JP2003082629A - Planar heating element for snow melting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a planar heating element for a snow melting apparatus, which exhibits snow melting performance optimum to snowing characteristics in a cold temperature area, to thereby shorten a snow melting time, conserve electricity, and have endurance strength. SOLUTION: The planar heating element 1 for the snow melting apparatus is formed of a heating plate 3 heated by a heating means 2 for supplying snow melting heat quantities, and a protective cover 4 enclosing the heating means 2 from below. The heating plate 3 is shaped like a lid having an almost flat upper surface and an outer frame 3b along an outer edge thereof, and has a bearing fixture 5 arranged at a lower central portion thereof. The bearing fixture 5 is almost the same in height as the outer frame 3b. Therefore, the loads of passengers or parking or stopping automobiles are borne by the outer frame 3b and the bearing fixture 5, which leads to suppression of elastic deformation of the heating plate 3, to thereby implement the planar heating element 1 for the snow melting apparatus, having the endurance strength.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet heating element used in a snow melting device, and more particularly to a structure for efficiently melting snow on the premises of ordinary households and stores.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In cold regions with a lot of snow, not only public roads but also the premises of ordinary households and stores, especially the approach from the sidewalk to the front door of ordinary households, garages or parking spaces, is used during the snow season. It has been regarded as a major problem in everyday life.

As a means for solving this, there is a snow melting device in which a heating wire, a hot water pipe, or the like is buried as a heating element in the ground on the site and the road surface is heated to melt the snow. The "heating wire" generates heat by Joule heat when energized, and the "hot water pipe" generates heat by circulating hot water (actually antifreeze liquid) heated by combustion of a kerosene boiler as a heat medium. It is general that the road surface temperature is raised by these heatings to melt the snow on the road surface. Such a snow melting device is also called a road heating device or a road heating device.

One example thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In this example, a general house 30 faces a sidewalk 31 and has an entrance 32 and a parking space 33.
In the figure, a snow melting device 35 is buried in the approach to the parking space 33 and the entrance 32, and the range thereof is shown as a snow melting region 40.

The snow melting device 35 is embedded in the ground consisting of a roadbed portion 41 in which crushed stones are spread over the ground, a concrete roadbed portion 42, and an asphalt pavement portion 43. Roadbed 4
1, concrete roadbed 42, asphalt pavement 43
Is the depth D1 (about 3
00mm), D2 (about 70mm), D3 (about 30mm)
Formed in. The heater 44 as a heating unit is laid on the upper surface of the roadbed portion 41 together with a metal mesh (not shown), and is embedded in the concrete roadbed portion 42 and the asphalt pavement portion 43. Of course, there is one in which a hot water pipe is buried at the position of the heater 44, but the basic structure of the buried portion is the same.

In order to detect snowfall, such a snowmelting device 35 is equipped with a snowfall sensor, an air temperature sensor, and a ground temperature sensor (sensors are not shown), and automatically operates in response to a signal from each sensor. Alternatively, it is equipped with a control device for manual operation at the discretion of the user.

[0007]

In the above-described conventional snow melting apparatus 35, the heater 44 as the heating means and the hot water pipe are buried in the ground of a depth D2 + D3 of about 100 mm from the ground surface. For this reason, even if the sensor detects snowfall and starts automatic operation immediately or starts manual operation, the heater 44, which is a heating means, will heat the ground above it for a while. To start and end.
The temperature of the entire snow-melting device 35 is raised, and operation time and electric energy are required until the start of snow-melting, and snow that continues to accumulate on the ground surface cannot be immediately melted. The same applies to hot water pipes in this respect.

Further, snowfall rarely occurs continuously for 24 hours, and it often happens intermittently. Therefore, the operation of the snow melting device 35 is also often intermittent, and the ground temperature of the snow melting device 35, that is, the snow melting region 40 is lowered each time. Therefore, in the next snowfall, it takes time to reheat the cooled road surface. Due to such a cause, the consumption amount of electricity or kerosene increases, so that the running cost is high.

As described above, considering the entire snow season, the loss of energy used is large due to the temperature rise of the snow melting device 35 and the intermittent operation. From this point of view, it can be said that the conventional snow melting apparatus has an inadequate snow melting performance and thus has low efficiency.

