JP6288310B2 - Heater device - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

  This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-7925 filed on January 19, 2015, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

  The present disclosure relates to a heater device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an apparatus that includes a main body having a heat generating portion that generates heat by power supplied from an energizing portion, and a sensor that detects contact or proximity of an object to the main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this Patent Document 1, when the sensor detects that an object is in contact with or close to the main body, the energization to the energization unit is controlled so that the energization amount to the energization unit is smaller than the normal state. An apparatus is disclosed.

JP 2014-190674 A

  In the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, even if the distance between the main body and the object is different, if the sensor detects that the object is in contact with or close to the main body, Energization to the energization unit is controlled so as to be uniformly reduced. For this reason, an appropriate thermal sensation cannot be provided to the user.

  An object of this indication is to provide the heater apparatus which can provide a more suitable thermal feeling with respect to a user.

In the first aspect of the present disclosure, the heater device includes: a heating unit that generates heat by energization; a distance detection unit that detects a distance between the heating unit and an object around the heating unit; and an object detected by the distance detection unit. An energization control unit that controls energization of the heat generating unit such that the lower the distance is, the greater the degree of decrease in the heater temperature is. Furthermore, the heater device includes a heater operation execution unit that performs a heater operation. The heat generating part is divided into a plurality of regions. The distance detection unit detects the proximity of the object for each of the plurality of regions, and detects the proximity of the heating unit and the object around the heating unit for each of the plurality of regions. The energization control unit energizes the heat generation unit so that the lower the distance from the object detected by the distance detection unit, the greater the degree of decrease in the heater temperature, in the region where the proximity of the object is detected by the distance detection unit. Control. The heater operation execution unit performs a heater operation based on the proximity of the object detected in some or all of the plurality of regions by the distance detection unit.

  According to such a configuration, the energization control unit controls energization to the heat generation unit so that the degree of decrease in the heater temperature increases as the distance from the object becomes shorter, thus providing a more appropriate thermal feeling to the user. can do.

In the second aspect of the present disclosure, the heater device includes: a heating unit that generates heat when energized; a distance detection unit that detects a distance between the heating unit and an object around the heating unit; and an object detected by the distance detection unit. An energization control unit that controls energization of the heat generating unit so that the heater temperature is lowered as the distance of is shorter. Furthermore, the heater device includes a heater operation execution unit that performs a heater operation. The heat generating part is divided into a plurality of regions. The distance detection unit detects the proximity of the object for each of the plurality of regions, and detects the proximity of the heating unit and the object around the heating unit for each of the plurality of regions. The energization control unit energizes the heat generation unit so that the lower the distance from the object detected by the distance detection unit, the greater the degree of decrease in the heater temperature, in the region where the proximity of the object is detected by the distance detection unit. Control. The heater operation execution unit performs a heater operation based on the proximity of the object detected in some or all of the plurality of regions by the distance detection unit.

  Thus, even if the heater temperature decreases as the distance between the heat generating portion and the object decreases, a more appropriate thermal feeling can be provided to the user.

It is a figure which shows the heater apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematic sectional structure of the heater apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the structure of the heat-emitting layer of the heater apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the distance detection layer of the heater apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the distance detection layer of the heater apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a block block diagram of the heater apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which the control part of the heater apparatus of 1st Embodiment performs. It is a figure for demonstrating 1st target temperature information. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which the control part of the heater apparatus of 2nd Embodiment performs. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which the control part of the heater apparatus of 2nd Embodiment performs. It is a figure for demonstrating the heat_generation | fever layer and distance detection layer of the heater apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which the control part of the heater apparatus of 3rd Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which the control part of the heater apparatus of 4th Embodiment performs. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific operation | movement pattern which the control part of the heater apparatus of 4th Embodiment detects. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific operation | movement pattern which the control part of the heater apparatus of 4th Embodiment detects.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

(First embodiment)
The heater device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, the heater device 10 according to the first embodiment is installed in a room of a moving body such as a road traveling vehicle, a ship, and an aircraft. The heater device 10 constitutes a part of a heating device for warming the room. The heater device 10 is an electric heater that generates heat by being fed from a power source such as a battery or a generator mounted on a moving body. The heater device 10 is formed in a thin plate shape. The heater device 10 generates heat when electric power is supplied. The heater device 10 emits radiant heat H mainly in a direction perpendicular to the surface in order to warm an object positioned in a direction perpendicular to the surface.

