JP2016072010A - Heater unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heater unit for simply and safely heating fluid in a hot tank so that the fluid in the hot tank installed in a liquid feed device becomes a prescribed temperature and uniformly keeping temperature of the fluid in the hot tank.SOLUTION: A heater unit includes: a plurality of PTC elements 10; positioning means by which PTC elements 10 are arranged apart from each other; conductive means 30 having electrical conduction properties for supplying power to each of the PTC elements 10 positioned by the positioning means; and heat transmission means 50 having heat conduction properties for transmitting heat owing to heat generation of each of the PTC elements 10 receiving power via the conductive means 30 to the circumference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a heater unit as a heating unit having self-controllability for heat generation, and more particularly to a heater unit for a liquid supply apparatus for heating and / or keeping a temperature of a fluid contained in a tank built in the liquid supply apparatus. .

  In a water server which is a kind of liquid supply device, for example, when a fluid container is disposed at the uppermost part of a server body, fluid is supplied from the fluid container to the server body via a connector, and is disposed in the server body. A cold tank that is provided and configured to contain a fluid therein and cools the contained fluid, and a warm tank that is configured to contain a fluid therein and heats and retains the contained fluid And have. The fluid stored in the cold tank is cooled by the cooling means installed on the outer surface of the cold tank and the fluid stored in the warm tank is installed on the outer surface of the warm tank. It is comprised so that it may heat with the heated means (for example, refer patent document 1).

  However, in the heating means having such a configuration, the inner surface of the heating means generates heat and the outer surface also generates heat, so that the fluid to be heated contained inside the heating means is heated and the outer surface of the heating means is also heated. The heat generated from the heat spreads out and heat loss occurs. In addition, since heat is generally easily transmitted upward in the vertical direction and the warmed fluid has a property of moving upward in the vertical direction, in a conventional water server, the fluid in the warm tank is transferred to a predetermined temperature. However, heat transfer and convection are unlikely to occur near the center and bottom, creating areas that cannot be heated, and the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank varies in the vertical direction. There is a problem that variations occur and they are not uniform. Furthermore, in the case of conventional heating means, in many cases, the heat generation effect of a sheathed heater or the like occurs linearly without depending on the ambient temperature, and there is a risk of overheating.

JP 2011-046446 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and heats a fluid contained in a tank built in a liquid supply apparatus so as to effectively and efficiently have a predetermined temperature without variation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a heater unit that can be kept warm.

  The heater unit according to the present invention has a plurality of PTC elements, positioning means for arranging the PTC elements apart from each other, and electrical conductivity for supplying power to each of the PTC elements positioned by the positioning means. It is characterized by comprising: a conductive means; and a heat transfer means having thermal conductivity for transferring heat generated by each of the PTC elements fed through the conductive means to the surroundings.

  The positioning means, the conductive means, and the heat transfer means may be configured as separate parts.

  The conductive means may be provided integrally with the positioning means.

  The conductive means may be provided integrally with the heat transfer means.

  Further, the positioning means may be configured to be provided integrally with the heat transfer means.

  In addition, the conductive means is configured to have two portions that are in contact with each of the opposing opposite end faces of the PTC element, are opposed to each other, and are not in contact with each other. You may do it.

  The heat transfer means may be formed in a substantially planar shape and electrically insulated from the conductive means.

  The heat transfer means is made of a material having electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, the outer surface has an electrically insulating layer, and the inner surface has electrical conductivity. The inner surface having electrical conductivity may be the conductive means.

  Further, the heat transfer means is composed of two parts which are substantially face-to-face and are arranged to face each other. The peripheral portions of the two heat transfer means are sealed, and the sealed peripheral portions are isolated from each other inside and outside. It may be configured to be configured as described above.

  In addition, the plurality of PTC elements are arranged apart from each other on one plane, have a thickness comparable to the thickness of the one plane in the front and back surfaces, and positioning means for holding the spaced arrangement of the PTC elements Two conductive means for contacting the front and back surfaces of the plurality of PTC elements respectively to supply power to the PTC element, and maintaining heat conductivity through the electric insulating means with respect to the conductive means. And a heat transfer means located outside the conductive means.

  The conducting means may be characterized in that energization interrupting means for interrupting energization when a predetermined temperature is exceeded is electrically connected in series.

  Further, a part of the peripheral portion of the heat transfer means may include a joining means for closely joining with an external member.

  The joining means may be provided in a flange shape.

  The heater unit is disposed so that a part or all of the heat transfer means is positioned in a tank that can store a fluid to be heated, and the heat transfer means is stored in the tank. The fluid may be configured to heat and / or keep the fluid in direct or indirect contact with the fluid.

  Further, the positioning means may be a positioning frame in which a PTC element accommodating opening for accommodating the PTC element is formed at a position facing the PTC element.

  Further, the conductive means is a pair of electrode members disposed on both sides of the positioning means so as to sandwich the positioning means, and for supplying power to the PTC element positioned by the positioning means. May be.

  Moreover, you may make it further provide a pair of electrical insulation films which are each arrange | positioned between the said electroconductive means and the said heat transfer means, and have electrical insulation.

  The positioning means, the conductive means, and the heat transfer means may be configured by a pair of plate-like members.

  The PTC elements may be electrically connected in parallel.

  In addition, the PTC elements having different temperature settings in the vertical direction and electrically connected in series may be arranged in parallel, and may be further electrically connected in parallel. .

  The heater unit may be attached to the bottom surface of the tank.

  The heater unit of the present invention is a tank in which the heater unit is disposed. The heater unit is incorporated in the heater unit, and the temperature of the fluid contained in the tank is determined by the PTC characteristics of the PTC element constituting the heater unit. When the temperature is lower or lower than the set temperature of the element, the fluid in the tank is heated until the temperature of the fluid in the tank reaches the set temperature of the PTC element, and the temperature of the fluid in the tank is set to the set temperature of the PTC element. When the temperature reaches the value, the heating is stopped spontaneously so that the temperature of the fluid in the tank does not rise any further, and the temperature of the fluid in the tank continues to be maintained at the set temperature of the PTC element. Furthermore, in the heater unit of the present invention, a plurality of PTC elements are arranged apart from each other. Therefore, according to the heater unit of the present invention, due to an error in the set temperature of each PTC element, a large amount of heat is generated by another PTC element located in the vicinity, so that the individual PTC element that generates the error is higher than the original set temperature. As a result, the set temperature is not achieved by self-heating of each PTC element located in the periphery, but reaches the set temperature due to the temperature effect from the periphery, and the electric resistance is PTC. It becomes higher depending on the characteristics and self-heating is not caused, so that it is possible to prevent the original total amount of heat generation from being obtained. The heater unit also has a plurality of PTC elements spaced apart from each other in the depth direction of the fluid contained in the tank, so that the heater unit is positioned above the tank by the convection of the fluid generated by heating. The temperature of the fluid is relatively higher than that of the fluid located below, and the fluid temperature varies. When the fluid to be cooled becomes relatively low in temperature, the PTC element located below has an effect that the set temperature can be maintained without increasing the temperature variation in the fluid depth direction by increasing the heat generation amount.

