Covering having a heat-generating element and a thermocouple

Abstract

To provide a coating body having a heat generation element and a thermocouple, capable of performing a highly accurate temperature measurement by establishing stable and direct contact of the thermocouple with a surface of an object.SOLUTION: A coating body for coating an object comprises: an inner layer part arranged at a side near the object; an outer layer part arranged at a side apart from the object; an inner-layer side heat insulation member arranged at the outer layer part side of the inner layer part; an outer-layer side heat insulation member arranged at the inner layer part side of the outer layer part; a heat generation element arranged between the inner-layer side heat insulation member and the outer-layer side heat insulation member; a sheet for providing a step part at a side of the inner layer part further nearer the object; and a thermocouple arranged at a side of the step part further nearer the object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a covering having a heating element and a thermocouple. In particular, the present invention relates to a covering that can heat and keep warm a pipe for supplying or exhausting gas, for example, to a desired temperature.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses the following structure as a covering that can heat and keep warm a pipe for supplying or exhausting gas to a desired temperature.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 21 (corresponding to FIG. 4(c) of Patent Document 1), the covering of Patent Document 1 has a heating element 530 such as a heater wire, a heat insulating member 540 (glass cloth material) that supports the heating element 530 on the inner layer side, and a heat insulating portion 520 (glass fiber) disposed on the outer layer side of the heating element 530, laminated between an inner layer portion 510 and an outer layer portion 50 (both made of fluororesin material).

[0004] In the example of FIG. 21, further, a metal thin plate 400 is interposed between the heat insulating member 540 and the inner layer portion 510, and a heat insulating and insulating member 600 (alumina cloth material) having a large heat storage degree is provided further inside the inner layer portion 510 (on the side of the gas pipe 110). The metal thin plate 400 and the heat insulating and insulating member 600 are arranged to make the heating condition of the gas pipe uniform.

[0005] And, in order to use the actual temperature of the gas pipe 110 for feedback control of the heating element 530, a temperature detection unit 555 such as a plate-shaped heat collecting plate is provided so as to contact the gas pipe 110. The temperature detection unit 555 is attached further inside the heat insulating and insulating member 600 (on the side of the gas pipe 110). And, A thermocouple is connected to the temperature sensing unit 555. In the example of FIG. 21, a thermoswitch 560 as a temperature switch (control unit) is also attached further inside the heat insulating and insulating member 600 (on the side of the gas pipe 110).

[0006] With the covering described above, heat from the gas pipe 110 is easily transferred directly to the temperature sensing unit 555, such as a plate-shaped heat collector. As a result, the thermocouple connected to it can indirectly detect the temperature of the gas pipe 110. Therefore, the temperature information detected by the thermocouple can be used for feedback control of the heating element 530. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6616265 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The inventors of this case have found that when measuring the temperature of a pipe using a thermocouple, it is possible to measure the temperature with higher accuracy by directly applying the thermocouple to the surface of the pipe (or, if the pipe body is covered with resin, the resin surface is the pipe surface) without interposing a plate-shaped heat collector (referring to a plate or foil of a metal with high thermal conductivity (for example, stainless steel or aluminum, or other metals having a thermal conductivity equal to or greater than that of the thermocouple) that is auxiliaryly attached to the thermocouple in order for the thermocouple to more effectively detect the surrounding heat) as described above. (In addition to direct contact, at least at the time of filing this application, the inventors have not ruled out the possibility of interposing a film or patch between the two that has little effect on temperature measurement.)

[0009] However, we also found that in configurations where the thermocouple is simply exposed inside the heat-insulating member 600, the contact between the thermocouple and the pipe surface may not be stable, making it impossible to perform high-precision temperature measurements.

[0010] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the heat insulating member 600 was provided to uniformly and equally cover the entire pipe in order to improve temperature uniformity. However, the inventors of this invention have found that even if this function is sacrificed locally, it does not have a significant impact on the temperature uniformity of the entire pipe.

[0011] The present invention was conceived based on the above findings. The object of the present invention is to provide a covering having a heat-generating element and a thermocouple, which can achieve highly accurate temperature measurement by stably and directly contacting the thermocouple with the surface of an object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention relates to a covering body for covering an object, characterized by comprising: an inner layer disposed on the side closer to the object; an outer layer disposed on the side further away from the object; an inner layer side insulating member disposed on the outer layer side of the inner layer; an outer layer side insulating member disposed on the inner layer side of the outer layer; a heat-generating element disposed between the inner layer side insulating member and the outer layer side insulating member; a sheet providing a stepped portion on the side of the inner layer closer to the object; and a thermocouple provided on the side of the stepped portion closer to the object.

