Heater Device

Abstract

To provide a heater device that can suppress unintended deformation while ensuring followability to the external shape of an installation target.SOLUTION: A heater device 1 includes a flexible heat generating unit 12, a surface layer unit 14 that covers the surface side of the heat generating unit 12, and a heat insulating unit 16 that covers the back side of the heat generating part 12 and blocks the heat generated by the heat generating part 12. The heat generating unit 12, the surface layer unit 14, and the heat insulating unit 16 are configured as a laminate ST in which the surface layer unit 14, the heat generating unit 12, and the heat insulating unit 16 are laminated in this order via adhesives AD1 and AD2. This laminate ST is provided with a plurality of slits 20 for suppressing deformation due to differences in linear expansion coefficients of the heat generating unit 12, the surface layer unit 14, and the heat insulating unit 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a heater device including a surface layer, a heat generating portion, and a heat insulating portion is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of heater device, the surface layer, the heat generating portion, and the heat insulating portion are laminated in this order via a curable adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 130541 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to realize a heater device that can be installed in a manner that follows the outer shape of the object to be installed, the inventors have investigated a structure in which a surface layer and a heat insulating portion are attached to a flexible heat generating portion with an adhesive.

[0005] However, it has been found that when the surface layer and the heat insulating part are attached to the heat generating part with adhesive, the difference in the linear expansion coefficient of each part causes thermal stress when the heat generating part generates heat, which can easily cause unintended deformation on the heater surface. Such unintended deformation is undesirable because it can reduce the design quality of the product or the object on which it is installed.

[0006] On the other hand, one way to avoid the effects of thermal stress is to not bond the heat generating part to the surface layer and the heat insulating part, but in this case, unintended gaps tend to form between the surface layer, the heat generating part, and the heat insulating part, which is undesirable because it reduces the ability of the product to conform to the external shape of the object to which it is installed.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heater device that can suppress unintended deformation of the heater surface while ensuring conformability to the external shape of the object on which it is installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is A heater device, a flexible heat generating portion (12); a surface layer portion (14) that covers the surface side of the heat generating portion; a heat insulating part (16) that covers the rear surface side of the heat generating part and blocks the heat generated by the heat generating part, The heat generating portion, the surface layer portion, and the heat insulating portion are configured as a laminate (ST) in which the surface layer portion, the heat generating portion, and the heat insulating portion are laminated in this order via adhesives (AD1, AD2), The laminate is provided with a plurality of slits (20, 20A, 20B) to suppress deformation due to differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the heat generating portion, the surface layer portion, and the heat insulating portion. And, The adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that maintains its stickiness over time. The plurality of slits include a bottomed groove (GR) formed in a portion facing the heat generating portion in at least one of the surface layer portion and the heat insulating portion.

[0009] In this way, by laminating the surface layer and the heat insulating portion to the flexible heat generating portion with an adhesive, the formation of unintended gaps between the surface layer, the heat generating portion, and the heat insulating portion is suppressed, thereby ensuring conformability to the external shape of the object to be installed. In addition, if multiple slits are provided in the laminate of the surface layer, the heat generating portion, and the heat insulating portion, the laminate is given elasticity, and the multiple slits relieve thermal stress due to differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the respective members, thereby suppressing deformation due to differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the respective members.

[0010] Therefore, the heater device of the present disclosure can suppress unintended deformation of the heater surface while ensuring conformability to the outer shape of the object on which it is installed.

[0011] Here, "adhesives" are also known as pressure-sensitive adhesives. "Adhesives" maintain their viscosity over time and are clearly distinguished from curable adhesives, which harden over time. While curable adhesives are expected to suppress deformation due to differences in linear expansion coefficients due to their hardening properties, they do not meet the heat resistance requirements of heater devices and cannot be used due to odor issues caused by volatile components. Furthermore, "flexibility" in this specification refers to the property of an object being flexible and bendable. Furthermore, "slits" in this specification refer to cuts or narrow slits that do not penetrate an object but also penetrate it. They may be straight, curved, L-shaped, or X-shaped, and their length is not particularly limited.