  Further, the heater unit of the present invention is such that when the temperature of the fluid stored in the tank reaches the set temperature of the PTC element, the PTC element spontaneously stops heating due to the PTC characteristics, and the fluid in the tank is further exceeded. It works to prevent the temperature from rising. Therefore, the heater unit according to the present invention can be realized by using only the PTC element even if there is no temperature sensor for detecting the fluid in the tank or a temperature control unit for controlling the heating element based on the detection result detected by the temperature sensor. The temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank can be set to a predetermined set temperature. Furthermore, the heater unit of the present invention can be realized by using only a PTC element without a temperature sensor or a protection control unit for controlling the heating element when an abnormal temperature rise of the fluid in the temperature tank is detected by this temperature sensor. Since the abnormal temperature rise of the fluid in the tank can be suppressed spontaneously, it is excellent in safety. Furthermore, the heater unit according to the present invention includes a conduction means that is a part of an electric circuit for supplying power to each PTC element, and a current cutoff means connected in series, which is more than the set temperature of the PTC element. In this case, in addition to the self-controllability of the temperature on the high temperature side due to the PTC characteristic, a PTC which is a heat generating means can be used. Power supply to the element itself can be cut off, and safety can be further improved.

Furthermore, since the heater unit of the present invention arranges a large number of PTC elements electrically connected in parallel while being separated from each other, it is possible to obtain a total heat generation amount by an energization amount that cannot be obtained in series connection in the whole. In addition, it is possible to reduce the influence on the entire system even if there is a difference in the electrical resistance value in the PTC characteristics at a predetermined temperature due to the variation of the individual, especially when there is an individual whose electrical resistance becomes excessively large. It becomes.

It is the schematic which showed the liquid supply apparatus. It is the partial side sectional view showing the state where the heater unit was attached to the temperature tank. It is the perspective view which showed the heater unit. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the heater unit. It is a front section perspective view showing a heater unit. It is the plane sectional view showing the heater unit. It is the schematic which showed the PTC element electrically connected in series. It is the perspective view which showed the heater unit by which the PTC element was arrange | positioned in zigzag form. It is the front view which showed the modification of the heater unit.

  Hereinafter, a heater unit to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following examples, It can change arbitrarily in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

  The heater unit to which the present invention is applied is capable of effectively and efficiently heating and / or keeping warm so that the fluid accommodated in a temperature tank built in the liquid supply apparatus is uniform without variation. .

  First, a liquid supply apparatus in which a heater unit to which the present invention is applied is installed will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid supply apparatus 100 is a water server etc., for example. Furthermore, the liquid supply apparatus 100 includes, for example, a joint member 130 to which a fluid container 120 for storing a fluid such as water or mineral water is attached to the bottom surface or the top surface 110a of the recess 111 formed on the top surface 110a of the main body 110. It is attached. The joint member 130 is formed with an intake opening (not shown) around which fluid is taken from the fluid container 120. Then, when the fluid container 120 is attached to the main body 110, the joint member 130 is inserted into the mouth 121 of the fluid container 120 so as to take in the fluid in the fluid container 120 from the intake opening. I can do it. Further, the joint member 130 communicates with the cold tank 140 via the first cold pipe 180, communicates with the warm tank 150 via the first warm pipe 182, and allows the fluid flowing from the fluid container 120 to flow into the cold tank 140. And supplied to the warm tank 150.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the main body 110 includes a cold tank 140 for cooling the fluid and a warm tank 150 for heating the fluid. As for the cold tank 140 and the warm tank 150, for example, the cold tank 140 is disposed on one side (front surface 110c side) in the depth direction (front surface / rear surface direction) of the main body 110, and the warm tank 150 is disposed on the other side (rear surface 110d). Then, the main body 110 is arranged in the main body 110 side by side in the depth direction. Further, the cold tank 140 and / or the warm tank 150 are formed of a heat insulating material having heat insulating properties such as a foam heat insulating material obtained by foaming and hardening a synthetic resin material, for example, in order to improve the cooling or heat retaining effect. It is covered and insulated by a heat insulating member.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a first supply port 171 for supplying the fluid cooled in the cold tank 140 to the outside and the fluid heated in the warm tank 150 to the outside are disposed above the front surface 110 c of the main body 110. A second supply port 172 for supply and first and second discharge operation units 173 and 174 such as a lever, a button, and a touch panel are installed. The first supply port 171 is connected to the cold tank 140 through, for example, a second cold pipe 181, and when the first discharge operation unit 173 is operated by a user or the like, the fluid cooled in the cold tank 140 is supplied. Supply outside. The second supply port 172 is connected to the temperature tank 150 through, for example, a second temperature pipe 183, and when the second discharge operation unit 174 is operated by a user or the like, the fluid heated in the temperature tank 150 is supplied. Supply outside.

  The cold tank 140 includes, for example, a variable capacity container formed of a synthetic resin material or the like, a hard container whose capacity is formed of a synthetic resin material, a metal material, or the like that is not variable. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the cold tank 140 is connected to the joint member 130 via, for example, a first cold pipe 180. Specifically, the first cold pipe 180 is a tube made of a synthetic resin or metal and preferably has flexibility, but may not have flexibility. In the cold tank 140, when the fluid container 120 is attached to the joint member 130, the fluid flows from the fluid container 120 into the inside through the joint member 130 and the first cold pipe 180. Then, the cold tank 140 cools the fluid flowing in from the fluid container 120 to a predetermined temperature by a cooling mechanism such as a cooling element or a heat exchanger installed outside or inside the cold tank 140.

  Furthermore, the cold tank 140 is connected with the 1st supply port 171 via the 2nd cold piping 181 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the second cold pipe 181 is a tube made of synthetic resin or metal and preferably has flexibility, but may not have flexibility. And when the 1st discharge operation part 173 is operated by the user etc., the cold tank 140 will supply the fluid cooled by the cooling mechanism to the 1st supply port 171 via the 2nd cold piping 181, for example. Then, it is supplied to the outside from the first supply port 171.