Of course, since the snow melting device 35 has a heating element buried in the ground by civil engineering work, a long construction period is required for its construction, and the construction cost for that is high.

Therefore, in places such as the entrance and stairs,
There are mat-shaped heating elements that can be simply placed. In general, this is a rubber sheet-like one in which a heating element is integrally molded, and can melt the snow on the surface relatively quickly if electricity is applied during snowfall. Such a thing is also called a snow melting mat. However, in general, the thickness of the rubber sheet is about 10 mm, and it does not have the strength to withstand the weight of the automobile, so it cannot be used in a parking space. Also, the strength of the tip of an umbrella or the strength of a sharp object when struck is not enough with a rubber sheet. Therefore, it can be said that such a structure has a problem regarding durability strength.

In order to solve these problems,
Several schemes have been proposed.

First, Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3041741 discloses a snow melting panel which can be directly laid in a place where snow melting is required, and a sheet heat generation covered with a metal upper plate and upper and lower protective sheets. It has a multi-layer structure in which a body and a heat insulating material made of synthetic resin are arranged below the body. In this configuration, the heat insulating material efficiently heats the metal upper plate by the planar heating element, and at the same time, the amount of deformation of the metal upper plate is suppressed.

However, since the space portion of the case-shaped panel body for accommodating the sheet heating element is filled with the heat insulating material, the sheet heater has a structure in which an external force due to passage of an automobile or a person is applied to the sheet heater. There is a possibility that problems may occur in the durability strength of the body. Further, in this utility model, it is also proposed to dispose a support inside the snow melting panel, but although the amount of deformation of the metal upper plate is further suppressed, external force is applied to the part without the support. The effect on the planar heating element when added is not so much changed, and it is presumed that the problem on durability strength is the same.

Next, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-20210 discloses a pavement surface having a metal body and a snow melting pavement utilizing induction heating by an induction coil in which a flat winding is embedded in a flat rubber body. Has been done. Further, a snow melting pavement using induction heating by an induction coil laid close to the inner upper surface of a hollow metal box made of a conductive material is also shown.
According to the specification, since the flat winding is embedded in the rubber body, even if the flat winding is arranged close to the lower surface of the pavement surface, the external force received from the pavement surface may be relaxed and damaged by the rubber body. It is said to be low. It is also stated that even in the case where the induction coil is housed in the metal box body, the leakage magnetic flux can be reduced to realize a snow melting pavement that is safer for the human body.

However, like the former snow melting pavement,
Embedding the flat winding in the rubber body requires a complicated processing step and cannot be said to be an inexpensive snow melting panel that can be used in ordinary households. Further, although the external force is alleviated, it cannot be expected to have a durable strength that can be used as a parking space for automobiles, and it is considered that the use is mainly limited to pavements where people come and go. In addition, the latter snow melting pavement is considered to have a limited range of use because it drastically reduces unnecessary leakage flux and durability.

It is noted that the same publication also discloses that a heat insulating material is arranged between the lower surface of the induction coil and the roadbed. However, as in the case of the above utility model registration, an external force induction coil is used. It is surmised that there is a problem in durability strength due to the action.

Furthermore, the planar heating element of the above two plans may be dislocated depending on the flatness of the installation site,
When a vehicle passes by, it may vibrate or receive an excessive load intensively. Therefore, as described in the specification, in the installation work, if the utility model registration thing, install the platform properly, in the patent application publication, dig a little into the pavement formation part of the roadbed, It is a necessary condition to install sand for level adjustment before installation, and in that respect, installation work will take time.

That is, the conventional snow-melting device 35, snow-melting mat, snow-melting panel and the like have their own problems regarding the snow-melting performance or durability when used in a parking space on the premises of a general household or a store.

In order to solve the problems of the conventional snow-melting apparatus as described above, the present invention provides snow-melting performance most suitable for snowfall characteristics in cold regions, and shortens snow-melting time and saves electricity. In addition to the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet heating element for a snow melting device having a durable strength.

[0021]

A planar heating element for a snow melting device according to the present invention comprises heating means for supplying a heat quantity for snow melting, a heating plate heated by the heating means, and the heating means surrounding the heating means from below. The heat generating plate is provided with a protective cover, and the heat generating plate has a lid shape having a substantially flat upper surface and an outer frame at an outer edge portion, and a supporting metal fitting having a height substantially equal to the outer frame is provided at a lower portion of the heat generating plate. It is a thing.

