it has the relationship of W1≧W2≧W3. Also, according to the invention according to claim 6, the heater line and the branch line are continuously formed of the same material.

[0009] According to this, when an electric current flows through the heater wire, the heater wire generates heat, and the heat is transmitted to the branch wire. Since the branch wire extends around the temperature detection element, the temperature detection element is heated by the heat of the heater wire and the branch wire, and the temperature of the heat generating surface of the heater device (that is, the surface on which the heater wire is disposed on the insulating base material) is detected. Therefore, even if there is a location where the distance between the heater wire and the temperature detection element is far, by disposing the branch wire around the temperature detection element, it is possible to reduce the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater wire and the temperature of the temperature detection element. Therefore, the heater device can improve the temperature detection accuracy of the heat generating surface by the temperature detection element and improve the response speed of the temperature control.

[0010] Also, according to this configuration, since the heater wire is not extended around the temperature detection element, the total length of the heater wire does not become long. Therefore, the resistance value of the heater wire does not increase, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the temperature increase rate when the heater wire is energized.

[0011] Note that the reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component etc. indicate an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and the specific components etc. described in the embodiments described later.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same or equivalent to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The terms "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" described in the following description and each drawing are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the usage state of the heater device.

[0014] (First Embodiment) The heater device of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the heater device 1 is installed in the interior of a moving body such as a vehicle. The heater device 1 constitutes a part of the interior heating device. The heater device 1 is an electric heater that is supplied with power from a power source such as a battery or a generator mounted on the moving body and generates heat. The heater device 1 is a planar heater formed in a thin plate shape having flexibility. The heater device 1 has a heat generating surface 2 that generates heat when power is supplied, and mainly radiates radiant heat H in a direction perpendicular to the heat generating surface 2. Then, the heater device 1 is used to warm an object located in a direction perpendicular to the heat generating surface 2.

[0015] The heater device 1 can be used, for example, as a device for immediately providing warmth to the occupant 3 immediately after starting the vehicle traveling engine. The heater device 1 is installed so as to radiate radiant heat H to the feet, neck, etc. of the occupant 3 sitting on the seat 4 in the vehicle interior. Specifically, the heater device 1 is installed, for example, on the lower surface of the steering column cover 6 that covers the steering column supporting the steering 5, the dashboard 7 located below the steering column cover 6, or the headrest 8 of the seat 4. The heater device 1 has flexibility and is installed along each mounting surface.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the heater device 1. In this state, the heater device 1 extends along the X-Y plane defined by the axis X and the axis Y. Further, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the heater device 1 has a thickness in the direction of the axis Z and radiates radiant heat H in a direction perpendicular to the surface as shown by the dashed arrow.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the heater device 1 includes an insulating base material 10, a heater wire 11, a branch wire 12, a chip thermistor 13 as a temperature detection element, thermistor lines 14, 15 as wirings, and an insulating layer 16. The heater wire 11, the branch wire 12, the chip thermistor 13, and the thermistor lines 14, 15 are arranged on one surface of the insulating base material 10, and they are covered by the insulating layer 16.

[0018] Note that FIGS. 2 and 4 are views that penetrate the insulating layer 16. And in FIG. 4, in order to distinguish the heater wire 11 and the branch wire 12, although it is not a cross-section, the heater wire 11 is hatched with cross-hatching, and the branch wire 12 is hatched with oblique hatching. This is the same for FIGS. 6 to 12 referred to in each of the embodiments and comparative examples described later. Also, in FIG. 4, for the convenience of explanation, in order to distinguish the parts of the plurality of branch wires 12 and heater wires 11, an alphabet is attached to the end of the reference numeral indicating each branch wire 12 and heater wire 11.

[0019] The insulating base material 10 is formed of a resin material (e.g., polyimide film) having excellent electrical insulation and being resistant to high temperatures. Also, the insulating base material 10 is formed of a flexible material.

[0020] The heater wire 11 is formed as a thin film from a metal material (e.g., copper or silver) having high thermal conductivity and generating heat when energized. As shown in FIG. 2, the heater wire 11 is provided linearly or curvilinearly on a predetermined surface of the insulating base material 10, forming a path through which current flows when energized. Specifically, the heater wire 11 is arranged to be folded back at a predetermined interval so as to meander on a predetermined surface of the insulating base material 10. Terminals 17 and 18 provided at both ends of the heater wire 11 are connected to the controller 19.