[0012] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and the specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle interior space in which a heater device according to a first embodiment is installed. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a heater device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heater main body of the heater device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining thermal stress etc. that occurs when a heat generating portion of a heater device serving as a first comparative example generates heat. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining deformation that occurs when a heat generating portion of a heater device serving as a first comparative example generates heat. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a portion VI in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining thermal stress and the like that occurs when a heat generating portion of the heater device according to the first embodiment generates heat. FIG. [Figure 9]5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams for explaining thermal stress and the like that occur when a heat generating portion of a heater device according to a first modified example of the first embodiment generates heat. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining thermal stress and the like that occurs when a heat generating portion of a heater device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment generates heat. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining thermal stress and the like that occurs when a heat generating portion of a heater device according to a third modified example of the first embodiment generates heat. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining thermal stress and the like that occurs when a heat generating portion of a heater device according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment generates heat. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining thermal stress and the like that occurs when a heat generating portion of a heater device according to a fifth modified example of the first embodiment generates heat. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a heater device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining deformation that occurs when a heat generating portion of a heater device serving as a second comparative example generates heat. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a heat insulating part of a heater device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heater main body of a heater device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heater main body of a heater device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those described in the preceding embodiments will be given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. Furthermore, in the embodiments, when only some of the components are described, the components described in the preceding embodiments can be applied to the remaining components. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other, even if not specifically stated, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0015] (First embodiment) This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a heater device 1 of the present disclosure is applied to a heating device that heats the interior of a vehicle.

[0016] The heater device 1 includes a sheet-shaped heater main body 10 and a heater control unit (not shown). The heater main body 10 is installed below a steering column SC that supports a steering wheel HL. The heater main body 10 emits radiant heat H from a heater surface 10a toward the feet of an occupant seated in a seat S. In this embodiment, the heater device 1 is installed on the steering column SC. The heater control unit controls the operation of the heater main body 10. The heater control unit includes a microcomputer equipped with a processor and a memory, and its peripheral circuits.

[0017] 2, the heater main body 10 has a substantially rectangular outer shape on the heater surface 10a side. The heater main body 10 is installed in a position where its long dimension direction D1 extends along the width direction of the vehicle. Note that the heater main body 10 may also be installed in a position where its short dimension direction D2 extends along the width direction of the vehicle, for example.

[0018] The heater main body 10 has a plurality of claws HP on the back side of the heater surface 10a for attaching it to an installation target. By attaching these claws HP to the installation target, the heater main body 10 is fixed to the installation target.

[0019] 3, the heater main body 10 includes a flexible heat generating portion 12, a surface layer 14, a heat insulating portion 16, and a case 18. The heat generating portion 12, the surface layer 14, and the heat insulating portion 16 are arranged in this order from the heater surface 10a side.

[0020] The heat generating unit 12 is a heater that generates heat by itself when energized and emits radiant heat H. The heat generating unit 12 of this embodiment is configured as a film heater in which a heat generating element is mounted on a thin-film flexible substrate so that it can conform to the outer shape of the object on which it is installed.

[0021] The surface layer 14 is disposed on the surface side of the heat generating portion 12 and covers the surface side of the heat generating portion 12. The surface layer 14 is located on the outermost side of the heater main body 10. The surface of the surface layer 14 forms the heater surface 10a. The surface layer 14 is made of a material with a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the material of the heat generating portion 12. Specifically, the surface layer 14 is made of a fabric material. The fabric material is made of, for example, resin fibers such as polyester fibers.