According to the present invention, as the snow melting device, when the heating means is energized during snowfall, the generated heat is immediately supplied to the heat generating plate covering the upper part thereof, and exerts an effect as the amount of heat for snow melting. Further, since the heat generating plate has a lid shape with a substantially flat upper surface, the heat capacity is small, so that the temperature rises in a short time, snow melting can be performed, and power saving can be achieved. In addition, a support metal fitting is provided on the lower surface of the central portion of the heat generating plate at a height approximately equal to that of the outer frame. It is possible to provide a planar heating element for a snow melting device, which is suppressed in deformation and has durability strength.

[0023]

The invention according to claim 1 is provided with a heating means for supplying a heat quantity for snow melting, a heat generating plate heated by the heating means, and a protective cover surrounding the heating means from below, The heat generating plate has a substantially flat upper surface and a lid shape having an outer frame at an outer edge portion, and a supporting metal fitting having a height substantially equal to that of the outer frame is provided at a lower portion of the heat generating plate.

According to the present invention, as the snow melting device, when the heating means is energized during snowfall, the generated heat is immediately supplied to the heat generating plate covering the upper part thereof, and exerts an effect as the amount of heat for snow melting. Further, since the heat generating plate has a lid shape with a substantially flat upper surface, the heat capacity is small, so that the temperature rises in a short time, snow melting can be performed, and power saving can be achieved. In addition, a support metal fitting is provided on the lower surface of the central portion of the heat generating plate at a height approximately equal to that of the outer frame. It is possible to provide a planar heating element for a snow melting device, which is suppressed in deformation and has durability strength.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the heating means is a heating coil for inductively heating the heating plate.

In the present invention, by heating the heating plate by induction heating, the surface itself of the planar heating element generates heat, so that the surface temperature rises at a high speed, and the snow melting device exhibits more excellent snow melting performance. To do. Further, it is compatible with the durability strength as a sheet heating element.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the heating means is arranged in a spiral shape around the support fitting.

According to the present invention, the high-performance snow melting as a snow melting device is compatible with the durability of the sheet heating element, and the heating means is arranged in a spiral shape around the support fittings, thereby heating the heating means. Since the interval of the arrangement can be made finer, the heat generating plate can generate heat more uniformly, and a larger amount of heat for snow melting can be supplied, so that more excellent snow melting performance is realized.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the protective cover supports the heating means, and a gap is provided between the heating means and the heat generating plate.

In the present invention, since the protective cover supports the heating means and the gap is provided between the heating means and the heat generating plate, the heat generating plate is elastically deformed due to the traffic of people and the parking and stopping of the automobile. However, those loads do not act on the heating means, but on the heat generating plate and the support fitting. Therefore, the heating means can be prevented from being damaged, and the durability of the sheet heating element can be ensured.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a gap is provided between the lower surface of the protective cover and the installation surface of the sheet heating element.

In the present invention, since a gap is provided between the lower surface of the protective cover and the surface on which the sheet heating element is installed, the heating plate is elastically deformed due to the traffic of people or when the vehicle is parked or stopped. Even if the protective cover is elastically deformed,
The protective cover cannot be pressed against the installation surface. That is, since the load is not received, the durability of the protective cover for the sheet heating element is ensured. In addition, the space between the protective cover and the installation surface exerts a heat insulating effect, and the heat quantity for snow melting by the heating means is also suppressed from being supplied to the roadbed at the installation site, and efficient snow melting is performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the support fitting penetrates the protective cover and contacts the installation surface of the planar heating element.

In the present invention, the support fitting penetrates the protective cover and contacts the installation surface, and the load of the sheet heating element on the heat generating plate is determined by the outer frame of the support fitting and the heat generating plate placed on the installation surface. Join in. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the upper heat generating plate is suppressed and the lower portion is protected by the protective cover, so that the durability of the heating means can be obtained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, a gap is provided between the lower surface of the support fitting and the installation surface of the sheet heating element.