[0021] The controller 19 includes a microcomputer including a processor that performs control processing and arithmetic processing, a storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM that stores programs and data, and its peripheral circuits. When current flows through the heater wire 11 by the energization control by the controller 19, the heater wire 11 generates heat. In the heater device 1, the predetermined surface on which the heater wire 11 is arranged on the insulating base material 10 functions as the heating surface 2.

[0022] The chip thermistor 13 is a temperature detection element whose resistance value changes according to temperature. The two thermistor lines 14 and 15 are wirings electrically connected to the two electrodes of the chip thermistor 13 respectively. Terminals 20 and 21 provided at the ends of the thermistor lines 14 and 15 opposite to the chip thermistor 13 are connected to the controller 19. The controller 19 energizes the chip thermistor 13 from the thermistor lines 14 and 15, and detects the temperature of the heating surface 2 based on the change in the resistance value of the chip thermistor 13.

[0023] As described above, the chip thermistor 13 and the thermistor lines 14 and 15 are provided on a predetermined surface (i.e., the heat generating surface 2) of the insulating base material 10, just like the heater line 11. Therefore, the heater line 11 is arranged on the predetermined surface (i.e., the heat generating surface 2) of the insulating base material 10, avoiding the chip thermistor 13 and the thermistor lines 14 and 15.

[0024] The branch line 12 is formed of a thin film from a metal material (e.g., copper or silver) having a high thermal conductivity, just like the heater line 11, and extends around the chip thermistor 13. One end of the branch line 12 is connected to the heater line 11. That is, the branch line 12 and the heater line 11 are continuously formed of the same material as a thin film. Therefore, the heat generated by the heater line 11 is efficiently transmitted to the branch line 12. On the other hand, the other end of the branch line 12 is not connected to the heater line 11. Therefore, when the heater line 11 is energized, the branch line 12 is removed from the current flow path, so the resistance value of the heater line 11 does not change. And since the branch line 12 extends around the chip thermistor 13, it is possible to raise the temperature of the chip thermistor 13 with the heat transmitted from the heater line 11.

[0025] Hereinafter, the branch line 12 included in the heater device 1 of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. In the first embodiment, the plurality of branch lines 12 shown in FIG. 4 are referred to as the first to sixth branch lines 12a to 12f, and an alphabet will be added to the end of the reference numeral indicating each branch line 12. Also, in the following description, for convenience of explanation, terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" of the paper surface of FIG. 4 to be referred to will be used for explanation, but these terms do not limit the state in which the heater device 1 is installed in a vehicle or the like. Note that this also applies to the description of each of the following embodiments and each comparative example.

[0026] The first branch line 12a approaches the chip thermistor 13 from the heater line 11a disposed on the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 4 and extends along the upper surface of the chip thermistor 13 (that is, the surface of the chip thermistor 13 on the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 4). The second branch line 12b extends from the heater line 11a disposed on the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 4 so as to approach one thermistor line 14 and extends to near the lower surface of the chip thermistor 13 (that is, the surface of the chip thermistor 13 on the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. 4). The third branch line 12c extends upward in the paper surface along the left side surface of the chip thermistor 13 (that is, the surface of the chip thermistor 13 on the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 4) from the middle of the second branch line 12b.

[0027] The fourth branch line 12d approaches the chip thermistor 13 from the heater line 11b disposed on the right side of the paper surface of FIG. 4 and extends along the upper surface of the chip thermistor 13. The fifth branch line 12e extends from the heater line 11b disposed on the right side of the paper surface of FIG. 4 so as to approach the other thermistor line 15 and extends to near the lower surface of the chip thermistor 13. The sixth branch line 12f extends upward in the paper surface along the right side surface of the chip thermistor 13 (that is, the surface of the chip thermistor 13 on the right side of the paper surface of FIG. 4) from the middle of the fifth branch line 12e. Thus, in the first embodiment, the first to sixth branch lines 12a to 12f are provided so as to surround the periphery of the chip thermistor 13.

[0028] Here, let the distance between the heater line 11 and the chip thermistor 13 be Dh, and the distance between the branch line 12 and the chip thermistor 13 be Db. Specifically, let the distance between the heater line 11a disposed on the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 4 and the left side surface of the chip thermistor 13 be Dh1, and the distance between the heater line 11b disposed on the right side of the paper surface of FIG. 4 and the right side surface of the chip thermistor 13 be Dh2.