[0013] According to the present invention, the provision of a stepped portion (a portion that is locally raised inward relative to its peripheral region) facilitates the stable and direct application of the thermocouple to the surface of the object. This makes it possible to achieve more accurate temperature measurement.

[0014] At least at the time of filing this application, the thermocouple is not exposed, meaning that a thin film or patch (for example, made of fluororesin, polyimide resin, or aramid resin, with an upper limit of about 0.5 mm in thickness) is provided on the object side of the thermocouple, and such a configuration in which the film or patch is interposed between the thermocouple and the object is not excluded. However, it is preferable if at least a part of the thermocouple is exposed on the side of the stepped portion closer to the object, as this facilitates direct contact between the thermocouple and the object.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sheet is provided as a sheet patch locally on the side of the inner layer that is closer to the object, thereby providing the stepped portion.

[0016] According to this aspect of the present invention, a locally provided sheet patch helps to stably and directly apply a thermocouple to the surface of an object. This makes it possible to achieve more accurate temperature measurement.

[0017] According to various experiments conducted by the inventors of this invention, the sheet patch is preferably made of a material with elasticity that allows the thermocouple to be gently pressed against the surface of the object. Specifically, the sheet patch is preferably made of fluororesin, polyimide resin, or aramid resin. It has been confirmed that even if such a sheet patch is provided locally, it does not significantly affect the temperature uniformity of the entire object. Furthermore, such a sheet patch has the advantage of being able to effectively eliminate the direct influence from heat-generating elements in temperature measurement using a thermocouple because it has thermal insulation properties and low heat storage capacity.

[0018] The area of ​​the sheet patch (projected area from the inside) is preferably 5 to 400 times the exposed area of ​​the thermocouple (projected area from the inside) when the thermocouple is exposed on the sheet patch. Within this range, the thermocouple can be stably brought into direct contact with the surface of the object without significantly affecting the overall temperature uniformity of the object.

[0019] Specifically, it was confirmed that the effects of the present invention can be obtained when the area of ​​the sheet patch is 10 cm x 10 cm and the exposed area of ​​the thermocouple is 1 / 400 to 1 / 87 of the sheet patch area (the area of ​​the sheet patch is 87 to 400 times the area of ​​the thermocouple exposed on the sheet patch). Furthermore, it was confirmed that the effects of the present invention can be obtained when the area of ​​the sheet patch is 3 cm x 2 cm and the exposed area of ​​the thermocouple is 1 / 24 to 1 / 5 of the sheet patch area (the area of ​​the sheet patch is 5 to 24 times the area of ​​the thermocouple exposed on the sheet patch).

[0020] For example, the sheet patch has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. Also, for example, the sheet patch has a rectangular shape with one side no more than half the circumference of the pipe, or a rectangular shape with one side no more than 10 cm. Alternatively, for example, the sheet patch has a circular or ring shape with a diameter no more than half the circumference of the pipe, or a circular or ring shape with a diameter no more than 10 cm.

[0021] Furthermore, the technical idea of ​​providing sheet patches locally can also be substituted by making a sheet patch portion, which is a part of a sheet that extends overall to the object, protrude locally. That is, in another embodiment of the present invention, the stepped portion is provided by a part of the sheet protruding locally as a sheet patch portion closer to the object.

[0022] According to this aspect of the present invention, locally provided sheet patch portions support the stable and direct application of the thermocouple to the surface of the object. This makes it possible to achieve more accurate temperature measurement.

[0023] According to various experiments conducted by the inventor of the present invention, the sheet patch portion (including the sheet) is preferably made of a material having elasticity such that the thermocouple is gently pressed against the surface of the object. Specifically, the sheet including the sheet patch portion is preferably made of a fluororesin, a polyimide resin, or an aramid resin. It has been confirmed that even when such a sheet patch portion (including the sheet) is provided, it has little effect on the temperature uniformity of the entire object. Furthermore, in such a case of the sheet patch Department since it has heat insulation and low heat storage properties, there is also an advantage that the direct influence from the heating element can be effectively excluded in the temperature measurement by the thermocouple.

[0024] When the thermocouple is exposed on the sheet patch portion, the area of the sheet patch portion (projected area from the inside) is preferably 5 to 400 times the area of the exposed portion of the thermocouple (projected area from the inside). Within this range, the thermocouple can be stably and directly contacted with the surface of the object without significantly affecting the temperature uniformity of the entire object.