  The temperature tank 150 is composed of, for example, a variable capacity container formed of a synthetic resin material or the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the warm tank 150 is connected to the joint member 130 via a first warm pipe 182, for example. Specifically, the first temperature pipe 182 is a tube made of a synthetic resin or metal and preferably has flexibility, but may not have flexibility. When the fluid container 120 is attached to the joint member 130, the fluid flows into the temperature tank 150 from the fluid container 120 through the joint member 130 and the first temperature pipe 182. Then, the temperature tank 150 heats the fluid flowing in from the fluid container 120 so as to reach a predetermined temperature by the heater unit 1 installed in the temperature tank 150.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the temperature tank 150 is connected to the second supply port 172 via, for example, a second temperature pipe 183. Specifically, the second temperature pipe 183 is a tube made of a synthetic resin or metal and preferably has flexibility, but may not have flexibility. And when the 2nd discharge operation part 174 is operated by the user etc., the temperature tank 150 will supply the fluid heated by the heater unit 1 to the 2nd supply port 172 via the 2nd temperature piping 183, for example. Then, it is supplied from the second supply port 172 to the outside.

  Next, the heater unit 1 installed inside the warm tank 150 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the heater unit 1 is inserted into the warm tank 150 through a tank opening 151 formed in a bottom surface portion 150 b that is the lowest lower part of the warm tank 150 that can accommodate a fluid. The heater 150 is disposed so as to stand vertically on the bottom surface 150b of the tank 150, and a part or all of the heater unit 1 is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the fluid in the warm tank 150. Yes. Furthermore, the heater unit 1 is welded or joined to the peripheral portion 151a of the tank opening 151 in a state where the heater unit 1 is in surface contact with the inner peripheral surface or the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral portion 151a of the tank opening 151. The tank 150 is integrally attached to the bottom surface 150b.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the heater unit 1 includes a plurality of PTC elements 10 that are spaced apart from each other, a positioning frame 20 that positions the plurality of PTC elements 10, and a positioning frame. A pair of electrode members 30 disposed on both sides of the positioning frame 20 so as to sandwich the electrode 20 and supplying power to each of the PTC elements 10 positioned by the positioning frame 20, and a pair disposed on the outside of the electrode member 30. A pair for transmitting heat generated by each of the PTC elements 10 disposed on the outside of the electrical insulation film 40 and the electrical insulation film 40 and fed through the electrode member 30 to the fluid in the surrounding temperature tank 150. The heat distribution plate 50 and the electrode member 30 are electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) and the electrode member 30. A member 60, and a sheath member 70 for sealing covers the periphery of the heat transfer plate 50.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of PTC elements 10 are arranged in the first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction on the same plane. Further, the PTC element 10 is disposed away from the PTC elements 10 adjacent in the first direction and the second direction. For example, four PTC elements 10 are arranged in the first direction and five in the second direction, for a total of twenty. The number of PTC elements 10 is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate as long as they are arranged apart from each other.

  Such a PTC element 10 is a heater having a so-called PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which an electric resistance value increases as the temperature rises and it becomes difficult for electricity to flow. It is formed in a shape. That is, the PTC element 10 has a small electric resistance value when the temperature is lower than a certain set temperature, and electricity easily flows. However, when the temperature becomes higher than a certain set temperature, the electric resistance value becomes large and it is difficult for electricity to flow. It has the characteristic which becomes.

  Therefore, for example, when the set temperature of the PTC element 10 is 90 ° C., the PTC element 10 has a PTC characteristic in which the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 is lower than the set temperature of 90 ° C. of the PTC element 10. Heat is generated until the temperature reaches 90 ° C., but when the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 reaches 90 ° C., the electrical resistance increases and the amount of generated heat decreases spontaneously to stop the heating. It is configured so that the temperature does not rise. On the other hand, when the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 becomes 90 ° C. or less, the PTC element 10 generates heat again until the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 reaches 90 ° C. due to the PTC characteristics. And keep the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 at 90 ° C.

  That is, in the PTC element 10, when the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 is lower or lower than the set temperature of the PTC element 10 due to the PTC characteristics, the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 is set in the PTC element 10. The fluid in the warm tank 150 is heated until the temperature is reached, and when the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 reaches the set temperature of the PTC element 10, the heating is stopped spontaneously and the fluid in the warm tank 150 is further increased. The temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 is kept at the set temperature of the PTC element 10 so that the temperature does not rise. Further, the PTC element 10 includes a temperature sensor that detects fluid in the temperature tank 150, a temperature control unit that controls the heating element based on the detection result detected by the temperature sensor, and the like, such as a conventional water server. In this case, the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 can be set to a predetermined set temperature only by the PTC element 10 and has a self-temperature control function.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the positioning frame 20 is a positioning means for positioning the PTC elements 10 that are spaced apart from each other. For example, the positioning frame 20 is a synthetic resin material or rubber material having electrical insulating properties and heat insulating properties, or It is composed of a plate-like member made of a metal material or the like whose surface is electrically insulated. As a result, the positioning frame 20 maintains the spaced arrangement of the PTC elements 10 and it is difficult to transfer heat from the PTC elements 10 to the adjacent PTC elements 10, so that the PTC elements 10 are affected by the heat from the adjacent PTC elements 10. In addition, the heat generated by the PTC element 10 can be transmitted to the heat transfer plate 50 via the electrode member 30 and the electric insulating film 40 without causing heat loss. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the positioning frame 20 has a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of the PTC element 10 or a PTC element so that the PTC element 10 and the electrode member 30 can come into contact with each other when the PTC element 10 is positioned. It is formed to be slightly thinner than 10.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the main surface portion of the positioning frame 20 is formed with a heater accommodating opening 21 that accommodates the PTC element 10 at a position facing the PTC elements 10 that are arranged apart from each other. Yes. The arrangement form of the PTC elements 10 in the heater accommodating opening 21 is not limited to this. For example, like the PTC element 10, four in the first direction and five in the second direction, for a total of twenty. Individually formed. The heater accommodating opening 21 may be formed in a circular shape having substantially the same size as the PTC element 10 and may be positioned by fitting the PTC element 10, and may be slightly larger than the PTC element 10. Thus, the PTC element 10 may be accommodated and positioned via an adhesive or a buffer material.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, an energization interrupting part 22 that interrupts energization exceeding a predetermined temperature is attached to a side surface part on one end side in the first direction of the positioning frame 20. The energization cut-off unit 22 is, for example, a temperature fuse that blows off and cuts off energization when a predetermined temperature (operating temperature) higher than the set temperature of the PTC element 10 is exceeded. The temperature fuse is electrically connected in series with the electrode member 30 while being connected to an electric wiring member 60 connected to an external power source. The temperature fuse, for example, does not stop heating even when a malfunction or the like occurs in the PTC element 10 and reaches the set temperature of the PTC element 10, and the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 is higher than the set temperature of the PTC element 10. When the temperature reaches a high operating temperature, the PTC element 10 is cut off and cut off.

  Instead of the thermal fuse, for example, the energization cutoff unit 22 may be a bimetal that bends away from the contact when a predetermined temperature (operating temperature) higher than the set temperature of the PTC element 10 is reached. The bimetal bends away from the contact point when a malfunction or the like occurs in the PTC element 10 and the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 reaches an operating temperature higher than the set temperature of the PTC element 10. Turn off the power. In the case of a thermal fuse, it cannot be restored without replacing the thermal fuse after fusing, but in the case of a bimetal, if the temperature of the fluid in the hot tank 150 drops, it can be restored without being replaced. Good sex.

