JP6879553B2 - Snow melting device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a snow melting device that can be installed on the ground, a road, a gutter, or the like to melt snow, ice, or the like.

In snowy areas, efficient snow removal work has become an important issue in order to eliminate snow accumulation on the road surface and freezing of the road surface due to snow accumulation. Currently, as a means to melt the snow on the ground with an electric heater, mainly the buried type "road heating with a heating cable buried in the pavement" and the non-buried type "snow melting with the heater sandwiched between rubber and resin" There are two types, "mat".

"Road heating with a heating cable buried in the pavement" is mainly used for roadways, but it is costly and difficult to construct, and because it is buried in the pavement, heat is taken away by the pavement and snowmelt efficiency is achieved. There is a problem that it is bad. On the other hand, "snowmelt mats with heaters sandwiched between rubber and resin" are used for sidewalks and entrances of private houses, and have the advantages of low cost, easy construction, and good snowmelt efficiency, but on roadways. It cannot be used because it causes phenomena such as heavy load, rolling due to tire movement, and displacement.

For example, as a non-buried type snow melting device that can be used, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-091805) can be mentioned. In this document, a heating element in which a heat insulating body is laminated on the back surface is housed in the housing-shaped skeleton, and a lead wire connecting portion for energizing the electrodes of the heating element is provided on the side surface of the housing-shaped skeleton. The road surface laying board is disclosed. In this road surface laying plate, heat generated from a heating element is conducted to the upper plate to melt snow. It is also possible to fit a small box for storing the lead wire into the opening on the side surface.

Further, in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-88511), a box body having an opening at one end formed of a steel plate having a predetermined thickness and a connecting portion attached to the inner surface side of the bottom of the box body and connected to the outside are provided. A road heating panel block for snow melting is disclosed, which comprises a heating element which has been protected by a protective body and a filler which fills the inside of the box body up to an opening surface.

Further, Patent Document 3 (Jitsukaihei 6-22820) describes a heating unit used for road snow melting and floor heating in which a planar heating element and a heat storage material (sand) are put inside a channel steel. ..

Jikkai Sho 57-091805 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-88511 Jikkenhei 6-22820

However, in the road surface laying plate of Patent Document 1, since the heating element and the upper plate of the housing-like skeleton are in contact with each other, every time a load such as a vehicle is applied to the upper plate, the bent upper plate and the heating element are excessively brought into contact with each other. Contact and damage the heating element. Further, since the small box for storing the lead wire is fitted into the opening on the side surface, there is a possibility that the strength of the side surface cannot be sufficiently secured. Further, a large amount of heat insulating material is required to improve the heat insulating property, resulting in high cost.
Further, in Patent Document 2, asphalt, concrete cement, and water-permeable solidified soil are used as the filler, and in Patent Document 3, sand is used as the heat storage material. Therefore, all of them have not only handleability but also heat insulation. Is also inferior.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a snow melting device having good handleability, excellent durability, and high snow melting efficiency.

That is, the present invention can be configured in the following aspects.
[Aspect 1]
A snowmelting device including at least a heat-generating member composed of a planar heat-generating portion, at least a pair of electrode portions for energizing the heat-generating portion, and a protective member that protects the planar heat-generating portion from the outside (or above). The protective member includes a substantially flat tread surface and at least a pair of load-bearing portions facing each other arranged on the edge of the tread surface, and the load from the substantially flat tread surface is the load load. A snow melting device supported by a portion, the planar heat generating portion has a size substantially equal to that of the tread in a range excluding the load-bearing portion, and is provided with at least a drainage mechanism for snowmelt water.

In the snow melting device, the planar heat generating portion can generate heat uniformly, and the protective member is configured so that no load is applied to the planar heat generating portion. Therefore, the planar heat generating portion is affected by the load. It is possible to prevent damage. Further, since the snowmelt water can be quickly removed from the tread surface, the snowmelt efficiency can be improved even with a snowmelting device installed on a flat surface. Further, since the snowmelt water is quickly removed from the tread by the snowmelt water drainage mechanism, the snowmelt efficiency of the snowmelting device can be improved.
In the present invention, melting snow and ice is collectively referred to as snow melting. Further, the snowmelting device is preferably a non-buried type snowmelting device from the viewpoint of increasing the snowmelt efficiency.
Further, in the present invention, the inside means a direction closer to the installation surface of the snowmelt device, and the outside means a direction further away from the installation surface of the snowmelt device.