According to the present invention, the support fitting has a gap between the lower surface of the support fitting and the installation surface of the planar heating element, even when the heating plate is deformed by the load when a person goes in or out or when a general private vehicle is parked. Since the voids that are provided are provided, it is possible to reliably prevent the heat generated by the planar heating element from being transmitted to the installation surface, and it is possible to efficiently melt the snow. In addition, even if there is a gap in the installed state, but even if there is no gap with the installation surface when a load is applied, it will actually contact the installation surface of the planar heating elements used in the snow melting device. Since the number of sheet heating elements is small, almost the same efficient snow melting can be performed. Further, the elastic deformation of the heat generating plate by the amount of the voids has the effect of crushing due to the deformation even if the snowmelt water or the like stays on the plate surface and is frozen again.

The invention according to claim 8 is that a notch is provided in the outer frame of the heat generating plate.

According to the present invention, even if there is some unevenness in the place where the planar heating element is installed, the heating plate is made of metal material at the cutout portion provided in the outer frame of the box-shaped heating plate. Since it is elastically deformed relatively easily and is installed according to the surface condition of the installation surface, the installation property is excellent. Also,
Since a large amount of bending does not occur when people come in and go out or park a car, the durability of the heating means, the heating plate, etc. can be secured.

[0039]

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

(Example 1) The sheet heating element 1 is shown in Figs.
As shown in FIG. 2, a linear heating means (heater) 2 by a heating wire as a heating means for supplying a heat amount for snow melting, a heating plate 3 covering the heating means (heater) 2 from above, and a heating means (heater) 2 Has a protective cover 4 for covering from below. The heat generating plate 3 has a substantially flat upper surface and an outer frame 3a at the outer edge.
And has an upper surface provided with an anti-slip finish layer 3b. Further, the protective cover 4 is configured to press the heating means (heater) 2 against the lower surface of the heat generating plate 3 via the heater supporting plate 4 a having the thickness A. Further, the heating means (heater) 2 is arranged in a spiral shape around the support fitting 5. The support fitting 5 is a reinforcing member fixed to the lower surface of the heat generating plate 3 in order to suppress the deformation of the upper surface of the heat generating plate 3, and is formed of a metal material in a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The planar heating element 1 has a total thickness t (about 20 mm in this embodiment).

As shown in FIG. 4, the snow melting device is equipped with a snowfall sensor 6 for detecting snowfall, an air temperature sensor, and a ground temperature sensor (sensors are partially omitted in the drawing), and responds to signals from these sensors. It is equipped with a control device 7 for automatic driving or manual driving at the discretion of the user.
The control device 7 is connected to a snow melting electric power 8 peculiar to a cold region, and a plurality of sheet heating elements 1 are installed with the upper surface of the pavement section on the roadbed section as an installation location 9.

A method of operating the snow melting apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 will be described. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the user himself / herself determines that there is snowfall and starts driving. The control device starts energizing the heating means (heater) 2 and heats the heating plate 3 by the generated heat. The heat generating plate 3 is formed of a thin plate of a metal material and has a small heat capacity. Further, since it is installed so as to be exposed above the pavement, the surface temperature of the heat generating plate 3 rises to 0 ° C. in a short time. The heat energy that is subsequently supplied is used as melting heat for making snowfall 10 on the heating plate 3 or the snowfall on the surface of the planar heating element 1 into snowmelt water, thereby performing snowmelting. If it is determined that the snowfall has stopped, the operation should be stopped immediately. Of course, automatic driving can be performed based on the signal from the sensor. Therefore, as compared with the conventional snow melting device, snow melting can be performed in a shorter time, that is, with less power consumption.

In addition, snowfall rarely occurs continuously for 24 hours, and it often happens that snowfalls intermittently, such as from night to early morning and not during the day. Therefore, the operation of the snow melting device is often intermittent. Although the sheet heating element 1 is cooled once each time, it can be reheated in a short time. For that reason, the power consumption of the planar heating element 1 may be small, and the running cost of the snow melting device is also low.

In this way, considering the entire snow season, the temperature increase on the surface of the snow melting device is accelerated, so that the efficiency of energy use during intermittent operation is high. It can be said that the snow melting device using the planar heating element 1 exhibits appropriate snow melting performance under actual snowfall conditions and has high operating efficiency. That is, excellent snow melting performance is realized.

Further, when snowmelt water or rainwater remains on the upper surface of the heat generating plate 3, the non-slip anti-slip finish layer 3b having fine irregularities can prevent a person or an automobile from slipping carelessly. But it is a snow melting device that can be used with confidence.