  Further, the energization interrupting unit 22 may be constituted by a thermal fuse and a bimetal. In this case, the thermal fuse and the bimetal are electrically connected in series, the bimetal has an operating temperature set higher than the set temperature of the PTC element 10, and the thermal fuse has an operating temperature set higher than the operating temperature of the bimetal. The As an example, although not limited to this, the set temperature of the PTC element 10 is set to 90 ° C., the operating temperature of the bimetal is set to 95 ° C., and the operating temperature of the thermal fuse is set to 100 ° C. Thereby, the electricity interruption | blocking part 22 can aim at the improvement of safety | security more.

  Further, since the energization interrupting part 22 has a property that the warmed fluid moves upward in the vertical direction, the positioning frame that becomes the upper side in the vertical direction when the heater unit 1 is attached to the warm tank 150. Although it is preferable to be installed on the side surface portion on one end side in the first direction of 20, it may be installed either on the other end side or in the second direction.

  In addition, a lightening opening 23 is formed between the heater housing openings 21 and 21 in the main surface of the positioning frame 20. Accordingly, the positioning frame 20 can be reduced in weight, and further, the amount of material used when the positioning frame 20 is manufactured can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

  The electrode member 30 is a conductive means having electric conductivity for supplying power to each of the PTC elements 10 positioned by the positioning frame 20, and is disposed so as to sandwich the positioning frame 20 as shown in FIG. The electrode members 30, 30 are arranged on the main surfaces on both sides of the positioning frame 20 in a non-contact state directly. Specifically, the electrode member 30 is composed of a plate-like member, is disposed at a position facing the PTC element 10 that is spaced apart from each other, and abuts against each of both end faces of the PTC element 10. It has a plurality of heater contact portions 31 and an electrode connection portion 32 that connects between the heater contact portions 31, 31 adjacent in the first direction and the second direction. Although the heater contact portion 31 is not limited to this, as an example, like the PTC element 10, four heaters in the first direction and five in the second direction are formed in total. . Furthermore, the heater contact part 31 is formed in the same circular shape as the PTC element 10, for example. In such an electrode member 30, since all the heater contact parts 31 are connected via the electrode connecting part 32, all the PTC elements 10 are electrically connected in parallel.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a wiring connection piece 33 to which the electric wiring member 60 is connected is formed on one side surface of the electrode member 30. For example, one electrode connection member 30 is formed on one side surface portion on the one end side in the first direction, and the other electrode member 30 is formed on one side surface portion on the other end side in the first direction. Has been. The electrode members 30 are arranged on the main surfaces on both sides of the positioning frame 20 so as to sandwich the positioning frame 20. When the electric wiring member 60 is connected to each wiring connection piece 33, the electrode member 30 is positioned on the positioning frame 20. Power is supplied to the PTC element 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the electrical insulating film 40 is an electrical insulating means that is disposed outside the electrode member 30 and electrically insulates the electrode member 30 and the heat transfer plate 50. Specifically, the electrical insulating film 40 is a rectangular film formed of a synthetic resin material, a rubber material, or the like having electrical insulating properties and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, it is preferable that the electrical insulating film 40 is larger in size in the first direction and the second direction than at least the electrode member 30 so that the electrode member 30 can be completely covered.

  The heat transfer plate 50 is a heat transfer means having heat conductivity for transferring heat generated by each of the PTC elements 10 fed via the electrode member 30 to the surroundings, as shown in FIG. Oppositely arranged on the outside of the electrical insulating film 40, heat from the PTC element 10 is transferred to the fluid in the warm tank 150. Specifically, the heat transfer plate 50 is a rectangular plate-shaped member formed of a metal material or a synthetic resin material excellent in thermal conductivity (heat dissipation) such as aluminum. Furthermore, the heat transfer plate 50 has a concave storage portion 51 and a heat transfer flange portion 52 that extends outward from the edge of the storage portion 51 and is formed over the entire circumference. One heat transfer plate 50 and the other heat transfer plate 50 abut each other between the storage portion 51 of one heat transfer plate 50 and the storage portion 51 of the other heat transfer plate 50 by abutting the heat transfer flange portion 52. A space is formed in the space, and an assembly including the PTC element 10, the positioning frame 20, the electrode member 30, the electric insulating film 40, the electric wiring member 60, and the like is accommodated in this space. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, two plate-like support pieces 24 protruding outward are formed on each side surface portion of the positioning frame 20, and the support pieces 24 are formed on the side wall portion of the storage portion 51. By supporting each, the assembly is stored in the storage unit 51 without rattling. Note that the two support pieces 24 are not limited to being formed on each side surface portion of the positioning frame 20 as long as the assembly can be stored in the storage portion 51 without rattling. One should just be formed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the main surface portion of the storage portion 51 has a convex pressing projecting toward the heat transfer flange portion 52 at a position facing the PTC elements 10 that are spaced apart from each other. A portion 53 is formed. As an example, although not limited to this, like the PTC element 10, four in the first direction and five in the second direction are formed, for a total of twenty. Thereby, the one heat transfer plate 50 and the other heat transfer plate 50 abut the heat transfer flange portion 52, and the PTC element 10, the positioning frame 20, the electrode member 30, the electrical insulating film 40, When the assembly composed of the electric wiring member 60 and the like is housed, the pressing portion 53 holds the PTC element 10 while pressing and pressing the PTC element 10 through the electrode member 30 and the electric insulating film 40. The PTC element 10 and the electrode member 30 are reliably brought into contact with each other.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the heat transfer flange portion 52 is formed with a concave insertion recess 54 a into which the electric wiring member 60 is inserted. The insertion recess 54a is formed, for example, in a semicircular shape on the other end side in the first direction, and allows the inside of the storage portion 51 to communicate with the outside. Thus, when one heat transfer plate 50 and the other heat transfer plate 50 abut the heat transfer flange portion 52 and the insertion recess 54a is disposed to face each other, a circular wiring insertion portion 54 is formed. Alternatively, the insertion recess 54a may be formed only in one of the pair of heat transfer plates 50, 50, and the electric wiring member 60 may be inserted through the semicircular insertion recess 54a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the electrical wiring member 60 electrically connects the first wiring 61 that electrically connects the external power source and the energization cutoff unit 22 of the positioning frame 20, and the electrical disconnection unit 22 and one electrode member 30. The second wiring 62 that is electrically connected, and the third wiring 63 that electrically connects the other electrode member 30 and the external power source.