  In the room, a seat 11 for a passenger 12 as a user to sit is installed. The heater device 10 is installed indoors so as to radiate radiant heat H to the feet of the occupant 12. The heater device 10 can be used, for example, as a device for immediately providing warmth to the occupant 12 immediately after activation of another heating device. The heater device 10 is installed on a wall surface in the room. The heater device 10 is installed so as to face the occupant 12 in the assumed normal posture. For example, the road traveling vehicle has a steering column 14 for supporting the handle 13. The heater device 10 can be installed on the lower surface of the steering column 14 so as to face the occupant 12.

  Next, the configuration of the heater device 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the heater device 10 includes a main body portion 10 a, a heat generation layer 20, and a distance detection layer 30. The heat generation layer 20 and the distance detection layer 30 are insulated by an insulating member having excellent insulating properties. The main body 10a is made of a material having excellent electrical insulation. The main body 10 a is provided so as to surround the heat generation layer 20 and the distance detection layer 30.

  Next, the configuration of the heat generating layer 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a view of the heat generating layer 20 seen through the main body 10a. As shown in this figure, the heat generating layer 20 includes an insulating substrate 22, a plurality of heat generating portions 25, and a current supplying portion 24. The insulating substrate 22 is made of a resin material that provides excellent electrical insulation and excellent durability against high temperatures.

  The plurality of heat generating units 25 are connected to the energizing unit 24 and generate heat by the power supplied from the energizing unit 24. The heater temperature of the heater device 10 decreases as the electric power supplied from the energizing unit 24 to the plurality of heat generating units 25 decreases. The plurality of heat generating portions 25 are arranged in a distributed manner on the distance detection layer 30 side of the insulating substrate 22. Each of the plurality of heat generating portions 25 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity. The main body 10a is made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the heat generating portion 25. Furthermore, the heat generating portion 25 is made of an excellent electric conductor, that is, a material having a low electric resistance. The heat generating part 25 can be made of a metal material. The heat generating portion 25 is selected from a material having a thermal conductivity lower than that of copper. For example, the heat generating part 25 is a metal such as an alloy of copper and tin (Cu—Sn), silver, tin, stainless steel, nickel, nichrome, or an alloy including these metals.

  The pair of energization parts 24 is a rectangle extending in the direction of the axis Y, and is arranged so as to be in contact with both ends of the heat generation parts 25 in the direction of the axis X so as to be energized. A connection terminal 26 a is provided at one end of the energization unit 24 in the direction of the axis Y. A connection terminal 26 b is provided at the other end of the energization unit 24 in the direction of the axis Y. A voltage V1 is applied to these connection terminals 26a and 26b. The energization unit 24 is supplied with power from an external power source and supplies the supplied power to the heat generating unit 25. The electrical resistivity of the energizing unit 24 is set to be smaller than the electrical resistivity of the heat generating unit 25. The energization unit 24 is made of copper, for example. The cross-sectional area of the heat generating part 25 is set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the energizing part 24. As a result, the energization unit 24 is prevented from generating heat even when a large current flows. The structure of the heat generating layer 20 is the same as that of the heater device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-190674.

  In the above-described configuration, when the tip of the human finger F comes into contact with the surface of the main body 10a while the heater device 10 is operating, the temperature of the contacted portion immediately decreases. This is because the heat of the contact portion moves to the finger F at the moment when the finger F contacts the main body portion 10a. Since heat moves to the finger F at the contact portion in the main body 10a, heat moves from the periphery of the main body 10a to the contact.

  However, since the heat generating portion 25 has a thin shape and the periphery is covered with the main body portion 10a, it is difficult for heat to be transmitted from the heat generating portion 25 to the contact portion. Therefore, while the finger F is in contact with the main body 10a, the temperature rise of the main body 10a is low. And if the finger F leaves | separates from the main-body part 10a, the temperature of the main-body part 10a will rise in a short time.

  Next, the configuration of the distance detection layer 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. The distance detection layer 30 is for detecting the distance between the heat generation layer 20 having the heat generation unit 25 and an object around the heat generation unit 25. The distance detection layer 30 includes an insulating substrate 31, an electrode 32a, and an electrode 32b. The insulating substrate 31 is made of a resin material having excellent electrical insulation.

  Although not shown in FIG. 4, the distance detection layer 30 has a base film 33 as shown in FIG. 5.

  The base film 33 is made of a resin material that provides excellent electrical insulation and excellent durability against high temperatures. The base film 33 can be configured using, for example, polyimide or polyester.

  The electrode 32 a is formed on one surface side of the base film 33 so as to extend in the direction of the axis X. The electrode 32 b is formed on the other surface side of the base film 33 so as to extend in the direction of the axis Y. The electrodes 32a and 32b can be configured using, for example, a conductive metal material such as copper.