[Aspect 2]
In the snowmelting device of the first aspect, the snowmelting device in which the planar heating element is composed of a planar heating element using conductive fibers. Since the snowmelting device is made of conductive fibers, it is possible to ensure electrical conductivity even if the planar heat generating portion has an uneven shape or a bent shape, and the shape of the snowmelting device can be arranged at the installation location or inside the snowmelting device. The degree of freedom can be improved.

[Aspect 3]
In the snowmelting device of the first or second aspect, the protective member includes a reinforcing portion (for example, a square timber or a blade member which is substantially evenly arranged under the tread) for distributing a load applied to the tread. Snow melting device. In the snowmelting device, the reinforcing portion can not only improve the load bearing capacity, but also reduce the amount of bending of the tread surface, suppress damage to the planar heat generating portion, and improve the durability of the snowmelting device.

[Aspect 4]
In the snowmelting device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, the snowmelting device includes a cartridge that can be detachably arranged, and the cartridge is composed of at least the planar heat generating portion. .. In the snowmelting device, by adopting a cartridge type for the planar heat generating portion, the maintainability of the heater can be improved and the snowmelting device can be easily repaired. In particular, even if a failure occurs, it can be dealt with by replacing the cartridge.

[Aspect 5]
A snowmelting device according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein a heat insulating member is provided inside (or below) the planar heat generating portion. In the snow melting device, heat radiation from the planar heat generating portion can be efficiently used for snow melting by the heat insulating member.

[Aspect 6]
In the snow melting device of the fifth aspect, the snow melting device includes a detachable cartridge, the cartridge includes a detachable cartridge, and the cartridge has a woven surface shape. A heat generating portion and a flat plate-shaped heat insulating material are provided, and the flat plate-shaped heat insulating material is placed on the upper surface of the woven surface-shaped heat-generating portion at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the planar heat-generating portion. , A snow melting device capable of folding a heat insulating material with the interval as a bent portion. In the snowmelting device, by combining the planar heat generating portion and the heat insulating material to form a foldable cartridge, not only the above-mentioned advantages as the cartridge but also the storability can be improved.

[Aspect 7]
In the snowmelting device of any one of aspects 5 or 6, the heat generating member includes a storage portion for accommodating the terminals of the electrode portion, and this storage portion is internally provided in the heat insulating member. Snow melting device. In the snowmelting device, by providing the terminals internally in the heat insulating member, it is possible to enhance the integrity of the snowmelting device and reduce the influence of the storage portion from the outside.

[Aspect 8]
In the snowmelting device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, the protective member is provided with a gap (for example, a through hole provided in the tread surface or a load-bearing portion) capable of allowing snowmelt water to flow into the inside of the snowmelting device. A snow melting device with a notch, etc.). In the snow melting device, since the snow melting water can be quickly removed from the tread through the snow melting device, the snow melting efficiency can be improved even in the snow melting device installed on a flat surface.

[Aspect 9]
In the snowmelting device according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, the tread has a through hole (for example, a lattice-shaped through hole or a punched through hole) through which the snowmelt water can flow into the inside of the snowmelting device. Snow melting device. In the snow melting device, by providing a through hole in the tread, not only the weight of the snow melting device can be further reduced, but also the snow melting water can be positively removed from the tread, and the snow melting efficiency can be improved. it can. Further, since the contact rate between the planar heat generating portion and the outside air is increased, the snow melting efficiency can be improved.