  As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the first wiring 61 is connected to an external power source, the other end is connected to the energization cutoff unit 22 of the positioning frame 20, and the external power source and the energization cutoff unit 22 are electrically connected. ing. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the first wiring 61 is inserted into the storage portion 51 from the outside through the wiring insertion portion 54 formed on the other end side in the first direction of the heat transfer plate 50, Next, it is arranged from the other end side in the first direction to the one end side so as to be along the side surface portion of the positioning frame 20 while bypassing the positioning frame 20, and is connected to the energization cutoff unit 22.

  As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the second wiring 62 is connected to the energization cutoff part 22 of the positioning frame 20, and the other end is connected to the wiring connection piece 33 of one electrode member 30. The electrode member 30 is electrically connected. As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the third wiring 63 is connected to the wiring connection piece 33 of the other electrode member 30, and the other end is connected to the outside from the storage unit 51 via the wiring insertion part 54 of the heat transfer plate 50. The other electrode member 30 is electrically connected to the external power source.

  That is, the heater unit 1 includes an external power source, a first wiring 61, an energization cutoff part 22 of the positioning frame 20, a second wiring 62, one electrode member 30, the PTC element 10, the other electrode member 30, and a third wiring 63. Since it is electrically connected, a current can be applied to the PTC element 10 from an external power source.

  The exterior member 70 covers and seals the periphery of the heat transfer plate 50 and isolates the inside and outside of the heat transfer plate 50. Specifically, the exterior member 70 is formed of a synthetic resin material or the like, and has an exterior frame portion 71 and a mounting flange portion 72 as shown in FIG. Further, the exterior member 70 includes an assembly composed of the PTC element 10, the positioning frame 20, the electrode member 30, the electrical insulating film 40, the electrical wiring member 60, and the like, and a heat transfer that accommodates the assembly in the housing portion 51. The heater unit 1 constituted by the plate 50 is integrally formed by, for example, insert molding a synthetic resin material or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the exterior frame portion 71 covers the edges of the heat transfer flange portion 52 of the one heat transfer plate 50 and the other heat transfer plate 50 that face the heat transfer flange portion 52 from both sides. The heat transfer flange portion 52 is formed in a U-shaped cross section around the entire periphery. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the exterior frame portion 71 is also formed in a plurality of through holes 55 formed in the heat transfer flange portion 52 of the heat transfer plate 50. Therefore, the exterior frame portion 71 is firmly joined in a state where a part of the peripheral edge portion of the heat transfer flange portion 52 is in close contact and the heat transfer flange portion 52 is abutted, and the heat transfer flange portions 52 and 52 are hermetically sealed. Thus, the inside and outside of the heat transfer plate 50 are isolated to prevent water, dust, and the like from entering the storage portion 51 from between the heat transfer flange portions 52 and 52. That is, a part of the heat transfer flange portion 52 serves as a joining means for tightly joining to an external member.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mounting flange portion 72 is formed in a rectangular shape so as to project outward on the side surface portion on the other end side in the first direction of the exterior frame portion 71. It is integrally formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the mounting flange portion 72 is welded or joined to the peripheral edge portion 151 a of the tank opening 151 of the bottom surface portion 150 b of the temperature tank 150, thereby connecting the heater unit 1 to the temperature tank 150. Attached to the bottom surface part 150b. Note that the mounting flange portion 72 is not limited to be formed in a rectangular shape, and can be a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape as long as it can be joined to the peripheral edge portion 151a of the tank opening 151 of the temperature tank 150. Any shape such as a shape may be used.

  The heater unit 1 having the above configuration is assembled as follows, for example.

  First, the heater unit 1 accommodates the PTC element 10 in the heater accommodating opening 21 of the positioning frame 20 and arranges a plurality of PTC elements 10 in the first direction and a plurality in the second direction. The PTC elements 10 adjacent in the second direction are arranged apart from each other. Then, the heater unit 1 connects the other end of the first wiring 61 to the energization cutoff unit 22 of the positioning frame 20.

  Next, the heater unit 1 places the electrode members 30 on the main surfaces on both sides of the positioning frame 20 so as to sandwich the positioning frame 20. Then, the heater unit 1 connects one end of the second wiring 62 to the energization cut-off portion 22 of the positioning frame 20 and connects the other end of the second wiring 62 to the wiring connection piece 33 of one electrode member 30 to energize the heater unit 1. The blocking part 22 and the one electrode member 30 are electrically connected. Further, the heater unit 1 connects one end of the third wiring 63 to the wiring connection piece 33 of the other electrode member 30.

  Next, the heater unit 1 is configured so that the electrical insulating film 40 is attached to one electrode member 30 and the PTC element 10, the positioning frame 20, the electrode member 30, the first wiring 61, the second wiring 62, and the third wiring 63. It arrange | positions on the outer side of the other electrode member 30, respectively. Thereby, an assembly composed of the PTC element 10, the positioning frame 20, the electrode member 30, the electric insulating film 40, the electric wiring member 60, and the like is assembled.

  Next, the heater unit 1 supports the assembly in the storage portion 51 of the one heat transfer plate 50 by supporting the support piece 24 of the positioning frame 20 on the side wall portion of the storage portion 51 of the one heat transfer plate 50. The first wiring 61 and the other end of the third wiring 63 are discharged from the storage section 51 to the outside through the wiring insertion section 54 of the heat transfer plate 50 while being stored without rattling. Then, the heater unit 1 abuts the heat transfer flange portion 52 of the one heat transfer plate 50 and the heat transfer plate 50 of the other, so that the assembly is stored in the storage portion 51 of the one heat transfer plate 50 and the other heat transfer plate 50. Store inside.

  Next, the heater unit 1 is insert-molded with a synthetic resin material or the like, and has a U-shaped cross section over the entire periphery of the edge of the heat transfer flange 52 so as to cover the edge of the heat transfer flange 52 from both sides. The exterior frame portion 71 is formed integrally with the exterior frame portion 71, and the mounting flange portion 72 is formed integrally with the exterior frame portion 71 at the other end portion of the exterior frame portion 71 in the first direction.

  The heater unit 1 is assembled as described above.

  Next, the heater unit 1 assembled as described above is attached to the warm tank 150 as follows, for example.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, a tank opening 151 for inserting the heater unit 1 into the temperature tank 150 is formed in the bottom surface portion 150 b vertically below the temperature tank 150. The heater unit 1 is inserted into the temperature tank 150 from the tank opening 151 and arranged so as to stand vertically on the bottom surface portion 50b of the temperature tank 150. A part or all of them are arranged so as to be in direct contact with the fluid in the warm tank 150.

  Furthermore, the heater unit 1 is attached to the bottom surface portion 150b of the temperature tank 150 so that the center in the depth direction coincides with the center in the depth direction of the temperature tank 150. Further, the heater unit 60 is formed on the bottom surface portion 150b of the warm tank 150 so that the center in the width direction (right side surface / left side surface direction of the main body 110) perpendicular to the depth direction coincides with the center in the width direction of the warm tank 150. It is attached.