[0029] Let the distance between the first branch line 12a and the chip thermistor 13 be Db1, the distance between the second branch line 12b and the chip thermistor 13 be Db2, and the distance between the third branch line 12c and the chip thermistor 13 be Db3. Also, let the distance between the fourth branch line 12d and the chip thermistor 13 be Db4, the distance between the fifth branch line 12e and the chip thermistor 13 be Db5, and the distance between the sixth branch line 12f and the chip thermistor 13 be Db6.

[0030] At this time, the distances Db1, Db2, and Db3 between the first to third branch lines 12a to 12c and the chip thermistor 13 are all closer than the distance Dh1 between the heater line 11a arranged on the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 4 and the left side surface of the chip thermistor 13. Also, the distances Db4, Db5, and Db6 between the fourth to sixth branch lines 12d to 12f and the chip thermistor 13 are all closer than the distance Dh2 between the heater line 11b arranged on the right side of the paper surface of FIG. 4 and the right side surface of the chip thermistor 13. That is, the distance Db between the branch line 12 and the chip thermistor 13 is closer than the distance Dh between the heater line 11 and the chip thermistor 13. Thus, in the first embodiment, all of the plurality of branch lines 12 are arranged at positions closer than the distance Dh between the heater line 11 and the chip thermistor 13 around the chip thermistor 13.

[0031] In the configuration of the heater device 1 described above, when a predetermined voltage is applied from the controller 19 to the terminal 17 of the heater wire 11 and a potential difference is generated between both terminals 17 and 18, a current flows through the heater wire 11 and the heater wire 11 generates heat. Then, the heater device 1 radiates radiant heat that makes the occupant 3 feel warmth. At this time, the heat generated by the heater wire 11 is transmitted to the branch wire 12. Since the branch wire 12 extends around the chip thermistor 13, the chip thermistor 13 is heated up by the heat of the heater wire 11 and the branch wire 12. That is, in the first embodiment, since the branch wire 12 is arranged around the chip thermistor 13, the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13 becomes small. The controller 19 detects the temperature of the heat generation surface 2 based on the change in the resistance value of the chip thermistor 13. The controller 19 performs on / off control or duty control of the energization to the heater wire 11 so that the heat generation surface 2 reaches a predetermined target temperature based on the detected temperature of the heat generation surface 2.

[0032] Here, in order to compare with the heater device 1 of the first embodiment described above, the heater device 101 of the first comparative example will be described.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 10, the heater device 101 of the first comparative example does not include the branch wire 12. Therefore, in the first comparative example, the distances Dh1 and Dh2 between the heater wires 11a and 11b and the chip thermistor 13 are farther than the distances Db1 to Db6 between the branch wires 12a to 12f and the chip thermistor 13 described in the first embodiment.

[0034] Also in the heater device 101 of the first comparative example, when a predetermined voltage is applied from the controller 19 to the terminal 17 of the heater wire 11 and a potential difference occurs between both terminals 17 and 18, a current flows through the heater wire 11 and the heater wire 11 generates heat. At this time, in the first comparative example, since the distances Dh1 and Dh2 between the heater wire 11 and the chip thermistor 13 are farther than the distances Db1 to Db6 between the branch wires 12a to 12f and the chip thermistor 13 described in the first embodiment, the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13 becomes large. Therefore, in the first comparative example, the detection accuracy of the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 due to the change in the resistance value of the chip thermistor 13 deteriorates, or the time required for detecting the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 becomes long, and there is a problem that the response speed of the temperature control of the heater wire 11 by the controller 19 decreases.

[0035] Next, the heater device 102 of the second comparative example will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the heater device 102 of the second comparative example also does not include the branch wire 12. Instead, in the second comparative example, the heater wire 11 is extended and arranged around the chip thermistor 13. However, when the heater wire 11 is extended as in the second comparative example, the total length of the heater wire 11 becomes long and the resistance value of the heater wire 11 increases. Therefore, in the second comparative example, there is a problem that the temperature rising speed of the heating surface 2 becomes slow when the heater wire 11 is energized.