[0022] The heat insulating section 16 is disposed between the heat generating section 12 and the installation object, and suppresses heat transfer due to thermal conduction from the heat generating section 12 to the installation object. The heat insulating section 16 is disposed on the rear surface side of the heat generating section 12, and covers the rear surface side of the heat generating section 12. The heat insulating section 16 blocks the heat generated by the heat generating section 12. The heat insulating section 16 is made of a material with a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the constituent material of the heat generating section 12. Specifically, the heat insulating section 16 is made of a resin material such as urethane foam. The heat insulating section 16 has a certain degree of flexibility so that it can follow the external shape of the installation object.

[0023] The case part 18 holds the laminate ST of the surface layer part 14, the heat generating part 12, and the heat insulating part 16. The bottom part 181 of the case part 18 is disposed on the back side of the heat insulating part 16. The claw part HP described above is disposed on the side of the bottom part 181 opposite the heat insulating part 16. The case part 18 is made of synthetic resin or the like.

[0024] If the heat generating portion 12 is not bonded to the surface layer 14 and the insulating portion 16, unintended gaps are likely to form between the surface layer 14, the heat generating portion 12, and the insulating portion 16 when the heater device 1 is installed on the installation target. This is undesirable because it reduces the ability to conform to the external shape of the installation target. For example, when the heater main body 10 is placed near an occupant, as in this embodiment, it may be required to conform to a design that includes a curved surface. However, if the heat generating portion 12 is not bonded to the surface layer 14 and the insulating portion 16, it will not be able to conform to a design surface that includes a concave shape.

[0025] In response to this, for example, it is possible to attach the surface layer 14 and the heat insulating portion 16 to the heat generating portion 12 with an adhesive GL, as in the heater device CE1 of the first comparative example shown in Fig. 4. Note that in Fig. 4, the same reference numerals as those in the heater device 1 of the present embodiment are used to designate the components in the heater device CE1 of the first comparative example that correspond to those in the heater device 1 of the present embodiment.

[0026] In the heater device CE1 of the first comparative example, when the heat generating portion 12 generates heat, the heat generating portion 12 tries to expand in the direction of arrow AR1. On the other hand, when the heat generating portion 12 generates heat, the surface layer portion 14 tries to expand in response to the heat from the heat generating portion 12, but because its linear expansion coefficient is smaller than that of the heat generating portion 12, a force that causes it to contract in the direction of arrow AR2 acts on it. Similarly, when the heat generating portion 12 generates heat, the heat insulating portion 16 tries to expand in response to the heat from the heat generating portion 12, but because its linear expansion coefficient is smaller than that of the heat generating portion 12, a force that causes it to contract in the direction of arrow AR3 acts on it.

[0027] For this reason, in the heater device CE1 of the first comparative example, distortion occurs in the heat generating portion 12 due to thermal stress caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the various components, and unintended deformations DF such as irregularities and wrinkles tend to occur on the heater surface 10a, as shown in Fig. 5. Such unintended deformations DF are undesirable because they can reduce the design quality of the product or the object on which it is installed.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the study by the present inventors, it has been found that unintended deformation DF tends to occur easily in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction D1.

[0029] Taking these factors into consideration, the heater device 1 is configured as a laminate ST in which the heat generating portion 12, surface layer portion 14, and heat insulating portion 16 are laminated in this order with adhesives AD1 and AD2 interposed between them. The laminate ST is provided with a plurality of slits 20 to suppress deformation DF due to differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the heat generating portion 12, surface layer portion 14, and heat insulating portion 16. The heat insulating portion 16 is attached to the case portion 18 with adhesive AD3.

[0030] 6, the heater device 1 has a plurality of slits 20 formed in the heat insulating section 16. The plurality of slits 20 are formed so as to extend along a predetermined direction on the surface of the heat insulating section 16 facing the heat generating section 12.

[0031] In the laminate ST of this embodiment, the dimension in a "predetermined direction" in a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction Dst of the laminate ST is larger than the dimensions in "other directions." In this embodiment, the long-length direction D1 of the heater body 10 corresponds to the "predetermined direction," and the short-length direction D2 of the heater body 10 corresponds to the "other directions."