  A predetermined voltage V2 is applied from the distance calculation unit 51 between the electrodes 32a and 32b. When a predetermined DC voltage V2 is applied to the electrodes 32a and 32b, a potential difference is generated between the electrodes 32a and 32b.

  Here, when no object exists around the heat generating layer 20, the capacitance value between the electrode 32a and the electrode 32b does not change. However, when the human finger F approaches the heat generating layer 20 and the electric lines of force between the electrodes 32a and 32b are blocked by the human finger F, the capacitance value between the electrodes 32a and 32b changes. Arise. The distance calculation unit 51 specifies the distance between the heat generating layer 20 and an object around the heat generating layer 20 based on a change in the capacitance value between the electrode 32a and the electrode 32b.

  Next, a block configuration of the heater device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The heater device 10 includes a temperature sensor 50, a distance calculation unit 51, an energization unit 24, an operation unit 52, and a control unit 53.

  The temperature sensor 50 is provided in the center part of the heat generating layer 20, for example. The temperature sensor 50 outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heat generating layer 20 to the control unit 53.

  As described above, the distance calculation unit 51 determines the distance between the object around the heat generation layer 20 and the heat generation layer 20 based on the change in the capacitance value between the electrodes 32a and 32b provided in the distance detection layer 30. Is identified. The distance calculation unit 51 is configured by an IC that is an integrated circuit for distance detection. Further, the distance calculation unit 51 periodically specifies the distance between the object around the heat generating layer 20 and the heat generating layer 20, and based on the distance between the object specified last time and the distance specified this time, the heat generating layer. The relative velocity between the surrounding object 20 and the heat generating layer 20 is also specified. That is, the distance calculation unit 51 can also detect the speed of an object approaching the heat generating layer 20 and the speed of an object moving away from the heat generating layer 20.

  Further, when a plurality of different objects approach a plurality of different regions of the heat generating layer 20 or the distance detection layer 30, the distance calculation unit 51 associates the distance and relative distance between each object with the surface coordinates indicating the planar position of each object. It is also possible to distinguish and specify the speed.

  When an object is detected within the proximity detection range, the distance calculation unit 51 detects proximity detection information indicating that the object has been detected within the proximity detection range, and the identified heat generation layer 20 and the objects surrounding the heat generation layer 20. The distance information indicating the distance and the speed information indicating the relative speed are output to the control unit 53. The distance calculation unit 51 corresponds to a distance detection unit.

  The operation unit 52 includes a switch such as a power switch (not shown), and outputs a signal corresponding to the user's switch operation to the control unit 53.

  The control unit 53 is configured as a microcomputer including a CPU 53a, a memory 53b, and the like. The CPU 53a performs various processes according to the program stored in the memory 53b. The memory 53b is configured by a non-transitional tangible storage medium.

  When the control unit 53 determines that an object around the heat generation layer 20 has approached based on the distance between the heat generation layer 20 specified by the distance calculation unit 51 and the surrounding object, the object around the heat generation layer 20 The process of changing the energization amount to the energization unit 24 is performed so that the degree of decrease in the heater temperature is increased in accordance with the distance to.

  FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of this process. When the power switch of the operation unit 52 is turned on, the control unit 53 starts the process illustrated in FIG. In addition, each control step in the flowchart of each drawing comprises the various function implementation | achievement part which the heater apparatus 10 has.

  First, the control unit 53 determines whether or not there is a proximity reaction in the distance detection layer 30 (S100). Specifically, the control unit 53 determines whether there is a proximity reaction in the distance detection layer 30 based on whether the proximity detection information is input from the distance calculation unit 51.

  If there is no object in the proximity detection range of the distance calculation unit 51 and proximity detection information is not input from the distance calculation unit 51, the determination in S100 is NO. In this case, the control unit 53 determines the target heater temperature (S102). The target heater temperature at the normal time of the heater device 10 in the present embodiment is 100 ° C. Here, the control part 53 determines target heater temperature to 100 degreeC.

  Next, the control unit 53 controls energization to the energization unit 24 (S104). Specifically, the control unit 53 controls energization to the energization unit 24 so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50 approaches the target heater temperature determined in S102, and returns to S100. Such processing is repeatedly performed, and the heater temperature gradually approaches the target heater temperature.

  On the other hand, when there is an object in the proximity detection range of the distance calculation unit 51 and the proximity detection information is input from the distance calculation unit 51, the determination in S100 is YES. For example, when the human finger F enters the proximity detection range of the distance calculation unit 51, the control unit 53 determines that there is a proximity reaction in the distance detection layer 30 in S100. In this case, the control unit 53 specifies the distance from the proximity object, that is, the height (S106). Specifically, the control unit 53 specifies a distance to an adjacent object based on the distance information input from the distance calculation unit 51.