[Aspect 10]
In the snowmelting device of any one of aspects 1 to 9, the base member for supporting the protective member (for example, a side surface surrounding the protective member from the inside (or below) and at least a pair of side surfaces are arranged. An opening type base member including at least a receiving portion of the protective member) is provided, and the base member is provided with a drain hole for the inflowing snowmelt water (for example, a through hole arranged on the bottom surface of the base member, a side surface of the base member frame portion). A snowmelting device in which a notch to be arranged) is arranged. By arranging the base member, the snowmelting device can be moved to various installation locations as a portable snowmelting device regardless of the installation location, and further, the snowmelt water that has entered the inside of the snowmelting device. Can be removed more efficiently than the drain holes provided in the base member, and the snow melting efficiency can be improved.

[Aspect 11]
In the snowmelting device according to any one of aspects 5 to 10, a snowmelting device in which a hollow structure is formed by being surrounded by the base member and the heat insulating member. In the snowmelting device, the hollow structure is formed by the base member and the heat insulating member, so that the heat insulating property of the snowmelting device can be enhanced and the snowmelting efficiency can be improved.

[Aspect 12]
In the snowmelting device of aspect 10 or 11, the snowmelting device has a wavy or folded plate shape at a contact portion with an installation location (for example, the bottom surface of the base member). In the snowmelting device, by making the shape of the base member a specific shape, not only the strength of the base member can be improved, but also it can be used as a non-slip at the installation location, and further, heat insulation is provided by forming an air layer. Performance can be improved and snow melting efficiency can be improved.

[Aspect 13]
A snowmelting device used as a gutter lid installed in a gutter in the snowmelting device according to any one of aspects 1 to 9. The snowmelting device can be laid by utilizing the structure of the gutter, and can be used as a snowmelting device having excellent drainage even though it is easy to install.

As described above, according to the snowmelting device of the present invention, the protective member includes a planar heat generating portion without applying a load from the tread, and includes a mechanism for actively draining the generated snowmelt water from the tread. As a result, it is possible not only to suppress damage to the planar heat generating portion and improve the durability of the snowmelting device, but also to efficiently melt the snow.

The present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the examples and drawings are for illustration and illustration purposes only and should not be used to define the scope of the invention. The scope of the present invention is determined by the appended claims.
It is a conceptual schematic exploded perspective view for demonstrating the snowmelting apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the snow melting device of FIG. It is a partially enlarged perspective view of the protection member of the snow melting device of FIG. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the arrow cross section of the snow melting device of FIG. It is a schematic perspective view of the snowmelting apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic exploded perspective view of the snow melting device of FIG. It is a schematic exploded perspective view for demonstrating a part of the snow melting apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a state in which a cartridge composed of a planar heating element and a heat insulating material used in the snow melting device of FIG. 5 is removed and folded. It is the schematic cross-sectional view of the arrow cross section of the protection member of FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device of FIG. It is a schematic partial perspective view for demonstrating the drainage mechanism of the snowmelt water of the snowmelting apparatus of FIG. It is a conceptual schematic perspective view for demonstrating the snowmelting apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view for demonstrating the appearance of a part of the snowmelting apparatus of FIG. 12 seen from the bottom surface side. It is a schematic side view for demonstrating the state of attaching the snowmelting apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic side view of the snowmelting apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device of FIG. It is a conceptual schematic exploded perspective view of the snow melting device of FIG. It is a schematic perspective view of the snow melting device which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic exploded perspective view of the snow melting device of FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device of FIG. It is a schematic perspective view of the snow melting device which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device of FIG. 21. It is a schematic perspective view for demonstrating the embodiment in which the snow melting apparatus of FIG. 2 is connected. It is the schematic perspective view for demonstrating the connection part of FIG. It is the schematic perspective view for demonstrating the application example of the snow melting apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic perspective view for demonstrating the application example of the snow melting apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic perspective view for demonstrating the application example of the snow melting apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic perspective view for demonstrating the application example of the snow melting apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic perspective view for demonstrating the application example of the snow melting apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic side view for demonstrating the snow melting apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic side view for demonstrating the application example of the snow melting apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic perspective view for demonstrating the application example of the snow melting apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic side view for demonstrating the application example of the snow melting apparatus of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic exploded perspective view for explaining the snowmelting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the snowmelting device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view. It is a partially enlarged perspective view of the protective member of the snowmelting device of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow cross section of the snowmelting device of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the snow melting device 100 includes a heat-generating member 120 composed of a planar heat-generating portion 121, at least a pair of electrode portions (not shown) for energizing the heat-generating portion, and the planar shape thereof. At least a protective member 110 that protects the heat generating portion 121 from the outside (or above) is provided. Further, the snowmelting device 100 includes a protective member 110 that protects the planar heat generating portion 121 from the outside (or above), and a heat insulating member 130 arranged inside (or below) the planar heat generating portion 121. ing.