[0032] The plurality of slits 20 extend in a direction intersecting the long dimension direction D1, which is the "predetermined direction." Specifically, the plurality of slits 20 extend in the short dimension direction D2, which is the "other direction."

[0033] The longitudinal dimension Ls of the multiple slits 20 is set so that multiple slits 20 can be provided in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal dimension Ls of the slits 20 is equal to or less than half the dimension Lw of the heater body 10 in the short-length direction D2. If the longitudinal dimension Ls of the slits 20 is too large, the shape of the heat insulating section 16 will not be stable and will be prone to deformation. Therefore, it is desirable that the longitudinal dimension Ls of the slits 20 be equal to or less than one-third of the dimension Lw of the heater body 10 in the short-length direction D2. The multiple slits 20 may have the same or different longitudinal dimensions Ls.

[0034] The multiple slits 20 are arranged in a staggered pattern, with adjacent slits 20 in the short-side direction being shifted in the long-side direction of the slits 20. For example, adjacent slits 20 in the short-side direction are arranged so that the ends of the slits 20 in the long-side direction do not coincide with each other in the short-side direction.

[0035] The interval between adjacent slits 20 in the multiple slits 20 is smaller than the dimension Ls in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20. Specifically, the interval Li1 between adjacent slits 20 in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20 is smaller than the dimension Ls in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20. Furthermore, the interval Li2 between adjacent slits 20 in the short direction of the slits 20 is smaller than the dimension Ls in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20. Note that one of the interval Li1 between adjacent slits 20 in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20 and the interval Li2 between adjacent slits 20 in the short direction of the slits 20 may be equal to or larger than the dimension Ls in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20.

[0036] 7, the multiple slits 20 are configured as bottomed grooves GR rather than through holes TH. These bottomed grooves GR are formed in the portions of the heat insulating portion 16 facing the heat generating portion 12. If the groove depth Gd of the bottomed grooves GR is too large, the shape of the heat insulating portion 16 will not be stable and will be prone to deformation, so it is desirable that the groove depth Gd of the bottomed grooves GR be equal to or less than half the thickness Ith of the heat insulating portion 16 in the stacking direction Dst of the stack ST.

[0037] In the heater device 1 configured in this manner, when the heat generating portion 12 generates heat, the heat insulating portion 16 tries to contract in the direction of arrow AR3a due to the difference in the linear expansion coefficient between it and the heat generating portion 12, but tries to displace in the direction of arrow AR3b, opposite to arrow AR3a, at the portion where the slit 20 is provided. In other words, the heat insulating portion 16 can more easily follow the expansion of the heat generating portion 12 near the slit 20. In this case, the thermal stress caused by the difference in the linear expansion coefficient between the heat generating portion 12 and the heat insulating portion 16 is alleviated, making it less likely that unintended deformation DF, such as unevenness or wrinkles, will occur on the heater surface 10a.

[0038] According to the inventors' verification, in the heater device 1 of the first comparative example, when the heat generating portion 12 generates heat, the deformation amount in the stacking direction Dst of wrinkles and the like that occurs on the heater surface 10a is 0.3 mm or more, and it has been found that this is likely to affect the appearance and external appearance of the heater surface 10a.

[0039] In contrast, in the heater device 1 of the present invention, when the heat generating portion 12 generates heat, the amount of deformation in the stacking direction Dst, such as wrinkles, that occurs on the heater surface 10a is 0.2 mm or less, and it has been found that this has almost no effect on the appearance or external appearance of the heater surface 10a.

[0040] The heater device 1 described above is laminated by bonding the surface layer 14 and the heat insulating portion 16 to the flexible heat generating portion 12 with adhesives AD1 and AD2. This configuration prevents unintended gaps from being formed between the surface layer 14, the heat generating portion 12, and the heat insulating portion 16, ensuring conformability to the external shape of the object on which it is to be installed. Even if the steering column SC on which it is to be installed has a concave shape, the heater device 1 of this embodiment can be shaped to conform to that shape.