[0025] Specifically, when the area of the sheet patch portion is 10 cm × 10 cm, it has been confirmed that the effect of the present invention can be obtained if the area of the exposed thermocouple is 1 / 400 to 1 / 87 times thereof (the area of the sheet patch portion is 87 to 400 times the area of the exposed portion of the thermocouple on the sheet patch portion). Furthermore, when the area of the sheet patch portion is 3 cm × 2 cm, it has been confirmed that the effect of the present invention can be obtained if the area of the exposed thermocouple is 1 / 24 to 1 / 5 times thereof (the area of the sheet patch portion is 5 to 24 times the area of the exposed portion of the thermocouple on the sheet patch portion).

[0026] For example, the sheet excluding the sheet patch portion has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. The sheet patch portion has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm on the sheet. Also, for example, the sheet patch portion has a rectangular shape with one side being 1 / 2 times or less the outer circumference of the pipe, or a rectangular shape with one side being 10 cm or less. Alternatively, for example, the sheet patch DepartmentIt has a circular or ring shape with a diameter of 1 / 2 times or less the outer circumference of the pipe, or a circular or ring shape with a diameter of 10 cm or less.

[0027] Furthermore, in each of the above coverings, it is preferable that the heating element and the thermocouple are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed in the thickness direction from the inner layer to the outer layer.

[0028] In this case, the direct influence from heat-generating elements can be more effectively eliminated when measuring temperature using thermocouples.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention is a heat-generating structure characterized by comprising an object which is a straight pipe, an elbow pipe, a flexible pipe, or a valve body, and a covering having any of the above characteristics. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present invention, the presence of a stepped portion facilitates the stable and direct application of the thermocouple to the surface of the object. This makes it possible to achieve more accurate temperature measurement.

[0031] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, a locally provided sheet patch helps to stably and directly apply a thermocouple to the surface of an object. This makes it possible to achieve more accurate temperature measurement.

[0032] Alternatively, according to another aspect of the present invention, a sheet patch portion that protrudes locally on the sheet helps to stably and directly apply the thermocouple to the surface of the object. This can enable more accurate temperature measurement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a coating according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the covering. [Figure 3]This is a photograph of another type of thermocouple. [Figure 4] This is a photograph of another type of thermocouple. [Figure 5] This is a photograph of another type of thermocouple. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a specific example of a valve box. [Figure 7] This is a front view showing a specific example of a valve body. [Figure 8] This is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a sheet patch of a type with an inconsistent thickness. [Figure 9] This is a schematic longitudinal section showing another example of a sheet patch of a type with non-uniform thickness. [Figure 10] This is a schematic longitudinal section showing another example of a sheet patch of a type with non-uniform thickness. [Figure 11] This is a schematic longitudinal section showing another example of a sheet patch of a type with non-uniform thickness. [Figure 12] This is a schematic longitudinal section showing another example of a sheet patch of a type with non-uniform thickness. [Figure 13] This is a schematic longitudinal section showing another example of a sheet patch of a type with non-uniform thickness. [Figure 14] This is a schematic perspective view of a coating according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the covering. [Figure 16] This is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 15, showing another example of a sheet patch area. [Figure 17] This is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 15, showing another example of a sheet patch area. [Figure 18] This is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 15, showing another example of a sheet patch area. [Figure 19] This is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 15, showing another example of a sheet patch area. [Figure 20] This is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 15, showing another example of a sheet patch area. [Figure 21] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional coating. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] (One embodiment) The covering 1 of one embodiment of the present invention is a covering that can heat and maintain the temperature of a straight pipe (an example of an object) for gas supply or exhaust to a desired temperature. The shape of the covering 1 (on the inner layer side) is designed and manufactured in advance to match the straight pipe shape of the pipe.

[0036] (Composition of covering 1) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the covering 1 of this embodiment comprises an inner layer 11 consisting of two laminated glass cloth, fluororesin-coated glass cloth, fluororesin porous sheet, or aramid fiber cloth layer, and an outer layer 12 consisting of fluororesin-coated glass cloth, silicone resin-coated glass cloth, fluororesin porous sheet, or aramid fiber cloth layer. The inner layer 11 is positioned on the side closer to the piping, and the outer layer 12 is positioned on the side further away from the piping.

[0037] The covering 1 has a predetermined thickness (approximately 20 mm in this example), and the inner layer 11 and the outer layer 12 are connected at the lateral ends by a lateral layer 13. The lateral layer 13, like the outer layer 12, is made of a fluororesin-coated glass cloth layer.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the inner layer insulation member 21 is positioned on the outside (outer layer 12 side) of the inner layer 11. The inner layer insulation member 21 supports the heat-generating element 23, which consists of a heater wire, on the inner layer side. The outer layer insulation member 22 is positioned on the outside (outer layer 12 side) of the heat-generating element 23.