  Next, the heater unit 1 is in a state in which the mounting flange portion 72 of the exterior member 70 and the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral edge portion 151a of the tank opening portion 151 are in surface contact with each other, and the peripheral edge portion 151a of the mounting flange portion 72 and the tank opening portion 151. Are welded or the like and joined together, and are integrally attached to the bottom surface portion 150b of the warm tank 150.

  As described above, the heater unit 1 is attached to the temperature tank 150.

  Next, the heater unit 1 attached to the temperature tank 150 as described above heats and / or keeps the fluid in the temperature tank 150 as follows, for example.

  First, the heater unit 1 connects one end of the first wiring 61 and the other end of the third wiring 63 discharged from the storage unit 51 to the outside through the wiring insertion part 54 of the heat transfer plate 50 to an external power source. While electrically connecting an external power supply and the electricity supply interruption | blocking part 22, the other electrode member 30 and an external power supply are electrically connected. When the current is applied to the PTC element 10 from an external power source and the heater unit 1 is energized, the PTC element 10 generates heat and heats the fluid in the warm tank 150 to the set temperature of the PTC element 10.

  Here, as described above, when the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 is lower or lower than the set temperature of the PTC element 10 due to the PTC characteristics, the PTC element 10 has a temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150. Until the temperature reaches the set temperature of the PTC element 10, the fluid in the temperature tank 150 is heated, and when the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 reaches the set temperature of the PTC element 10, the heat generation is stopped spontaneously and the temperature is further increased. This prevents the temperature of the fluid in the tank 150 from rising, and keeps the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 at the set temperature of the PTC element 10. Furthermore, since the PTC element 10 is electrically connected in parallel by the electrode member 30 or the like, a certain part in the temperature tank 150 reaches the set temperature of the PTC element 10 and a current flows through the PTC element 10 in the vicinity thereof. Even if it becomes difficult, the other PTC elements 10 are not affected and can operate independently. Therefore, the heater unit 1 can partially heat only a portion lower than the set temperature of the PTC element 10 in the temperature tank 150 by such a PTC element 10. Therefore, the heater unit 1 can make the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 uniform without variation.

  For example, when the set temperature of the PTC element 10 is 90 ° C. and the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 is 80 ° C., 85 ° C., and 90 ° C. at the lower, middle, and upper portions in the vertical direction, respectively, The PTC element 10 facing the upper position is stopped from heating, and the PTC element 10 facing the middle position and the lower position is heated until it reaches 90 ° C., and the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 is completely reduced. Set to 90 ° C. and equalize without variation.

  As described above, the heater unit 1 heats the fluid in the temperature tank 150 to set the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 to the set temperature of the PTC element 10. Furthermore, the heater unit 1 partially heats only the portion that is lower or lower than the set temperature of the PTC element 10 in the temperature tank 150, and makes the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 uniform.

  As described above, when the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 is lower or lower than the set temperature of the PTC element 10, the heater unit 1 generates heat in the temperature tank 150 due to the PTC characteristics. The fluid in the warm tank 150 is heated until the temperature of the fluid reaches the set temperature of the PTC element 10, and when the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 reaches the set temperature of the PTC element 10, the heat generation is stopped spontaneously. Further, the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 is prevented from increasing, and the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 is maintained to be maintained at the set temperature of the PTC element 10. Further, in the heater unit 1, a plurality of PTC elements 10 are arranged apart from each other. Therefore, the heater unit 1 can heat and maintain the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 so that the temperature of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 can be effectively and efficiently evenly set to a predetermined temperature.

  In addition, when the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 reaches the set temperature of the PTC element 10, the heater unit 1 spontaneously stops heat generation due to the PTC characteristics and the fluid in the warm tank 150 is further exceeded. It works to prevent the temperature from rising. Therefore, the heater unit 1 can be used only for the PTC element 10 without a temperature sensor for detecting the fluid in the temperature tank 150 or a temperature control unit for controlling the heating element based on the detection result detected by the temperature sensor. Thus, the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 can be set to a predetermined set temperature. Furthermore, the heater unit 1 can be configured with only the PTC element 10 even without a temperature sensor or a protection control unit that controls the heating element when the temperature sensor detects an abnormal temperature rise of the fluid in the temperature tank 150. Since the abnormal temperature rise of the fluid in the warm tank 150 can be suppressed spontaneously, it is excellent in safety. Furthermore, the heater unit 1 can reduce the number of parts, and can be reduced in size, weight, and cost.

  In the heater unit 1, since the PTC element 10 is electrically connected in parallel by the electrode member 30 or the like, a certain part of the fluid in the temperature tank 150 reaches the set temperature of the PTC element 10, and the PTC in the vicinity thereof. Even if the current of the element 10 becomes difficult to flow, the other PTC elements 10 are not affected and each PTC element 10 can operate independently. Therefore, the heater unit 1 can partially heat only a portion lower than the set temperature of the PTC element 10 in the temperature tank 150 by such a PTC element 10. Therefore, the heater unit 1 can heat and / or keep warm the fluid in the temperature tank 150 more effectively and efficiently without variation. Furthermore, since the heater unit 1 can partially heat the fluid in the warm tank 150, it suppresses power consumption and has an energy saving effect.

  In addition, the heater unit 1 is attached to a bottom surface part 150 b that is the lowermost part in the temperature tank 150. Accordingly, in the heater unit 1, heat is generally easily transmitted upward in the vertical direction, and the fluid heated by the convection has a property of moving upward in the vertical direction. Therefore, the heat generated by the PTC element 10 is effective. And it can transmit to the fluid in the warm tank 150 efficiently, and the fluid in the warm tank 150 can be heated and / or kept warm effectively and efficiently.

  Furthermore, the heater unit 1 is erected and arranged in the warm tank 150 so as to stand upright along a vertical direction from a tank opening 151 formed in a bottom surface portion 150b vertically below the warm tank 150. And is arranged so as to be in direct contact with the fluid in the warm tank 150. Accordingly, since the heater unit 1 is configured so that all directions of the heater unit 1 come into contact with the fluid, the entire amount of generated heat can be transmitted to the fluid, and the heat from the PTC element 10 is not lost. The fluid in the warm tank 150 can be effectively and efficiently transmitted to the fluid in the warm tank 150, and the fluid in the warm tank 150 can be heated and / or kept warm more effectively and efficiently.

  In addition, the heater unit 1 is disposed in parallel with the vertical direction with the tip portion directed vertically upward, and the bottom surface portion 150b of the warm tank 150 is arranged so that the center in the depth direction coincides with the center in the depth direction of the warm tank 150. By being attached, heat from the PTC element 10 can be evenly transferred to the fluid in the warm tank 150 in the depth direction, and all the fluid in the warm tank 150 is effectively and efficiently heated and / or kept warm. I can do it.