[0036] The heater device 1 of the first embodiment has the following operational effects with respect to the heater device 101 of the first comparative example and the heater device 102 of the second comparative example. (1) The heater device 1 of the first embodiment includes a branch wire 12 extending from the heater wire 11. One end of the branch wire 12 is connected to the heater wire 11, and the other end extends around the chip thermistor 13 without being connected to the heater wire 11. According to this, when the heater wire 11 generates heat due to energization, the heat is transmitted to the branch wire 12. Then, the chip thermistor 13 is heated up by the heat of the branch wire 12. Therefore, even if there is a location where the distance between the heater wire 11 and the chip thermistor 13 is far, by arranging the branch wire 12 around the chip thermistor 13, it is possible to reduce the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13. Accordingly, this heater device 1 can improve the temperature detection accuracy of the heat generation surface 2 by the chip thermistor 13 and improve the response speed of the temperature control of the heater wire 11.

[0037] Further, the heater device 1 of the first embodiment is provided with a branch wire 12 branched from the heater wire around the chip thermistor 13, and since the heater wire 11 is not extended, the total length of the heater wire 11 does not become long. Therefore, the resistance value of the heater wire 11 does not increase, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the temperature increase rate when the heater wire 11 is energized.

[0038] (2) In the heater device 1 of the first embodiment, the distance Db between the branch wire 12 and the chip thermistor 13 is closer than the distance Dh between the heater wire 11 and the chip thermistor 13. According to this, the branch wire 12 is arranged at a position closer than the distance Dh between the heater wire 11 and the chip thermistor 13. Therefore, even if there is a location where the distance between the heater wire 11 and the chip thermistor 13 is far, it is possible to heat up the chip thermistor 13 by the heat of the branch wire 12 branched and extending from the heater wire 11. Accordingly, the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13 can be reduced.

[0039] (3) In the first embodiment, the heater wire 11 and the branch wire 12 are continuously formed of the same material. According to this, heat can be efficiently transmitted from the heater wire 11 to the branch wire 12, and the chip thermistor 13 can be heated up by the heat of the branch wire 12.

[0040] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configurations of the heater wire 11 and the branch wire 12, and is the same as the first embodiment in other respects. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the heater device 1 of the second embodiment also includes an insulating base material 10, a heater wire 11, branch wires 12, a chip thermistor 13, thermistor lines 14, 15, and an insulating layer.

[0042] In the second embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the plurality of branch wires 12 shown in FIG. 6 will be referred to as the seventh branch wire 12g and the eighth branch wire 12h. The seventh branch wire 12g extends from the heater wire 11c arranged on the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 6 so as to approach one thermistor line 14. The eighth branch wire 12h extends from the heater wire 11d arranged on the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. 6 so as to approach the other thermistor line 15. Both the seventh branch wire 12g and the eighth branch wire 12h extend to a position where at least a part of the chip thermistor 13 overlaps with the branch wires 12g, 12h when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the branch wires 12g, 12h extend (that is, when viewed in the left-right direction of the paper surface of FIG. 6).

[0043] In the second embodiment, a part of the heater wire 11 is provided so as to surround the upper side, right side, and lower side of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 6. And the seventh branch wire 12g and the eighth branch wire 12h are provided on the left side of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 6. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the periphery of the chip thermistor 13 is surrounded by a part of the heater wire 11, the seventh branch wire 12g, and the eighth branch wire 12h.

[0044] Here, let the distance between the heater wire 11 and the chip thermistor 13 be Dh, and the distance between the branch wire 12 and the chip thermistor 13 be Db. Specifically, let the distance between the heater wire 11e arranged on the right side of the paper surface of FIG. 6 and the right side surface of the chip thermistor 13 be Dh7. On the other hand, let the distance between the seventh branch wire 12g and the chip thermistor 13 be Db7, and the distance between the eighth branch wire 12h and the chip thermistor 13 be Db8.

[0045] At this time, the distances Db7 and Db8 between the seventh and eighth branch lines 12g and 12h and the chip thermistor 13 are both equal to or less than twice the distance Dh7 between the heater line 11 disposed on the right side of the drawing of FIG. 6 and the right side surface of the chip thermistor 13. That is, in the second embodiment, the relationship Db ≦ 2 × Dh is satisfied.