[0039] The inner layer insulation member 21 is made of silica fiber cloth, the heating element 23 is made of nickel-chromium heating wire and is sewn to the inner layer insulation member 21 with fluororesin-coated glass yarn, and the outer layer insulation member 22 is made of glass mat.

[0040] In the covering body 1 of this embodiment, sheet patches 31 are provided locally in two locations on the inside (pipe side) of the inner layer 11 as sheets that provide a stepped portion (they may be sewn on with thread or bonded, and there may be one or three or more sheet patches 31). Each of the sheet patches 31 in this embodiment is made of fluororesin, has appropriate elasticity, and has a rectangular shape of 3 cm x 2 cm (area is 6 cm²). 2 The thickness is 1.0 mm.

[0041] Furthermore, a thermocouple 32 is exposed on the inside (pipe side) of each sheet patch 31. The thermocouple 32 in this embodiment is a "sheathed straight" type with a diameter of 1 mm, and its entire 2.0 cm length is exposed. The thermocouple 32 is sewn or glued to the sheet patch 31 via thread.

[0042] In other words, the area of ​​the thermocouple 32 exposed on the sheet patch 31 (projected area from the inside) is 0.25 cm². 2 As a result, the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 (projected area from the inside) is 24 times the area of ​​the thermocouple 32 exposed on the sheet patch 31 (projected area from the inside).

[0043] The base end of the thermocouple 32 can be connected to a control unit (not shown) (e.g., a thermostat) via a lead wire (not shown) that penetrates the covering 1 (sheet patch 31, inner layer 11, inner layer insulation member 21, outer layer insulation member 22, and outer layer 12). The control unit can also be connected to the heat-generating element 23 via a lead wire that penetrates the outer layer 12 and the outer layer insulation member 22. The control unit controls the supply of current to the heat-generating element 23 according to the temperature measurement taken by the thermocouple 32.

[0044] In addition, the covering body 1 of this embodiment is provided with a fastening portion 14 on the outer surface of the outer layer portion 12, and the covering body 1 is fixed onto the pipe, which is the object, by fastening the fastener of the fastening portion 14 and the fastener of the outer layer portion 12 with a hook, belt, hook-and-loop fastener, string, or fluororubber ring.

[0045] (Action of coating 1) As described above, the shape of the inner layer of the covering 1 is designed and manufactured in advance to match the external shape of the pipe that is the object in question. The covering 1 is then fixed onto the pipe by fastening the fasteners of the fastening portion 14 and the fasteners of the outer layer portion 12.

[0046] During this fixing process, the thermocouple 32 is exposed on the pipe side in the covering 1 of this embodiment. However, because the sheet patch 31 has elasticity that allows it to gently press the thermocouple 32 against the pipe surface, the thermocouple 32 can be stably brought into direct contact with the pipe surface.

[0047] Here, it was confirmed that the sheet patch 31 is provided only locally, corresponding to the installation location of the thermocouple 32, and therefore does not have a significant adverse effect on the temperature uniformity of the entire piping.

[0048] According to the covering 1 of this embodiment as described above, the locally provided sheet patch 31 helps to stably bring the thermocouple 32 into direct contact with the pipe surface. This makes it possible to achieve more accurate temperature measurement.

[0049] The thermocouple 32 is connected to a control unit (e.g., a thermostat) not shown, which controls the supply of power to the heat-generating element 23 according to the temperature measurement from the thermocouple 32. This allows for more precise control of the power supply to the heat-generating element 23.

[0050] Herein, according to the covering 1 of this embodiment, since the sheet patch 31 has thermal insulation properties and low heat storage capacity, there is also the advantage that the direct influence from the heat-generating element 23 can be effectively eliminated when measuring temperature with the thermocouple 32. Furthermore, if the exposed portions of the heat-generating element 23 and the thermocouple 32 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed in the thickness direction from the inner layer 11 to the outer layer 12, it is even more effective in eliminating the direct influence from the heat-generating element 23.

[0051] (Variations of sheet patch) In the embodiments described above, the sheet patch 31 was a rectangular shape of 3 cm × 2 cm, and the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 was 24 times the area of ​​the thermocouple 32 exposed on the sheet patch 31, but it is not limited to this. According to the inventors of this invention, when the area of ​​the sheet patch is 3 cm × 2 cm, the effect of the present invention can be obtained if the area of ​​the thermocouple exposed is 1 / 24 to 1 / 5 of that (the area of ​​the sheet patch is 5 to 24 times the area of ​​the thermocouple exposed on the sheet patch).