  Next, the control unit 53 determines the target heater temperature from the distance to the proximity object (S108). In the memory 53b of the control unit 53 in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the first that defines the relationship between the distance to the object and the target heater temperature so that the target heater temperature becomes lower as the distance to the object becomes shorter. Target temperature information is stored.

  The control unit 53 determines the target heater temperature based on the distance from the object specified in S106 and the first target temperature information stored in the memory 53b. For example, when the distance to the object specified in S106 is 30 millimeters (mm), the target heater temperature is determined to be 80 ° C. If the distance to the object specified in S106 is 15 millimeters (mm), the target heater temperature is determined to be 60 ° C. In the present embodiment, the configuration for executing the process of S108 in the control unit 53 corresponds to the temperature specifying unit. In the present embodiment, the memory 53b constitutes a storage unit.

  Next, the control unit 53 changes the heater temperature (S110). Specifically, the control unit 53 controls energization to the energization unit 24 so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50 approaches the target heater temperature determined in S108. Specifically, the control unit 53 changes the voltage applied to the energization unit 24 so as to approach the target heater temperature determined in S108. For example, when the distance to the object is 30 millimeters (mm), the energization of the energization unit 24 is controlled so that the heater temperature approaches 80 ° C. When the distance to the object is 15 millimeters (mm), the energization of the energization unit 24 is controlled so that the heater temperature approaches 60 ° C., and the process returns to S100. As described above, in the heater device 10 of the present embodiment, the shorter the distance from the object, the greater the degree of decrease in the heater temperature with respect to a predetermined reference temperature (for example, the upper limit temperature). Energization is controlled. In the present embodiment, the configuration for executing the processing of S110 in the control unit 53 corresponds to the energization control unit.

  The heater device 10 includes a heat generating unit 25 that generates heat when energized, and a distance calculating unit 51 that detects a distance between the heat generating unit 25 and an object around the heat generating unit 25. Furthermore, the heater device 10 includes a control unit 53 that controls energization to the heating unit 25 so that the degree of decrease in the heater temperature increases as the distance from the object detected by the distance calculation unit 51 is shorter. According to this, a more appropriate thermal feeling can be provided to the user. For example, when the distance between the heat generating unit 25 and the human body is short, it is possible to provide the user with a warm feeling that is not too hot. In addition, when the distance between the heat generating unit 25 and the human body is long, a sufficient thermal feeling can be provided to the user.

  The distance calculation unit 51 includes an electrode 32a and an electrode 32b for detecting a change in capacitance due to the approach of an object. Thereby, the distance calculation unit 51 can detect the distance to the object based on the change in capacitance between the electrode 32 a and the electrode 32 b provided on the distance detection layer 30.

  Furthermore, the heater device 10 includes a memory 53b that stores first target temperature information that defines the relationship between the distance to the object and the target heater temperature so that the target heater temperature decreases as the distance to the object decreases. Thus, the heater device 10 specifies the target heater temperature based on the distance from the object detected by the distance calculation unit 51 and the first target temperature information stored in the memory 53b, and the heater temperature is included in the target heater temperature. The energization to the heat generating part 25 can be controlled to approach.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the target heater temperature is specified based on the distance to the object detected by the distance calculation unit 51 and the first target temperature information stored in the memory 53b has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The heater device 10 may be configured to identify the target heater temperature based on information other than the distance from the object detected by the distance calculation unit 51 and the first target temperature information stored in the memory 53b.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the heater device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The configuration of the heater device 10 according to the present embodiment is the same as the heater device 10 of the first embodiment. The heater device 10 according to the present embodiment differs from the heater device 10 according to the first embodiment in the processing of the control unit 53. That is, the heater device 10 according to the first embodiment specifies the target heater temperature from the distance to the object in S108 shown in FIG. 7 after specifying the distance to the object in S106 shown in FIG. In contrast, the heater device 10 according to the present embodiment specifies the distance to the object, specifies the relative speed with the object, and determines the target heater temperature based on the distance to the object and the relative speed with the object. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 53 of the heater device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the human finger F within the proximity detection range of the distance calculation unit 51 and specifies the distance from the object in S106. Next, the control unit 53 specifies the speed of the proximity object, that is, the relative speed (S208). Specifically, the control unit 53 specifies the speed of the proximity object based on the speed information indicating the relative speed between the heat generation layer 20 and the object around the heat generation layer 20 input from the distance calculation unit 51.