The snow melting device 100 further includes a base member 140 for supporting the protective member 110 on the inside (or below) of the heat insulating member on the installation surface side. The base member 140 is arranged so as to come into direct contact with the installation surface of the installation location (for example, a road or the ground) and cover the protective member from below. In other words, the snow melting device 100 is laminated in the order of the protective member 110, the heat generating member 120 (plane heat generating portion 121), the heat insulating member 130, and the base member 140 from the outside (or above).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base member 140 is arranged upright on the peripheral edge of the folded plate 141 and the folded plate 141, which is a bottom surface portion in direct contact with the installation location, and forms at least a side surface of the base member. A load receiving portion (hereinafter, simply referred to as a receiving portion) of the protective member 110 which is a part of the member frame portion 142 and the base member frame portion 142 and is formed on at least a pair of opposite side surfaces of the base member frame portion 142. 143, 143 and so on. In the figure, the receiving portions 143 and 143 are composed of a portion of the base member that comes into contact with the protective member and the tip (outer end) of the base member that goes outward from the portion.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the snow melting device 100, the heat generating member 120 includes a planar heat generating portion 221 and at least a pair of electrode portions 122, 122 (not shown) for energizing the heat generating portion. It is provided with a storage portion 123 for terminals of the electrode portion. In order to prevent the heat generating member from short-circuiting when the snowmelt water enters the inside of the snowmelting device 100, it is preferable that the planar heat generating portion 121 and the electrode portions 122 and 122 are waterproofed. Further, it is preferable that the storage portion 123 is arranged on the back side of the planar heat generating portion 121 (that is, the side opposite to the protective member 110).

A heat insulating member 130 is arranged inside (or below) the planar heat generating portion 121 to prevent heat radiation from the planar heat generating portion 121 from being dissipated inward (or downward). As shown in FIG. 1, when the storage portion 123 is arranged on the back side of the planar heat generating portion 121, the heat insulating member 130 may be arranged so as to avoid the storage portion 123 from the viewpoint of making the snowmelting device compact. Good.

As shown in FIG. 2, the snow melting device 100 can be installed at a desired installation location as a heating panel in which the protective member 110, the heat generating member 120, the heat insulating member 130, and the base member 140 are integrated. The protective member 110 is a base member that includes the substantially flat tread 111, the reinforcing portion 112 for distributing the load applied to the tread 111, and the load from the tread 111 (including the load of the protective member itself). It is provided with a load load unit 113 that loads the 140. The load applied to the tread 111 of the snow melting device 100 is dispersed and equalized by the reinforcing portion 112 arranged on the protective member 110. Then, the load from the tread 111 is supported by the load-bearing portion 113.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, in the snow melting device 100, the protective member 110 is formed by grating. The gratings are a linear crossbar 115 arranged parallel to each other on the outermost surface as shown in FIG. 3, and a tape-shaped bearing bar under the crossbar 115 that comes into contact with the crossbar substantially orthogonally. It has at least 116. A substantially flat tread 111 is formed by the crossbar on the grating surface. The bearing bar 116 that comes into contact with the grating crossbar 115 at right angles functions as a reinforcing portion 112, and the load applied to the tread 111 is distributed within the grating, and the amount of deflection when the grating bends downward due to the load is reduced. It can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the planar heat generating portion 111 from being damaged by the downward bending that occurs when a load is applied to the protective member 110.