[0052] Furthermore, if the sheet patch 31 is a rectangular shape of 10 cm x 10 cm, the inventors have confirmed that the effects of the present invention can be obtained if the area in which the thermocouple is exposed is 1 / 400 to 1 / 87 of that size (i.e., the area of ​​the sheet patch is 87 to 400 times the area in which the thermocouple is exposed on the sheet patch).

[0053] Furthermore, the sheet patch 31 may also be a rectangular shape of other sizes; for example, the effects of the present invention can be obtained if it is a rectangular shape with sides of 10 cm or less. In relation to the outer circumference of the pipe, the effects of the present invention can be obtained if the sheet patch 31 is a rectangular shape with sides of 1 / 2 time or less (preferably 1 / 4 time or less) of the outer circumference of the pipe (the thermocouple 32 can be softly pressed against the pipe surface, and the thermocouple 32 can be stably brought into direct contact with the pipe surface).

[0054] Alternatively, the sheet patch 31 is not limited to a rectangular shape and can have various shapes. For example, the sheet patch 31 may be circular, elliptical, or ring-shaped. In the case of a ring shape, the area of ​​the central hole may overlap with the thermocouple 32. When the sheet patch 31 is circular, elliptical, or ring-shaped, the effects of the present invention can be expected if its diameter, twice its major axis radius, or outer diameter is 10 cm or less. In relation to the outer circumference of the pipe, the effects of the present invention can be obtained if the sheet patch 31's diameter, twice its major axis radius, or outer diameter is 1 / 2 times (preferably 1 / 4 times or less) the outer circumference of the pipe (the thermocouple 32 can be softly pressed against the pipe surface, and the thermocouple 32 can be stably in direct contact with the pipe surface).

[0055] Furthermore, the effects of the present invention can be expected if the thickness of the sheet patch 31 is between 0.1 mm and 5.0 mm. (If the thickness of the sheet patch 31 exceeds 5.0 mm, the distance between the heating element 32 and the pipe surface at that location becomes excessive, and furthermore, the end face portion of the sheet patch 31 becomes an excessive step, leaving a gap between the covering 1 and the pipe surface, which can hinder efficient and uniform heating of the pipe.)

[0056] (A variation of a thermocouple) Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the "sheath straight" type thermocouple 32, and various other types of thermocouples can be used. For example, Figure 3 is a photograph of a "tip plate" type thermocouple, Figure 4 is a photograph of a "tip block" type thermocouple, and Figure 5 is a photograph of a "tip O-shaped terminal" type thermocouple. The present invention can be applied to any of these types of thermocouples (especially thermocouples that do not have a planar shape that is easy to conform to an object).

[0057] (Variations of the overall form) Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the overall form of the covering 1 is designed and manufactured for straight pipes, but the invention is not limited to this, and the overall form of the covering 1 may be designed and manufactured for pipes having straight sections and bent sections. Moreover, the overall form of the covering 1 may be designed and manufactured for objects having complex shapes, such as valve bodies (boxes that house valve units). Figures 6 and 7 show specific structural examples of valve bodies 40 (Figures 6 and 7 are based on Figures 10 and 11 of the applicant's prior patent (Patent No. 6596025)).

[0058] Furthermore, the entire heat-generating structure comprising an object (for example, a straight pipe, elbow pipe, flexible pipe, or valve body) and a covering body 1 that covers the object is also subject to the present invention.

[0059] (Sheet patch thickness) While increasing the thickness of the sheet patch 31 enhances the effect of pressing the thermocouple 32 against it, making it too thick can result in insufficient heating of the sheet patch 31 and uneven temperature distribution. Therefore, it is desirable to appropriately select the thickness of the sheet patch 31 according to the type and dimensions of the object and covering 1, as well as the type and dimensions of the thermocouple 32, etc.

[0060] Furthermore, in the embodiments and their respective modifications described above, it is assumed that the thickness of the sheet patch 31 is constant or substantially constant throughout the sheet patch 31. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.

[0061] For example, by making the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the tip side of the thermocouple 32 thicker than the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the base side of the thermocouple 32, the action of pressing the tip side of the thermocouple 32 against the object can be made more reliable. As the distance between the thermocouple 32 and the object is reduced by this action, the influence of thermal noise that would otherwise reach the thermocouple 32 directly from the heating element 23 consisting of heater wires is suppressed.

[0062] Various specific embodiments can be considered to make the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the tip side of the thermocouple 32 thicker than the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the base side of the thermocouple 32. Figures 8 to 13 are schematic longitudinal cross-sectional views showing examples of sheet patches 31 of varying thickness.