  Furthermore, the heater unit 1 is disposed in parallel with the vertical direction with the tip portion directed vertically upward, and is arranged on the bottom surface portion 150b of the warm tank 150 so that the center in the width direction coincides with the center in the width direction of the warm tank 150. By being attached, heat from the PTC element 10 can be evenly transmitted to the fluid in the warm tank 150 in the width direction, and all the fluid in the warm tank 150 is effectively and efficiently heated and / or kept warm. I can do it.

  Note that the PTC element 10 is not limited to being electrically connected in parallel by the electrode member 30, but is electrically connected in series by the electrode member 30 as shown in FIG. 7. Also good. At this time, for example, a plurality of PTC elements 10 arranged in the first direction are electrically connected in series, and a plurality of rows of PTC elements 10 arranged in the second direction are electrically connected in parallel. In this case, since the columns of the PTC elements 10 are electrically connected in series, when any one of the columns of the PTC elements 10 reaches the set temperature of the PTC elements 10, all the PTC elements 10 in the columns are arranged. After that, when all the PTC elements 10 in the row are equal to or lower than the set temperature of the PTC elements 10, the fluid in the tank 150 is again heated and heated until the set temperature of the PTC elements 10 is reached. Accordingly, even when the PTC elements 10 are electrically connected in series as described above, the heater unit 1 is provided in the temperature tank 150 as in the case where the PTC elements 10 are electrically connected in parallel. The fluid in the warm tank 150 can be heated so that the temperature of the fluid becomes the set temperature of the PTC element 10, and the fluid in the warm tank 150 can be heated evenly and effectively and efficiently without variation. Or you can keep warm.

  Further, the heater unit 1 in which the PTC elements 10 described above are electrically connected in series may use PTC elements 10 having different set temperatures. For example, the set temperature of the PTC element 10 at the middle position and the lower position is 90 ° C., and the set temperature of the PTC element 10 at the upper position is 120 ° C., which is higher than the middle position and the lower position. Alternatively, the set temperature of the PTC element 10 at the lower position is set to 80 ° C., the set temperature of the PTC element 10 at the middle position is set to 85 ° C. higher than the lower position, and the set temperature of the PTC element 10 at the upper position is set to the middle position and the lower position. Higher than 90 ° C. Here, in general, heat is easily transmitted upward in the vertical direction, and the fluid heated by convection has a property of moving upward in the vertical direction. Further, when the columns of the PTC elements 10 are electrically connected in series, when any one of the columns of the PTC elements 10 reaches the set temperature of the PTC element 10, all the PTC elements 10 in the column are connected. Will stop heating. Accordingly, the heater unit 1 uses the PTC elements 10 having different set temperatures, and in particular, uses the PTC elements 10 having a higher set temperature than the lower side on the upper side in the vertical direction, so that the PTC elements 10 are electrically connected in series. Even if connected, the heating of the PTC element 10 can be prevented from being stopped before the lower side reaches a predetermined temperature, and the fluid in the temperature tank 150 can be distributed more effectively and efficiently without variation. It can be heated and / or kept warm.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the heater unit 1 includes a PTC element 10, a heater housing opening 21 of the positioning frame 20 disposed at a position facing the PTC element 10, a heater contact portion 31 of the electrode member 30, The pressing portions 53 of the heat transfer plate 50 are not limited to being arranged in a lattice pattern, but may be arranged in a staggered manner as shown in FIG.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the heater unit 1 has a concave heater accommodating portion 56 in which the PTC element 10 is accommodated in a position facing the PTC element 10 in the heat transfer plate 50 instead of the accommodating portion 51. In place of the electric insulating film 40, the surface of the heat transfer plate 50 is subjected to, for example, alumite treatment to form an electric insulating layer, and another electric material is provided between the heat transfer plates 50 and 50 instead of the electrode member 30. The PTC elements 10 may be electrically connected in parallel and / or in series by a wiring member. That is, the heat transfer plate 50 serves as both positioning means and heat transfer means.

  The heat transfer plate 50 in this case is a pair of rectangular plate members formed of a metal material having excellent thermal conductivity such as aluminum or a synthetic resin material, and has a concave shape at a position facing the PTC element 10. A heater accommodating portion 56 is formed. Further, when the one heat transfer plate 50 and the other heat transfer plate 50 are abutted with each other while the insulator 57 is disposed between the edges, the heater accommodating portion 56 of the one heat transfer plate 50 and the other heat transfer plate 50 are disposed. A space is formed between the 50 heater accommodating portions 56, and the PTC element 10 is accommodated in this space. Further, in the space between the one heat transfer plate 50 and the other heat transfer plate 50 that are abutted with each other, another electric wiring member that electrically connects the PTC elements 10 in parallel or in series is disposed.

  Even in such a case, similarly to the case where the heater unit 1 includes the positioning frame 20, the electrode member 30, and the electrical insulating film 40, the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 becomes the set temperature of the PTC element 10. As described above, the fluid in the warm tank 150 can be heated, and the fluid in the warm tank 150 can be heated and / or kept warm evenly and effectively and without variation. Furthermore, the heater unit 1 can reduce the number of parts by omitting the positioning frame 20, the electrode member 30, and the electrical insulating film 40, and can be further reduced in size, weight, and cost.

  Furthermore, the above-described heater unit 1 has electrical conductivity that allows the PTC elements 10 to be electrically connected in parallel and / or in series to part or the entire inner surface of the heat transfer plate 50 instead of other electrical wiring members. An electrically conductive layer may be formed. That is, the heat transfer plate 50 is configured to have an electrically insulating layer on the outer surface and an electrically conductive layer on the inner surface, and the inner surface having the electrically conductive layer is a conductive means. And also serves as positioning means, conductive means, and heat transfer means. Even in such a case, the heater unit 1 can similarly heat the fluid in the warm tank 150 so that the temperature of the fluid in the warm tank 150 becomes the set temperature of the PTC element 10, Furthermore, the fluid in the warm tank 150 can be heated and / or kept warm evenly and effectively and without variation. Furthermore, the heater unit 1 can further reduce the number of parts by omitting the other electric wiring members, and can be further reduced in size, weight, and cost.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the heater unit 1 is preferably attached vertically upward to the bottom surface portion 150 b vertically below the temperature tank 150, but is directed vertically downward to the upper surface portion 150 a of the temperature tank 150. You may make it attach, and you may make it attach to the side part of the warm tank 150.

  The temperature tank 150 is not limited to being configured with a variable capacity container molded by a synthetic resin material or the like, but is configured by a hard container or the like whose capacity is molded by a synthetic resin material or a metal material. You may be made to do.