  Next, the control unit 53 determines the target heater temperature from the distance to the proximity object and the speed of the proximity object (S209). The memory 53b of the control unit 53 of the present embodiment stores second target temperature information that defines the relationship between the distance to the object, the speed at which the object approaches the heat generating unit 25, and the target heater temperature. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the second target temperature information indicates that the shorter the distance from the object, the lower the target heater temperature and the faster the speed at which the object approaches the heat generating portion 25 of the heat generating layer 20. The relationship between the aforementioned distance, speed, and target heater temperature is defined so that the heater temperature is lowered.

  In the second target temperature information shown in FIG. 10, the region where the approach speed of the proximity object to the heater is a positive value represents the speed of the object approaching the heat generating layer 20. Moreover, the area | region where the approach speed to the heater of a proximity | contact object becomes a negative value represents the speed of the object which leaves | separates from the heat-generating layer 20. FIG.

  Here, the target heater temperature is determined based on the distance from the object specified in S106, the speed at which the object specified in S208 approaches the heat generating unit 25, and the second target temperature information stored in the memory 53b.

  For example, when the distance to the object is 30 millimeters (mm) and the speed of the object approaching the heat generating layer 20 is 10 millimeters per second, the target heater temperature is 40 ° C. Further, even when the distance to the object is the same 30 millimeters (mm), the target heater temperature is 80 ° C. when the relative speed with the object approaching the heat generating layer 20 is zero. In the present embodiment, the configuration for executing the process of S209 in the control unit 53 corresponds to the temperature specifying unit. In the present embodiment, the memory 53b constitutes a storage unit.

  Next, the control unit 53 changes the heater temperature (S210). Specifically, the control unit 53 controls energization to the energization unit 24 so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50 approaches the target heater temperature determined in S209, and returns to S100. In the present embodiment, the configuration for executing the process of S210 in the control unit 53 corresponds to the energization control unit.

  As described above, the distance calculation unit 51 of the present embodiment further detects the speed of an object approaching the heat generating unit 25. In addition, the heater device 10 can further control the energization of the heat generating unit 25 such that the higher the speed of the object, that is, the higher the speed of the object, the greater the degree of decrease in the heater temperature.

  The heater device 10 also includes a memory 53b that stores second target temperature information that defines the relationship between the distance to the object, the speed at which the object approaches the heat generating unit 25, and the target heater temperature. The second target temperature information indicates that the target heater temperature decreases as the distance from the object decreases, and the target heater temperature decreases as the speed at which the object approaches the heat generating unit 25 increases. The relationship between the speed of approaching and the target heater temperature is defined. The control unit 53 determines the target heater temperature based on the distance to the object detected by the distance calculation unit 51, the speed at which the object approaches the heat generating unit 25, and the second target temperature information stored in the memory 53b. And the control part 53 can control the electricity supply to the heat generating part 25 so that heater temperature may approach target heater temperature.

  In the present embodiment, the second target temperature information is stored in the memory 53b of the control unit 53. However, the second target temperature information may be stored in a memory different from the memory 53b.

  In the present embodiment, the target heater temperature is identified based on the distance from the object detected by the distance calculation unit 51, the speed at which the object approaches the heat generating unit 25, and the second target temperature information stored in the memory 53b. Although the example to do was demonstrated, it is not limited to this. The heater device 10 may be configured to specify the target heater temperature based on information other than the distance to the object detected by the distance calculation unit 51, the speed at which the object approaches the heat generating unit 25, and the second target temperature information.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the heater device 10 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In the heater device 10 according to the first to second embodiments, the heat generating region extends over the entire heat generating layer 20. On the other hand, in the heater device 10 according to the present embodiment, the heat generating layer 20 is divided into a plurality of heat generating regions 20a to 20d. In the heater device 10 according to the present embodiment, the temperature sensors 50 are individually provided for the plurality of heat generating regions 20a to 20d. Moreover, the control part 53 of the heater apparatus 10 can control individually the electricity supply to each heat_generation | fever area | region 20a-20d.

  Moreover, the distance calculation part 51 of the heater apparatus 10 which concerns on this embodiment distinguishes and specifies the distance and relative velocity with each object, when a separate object approaches the several heat_generation | fever area | region 20a-20d. Then, the distance calculation unit 51 outputs distance information indicating the distance to each object and speed information indicating the relative speed to the control unit 53 in association with the plane coordinates indicating the planar position of each object.