[0063] Figure 8 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a type in which the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the tip side (right side in Figure 8) of the thermocouple 32 is folded. Figure 8(a) shows the state before attachment to the covering 1, and Figure 8(b) shows the state after attachment to the covering 1. In Figure 8(b), the upper side of the sheet patch 31 is adhered to the covering 1, but the illustration of the covering 1 is omitted. From the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing, it is preferable that the number of folds be two or less (overlap of three or fewer sheets) (because it is not easy to fold it three or more times).

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, by folding the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the tip side of the thermocouple 32 toward the opposite side of the thermocouple 32, the risk of the thermocouple 32 getting undesirably "caught" on the sheet patch 31 and causing undesirable deformation or damage is significantly suppressed.

[0065] Figure 9 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a type in which the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the tip side (right side in Figure 9) of the thermocouple 32 is double-layered. Figure 9(a) shows the state before attachment to the covering 1, and Figure 9(b) shows the state after attachment to the covering 1. In Figure 9(b), the upper side of the sheet patch 31 is adhered to the covering 1, but the covering 1 is not shown. From the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing, it is preferable that the number of layers be three or less (because it is not easy to layer four or more).

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, by doubling the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the tip side of the thermocouple 32 on the opposite side from the thermocouple 32, the risk of the thermocouple 32 getting undesirably "caught" with the sheet patch 31 and causing undesirable deformation or damage is significantly suppressed.

[0067] Figure 10 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a type in which the entire sheet patch 31 is formed in a "wedge shape" such that the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the tip side of the thermocouple 32 (right side in Figure 10) is thicker than the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the base side of the thermocouple 32 (left side in Figure 10). The thermocouple 32 is provided on the inclined surface side of the wedge-shaped sheet patch 31.

[0068] As shown in Figure 10, forming the entire sheet patch 31 in a "wedge shape" significantly reduces the risk of the thermocouple 32 getting undesirably "caught" with the sheet patch 31, which could lead to undesirable deformation or damage.

[0069] Figure 11 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a type in which the entire sheet patch 31 is formed in a "wedge shape" such that the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the tip side of the thermocouple 32 (right side in Figure 11) is thicker than the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the base side of the thermocouple 32 (left side in Figure 11). Figure 11(a) shows the state before attachment to the covering 1, with the thermocouple 32 provided on the horizontal side of the wedge-shaped sheet patch 31. Figure 11(b) shows the state after attachment to the covering 1, with the upper surface of the sheet patch 31 being adhered to the covering 1, but the covering 1 is not shown.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 11, the risk of the thermocouple 32 getting undesirably "caught" with the sheet patch 31 and causing undesirable deformation or damage is significantly suppressed.

[0071] Figure 12 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a type in which a portion of the sheet patch 31 is formed in a "wedge shape" such that the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the tip side of the thermocouple 32 (right side in Figure 10) is thicker than the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the base side of the thermocouple 32 (left side in Figure 11). The thermocouple 32 is provided on the inclined side of the sheet patch 31.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, forming a portion of the sheet patch 31 in a "wedge shape" significantly reduces the risk of the thermocouple 32 getting undesirably "caught" with the sheet patch 31, which could lead to undesirable deformation or damage.

[0073] Figure 13 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a type in which a portion of the sheet patch 31 is formed in a "wedge shape" such that the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the tip side of the thermocouple 32 (right side in Figure 13) is thicker than the area of ​​the sheet patch 31 located on the base side of the thermocouple 32 (left side in Figure 13). Figure 13(a) shows the state before attachment to the covering 1, with the thermocouple 32 provided on the horizontal side of the sheet patch 31. Figure 13(b) shows the state after attachment to the covering 1, with the upper side of the sheet patch 31 being adhered to the covering 1, but the covering 1 is not shown.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 13, the risk of the thermocouple 32 getting undesirably "caught" with the sheet patch 31 and causing undesirable deformation or damage is significantly suppressed.

[0075] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, the sheet patch 31 is directly provided on the inside (pipe side) of the inner layer 11, but even if some intermediate layer is interposed between the two, the configuration is within the scope of the present invention.

[0076] Furthermore, even if the intermediate layer and the sheet patch 31 are integrally bonded together (by sewing or bonding via thread, etc.), the configuration remains within the scope of the present invention.

[0077] Furthermore, instead of locally arranging sheet patches 31 as the sheet that provides the stepped portion, a sheet 130 with a locally protruding sheet patch portion 131 may be arranged on the inside (piping side) of the inner layer portion 11. Such embodiments are shown in Figures 14 and 15.