  Further, the heater unit 1 is not limited to being integrally attached to the warm tank 150 by being welded or joined to the warm tank 150, but is detachably attached to the warm tank 150. Also good. For example, but not limited to this, in the case of a variable capacity container formed of a synthetic resin material or the like, a synthetic resin or metal plate-like member is welded to the temperature tank 150 and joined. Then, while disposing a water-tight member such as a rubber sheet between the plate-like member and the mounting flange portion 72 of the heater unit 1, the heater unit 1 is fixed by screwing the mounting flange portion 72 to the plate-like member. Is detachably attached to the warm tank 150. Similarly, in the case of a hard container having a variable capacity formed of a synthetic resin material or a metal material, for example, a watertight member such as a rubber sheet is disposed, and the mounting flange portion 72 is screwed to the temperature tank 150. The heater unit 1 is detachably attached to the temperature tank 150 by, for example, stopping.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the cold tank 140 and the warm tank 150 are not limited to being arranged in the body 110 side by side in the depth direction of the body 110. You may make it arrange | position in the main body 110 by arranging vertically or arrange | positioning below vertically.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the supply port and the discharge operation unit include a first supply port 171 and a first discharge operation unit that supply a cooled fluid, a second supply port 172 that supplies a heated fluid, and Although it is divided into the second discharge operation part, when one common discharge operation part is operated, it is a structure in which a cooled fluid and a heated fluid are switched and supplied from one common supply port. There may be.

  In addition, the joint member 130 is not limited to be attached to the recess 111 or the upper surface 110a of the upper surface 110a of the main body 110, but slides in one side surface of the space portion formed in the lower portion of the main body 110 or in this space portion. You may make it attach on the sliding plate installed so that sliding by the mechanism was possible. In this case, since the fluid container 120 can be accommodated in the space formed in the lower part, the fluid container can be used as compared with the case where the joint member 130 is attached to the recess 111 or the upper surface 110a of the upper surface 110a of the main body 110. The burden of lifting 120 can be reduced, and the fluid container 120 can be easily attached.

  In addition to water and mineral water, etc., the fluid container 120 is a soft drink such as juice, coffee or tea, a fluid seasoning such as drinking water, liquor, soy sauce, mirin, dressing, miso, miso soup or corn. You may make it store food / beverage including fluid dishes, such as soup, fluids, such as an industrial product, viscous fluid, a gel-like body, a slurry-like body.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Heater unit, 10 PTC element, 20 Positioning frame, 21 Heater accommodation opening part, 22 Current interruption part, 23 Lightening opening part, 24 Support piece, 30 Electrode member, 31 Heater contact part, 32 Electrode connection part, 33 Wiring Connection piece, 40 Electrical insulating film, 50 Heat transfer plate, 51 Storage portion, 52 Heat transfer flange portion, 53 Pressing portion, 54 Wiring insertion portion, 54a Insertion recess, 55 Through hole, 56 Heater storage portion, 60 Electrical wiring member, 61 1st wiring, 62 2nd wiring, 63 3rd wiring, 70 exterior member, 71 exterior frame part, 72 mounting flange part, 100 liquid supply device, 110 main body, 110a upper surface, 110c front surface, 110d rear surface, 111 recess, 120 Fluid container, 121 mouth portion, 130 joint member, 140 cold tank, 150 warm tank, 150a Surface part, 150b Bottom face part, 151 Tank opening part, 151a Peripheral part, 171 First supply port, 172 Second supply port, 173 First discharge operation part, 174 Second discharge operation part, 180 First cold pipe, 181 Second Cold piping, 182 First temperature piping, 183 Second temperature piping

Claims (21)

  A plurality of PTC elements; positioning means for disposing the PTC elements apart from each other; conductive means having electrical conductivity for supplying power to each of the PTC elements positioned by the positioning means; and the conductive means. And a heat transfer means having heat conductivity for transferring heat generated by each of the PTC elements fed via the heat to the surroundings.   The heater unit according to claim 1, wherein the positioning unit, the conductive unit, and the heat transfer unit are configured as separate parts.   The heater unit according to claim 1, wherein the conductive means is provided integrally with the positioning means.   The heater unit according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the conductive means is provided integrally with the heat transfer means.   The heater unit according to claim 1, wherein the positioning unit is provided integrally with the heat transfer unit.   2. The conductive means according to claim 1, wherein the conductive means includes two portions which are in contact with each of opposite opposing end faces of the PTC element, are opposed to each other, and are not in contact with each other. The heater unit according to any one of 1 to 5.   The heater unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 or 6, wherein the heat transfer means has a substantially planar shape and is electrically insulated from the conductive means.   The heat transfer means is made of a material having electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, an outer surface having an electrically insulating layer, and an inner surface having electrical conductivity, 8. The heater unit according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface having conductivity is used as the conductive means.   The heat transfer means is composed of two parts that are substantially face-to-face and arranged opposite to each other. The peripheral portions of the two heat transfer means are sealed, and the sealed peripheral portions are isolated from each other inside and outside. The heater unit according to claim 1, wherein the heater unit is configured as described above.   A plurality of the PTC elements are arranged apart from each other on one plane, have a thickness comparable to the thickness of the one plane in the front and back direction, and a positioning means for holding the separated arrangement of the PTC elements; Two conductive means for contacting each of the front and back surfaces of the plurality of PTC elements to supply power to the PTC element, and the conductive means with respect to the conductive means while maintaining heat conductivity while passing through the electric insulation means The heater unit according to claim 1, 6, 7, or 9, wherein the heater unit is configured to include a heat transfer unit located outside the conductive unit.   The heater unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the conductive means is electrically connected in series with a current cut-off means that cuts off a current when a predetermined temperature is exceeded.   The heater unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a part of a peripheral edge of the heat transfer means has a joining means for tightly joining to an external member.   The heater unit according to claim 12, wherein the joining means is provided in a flange shape.   The heater unit is disposed so that a part or all of the heat transfer means is located in a tank capable of storing a fluid to be heated, and the heat transfer means is stored in the tank. The heater unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the heater unit is configured to heat and / or keep the fluid in direct or indirect contact with the fluid.   The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the positioning means is a positioning frame in which a PTC element accommodating opening for accommodating the PTC element is formed at a position facing the PTC element. unit.   The conductive means is a pair of electrode members that are disposed on both sides of the positioning means so as to sandwich the positioning means, and are used to feed power to the PTC element positioned by the positioning means. The heater unit according to any one of 15.   The heater of the liquid supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a pair of electrically insulating films disposed between the conductive means and the heat transfer means and having electrical insulation properties. unit.   2. The heater unit of the liquid supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning unit, the conductive unit, and the heat transfer unit include a pair of plate-like members.   The heater unit according to claim 1, wherein the PTC elements are electrically connected in parallel.   19. The PTC elements having different temperature settings in the vertical direction and electrically connected in series are arranged in parallel, and are further electrically connected in parallel. The heater unit according to crab.   The heater unit according to any one of claims 14 to 17, 19 or 20, wherein the heater unit is attached to a bottom portion of the tank.

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