[0041] In addition, a plurality of slits 20 are provided in the laminate ST of the surface layer portion 14, the heat generating portion 12, and the heat insulating portion 16. This provides stretchability to the laminate ST, which in turn relieves thermal stress caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the members through the plurality of slits 20, thereby suppressing deformation DF caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the members.

[0042] Therefore, the heater device 1 of this embodiment can suppress the occurrence of unintended deformation DF of the heater surface 10a while ensuring conformability to the external shape of the installation target. The heater device 1 of this embodiment does not require an increase in the number of parts, so improved productivity and lower costs can be expected.

[0043] The heater device 1 of this embodiment also has the following features.

[0044] (1) The multiple slits 20 are configured as bottomed grooves GR formed in the heat insulating portion 16. When the multiple slits 20 are configured as bottomed grooves GR in this way, the shape of the heat insulating portion 16 is more easily maintained. This is very effective in suppressing the occurrence of unintended deformation DF due to differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the respective members. Furthermore, the fact that the shape of the heat insulating portion 16 is more easily maintained also contributes to improved productivity. These are also true when multiple bottomed slits 20 are provided in the heat generating portion 12 and the surface layer portion 14.

[0045] (2) The plurality of slits 20 are provided in the heat insulating portion 16 of the laminate ST. As a result, the plurality of slits 20 provided in the heat insulating portion 16 can suppress unintended deformation DF due to the difference in the linear expansion coefficient between the heat generating portion 12 and the heat insulating portion 16.

[0046] (3) The multiple slits 20 are formed to extend along a predetermined direction on the surface of the heat insulating part 16 facing the heat generating part 12. As a result, the slits 20 can relieve thermal stress acting in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction, thereby suppressing deformation DF due to the thermal stress.

[0047] (4) Specifically, the plurality of slits 20 extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction D1. This allows the slits 20 to relieve thermal stress acting in the longitudinal direction D1, thereby suppressing the occurrence of deformation DF of the heater surface 10a caused by the thermal stress.

[0048] (5) The longitudinal dimension Ls of at least some of the multiple slits 20 is set so that multiple slits 20 can be provided in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20. For example, if the slits 20 are provided so as to extend from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction D1 of the heat insulating portion 16, the shape of the heat insulating portion 16 will be unstable and will easily lose its shape. In contrast, if the longitudinal dimension Ls of the slits 20 is set to a dimension that allows multiple slits 20 to be provided in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20, the shape of the heat insulating portion 16 will be more easily maintained. This is also very effective in suppressing deformation DF of the heater surface 10a due to thermal stress.

[0049] (6) In at least some of the multiple slits 20, the distance between adjacent slits 20 is smaller than the longitudinal dimension Ls of the slits 20. If the distance between adjacent slits 20 is small in this way, it becomes easier to alleviate thermal stress caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the respective members, and therefore it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the heater surface 10a caused by the thermal stress.

[0050] (7) The plurality of slits 20 are arranged such that adjacent slits in the short direction of the slits 20 are shifted in the long direction of the slits 20. In this way, if the plurality of slits 20 are arranged in a staggered pattern, it becomes easier to alleviate thermal stress caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the respective members, and therefore it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deformation DF of the heater surface 10a caused by the thermal stress.

[0051] (First Modification of the First Embodiment) The multiple slits 20 do not have to be bottomed grooves GR, but may be formed as through holes TH that penetrate the front and back of the heat insulating portion 16, as shown in Fig. 9. In the heater device 1 configured in this manner, when the heat generating portion 12 generates heat, the heat insulating portion 16 tends to contract in the direction of arrow AR3a due to the difference in linear expansion coefficient between it and the heat generating portion 12, but tends to displace in the direction of arrow AR3b, opposite to arrow AR3a, at the locations where the slits 20 are provided. In other words, the heat insulating portion 16 can more easily follow the expansion of the heat generating portion 12 near the slits 20. In this case, the thermal stress caused by the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the heat generating portion 12 and the heat insulating portion 16 is alleviated, making it less likely that unintended deformation DF, such as unevenness or wrinkles, will occur on the heater surface 10a.