[0046] Also in the second embodiment, when a predetermined voltage is applied from the controller 19 to the terminal 17 of the heater line 11 and a potential difference is generated between both terminals 17 and 18, a current flows through the heater line 11 and the heater line 11 generates heat. Then, the heat generated by the heater line 11 is transmitted to the branch line 12. As described above, in the second embodiment, a part of the heater line 11 is provided above, to the right, and below the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 6, and the seventh branch line 12g and the eighth branch line 12h are provided to the left of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 6. Therefore, in the second embodiment, due to the heat of the heater line 11, the seventh branch line 12g, and the eighth branch line 12h, substantially the entire circumference of the chip thermistor 13 is heated. Therefore, the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater line 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13 is small. The controller 19 detects the temperature of the heat generating surface 2 based on the change in the resistance value of the chip thermistor 13, and controls the energization of the heater line 11 so that the heat generating surface 2 reaches a predetermined target temperature based on the detected temperature.

[0047] Here, in order to compare with the heater device 1 of the second embodiment described above, the heater device 103 of the third comparative example will be described.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 12, the heater device 103 of the third comparative example does not include the branch line 12. Therefore, in the third comparative example, a part of the heater line 11 is provided so as to surround the upper, right, and lower sides of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 6, but neither the heater line 11 nor the branch line 12 is provided to the left of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 12.

[0049] Also in the heater device 103 of the third comparative example, when a predetermined voltage is applied from the controller 19 to the terminal 17 of the heater wire 11 and a potential difference is generated between both terminals 17 and 18, a current flows through the heater wire 11 and the heater wire 11 generates heat. At this time, in the third comparative example, although the upper, right, and lower sides of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 12 are heated, the temperature rise on the left side of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 12 is small. Therefore, in the third comparative example, the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13 is larger than that in the second embodiment. Therefore, in the third comparative example, the detection accuracy of the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 due to the change in the resistance value of the chip thermistor 13 deteriorates, or the time required for detecting the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 becomes longer, and there is a problem that the response speed of the temperature control of the heater wire 11 by the controller 19 decreases.

[0050] For such a heater device 103 of the third comparative example, the heater device 1 of the second embodiment has the following operational effects. (1) Similar to the first embodiment, the heater device 1 of the second embodiment also includes a branch wire 12 extending from the heater wire 11. One end of the branch wire 12 is connected to the heater wire 11, and the other end extends around the chip thermistor 13 without being connected to the heater wire 11. Therefore, even if there is a place where the distance between the heater wire 11 and the chip thermistor 13 is far, by arranging the branch wire 12 around the chip thermistor 13, it is possible to reduce the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13. Therefore, this heater device 1 can improve the temperature detection accuracy of the heat generation surface 2 by the chip thermistor 13 and improve the response speed of the temperature control of the heater wire 11.

[0051] (2) In the heater device 1 of the second embodiment, the distance Db between the branch wire 12 and the chip thermistor 13 is equal to or less than twice the distance Dh between the heater wire 11 and the chip thermistor 13. According to this, the branch line 12 can be arranged at a place where the chip thermistor 13 can be heated by the heat of the branch line 12. Therefore, even if there is a place where the distance between the heater line 11 and the chip thermistor 13 is far, the heat transmitted from the branch line 12 to the chip thermistor 13 can reduce the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater line 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13.

[0052] As a modification of the second embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, the relationship between the distance Db between the branch line 12 and the chip thermistor 13 and the distance Dh between the heater line 11 and the chip thermistor 13 may be Db≦Dh. According to this, it becomes possible to supply the chip thermistor 13 with the same amount of heat as the amount of heat given to the chip thermistor 13 from the heater line 11 arranged closest to the chip thermistor 13 from the branch line 12. Therefore, the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater line 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13 can be made smaller.

[0053] (Third Embodiment) The third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is obtained by changing a part of the configuration of the branch line 12 with respect to the second embodiment.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, the heater device 1 of the third embodiment includes a ninth branch line 12i that extends along the upper surface of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 7 from the middle of the seventh branch line 12g. Further, it includes a tenth branch line 12j that extends along the lower surface of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 7 from the middle of the eighth branch line 12h. In the third embodiment, the periphery of the chip thermistor 13 is surrounded by a part of the heater line 11 and the seventh to tenth branch lines 12g to 12j.

[0055] In the third embodiment, in addition to the seventh and eighth branch lines 12g and 12h described in the second embodiment, by arranging ninth and tenth branch lines 12i and 12j between the upper and lower heater lines 11c and 11d and the chip thermistor 13, it is possible to make the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater line 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13 smaller. Therefore, this heater device 1 can further improve the temperature detection accuracy of the heat generation surface 2 by the chip thermistor 13 and improve the response speed of the temperature control of the heater line 11.