[0078] In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, a sheet 130 is arranged on the inside (pipe side) of the inner layer 11, with sheet patch portions 131 protruding locally at two locations (it may be one or three or more locations). The sheet patch portions 131 are configured as thicker parts than the rest of the sheet 130, providing a stepped portion (see Figure 15). The sheet 130 in this embodiment (including the sheet patch portions 131) is made of fluororesin and has appropriate elasticity. The thickness of the sheet 130 excluding the sheet patch portions 131 is 0.5 mm, and each sheet patch portion 131 has a rectangular shape of 3 cm × 2 cm (area is 6 cm²). 2 ), its thickness is 1.0 mm (0.5 mm thicker than the rest of sheet 130).

[0079] In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, components similar to those in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0080] In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, the thermocouple 32 is exposed on the piping side, but because the sheet patch portion 131 has elasticity that allows the thermocouple 32 to be gently pressed against the piping surface, the thermocouple 32 can be stably brought into direct contact with the piping surface.

[0081] Since the sheet patch section 131 is provided only locally, corresponding to the installation location of the thermocouple 32, it was confirmed that it does not have a significant adverse effect on the temperature uniformity of the entire piping.

[0082] In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, the locally provided sheet patch portion 131 helps to stably bring the thermocouple 32 into direct contact with the pipe surface. This makes it possible to achieve more accurate temperature measurement.

[0083] The thermocouple 32 is connected to a control unit (e.g., a thermostat) not shown, which controls the supply of power to the heat-generating element 23 according to the temperature measurement from the thermocouple 32. This allows for more precise control of the power supply to the heat-generating element 23.

[0084] In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, the sheet patch portion 131 has thermal insulation properties and low heat storage capacity, so the direct influence from the heat-generating element 23 can be effectively eliminated when measuring temperature with the thermocouple 32. Furthermore, if the exposed portions of the heat-generating element 23 and the thermocouple 32 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed in the thickness direction from the inner layer portion 11 to the outer layer portion 12, it is even more effective in eliminating the direct influence from the heat-generating element 23.

[0085] (Variation of sheet patch section) In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, the sheet patch portion 131 is a rectangular shape of 3 cm × 2 cm, and the area of ​​the sheet patch portion 131 is 24 times the area in which the thermocouple 32 is exposed on the sheet patch portion 131, but it is not limited to this. According to the inventors of this invention, if the area of ​​the sheet patch portion is 3 cm × 2 cm, the effect of the present invention can be obtained if the area in which the thermocouple is exposed is 1 / 24 to 1 / 5 of that (the area of ​​the sheet patch portion is 5 to 24 times the area in which the thermocouple is exposed on the sheet patch).

[0086] Furthermore, if the sheet patch portion 131 is rectangular in shape with dimensions of 10 cm x 10 cm, the inventors have confirmed that the effects of the present invention can be obtained if the area in which the thermocouple is exposed is 1 / 400 to 1 / 87 of that area (i.e., the area of ​​the sheet patch portion is 87 to 400 times the area in which the thermocouple is exposed on the sheet patch portion).

[0087] Furthermore, the sheet patch portion 131 may also be a rectangular shape of other sizes; for example, the effects of the present invention can be obtained if it is a rectangular shape with sides of 10 cm or less. In relation to the outer circumference of the pipe, the effects of the present invention can be obtained if the sheet patch portion 131 is a rectangular shape with sides of 1 / 2 time or less (preferably 1 / 4 time or less) of the outer circumference of the pipe (the thermocouple 32 can be softly pressed against the pipe surface, and the thermocouple 32 can be stably brought into direct contact with the pipe surface).

[0088] Alternatively, the sheet patch portion 131 is not limited to a rectangular shape and can have various shapes. For example, the sheet patch portion 131 may be circular, elliptical, or ring-shaped. In the case of a ring shape, the area of ​​the central hole may overlap with the thermocouple 32. When the sheet patch portion 131 is circular, elliptical, or ring-shaped, the effects of the present invention can be expected if its diameter, twice its major axis radius, or outer diameter is 10 cm or less. In relation to the outer circumference of the pipe, the effects of the present invention can be obtained if the sheet patch portion 131 has a diameter, twice its major axis radius, or an outer diameter that is 1 / 2 times (preferably 1 / 4 times or less) the outer circumference of the pipe (the thermocouple 32 can be softly pressed against the pipe surface, and the thermocouple 32 can be stably made to direct contact with the pipe surface).