[0052] However, if the multiple slits 20 are formed by through holes TH, the portions separated by the slits 20 are no longer constrained from each other, making the shape of the member in which the slits 20 are provided unstable and prone to deformation. This is undesirable because it can cause small depressions DP or the like to form on the heater surface 10a. For this reason, it is desirable that each of the multiple slits 20 be formed by a bottomed groove GR.

[0053] (Second Modification of the First Embodiment) The longitudinal dimension Ls of the multiple slits 20 described in the first embodiment is equal to or less than half of the dimension Lw of the heat insulating section 16 in the short direction D2, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the longitudinal dimension Ls of the multiple slits 20 may be greater than half of the dimension Lw of the heat insulating section 16 in the short direction D2. Note that in Fig. 10, only one of the multiple slits 20 is denoted by a reference symbol to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0054] (Third Modification of the First Embodiment) Although the multiple slits 20 described in the first embodiment extend along the short-length direction D2, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the multiple slits 20 may extend along directions intersecting both the long-length direction D1 and the short-length direction D2.

[0055] (Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment) When the plurality of slits 20 extend in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction D1, it is desirable that the plurality of slits 20 be arranged in a staggered pattern, as shown in Fig. 12. In this case, it is desirable that the longitudinal dimension Ls of the plurality of slits 20 be set so that a plurality of slits 20 can be provided in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20. Note that in Fig. 12, only one of the plurality of slits 20 is denoted by a reference symbol to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0056] (Fifth Modification of the First Embodiment) The multiple slits 20 described in the first embodiment extend along the short-length direction D2, but are not limited thereto, and may extend along the long-length direction D1, for example, as shown in Fig. 13. In this case, it is preferable that the longitudinal dimension Ls of the multiple slits 20 is set so that multiple slits 20 can be provided in the longitudinal direction of the slits 20. Note that in Fig. 13, only one of the multiple slits 20 is denoted by a reference symbol to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0057] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 16. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0058] 14, the heater body 10 of this embodiment has a substantially square outer shape on the heater surface 10a side. That is, the heater body 10 has a vertical dimension Lv and a horizontal dimension Lh that are substantially the same.

[0059] Here, a heater device CE2 of a second comparative example is provided which includes a heater main body 10 having the shape shown in FIG. 14, and in which a surface layer 14 and a heat insulating portion 16 are attached to a heat generating portion 12 with adhesive GL.

[0060] According to the research and study by the inventors, it was found that in the heater device CE2 of the second comparative example, when the heat generating portion 12 generates heat, unintended deformations DF such as wrinkles and unevenness tend to occur radially from approximately the center of the heater surface 10a, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0061] Taking this into consideration, the heater device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of slits 20 extending along a plurality of predetermined directions on the surface of the heat insulating part 16 facing the heat generating part 12 to accommodate the deformations DF formed in various directions. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, the plurality of slits 20 are formed so as to extend radially from approximately the center of the heater surface 10a. Note that in Fig. 16, only one of the plurality of slits 20 is labeled with a reference symbol to avoid complicating the drawing.

[0062] The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The heater device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment that are achieved by a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0063] The heater device 1 of this embodiment also has the following features.

[0064] (1) The multiple slits 20 are formed to extend along multiple predetermined directions on the surface of the heat insulating part 16 facing the heat generating part 12. As a result, the slits 20 can relieve thermal stress acting in a direction intersecting the multiple predetermined directions, thereby suppressing deformation DF due to the thermal stress. For example, the heater device 1 of this embodiment can suppress deformation DF as shown in FIG. 15.