Further, when there is a traffic of people or a car is parked, a load is applied to the upper surface of the heat generating plate 3,
The load has a structure in which the box-shaped outer edge of the heat generating plate 3 and the support fitting 5 are pressed against the surface of the installation location 9,
The durability is secured without applying a load to the heating means (heater) 2 which is an internal heating means.

The heater support plate 4a has a thickness A
(In the embodiment, about 5 mm is possible.) If it is made of an elastic material, the heating means (heater) 2 can be reliably pressed against the heat generating plate 3 and the damage due to the elastic deformation of the heat generating plate 3 as described above can be prevented. Needless to say.

The anti-slip finish layer 3b is applied to the surface of the heat-generating plate 3 and finished with a paint containing a particulate mixture exhibiting an anti-slip effect (this impurity is also called an aggregate). Good. Further, the heat generating plate 3 itself may be formed with unevenness, or the anti-slip finish layer 3b itself may be a metal plate having unevenness.

Although the anti-slip finish layer 3b is formed on the entire surface of the heat-generating plate 3, the present invention is not limited to being formed on the entire surface, and even a part thereof can sufficiently exert its effect. It is a thing.

In the embodiment, the heat generating plate 3 is set to 1
It is formed of a single metal plate, but is not limited to this. Various configurations such as a resin plate, a resin / metal multilayer plate, a metal / metal multilayer plate, etc. may be provided to protect the heating means and a thin member may have a small heating capacity in that portion. The surface can be heated in a short time.

For example, when a resin and metal multilayer plate is used, the surface shape of the resin can easily form an anti-slip effect and the outflow path of the snowmelt water, and the lower metal plate can secure the strength against a load. Further, by using at least one layer of a metal material, strength can be obtained and damage to the heating element can be prevented even if various loads, particularly sharp objects are pressed. Furthermore, if a metal and metal multi-layer plate is used, it is possible to combine a metal material with high corrosion resistance in the upper part and a metal material with high strength in the lower part, and it is possible to obtain the required heating performance and durability strength while being thin. It is a thing.

The thickness t and the thickness A used in this embodiment are as follows.
In the case of the sheet heating element 1, the outer size of the sheet heating element 1 is assumed to be a rectangle having a length of 50 cm and a width of 100 cm, and the thickness thereof can be variously set. There is no problem even if it is appropriately changed depending on the outer size, the material, the installation place, and the like.

The support fitting 5 is provided so that the elastic deformation of the heat generating plate due to the load applied to the upper surface of the heat generating plate 3 is less than the thickness A of the protective cover.

The heating plate 3 has a length of 50 cm and a width of 100 cm.
In this case, it is desirable that the support fittings 5 be provided at intervals of 12.5 cm.

Since the sheet heating element 1 of the embodiment has an outer size of 1: 2, the sheet heating element 1 can be vertically and horizontally combined so that it can be installed in a required area without any gap, but the invention is not limited to this. No, it may be suitable for various external sizes such as 1: 1 and 1: 3.

(Embodiment 2) The present embodiment has the same basic construction as the snow melting apparatus as that of the first embodiment, and the explanation of the basic construction is omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the heat generating plate 12 is induction-heated by the structure of the sheet heating element 1, particularly the heating means (heating coil) 11. Therefore, the control means 6 having a basic configuration is also a different control circuit from the first embodiment, but it is a known technique to heat the metal plate by induction heating, and a detailed description will be given here. Is omitted.

The sheet heating element 1 has a structure as shown in FIGS. 5 to 6, and the heating means (heating coil) 12 is located below the heating plate 12 made of a metal material and has a space B. It is provided. The heating means (heating coil) 11 is supported by a protective cover 13. Further, the protective cover 13 has a space C between it and the installation surface of the sheet heating element 1.
1 is attached to the heat generating plate 12. The protective cover 13 may be attached to the support fitting 5. Further, the protective cover 13 has a support metal fitting through hole 14 through which the support metal fitting 5 penetrates, and the support metal fitting 5 penetrates this and contacts the installation surface.