Further, in grating, the edge bar 117 and the crossbar 115 of the portion in contact with the receiving portion of the base member 140, and the bearing bar 116 located outside (or above) the contact portion function as the load-bearing portion 113 of the protective member 110. To do. That is, the load-bearing portion 113 loads the receiving portion 143 of the base member 140 by coming into contact with the receiving portion 143 of the base member 140. Although the tread 111, the reinforcing portion 112, and the load-bearing portion 113 are integrally molded as grating, they can be identified as each member by their respective functions. The load-bearing portion 113 is composed of a portion of the protective member that comes into contact with the base member and a tip (outer end) of the protective member that goes outward from the portion.

As shown in FIG. 4, the folded plate 141 of the base member 140 has an uneven shape in a striped shape, and the heat insulating member 130 is supported by a plurality of convex portions. On the heat insulating member 130, a planar heat generating portion 121 is joined or placed on the heat insulating member 130 by adhesive or non-adhesive.

On the other hand, since the base member 140 is in contact with the protective member 110 only at the receiving portions 143 and 143, a load from the protective member 110 is applied to the receiving portions 143 and 143. Each of the receiving portions 143 and 143 has a substantially L-shaped cross section, and the bottom surfaces of the substantially L-shaped portions face each other inward and are in contact with the load-bearing portion 113 of the protective member 110. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface portions of the receiving portions 143 and 143 of the base member are located at a higher position in the vertical direction than the planar heat generating portion 121 (particularly the heat generating member 120). Therefore, there is a gap between the bottom surface of the protective member 110 and the top surface of the heat generating member 120. As described above, in the protective member 110, the amount of bending is reduced by the reinforcing portion 112, but even when the protective member 110 is bent downward due to the load, the gap is maintained. The size of each member is adjusted. For example, the heat insulating member 130 may be thin so as to absorb the amount of deflection, and / or the height of the convex portion of the folded plate of the base member 140 may be low so as to absorb the amount of bending. ..

The protective member 110 and the base member 140 are in contact with each other by the load-bearing portion 113 of the protective member 110 and the receiving portion 143 of the base member 140, and the load applied from the load-bearing portion 113 to the receiving portion 143 is a load load. It is supported by the portion 113 and the receiving portion 143 of the base member 140. Therefore, regardless of the presence or absence of a load, there is a gap between the protective member 110 and the heat generating member 120, and the load applied to the tread 111 does not affect the heat generating member 120.

On the other hand, since the protective member 110 and the planar heat generating portion 121 are adjacent to each other through a gap, the heat radiated from the planar heating portion 111 is released to the outside through the protective member 110, and snow or ice in the installation area. Can be melted. In particular, when the protective member 110 is formed with a through hole 114, the outside air and the planar heat generating portion 111 come into direct contact with each other, so that the snowmelt efficiency can be improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the heat generating member 120, the planar heat generating portion 121 has substantially the same size as the tread surface 111 in the range excluding the load loading portion 113. Therefore, the tread 111 can be warmed as a whole to improve the snowmelt efficiency, and the load from the load-bearing portion 113 can be avoided. As a result, the planar heat generating portion 121 can be prevented from being damaged by the load, and the life of the snowmelting device can be extended.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the hollow structure 150 is present inside (or below) the heat insulating member 130, the weight of the snowmelting device 100 can be reduced as compared with the case where a filler such as sand is arranged. To contribute. In particular, the heat-insulating hollow structure can improve the snowmelt efficiency. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the base member 140 has a heat insulating hollow structure 151 that is substantially sealed in contact with the installation surface and has excellent heat insulating properties, and a drain hole 153 on the side surface. Both of the existing drainage hollow structures 152 are present. The heat-insulating hollow structure 151 is preferable because the heat-insulating structure can prevent the heat generation from being dissipated from the planar heat generating portion and can improve the snowmelt efficiency. The drainage hollow structure 152 not only actively removes the snowmelt water to the outside when the snowmelt water enters the inside of the snowmelting device 100 to prevent the temperature from dropping due to the retention of the snowmelt water, but also the snowmelt water. It is preferable because it can suppress refreezing.