  When the heater device 10 according to the first embodiment determines that there is a proximity reaction in the distance detection layer 30 in S100, the entire heater of the heat generating layer 20 regardless of the plane coordinates indicating the planar position of each adjacent object. Reduce temperature.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 53 of the heater device 10 according to the present embodiment determines that there is a proximity reaction in the distance detection layer 30 in S100, the heat generation region that changes the temperature from the plane coordinates indicating the planar position of the proximity object. 20a to 20d are determined. And the control part 53 implements the process which lowers the heater temperature of the heat_generation | fever area | region 20a-20d to change temperature.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when the distance detection layer 30 determines that there is a proximity reaction in S100, the control unit 53 of the present embodiment specifies the distance to the object in S106, and then the plane of the proximity object Heat generation regions 20a to 20d whose temperature is changed are determined from the plane coordinates indicating the position (S306). Specifically, the control unit 53 determines the heat generation regions 20a to 20d whose temperature is changed based on distance information indicating the distance from each object output in association with the surface coordinates output from the distance calculation unit 51. . For example, when an object approaches the heat generation area 20a and distance information indicating the distance to each object associated with the surface coordinates corresponding to the heat generation area 20a is output from the distance calculation unit 51, the temperature change area is heated. It determines to the area | region 20a.

  Further, it is assumed that a certain object approaches the heat generating area 20a and another object approaches the heat generating area 20b. At this time, the distance calculation unit 51 indicates distance information indicating the distance to each object associated with the surface coordinates corresponding to the heat generation area 20a, and indicates the distance between each object associated with the surface coordinates corresponding to the heat generation area 20b. When the distance information is output, the heat-generating area 20a and the heat-generating area 20b are determined as the areas to be changed in temperature.

  Next, the control unit 53 determines the target heater temperature from the distance to the proximity object (S308). Specifically, the target heater temperature is determined using the first target temperature information as shown in FIG. In S306, when a plurality of heat generating regions are determined as regions whose temperature is to be changed, the target heater temperature is determined separately. Note that the target heater temperature is not changed in a region that is not included in the region whose temperature is to be changed.

  Next, the control unit 53 changes the heater temperature (S310). Specifically, the control unit 53 controls energization to the energization unit 24 so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50 approaches the target heater temperature determined in S308. In the present embodiment, the configuration for executing the process of S310 in the control unit 53 corresponds to the energization control unit.

  In the heater device 10 of the present embodiment, the heat generating portion 25 is arranged in a plurality of regions. The distance calculation unit 51 detects the proximity of an object for each of a plurality of areas. Then, the heater device 10 energizes the heat generating unit 25 so that the lower the distance from the object detected by the distance calculating unit 51 in the region where the proximity of the object is detected, the greater the degree of decrease in the heater temperature. Control. For this reason, the heater device 10 of the present embodiment can reduce the heater temperature in a region where an object is approaching, and can prevent the heater temperature in a region where the object is not approaching from decreasing.

  In addition, although this embodiment is embodiment based on 1st Embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with the above-mentioned 2nd Embodiment. That is, with respect to the region where the proximity of the object is detected, the heating unit 25 is configured such that the lower the distance to the object, the greater the degree of decrease in the heater temperature, and the greater the speed of the object, the greater the degree of decrease in the heater temperature. You may control the electricity supply to.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the heater device 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. Although the heater device 10 of the third embodiment is not configured to change the heater temperature stepwise, the heater device 10 of the present embodiment can adjust the heater temperature in two steps, a high level and a low level. It has become. In addition, the heater device 10 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not a specific operation pattern for heater operation is detected using the distance detection layer 30, and corresponds to the operation pattern when the specific operation pattern is detected. Perform heater operation.

  When power is supplied from a power source such as a battery or a generator mounted on the moving body, the control unit 53 of the present embodiment periodically performs the process shown in FIG.

  First, the control unit 53 determines whether or not there is a proximity reaction in the distance detection layer 30 (S400). Specifically, the control unit 53 determines whether there is a proximity reaction in the distance detection layer 30 based on whether the proximity detection information is input from the distance calculation unit 51.

  Here, when there is no object in the proximity detection range of the distance calculation unit 51 and proximity detection information is not input from the distance calculation unit 51, the determination in S400 is NO, and the control unit 53 does not perform the heater operation. This process ends.

On the other hand, if there is an object within the proximity detection range of the distance calculation unit 51 and proximity detection information is input from the distance calculation unit 51, the determination in S400 is YES. For example,
When the human finger F enters the proximity detection range of the distance calculation unit 51 and the proximity detection information is input from the distance calculation unit 51, the determination in S400 is YES.