[0065] (Modification of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the multiple slits 20 are formed so as to extend radially from approximately the central portion of the heater surface 10a, but this is not limited thereto and they may be formed so as to extend in a direction different from that described above.

[0066] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 17, in the laminate ST, a plurality of slits 20A are provided in the heat generating portion 12, not in the heat insulating portion 16. The heat generating portion 12 has a heat generating element, electrical wiring, etc., and therefore, unlike the heat insulating portion 16, the shape of the heat generating portion 12 is easily maintained even when the slits 20A are formed. For this reason, the slits 20A are configured as through holes TH, not bottomed grooves GR. Note that the dimensions and arrangement of the slits 20A are the same as those of the slits 20 described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0068] In the heater device 1 configured in this manner, when the heat generating portion 12 generates heat, the heat generating portion 12 tries to expand in the direction of arrow AR1a, but tries to displace in the direction of arrow AR1b, opposite to arrow AR1a, at the portion where the slit 20A is provided. In this case, the expansion of the heat generating portion 12 is suppressed, and thermal stress caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the heat generating portion 12, the surface layer portion 14, and the heat insulating portion 16 is alleviated, making it less likely that unintended deformation DF, such as unevenness or wrinkles, will occur on the heater surface 10a.

[0069] The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The heater device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment that are achieved by a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0070] The heater device 1 of this embodiment also has the following features.

[0071] (1) The multiple slits 20A are provided in the heat generating portion 12 of the laminate ST. This allows the multiple slits 20A provided in the heat generating portion 12 to alleviate thermal stress caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the heat generating portion 12 and the heat insulating portion 16, or thermal stress caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the heat generating portion 12 and the surface layer portion 14. As a result, unintended deformation DF caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the members of the laminate ST can be suppressed.

[0072] (Modification of the third embodiment) The plurality of slits 20A may be configured as, for example, bottomed grooves GR instead of through holes TH. The bottomed grooves GR may be formed in at least one of the portion of the heat generating part 12 facing the heat insulating part 16 and the portion of the heat generating part 12 facing the surface layer part 14. The plurality of slits 20A may also be formed in the manners shown in the second to fifth modified examples of the first embodiment.

[0073] In the laminate ST of the third embodiment, slits 20B are provided in the heat generating portion 12, but this is not limited thereto. For example, multiple slits 20 may be provided not only in the heat generating portion 12 but also in the heat insulating portion 16, for example.

[0074] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 18. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 18, in the laminate ST, a plurality of slits 20B are provided not in the heat insulating portion 16 but in the surface layer portion 14. Since the surface side of the surface layer portion 14 becomes the heater surface 10a, the slits 20B are configured as bottomed grooves GR rather than through holes TH. These bottomed grooves GR are formed in the surface layer portion 14 at locations facing the heat generating portion 12. Note that the dimensions and arrangement of the slits 20B are similar to those of the slits 20 described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0076] In the heater device 1 configured in this manner, when the heat generating portion 12 generates heat, the surface layer portion 14 tends to contract in the direction of arrow AR2a due to the difference in linear expansion coefficient between it and the heat generating portion 12, but tends to displace in the direction of arrow AR2b, opposite to arrow AR2a, at the portion where the slit 20B is provided. In other words, the surface layer portion 14 is more likely to follow the expansion of the heat generating portion 12 near the slit 20B. In this case, the thermal stress caused by the difference in linear expansion coefficient between the heat generating portion 12 and the surface layer portion 14 is alleviated, making it less likely that unintended deformation DF, such as unevenness or wrinkles, will occur on the heater surface 10a.

[0077] The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. The heater device 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment that are achieved by a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0078] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0079] (1) The multiple slits 20B are provided in the surface layer portion 14 of the laminate ST. This allows the multiple slits 20B provided in the surface layer portion 14 to alleviate thermal stress caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the heat-generating portion 12 and the surface layer portion 14. As a result, unintended deformation DF caused by differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the members of the laminate ST can be suppressed.