If the snowmelt water does not enter the heat insulating hollow structure 151, the drainage hole may not exist, but as shown in FIG. 1, the drainage hole 154 may be arranged on the bottom surface. In this case, the drainage hole 154 is closed by contact with the installation surface to maintain the heat insulating property, but when the snowmelt water invades the hollow structure 151, it can be drained to the outside from the drainage hole 154. Is.

Therefore, the snowmelting device 100 introduces the snowmelting water into the snowmelting device 100 through the lattice-shaped through holes 114 of the protective member 110 as a drainage mechanism of the snowmelting water, and the snowmelting water is provided on the side surface of the base member 140. It is provided with a mechanism for discharging from 153 (drainage hole 154 provided on the bottom surface of the base member 140 if necessary). Further, the planar heating element and / or the heat insulating member has an appropriately inclined structure as long as the effect of the present invention is not impaired in order to promote the water flowing into the planar heating element to be discharged to the drain hole side. And may have an arch structure.

5 is a schematic perspective view of the snowmelting device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the snowmelting device of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the snowmelting device of FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic exploded perspective view for explaining a part, and FIG. 8 is for explaining a state in which a cartridge composed of a planar heating element and a heat insulating material used in the snow melting device of FIG. 5 is removed and folded. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the protective member of the snow melting device of FIG. 5, FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device of FIG. 5, and FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device of FIG. It is a schematic partial perspective view for demonstrating the drainage mechanism of snowmelt water of an apparatus.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the snow melting device 200 includes an upper member 270 composed of a protective member 210, a heat generating member 220, and a heat insulating member 230 integrally, and a lower member 280 composed of a base member 240. It is composed of and. The base member 240 is arranged so as to come into direct contact with the installation surface of the installation site and cover the protective member from the inside (or below). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the base member 240 is provided as in the base member 140 of the first embodiment. The base member 240 is a part of the folded plate 241, the base member frame portion 242 which is arranged upright on the peripheral edge of the folded plate 241 and forms at least a side surface of the base member 242, and the base member frame portion 242. A receiving portion 243, 243 formed on a pair of facing side surfaces of the base member frame portion 242 is provided. The snow melting device 200 can be installed at a desired installation location as a heating panel in which the protective member 210, the heat generating member 220, the heat insulating member 230, and the base member 240 are integrated.

Since the base member 240 is in contact with the protective member 210 only at the receiving portions 243 and 243, a load from the protective member 210 is applied to the receiving portions 243 and 243. Each of the receiving portions 243 and 243 has a substantially L-shaped cross section, and the bottom surfaces of the substantially L-shaped portions face each other inward and come into contact with the load-bearing portion 213 (not shown) of the protective member 210.

As shown in FIG. 7, the upper member 270 includes a planar heat generating portion 221, a protective member 210 that protects the planar heat generating portion 221 from the outside (or above), and an inside (or below) of the planar heat generating portion 221. ) Is provided with a heat insulating member 230. The heat insulating member 230 includes a plurality of heat insulating materials 231 and a holding portion 232. The pressing portion 232 is arranged inside (or below) the plurality of heat insulating materials 231 and fixes the plurality of heat insulating materials 231 to the protective member. Therefore, the heat insulating material 231 and the planar heat generating portion 221 are housed inside the protective member 210 by the pressing portion 232.

As shown in FIG. 7, the protective member 210 includes a substantially flat tread 211 (for example, punching metal) in which a plurality of through holes 214 are formed at regular intervals. As a reinforcing portion for distributing the load applied to the tread 211, a plurality of square timbers 212 are arranged under the tread in parallel with each other at regular intervals. With these square timbers 212, the load on the tread 211 can be dispersed and the amount of downward bending due to the load can be reduced. Further, a load load portion 213 is attached to the tread surface 211 on the peripheral edge of the tread surface 211 to form a side surface of the protective member 210.