[0056] (Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is also a modification of a part of the configuration of the branch line 12 with respect to the second embodiment.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 8, the heater device 1 of the fourth embodiment also includes an insulating base material 10, a heater line 11, branch lines 12, a chip thermistor 13, thermistor lines 14 and 15, and an insulating layer.

[0058] Also in the fourth embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the plurality of branch lines 12 shown in FIG. 8 will be referred to as the seventh branch line 12g and the eighth branch line 12h. The seventh branch line 12g extends from the heater line 11c arranged on the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 8 so as to approach one thermistor line 14. The eighth branch line 12h extends from the heater line 11d arranged on the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. 8 so as to approach the other thermistor line 15. Both the seventh branch line 12g and the eighth branch line 12h extend to a position where at least a part of the chip thermistor 13 overlaps when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the branch lines 12g and 12h extend (that is, when viewed in the left-right direction of the paper surface of FIG. 8). And also in the fourth embodiment, the periphery of the chip thermistor 13 is surrounded by a part of the heater line 11, the seventh branch line 12g, and the eighth branch line 12h.

[0059] In the fourth embodiment, the width of the portion of the seventh branch line 12g on the heater line 11c side is denoted as W1, the width of the end portion of the seventh branch line 12g far from the heater line 11c is denoted as W2, and the width of the heater line 11 is denoted as W3. In the fourth embodiment, the heater line 11c when defining W1 and W2 regarding the seventh branch line 12g is the portion of the heater line 11 to which the seventh branch line 12g is connected.

[0060] In the fourth embodiment, the seventh branch line 12g has a relationship of W1 ≥ W2. Also, it has a relationship of W1 ≥ W3. Furthermore, it has a relationship of W2 ≥ W3. Hereinafter, the significance of defining the width of the seventh branch line 12g in this way will be described.

[0061] First, by setting the width W1 of the portion of the seventh branch line 12g on the heater line 11c side to be equal to or greater than the width W2 of the end portion of the seventh branch line 12g far from the heater line 11c (i.e., W1 ≥ W2), the amount of heat transfer from the heater line 11c to the seventh branch line 12g increases. Therefore, it is possible to make the temperature of the seventh branch line 12g higher. Thus, the heat generated by the heater line 11c can be efficiently transmitted to the chip thermistor 13 via the seventh branch line 12g.

[0062] Next, by setting the width W1 of the portion of the seventh branch line 12g on the heater line 11c side to be equal to or greater than the width W3 of the heater line 11c (i.e., W1 ≥ W3), the amount of heat transfer from the heater line 11c to the seventh branch line 12g also increases. Therefore, it is possible to make the temperature of the seventh branch line 12g higher. Thus, the heat generated by the heater line 11c can be efficiently transmitted to the chip thermistor 13 via the seventh branch line 12g.

[0063] Furthermore, by setting the width W2 of the end portion of the seventh branch line 12g far from the heater line 11c to be equal to or greater than the width W3 of the heater line 11c (i.e., W2 ≥ W3), heat can be transmitted from a wide range of the end portion of the seventh branch line 12g far from the heater line 11c to the chip thermistor 13.

[0064] From the above three relationships, it can also be said that the seventh branch line 12g has the relationship of W1≧W2≧W3. According to this, by making the width W1 of the part of the seventh branch line 12g on the heater wire 11c side equal to or greater than the width W2 of the end part of the seventh branch line 12g far from the heater wire 11c, the heat transfer amount from the heater wire 11c to the seventh branch line 12g increases. And by making the width W2 of the end part of the seventh branch line 12g far from the heater wire 11c equal to or greater than the width W3 of the heater wire 11c, heat can be transmitted from the end part of the seventh branch line 12g far from the heater wire 11c to the chip thermistor 13 over a wide range.

[0065] Incidentally, the relationships of W1, W2, and W3 regarding the seventh branch line 12g described above can also be defined in the same way for the eighth branch line 12h. Even in this case, the eighth branch line 12h exhibits the same operational effects as those described for the seventh branch line 12g.

[0066] (Fifth Embodiment) The fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment is also a modification of a part of the configuration of the branch line 12 with respect to the second embodiment.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 9, the heater device 1 of the fifth embodiment also includes an insulating base material 10, a heater wire 11, branch lines 12, a chip thermistor 13, thermistor lines 14, 15, and an insulating layer.