In the second embodiment, heating means (heating coil)
Since 11 heats the heat generating plate 12 by induction as a heating means, the surface itself of the heat generating plate 12 generates heat, so that the surface temperature rises at a high speed, and the surface heating element 1 exhibits more excellent snow melting performance. To do.

Further, since the protective cover 13 supports the heating means so as to have the space B between the heating means (heating coil) 11 and the heat generating plate 12, it is accompanied by the movement of people and the parking and stopping of automobiles. Even if the heat generating plate 12 is elastically deformed, the heating means (heating coil) 11 and the heat generating plate 12 hardly come into contact with each other. Further, the load at this time acts on the heating plate 12 and the support fitting 5, and does not directly act on the heating means (heating coil) 11. Therefore, the heating means (heating coil) 11 can be prevented from being damaged, and the durability of the sheet heating element 1 can be compatible.

Further, since the protective cover 13 is attached to the heat generating plate 12 and the support fitting 5 so as to have a gap C1 between the lower surface of the protective cover 13 and the installation surface of the planar heating element 1, it is possible for people to come and go. Heating plate 1 when a car is parked
Even if the elastic deformation 2 occurs, the protective cover 13 is not directly pressed against the installation surface and receives no load. Damage to the protective cover 13 of the sheet heating element 1 is prevented, and durability is ensured. Further, the space C1 between the protective cover 13 and the installation surface exerts a heat insulating effect, and the heating means (heating coil) 1
The heat generated by No. 1 is suppressed from being supplied to the roadbed at the installation site, and efficient snow melting is performed.

Further, since the support fitting 5 penetrates the protective cover 13 and contacts the installation surface of the sheet heating element 1, the load of the sheet heating element 1 on the heating plate 12 is placed on the installation surface. Outer frame 3 of support fitting 5 and heat generating plate 12
Support with a. Since the elastic deformation of the heat generating plate 12 is suppressed and the heating means (heating coil) 11 is protected by the protective cover 13, both durability strengths are compatible. As a result, since no load is applied to the protective cover 13, a resin material which has a relatively low strength but is easy to process can be selected, and a more inexpensive sheet heating element 1 can be realized.

Further, since the heating means (heating coil) 11 is arranged in a spiral shape with the support metal fitting 5 as the center, the pitch of the heating means (heating coil) 11 can be easily made fine, and the heat generating plate can be formed. 12 can be heated uniformly, and excellent snow melting performance is realized.

If at least the lower part or the whole of the support fitting 5 is made of a heat insulating material, the durability of the sheet heating element 1 can be obtained by the support fitting 5, and the heat generated by the heat generating plate 12 can be transmitted to the installation surface. It is also possible to provide the planar heating element 1 for a snow melting device that suppresses the heat generation and can effectively utilize heat generation for snow melting.

Even if the heating means is not the heating means (heating coil) 11 but a hot water pipe through which a heating wire or a heat medium circulates, snow melting to the heat generating plate 12 is possible with the above-mentioned structure in which the gap B is provided. Because the supply efficiency of the heat quantity for use is low,
It is needless to say that a thin planar heating element can be realized without any problem in durability strength except that it takes time until the start of snow melting.

Further, in the support metal 5, the elastic deformation of the heat generating plate 3 due to the load applied to the upper surface of the heat generating plate 3 is less than the gap C1 between the protective cover 13 and the installation surface, and the heating means 1
It is provided so as to be equal to or less than the gap B between the heat generating plate 12 and the heat generating plate 12.

The heating plate 3 has a length of 50 cm and a width of 100 cm.
In this case, it is desirable that the support fittings 5 be provided at intervals of 12.5 cm.

(Embodiment 3) The present embodiment has the same basic construction as the snow melting apparatus as that of the first embodiment, and the explanation of the basic construction is omitted. The third embodiment is different from the above-described first and second embodiments in the configuration of the support fitting 15 of the planar heating element 1, and this point will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 7, the planar heating element 1 of this embodiment is for heating the heating plate 12 by induction heating means (heating coil) 11. The protective cover 13 is used for heating means (heating coil). 11 is supported. Support bracket 15
Is fixed to the lower surface of the heat generating plate 12 and has a gap C2 between the heating plate 12 and the installation surface.