[0089] Furthermore, the effects of the present invention can be expected if the thickness of the sheet patch portion 131 is between 0.1 mm and 5.0 mm. (If the thickness of the sheet patch portion 131 exceeds 5.0 mm, the distance between the heating element 32 and the pipe surface at that location becomes excessive, and furthermore, the end face portion of the sheet patch portion 131 becomes an excessive step, leaving a gap between the covering 1 and the pipe surface, which can hinder efficient and uniform heating of the pipe.)

[0090] Furthermore, a form in which the peripheral portion of the sheet patch portion 131' is gently sloped may be adopted, as shown in Figure 16.

[0091] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, a step may be provided by interposing a bulking element (step-forming element) 211 on the inner side (pipe side) of the inner layer 11, and then arranging a sheet 130 whose thickness is constant or approximately constant throughout.

[0092] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 18, a raised portion (step-forming portion) 11' may be provided in advance on the inner side (pipe side) of the inner layer portion 11, and a sheet 130 having a constant or approximately constant thickness throughout may be arranged to provide the step portion.

[0093] Furthermore, a stepped portion may be provided by processing a part of the sheet 130 into a shape that protrudes inward (towards the piping side) using some kind of embossing technology, as shown in the sheet patch portion 231" in Figure 19.

[0094] Alternatively, a stepped portion may be provided by arranging a part of the sheet 130 to be folded in an S-shape in cross-section, as shown in the sheet patch portion 331 in Figure 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Covering 11 Inner layer 11' Increased volume section (step-forming section) 12 Outer layer 13 Lateral layer 14 Fastening part 21 Inner layer insulation member 22 Outer layer insulation member 23. Heat-generating elements 31 Sheet Patches 32 Thermocouples 40. Valve casing (box that houses the valve unit) 110 Gas piping 130 seats 131 Sheet patch area 131' Seat patch area 211 Bulking element (step-forming element) 231 Sheet patch area 231' Seat patch area 231" Seat patch area 331 Sheet patch area 400 sheet metal 500 outer layer 510 Inner layer 520 Insulation section 530 Heating element 540 Insulation material 555 Temperature sensing unit 560 Thermoswitch 600 Thermal insulation material

Claims

1. A covering that covers an object, An inner layer portion located on the side closer to the object, An outer layer portion located on the side furthest from the object, The inner layer side insulating member is disposed on the outer layer side of the inner layer, The outer layer side insulating member is disposed on the inner layer side of the outer layer, A heat-generating element is disposed between the inner layer insulation member and the outer layer insulation member, A sheet that provides a stepped portion on the side of the inner layer that is closer to the object, A thermocouple is provided on the side of the stepped portion that is closer to the object, A covering characterized by comprising the following:

2. The thermocouple is exposed at least partially on the side of the stepped portion that is closer to the object. The coating according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned sheet, as a sheet patch, is locally provided on the side of the inner layer closer to the object, thereby providing the stepped portion. The coating according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned sheet patch is made of fluororesin, polyimide resin, or aramid resin. The coating according to feature 3.

5. The thermocouple is exposed at least in part on the side of the stepped portion closer to the object, The area of ​​the sheet patch is 5 to 400 times the area of ​​the thermocouple exposed on the sheet patch. The coating according to feature 3.

6. The sheet patch has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. The coating according to feature 3.

7. The sheet patch has a rectangular shape, with one side being no more than half the circumference of the pipe. The coating according to feature 3.

8. The sheet patch has a circular or ring shape with a diameter of 1 / 2 times or less the outer circumference of the pipe. The coating according to feature 3.

9. A portion of the sheet locally protrudes as a sheet patch portion closer to the object, thereby providing the stepped portion. The coating according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The aforementioned sheet is made of fluororesin, polyimide resin, or aramid resin. The coating according to feature 9.

11. The thermocouple is exposed at least in part on the side of the stepped portion closer to the object, The area of ​​the sheet patch portion is 5 to 400 times the area of ​​the thermocouple exposed on the sheet patch portion. The coating according to feature 9.

12. The sheet patch portion has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. The coating according to feature 9.

13. The sheet patch portion has a rectangular shape, with one side being no more than half the circumference of the pipe. The coating according to feature 9.

14. The sheet patch portion has a circular or ring shape with a diameter of 1 / 2 times or less the outer circumference of the pipe. The coating according to feature 9.

15. When viewed in the thickness direction from the inner layer to the outer layer, the heating element and the thermocouple are arranged so that they do not overlap. The coating according to claim 1 or 2.

16. Objects that are straight pipes, elbow pipes, flexible pipes, or valve bodies, A covering body according to claim 1 or 2 for covering the aforementioned object, A heating structure characterized by having the following features.

Images