[0068] In the fifth embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the plurality of branch lines 12 shown in FIG. 9 are referred to as the eleventh branch line 12k and the twelfth branch line 12l. The eleventh branch line 12k extends from the heater wire 11f arranged on the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 9 along the right side surface of the paper surface of FIG. 9 of the chip thermistor 13 so as to approach one thermistor line 14. The twelfth branch line 12l extends from the heater wire 11g arranged on the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 9 along the lower side surface of the paper surface of FIG. 9 of the chip thermistor 13 so as to approach the other thermistor line 15.

[0069] When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the 11th branch line 12k extends (i.e., when viewed in the left-right direction of the paper of FIG. 9), the 11th branch line 12k extends to a position where at least a part of the chip thermistor 13 overlaps. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the 12th branch line 12l extends (i.e., when viewed in the up-down direction of the paper of FIG. 9), the 12th branch line 12l extends to a position where at least a part of the chip thermistor 13 overlaps.

[0070] In the fifth embodiment, a part of the heater line 11 is provided so as to surround the upper side and the left side of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 9. The 11th branch line 12k is provided on the right side of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 9. The 12th branch line 12l is provided on the lower side of the chip thermistor 13 in FIG. 9. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the periphery of the chip thermistor 13 is surrounded by a part of the heater line 11, the 11th branch line 12k, and the 12th branch line 12l.

[0071] Here, let the distance between the heater line 11 and the chip thermistor 13 be Dh, and the distance between the branch line 12 and the chip thermistor 13 be Db. Specifically, let the distance between the heater line 11f arranged on the upper side of the paper of FIG. 9 and the upper surface of the chip thermistor 13 be Dh9.

[0072] On the other hand, let the distance between the 11th branch line 12k and the chip thermistor 13 be Db11, and the distance between the 12th branch line 12l and the chip thermistor 13 be Db12. At this time, the distances Db11 and Db12 between the 11th and 12th branch lines 12k and 12l and the chip thermistor 13 are both equal to or less than twice the distance Dh9 between the heater line 11f arranged on the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 9 and the upper surface of the chip thermistor 13. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the relationship Db≦2×Dh is satisfied. According to this, it is possible to arrange the branch line 12 at a position where the chip thermistor 13 can be heated by the heat of the branch line 12. Therefore, even if there is a place where the distance between the heater line 11 and the chip thermistor 13 is far, the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater line 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13 can be reduced by the heat transmitted from the branch line 12 to the chip thermistor 13.

[0073] Also, in the fifth embodiment as well, the branch line 12 and the heater line 11 have the relationships of W1≧W2, W1≧W3, W2≧W3, and W1≧W2≧W3. According to this, by making the width W1 of the part of the branch line 12 on the heater line 11 side equal to or greater than the width W2 of the end portion of the branch line 12 far from the heater line 11 (that is, W1≧W2), the amount of heat transfer from the heater line 11 to the branch line 12 increases. Also, by making the width W1 of the part of the branch line 12 on the heater line 11 side equal to or greater than the width W3 of the heater line 11 (that is, W1≧W3), the amount of heat transfer from the heater line 11 to the branch line 12 also increases. And by making the width W2 of the end portion of the branch line 12 far from the heater line 11 equal to or greater than the width W3 of the heater line 11 (that is, W2≧W3), heat can be transmitted from the end portion of the branch line 12 far from the heater line 11 to the chip thermistor 13 over a wide range.

[0074] Also in the fifth embodiment, when a predetermined voltage is applied from the controller 19 to the terminal 17 of the heater wire 11 and a potential difference is generated between both terminals 17 and 18, an electric current flows through the heater wire 11 and the heater wire 11 generates heat. At this time, the heat generated by the heater wire 11 is transmitted to the branch wire 12. In the fifth embodiment, due to the heat of the heater wire 11, the 11th branch wire 12k, and the 12th branch wire 12l, substantially the entire circumference of the chip thermistor 13 is heated up. Therefore, also in the fifth embodiment, similar to the first to fourth embodiments described above, by arranging the branch wire 12 around the chip thermistor 13, it is possible to reduce the difference between the heat generation temperature of the heater wire 11 and the temperature of the chip thermistor 13. Therefore, this heater device 1 can improve the temperature detection accuracy of the heat generation surface 2 by the chip thermistor 13 and improve the response speed of the temperature control of the heater wire 11.