In this structure, in addition to the same excellent snow melting performance as in Examples 1 and 2, when a heavy object such as a person or an automobile rides on the upper portion of the sheet heating element 1, the load is applied to the supporting member 15 and It acts on the outer edge of the heat generating plate 12. At this time, even if the heat generating plate 12 is deformed by the load, the support member 15 and the installation surface are provided with the space C2 having a gap, so that the heat generation of the heat generating plate 12 can be surely suppressed from being transmitted to the installation surface. And can melt snow efficiently.

Although there is a gap between the support fitting 15 and the installation surface in the installed state, when the heating plate 12 receives a load, the gap between the support fitting 15 and the installation surface may be eliminated. Is. In such a case, of the plurality of sheet heating elements 1 used in the snow melting device, the ratio of the number of sheet heating elements 1 in which the support fitting 15 actually contacts the installation surface due to the load is Since it is small, the loss due to the heat transfer to the installation surface does not increase so much, and almost the same efficient snow melting can be performed.

Further, the heat generating plate 12 is provided by the amount of the gap.
If the heat generation plate 1
Even when snowmelt water or the like stays on the surface of No. 2 and is re-frozen, it has the action of crushing due to its deformation.

(Embodiment 4) This embodiment has the same basic structure as the snow melting device as that of the first embodiment, and the description of the basic structure is omitted. In the fourth embodiment, the structure of the sheet heating element 1, mainly the shape of the heat generating plate 21, is the same as the first embodiment.
3 to 3, and this point will be mainly described.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, the sheet heating element 1 heats the heating plate 21 by the heating means (heater) 2, and the protective cover 4 is used to heat the heating means (heater).
Supports 2. The heat generating plate 21 has a box shape, and a plurality of substantially U-shaped notches 22 are provided on the outer edge of the heat generating plate 21.

In this structure, even when the installation location of the sheet heating element 1 has some irregularities, the cutout portion 22 provided at the outer edge portion of the box-shaped heating plate 21 made of a metal material,
The heat generating plate 21 elastically deforms relatively easily. Since the sheet heating element 1 is installed according to the surface condition of the installation surface,
Excellent installability.

Further, when a person goes in and out or when a car is parked or stopped, the flexure is gradually bent around the plurality of notches 22. Therefore, even if the bend is large as a whole, the deformation amount of each part of the notches 22 is little. Is. Therefore, the durability of the heating means (heater) 2, the protective cover 4, the heat generating plate 21, etc. can be ensured.

(Embodiment 5) This embodiment has the same basic structure as the snow melting device as that of the first embodiment, and the description of the basic structure is omitted. The fifth embodiment differs from the first to fourth embodiments in the configuration of the sheet heating element 1 and mainly in the arrangement of the support fittings 5, and this point will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the planar heating element 1, the heat generating plate 21 and the supporting metal fitting 5 are rectangular, and at least one of the supporting metal fittings 5 has the heat generating plate 21 and its long sides substantially parallel to each other. The heat generating plates 21 are arranged so as to be parallel to each other, and are divided at a position facing the notch 22 of the outer edge of the heat generating plate 21.

In this structure, by disposing the support fittings 5 in the long side direction of the rectangular heat generating plate 21,
The amount of deformation with respect to the load is suppressed and durability strength is obtained.
At the same time, since it is divided into the support fittings 5 at positions facing the notches 22 on the outer edge of the heat generating plate 21, the heat generating plate 21 is easily elastically deformed on the line connecting the opposite notches 22, and the installation surface It can be easily installed according to the state of.

Although the planar heating element 1 of the snow melting device is configured to have a rectangular outer shape in each of the above embodiments, it may be circular or polygonal. In this case, it goes without saying that whether the outer frame 3a provided on the outer edge portion of the heat generating plate 3 is integral with the heat generating plate 3 or a separate body is not limited.

Although the support fitting 5 has a substantially U-shaped cross section in each of the above-described embodiments, it may be rod-shaped or thick-walled plate-shaped.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the sheet heating element 1 of the snow melting device is installed on the upper portion of the existing pavement portion, but the pavement portion is excavated by the thickness of the sheet heating element 1. Needless to say, the pavement may be installed so that it has the same height as the surrounding pavement or is slightly higher. Of course, depending on the condition of the installation location, the roadbed section may be excavated and the pavement may be leveled as the installation location of the sheet heating element 1, and then the sheet heating element 1 of the snow melting device may be installed. Yes. In any case, the upper surface of the sheet heating element 1 may be exposed to form the snow melting device.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the sheet heating element 1 of the snow melting device has the outer frame 3a. Therefore, the outer frame 3a is attached to the groove by providing grooves at predetermined intervals at the installation locations. It is also possible to install by doing. Of course, the support metal fitting 5 has a height adjusted by that amount, and in each embodiment, the support metal fitting 5 has a height substantially equal to that of the outer frame 3a placed on the installation surface. Has become.