[0080] (Modification of the fourth embodiment) In the laminate ST of the fourth embodiment, slits 20B are provided in the surface layer portion 14, but the present invention is not limited to this. The laminate ST may have, for example, a plurality of slits 20A provided not only in the surface layer portion 14 but also in the heat generating portion 12, or a plurality of slits 20 provided in the heat insulating portion 16. The plurality of slits 20B may be formed in the manners shown in the second to fifth modified examples of the first embodiment.

[0081] (Other embodiments) Representative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways, for example, as follows.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the components of the heater device 1 have been specifically described, but some of the components of the heater device 1 may be different from those described above. For example, the heater body 10 may have a shape other than a square.

[0083] The heater main body 10 in the above-described embodiment includes the case 18, but the case 18 is not an essential component and may be omitted. Also, the heater main body 10 in the above-described embodiment is installed on the steering column SC, but is not limited thereto and may be installed, for example, on an instrument panel, a glove box, the back of the backrest of the seat S, or the like.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the heater device 1 of the present disclosure is applied to a heating device that heats the interior of a vehicle, but the heater device 1 of the present disclosure can also be widely applied to heating devices that heat indoors, portable heating devices, etc.

[0085] In the above-described embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are specifically stated as essential or are clearly considered essential in principle.

[0086] In the above-described embodiments, when numerical values ​​such as the number, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers unless they are specifically stated as essential or are clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0087] In the above-described embodiments, when referring to the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of components, etc., the shapes, positional relationships, etc. are not limited to those unless otherwise specified or when they are limited in principle to specific shapes, positional relationships, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Heater device 12 Heat generating part 14 Surface layer 16 Insulation section 20 slits AD1, AD2 adhesive ST laminate

Claims

1. A heater device, A flexible heat generating portion (12); a surface layer portion (14) covering the surface side of the heat generating portion; a heat insulating part (16) that covers the rear surface side of the heat generating part and blocks the heat generated by the heat generating part, The heat generating portion, the surface layer portion, and the heat insulating portion are configured as a laminate in which the surface layer portion, the heat generating portion, and the heat insulating portion are laminated in this order via adhesives (AD1, AD2), The laminate is provided with a plurality of slits (20, 20A, 20B) for suppressing deformation due to differences in the linear expansion coefficients of the heat generating portion, the surface layer portion, and the heat insulating portion, The adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that maintains its viscosity over time; The heater device, wherein the plurality of slits include a bottomed groove (GR) formed in a portion of at least one of the surface layer portion and the heat insulating portion facing the heat generating portion.

2. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slits (20) are provided in the heat insulating portion of the laminate.

3. The heater device according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of slits are formed so as to extend in one predetermined direction on a surface of the heat insulating portion facing the heat generating portion.

4. The heater device according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of slits are formed so as to extend along a plurality of predetermined directions on a surface of the heat insulating portion facing the heat generating portion.

5. The laminate has a dimension in a predetermined direction in a plane perpendicular to the lamination direction of the laminate that is larger than dimensions in other directions, 5. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slits extend in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction.

6. The laminate has a dimension in a predetermined direction in a plane perpendicular to the lamination direction of the laminate that is larger than dimensions in other directions, 5. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slits extend in the predetermined direction.

7. 7. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal dimensions of at least some of the plurality of slits are set so that a plurality of the slits can be provided in the longitudinal direction of the slits.

8. 8. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein in at least some of the plurality of slits, the distance between adjacent slits is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the slits.

9. 9. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slits are arranged so that adjacent ones in the widthwise direction of the slits are shifted in the lengthwise direction of the slits.

10. 10. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slits (20A) are provided in the heat generating portion of the laminate.

11. 11. The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slits (20B) are provided in the surface layer portion of the laminate.

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