  Next, the control unit 53 determines whether or not a specific motion pattern of a proximity object has been detected (S402). Specifically, the control unit 53 determines whether or not a specific motion pattern of the proximity object has been detected based on the distance from each object input from the distance calculation unit 51. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the user brings both hands into contact with the heater surface, it is determined whether or not the movement of the object corresponds to a specific motion pattern. In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, when the user moves the object up and down or horizontally while holding both hands over the heater surface, it is determined whether or not the movement of the object corresponds to a specific motion pattern. In the present embodiment, the configuration for executing the process of S402 in the control unit 53 corresponds to the operation pattern detection unit.

  Next, the control unit 53 performs a heater operation corresponding to the specific operation (S404). As illustrated in FIG. 14, the control unit 53 according to the present embodiment performs power on or power off when the user brings both hands into contact with the heater surface. That is, the control unit 53 turns off the power when the user brings both hands into contact with the heater surface while the power is on. Further, the control unit 53 turns on the power when the user brings both hands into contact with the heater surface while the power is turned off. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 53 changes the heater temperature to a high level when the user translates upward or right while holding both hands on the heater surface. Further, the control unit 53 changes the heater temperature to a low level when the user translates downward or left while holding both hands over the heater surface. In this way, the heater operation corresponding to the specific operation is performed, and this process is terminated. In the present embodiment, the configuration for executing the process of S404 in the control unit 53 corresponds to the heater operation execution unit.

  Even if the human finger F enters the proximity detection range of the distance calculation unit 51 and the determination in S400 is YES, if the specific motion pattern of the proximity object is not detected, the determination in S402 is NO. In this case, the control unit 53 ends this process without performing the heater operation corresponding to the specific operation.

  In the heater device 10 described above, the distance calculation unit 51 detects the proximity of the heat generating unit 25 and an object around the heat generating unit 25 for each of a plurality of regions. In addition, the control unit 53 of the present embodiment performs a heater operation based on the proximity of objects detected by some or all of the plurality of regions by the distance calculation unit 51. According to this, since it is not necessary to provide the operation part for heater operation with respect to the heater apparatus 10, the cost reduction of the heater apparatus 10 is realizable.

  Further, the control unit 53 of the present embodiment determines whether or not an operation pattern representing a heater operation is detected based on the distance from the object detected by the distance calculation unit 51, and when the operation pattern is detected, The heater operation corresponding to the operation pattern is performed. According to this, it is not necessary to provide an operation unit for heater operation on the heater device 10, and it is possible to perform heater operations corresponding to various operation patterns.

  In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which a user's operation of bringing both hands into contact with the heater surface or a user's movement of moving both hands up, down, left and right while holding both hands on the heater surface is detected as a specific operation pattern. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heater device 10 may detect the operation of bringing the hand into contact with the tonton twice as a specific operation pattern.

  In the present embodiment, when a specific operation pattern is detected, the power is turned on or off, or the heater temperature is changed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Heater operations other than changing the heater temperature can also be performed.

(Other embodiments)
In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the heater device 10 is installed in a room of a road traveling vehicle has been described. However, the heater device 10 may be installed in a room of a moving body such as a ship or an aircraft.

  In each of the above embodiments, the heat generating layer 20 and the distance detecting layer 30 are independent layers, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heat generation layer 20 and the distance detection layer 30 may be disposed on the front and back of one layer. Alternatively, the wiring of the heat generation layer 20 and the resistance wire of the distance detection layer 30 may be arranged in parallel to form one layer.

  In each of the above embodiments, the resistance value is not limited to a resistance value that increases continuously due to a temperature rise, but may be a resistance value that decreases as the temperature rises, for example.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the distance to the object around the heat generating unit 25 is measured based on the change in capacitance. For example, the distances of electromagnetic induction type, ultrasonic type, photoelectric type, and magnetic type are used. You may make it measure the distance with the surrounding object of the heat generating part 25 using a sensor.

  In the heater device 10 described in the fourth embodiment, the heater temperature can be adjusted in two steps of a high level and a low level according to a user's specific operation pattern. You may make it adjust. Also in the first to third embodiments, the heater temperature may be adjusted in two or more steps by the operation of the operation unit 52 by the user.

  Moreover, in each said embodiment, when the front-end | tip of the finger F of a human body contacts the surface of the main-body part 10a in the state which the heater apparatus 10 is operate | moving, the heat_generation | fever comprised so that the temperature of the contacted part would fall immediately Although the heater apparatus 10 provided with the layer 20 was demonstrated to the example, it is not limited to this. The heater device 10 may be configured to include the heat generating layer 20 having a configuration in which the temperature of the contacted portion does not immediately decrease.

  Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications and modifications within an equivalent range. Further, the above embodiments are not irrelevant to each other, and can be combined as appropriate unless the combination is clearly impossible. In each of the above-described embodiments, it is needless to say that elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily indispensable except for the case where it is clearly indicated that the element is essential and the case where the element is clearly considered essential in principle. Yes. Further, in each of the above embodiments, when numerical values such as the number, numerical value, quantity, range, etc. of the constituent elements of the embodiment are mentioned, it is clearly limited to a specific number when clearly indicated as essential and in principle. The number is not limited to the specific number except for the case. In each of the above embodiments, when referring to the material, shape, positional relationship, etc. of the constituent elements, etc., unless otherwise specified, or in principle limited to a specific material, shape, positional relationship, etc. The material, shape, positional relationship, etc. are not limited.

Claims (7)

A heat generating part (25) that generates heat when energized;
A distance detecting unit (51) for detecting a distance between the heat generating unit and an object around the heat generating unit;
An energization control unit (S110, S210, S310) for controlling energization to the heat generating unit so that the degree of decrease in the heater temperature increases as the distance from the object detected by the distance detection unit is shorter;
A heater operation execution unit (S404) for performing the heater operation ,
The heat generating part is divided into a plurality of regions,
The distance detection unit detects the proximity of the object for each of the plurality of regions, and detects the proximity of the heat generation unit and an object around the heat generation unit for each of the plurality of regions. ,
The energization control unit increases the degree of decrease in the heater temperature as the distance from the object detected by the distance detection unit is shorter with respect to the region where the proximity of the object is detected by the distance detection unit. Control the energization of the heat generating part,
The heater operation execution unit performs the heater operation based on the proximity of the object detected in a part or all of the plurality of regions by the distance detection unit . A heat generating part (25) that generates heat when energized;
A distance detecting unit (51) for detecting a distance between the heat generating unit and an object around the heat generating unit;
An energization control unit (S110, S210, S310) for controlling energization of the heat generating unit so that the heater temperature decreases as the distance from the object detected by the distance detection unit decreases.
A heater operation execution unit (S404) for performing the heater operation ,
The heat generating part is divided into a plurality of regions,
The distance detection unit detects the proximity of the object for each of the plurality of regions, and detects the proximity of the heat generation unit and an object around the heat generation unit for each of the plurality of regions. ,
The energization control unit increases the degree of decrease in the heater temperature as the distance from the object detected by the distance detection unit is shorter with respect to the region where the proximity of the object is detected by the distance detection unit. Control the energization of the heat generating part,
The heater operation execution unit performs the heater operation based on the proximity of the object detected in a part or all of the plurality of regions by the distance detection unit . A distance detection layer (30) having electrodes (32a, 32b) for detecting a change in capacitance due to the approach of the object;
The heater device according to claim 1, wherein the distance detection unit detects a distance from the object based on a change in capacitance between electrodes provided in the distance detection layer. A storage unit (53b) that stores target temperature information that defines the relationship between the distance to the object and the target heater temperature so that the target heater temperature decreases as the distance to the object decreases;
A temperature specifying unit (S108) for specifying the target heater temperature based on at least the distance from the object detected by the distance detection unit and the target temperature information stored in the storage unit;
The heater device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the energization control unit controls energization to the heat generating unit so that the heater temperature approaches the target heater temperature specified by the temperature specifying unit. The distance detection unit is further adapted to detect the speed of the object approaching the heating unit,
The energization control unit further controls energization to the heat generating unit so that the degree of decrease in the heater temperature increases as the speed of the object detected by the distance detection unit increases. The heater apparatus as described in one. The shorter the distance to the object, the lower the target heater temperature, and the higher the speed at which the object approaches the heat generating part, the lower the target heater temperature, the lower the target heater temperature, and the object to the heat generating part. A storage unit (53b) in which target temperature information that defines the relationship between the approaching speed and the target heater temperature is stored;
Temperature specification that specifies the target heater temperature based on at least the distance from the object detected by the distance detection unit, the speed at which the object approaches the heat generating unit, and the target temperature information stored in the storage unit Part (S209),
The heater device according to claim 5, wherein the energization control unit controls energization to the heat generating unit so that the heater temperature approaches the target heater temperature specified by the temperature specifying unit. An operation pattern detection unit (S402) for determining whether an operation pattern representing a heater operation is detected based on a distance from the object detected by the distance detection unit;
The heater device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heater operation execution unit performs the heater operation corresponding to the operation pattern when the operation pattern detection unit detects the operation pattern.

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