[0075] (Other embodiments) (1) In each of the above embodiments, the chip thermistor 13 has been described as an example of the temperature detection element. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various elements such as a thermocouple and a semiconductor sensor may be used as the temperature detection element.

[0076] (2) Also, in each of the above embodiments, the shape of the chip thermistor 13 as the temperature detection element has been described as being substantially rectangular. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape of the temperature detection element can be various shapes such as circular, elliptical, and polygonal.

[0077] (3) In the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, the branch wire 12 and the heater wire 11 have been described as having the relationships of W1≧W2, W1≧W3, W2≧W3, and W1≧W2≧W3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and they may have the relationships of W1>W2, W1>W3, W2>W3, and W1>W2>W3. Thereby, an effect greater than W1 = W2, W1 = W3, W2 = W3, and W1 = W2 = W3 can be obtained.

[0078] (4) Also, the branch line 12 and the heater line 11 may have a dimensional relationship (for example, W1≧1.1×W2, W1≧1.1×W2, W1≧1.1×W3, W2≧1.1×W3, W1≧1.1×W2≧1.1×W3) that does not include manufacturing tolerances, etc., for W1 = W2, W1 = W3, W2 = W3, W1 = W2 = W3 as required.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the scope described in the claims. Also, the above embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined except when the combination is clearly impossible. Further, in the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential except when it is clearly indicated that they are essential or when they are considered to be clearly essential in principle. Also, in the above embodiments, when numerical values such as the number, numerical value, quantity, range, etc. of the components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific number except when it is clearly indicated that they are essential or when they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Also, in the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the components, etc., they are not limited to the specific shape, positional relationship, etc. except when it is clearly indicated or when they are clearly limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

Explanation of Signs

[0080] 1 Heater device 10 Insulating base material 11 Heater line 12 Branch line 13 Chip thermistor (temperature detection element) 14, 15 Thermistor line (wiring)

Claims

1. In a heater device, an insulating substrate (10), a heater wire (11) provided on the insulating substrate, forming a path through which current flows when energized and generating heat when energized, a temperature detection element (13) provided on the insulating substrate and having electrical characteristics that change according to temperature, wirings (14, 15) provided on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the temperature detection element, and a branch wire (12, 12a to 12l) provided on the insulating substrate, one end of which is connected to the heater wire and the other end of which extends around the temperature detection element without being connected to the heater wire, where the width of the portion of the branch wire on the heater wire side is W1, and where the width of the end portion of the branch wire far from the heater wire is W2, the heater device having a relationship of W1 ≥ W2.

2. When the width of the heater wire is W3, the heater device according to Claim 1, having a relationship of W1 ≥ W3.

3. When the width of the heater wire is W3, the heater device according to Claim 1, having a relationship of W2 ≥ W3.

4. In a heater device, an insulating substrate (10), a heater wire (11) provided on the insulating substrate, forming a path through which current flows when energized and generating heat when energized, a temperature detection element (13) provided on the insulating substrate and having electrical characteristics that change according to temperature, wirings (14, 15) provided on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the temperature detection element, and a branch wire (12, 12a to 12l) provided on the insulating substrate, one end of which is connected to the heater wire and the other end of which extends around the temperature detection element without being connected to the heater wire, where the width of the portion of the branch wire on the heater wire side is W1, Let the width of the end of the branch line that is far from the heater line among the branch lines be W2, and when the width of the heater line is W3, a heater device having a relationship of W1≥W2≥W3.

5. Let the distance between the branch line and the temperature detection element be Db, and when the distance between the heater line and the temperature detection element is Dh, the heater device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having a relationship of Db≤2×Dh.

6. In a heater device, an insulating substrate (10), a heater line (11) provided on the insulating substrate, forming a path through which an electric current flows when energized, and generating heat when energized, a temperature detection element (13) provided on the insulating substrate, the electrical characteristics of which change according to temperature, wirings (14, 15) provided on the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the temperature detection element, and branch lines (12, 12a to 12l) provided on the insulating substrate, one end of which is connected to the heater line and the other end of which extends around the temperature detection element without being connected to the heater line, a heater device in which the heater line and the branch line are continuously formed of the same material.

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