In each of the above embodiments, in the sheet heating element 1 of the snow melting device, the height of the support fitting 5 is substantially equal to or lower than that of the outer frame 3a, but is substantially equal to or higher than that. It is also good as a thing. Of course, in this case, almost all of the load applied to the heat generating plate 3 is supported by the support fitting 5, and no load is applied to the lower end of the outer frame 3a so that it is not damaged. Then, the plate thickness of the heat generating plate 3 and the outer frame 3a can be reduced to reduce the weight.

Although the sheet heating element of the present invention is originally for snow melting, since it can heat the whole uniformly and quickly, it can be used not only for floors of general houses but also for warehouses, workshops, It can also be used as a heating device to heat floors and walls of stores. It is also clear that it can be effectively used as a heating device having anti-slip properties even on the floor surface of food factories, kitchens, dining rooms, etc. where water droplets often adhere.

[0085]

As described above, according to the present invention, as the snow melting device, when the heating means is energized during snowfall, the heat generated is immediately supplied to the heat generating plate covering the upper part of the snow melting device. Exert. Further, since the heat generating plate has a lid shape with a substantially flat upper surface, the heat capacity is small, so that the temperature rises in a short time, snow melting can be performed, and power saving can be achieved. In addition, a support metal fitting is provided on the lower surface of the central portion of the heat generating plate at a height approximately equal to that of the outer frame. It is possible to provide a planar heating element for a snow melting device, which is suppressed in deformation and has durability strength.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an essential part of a planar heating element according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the heater inside the planar heating element according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a main part showing a heat generating plate according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts showing the basic configuration of the snow melting apparatus of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an essential part of a planar heating element according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view showing the heating coil inside the planar heating element of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part of a planar heating element according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an essential part of a planar heating element according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a back view showing the heater inside the planar heating element according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a back view showing the heater inside the planar heating element in Example 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an external view showing the installation location of a conventional snow melting device.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts showing a conventional snow melting apparatus installation structure.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Sheet heating element 2 Heating means (heater) 3, 12, 21 Heating plate 4,13 Protective cover 5 Support bracket 6 Control means 7 snowfall sensor 8 snow melting power 9 installation place 11 Heating coil (heating means) 22 Notch 33 parking spaces 35 snow melting equipment 41 Roadbed 42 Roadbed 43 Pavement

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Shinji Kondo             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Katsunori Zaizen             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoji Uitani             1006 Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric             Sangyo Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2D026 CL02 CL03                 2D051 GA01 GB02

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A heating means for supplying a heat quantity for snow melting, a heating plate heated by the heating means, and a protective cover surrounding the heating means from below, the heating plate having a substantially flat upper surface and an outer edge. A planar heating element for a snow melting device, which has a lid shape having an outer frame on a portion thereof, and a supporting metal fitting having a height substantially equal to that of the outer frame is provided on a lower portion of the heat generating plate. 2. The planar heating element for a snow melting device according to claim 1, wherein the heating means is a heating coil for inductively heating the heating plate. 3. The sheet heating element for a snow melting device according to claim 1, wherein the heating means is arranged in a spiral shape around the support fitting. 4. The planar heating element for a snow melting device according to claim 1, wherein a protective cover supports the heating means and a gap is provided between the heating means and the heating plate. 5. The planar heating element for a snow melting device according to claim 1, wherein a space is provided between the protective cover and the installation surface of the planar heating element. 6. The sheet heating element for a snow melting device according to claim 1, wherein the support fitting penetrates the protective cover and contacts the installation surface of the sheet heating element. 7. The sheet heating element for a snow melting device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet heating element is provided so as to have a gap between the support fitting and the installation surface of the sheet heating element. 8. The sheet heating element for a snow melting device according to claim 1, wherein a notch is provided in an outer frame of the heating plate.