Since the protective member 210 has a reinforcing portion 212, in the heat generating member 220 arranged inside (or below) the protective member 210, the planar heat generating portion 221 is wavy or wavy along the reinforcing portion 212. It is arranged in a folded plate shape. Here, the planar heat generating portion 221 is arranged in a range excluding the load-bearing portion 213. Since the planar heating unit 221 has substantially the same size as the tread 211 as a projection surface from above in the range excluding the load-bearing unit 213, the tread 211 is warmed as a whole to improve the snow melting efficiency. Can be enhanced. If necessary, the planar heat generating portion 211 may be fixed to the back side of the tread surface 211 with a fixing means such as an adhesive or a hook-and-loop fastener.

In the snow melting device 200, the heat generating member 220 includes a planar heat generating portion 221, at least a pair of electrode portions 222, 222 (not shown) for energizing the heat generating portion, and a terminal accommodating portion 223 of the electrode portion. It has. The electrode portions 222 and 222 and the accommodating portion 223 may have the same form as that described in the snow melting device 100. In the figure, the protective member 210 is provided with a wiring hole 218 from the storage portion 223.

Further, a plurality of heat insulating materials 231 are arranged inside (or below) the planar heat generating portion 221 while avoiding the reinforcing portion 212 of the protective member 210. That is, each heat insulating material 231 is arranged in a range surrounded by the load-bearing portion 213 and the reinforcing portion 212, and is in contact with the planar heat-generating portion 221 on the outside (or above) of the load-bearing portion 213.

Further, these plurality of heat insulating materials 231 are pressed against the protective member 210 side by the pressing portion 232 made of two rods arranged in parallel with each other, and the pressing portion 232 is pressed by the mounting portion 216 of the protective member 210. It can be attached and detached freely.

When the heat generating member 220 is removable from the protective member 210, for example, the heat generating member 220 can be used as a cartridge that can be detachably arranged. For example, as one aspect, as shown in FIG. 8, the cartridge includes a woven planar heat generating portion 221 and a flat plate-shaped heat insulating material 231. As shown in FIG. 7, the woven surface heating element 221 is arranged inside the protective member 210 while wrapping around the reinforcing portion 212, and the plurality of flat plate-shaped heat insulating materials 231 avoid the wraparound portion and respectively. It is arranged inside the woven planar heating element 221. Here, the upper surface of the flat plate-shaped heat insulating material 231 is joined to the inner side surface of the woven surface heating element 221. Therefore, when the woven surface heat generating portion 221 and the flat plate heat insulating material 231 are removed from the snow melting device 200 and turned over in the vertical direction, the flat plate heat insulating material 231 is the upper surface of the woven surface heat generating portion 212. In the above, the flat heat insulating material 231 is placed in the longitudinal direction of the planar heat generating portion at a predetermined interval (that is, the wraparound portion), and here, the contact portion between the flat plate heat insulating material 231 and the woven surface heat generating portion 221. Are joined. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, at the time of storage, the planar heat generating portion can be folded with the heat insulating material stacked with the interval (that is, the wraparound portion) as the bent portion.

If the heat-generating member (and heat insulating material, if necessary) constitutes a removable cartridge, for example, in the summer, the cartridge can be removed and stored separately from the skeleton of the snowmelter to provide a planar heat-generating part (and heat insulating material). If necessary, the life of the heat insulating material) can be extended, and the possibility of failure can be reduced.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow cross section of the protective member of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, in the snowmelting device 200, the load applied to the tread 211 of the snowmelting device 200 is distributed by the reinforcing portion (square lumber) 212 arranged on the protective member 210, and the load is substantially equalized. Will be done. Further, in FIG. 9, the mounting portion 216 for holding the pressing portion 232 is arranged in a substantially U-shaped cross section. The mounting portion 216 holds a holding portion 232 for fixing the heat insulating material 231 to the protective member 210.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow cross section of the snow melting device of FIG. The protective member 210 and the base member 240 are in contact with each other by the load-bearing portion 213 of the protective member 210 and the receiving portion 243 of the base member 240, and the load applied from the load-bearing portion 213 to the receiving portion 243 is a load load. It is supported by the portion 213 and the receiving portion 243 of the base member 240. As shown in FIG. 10, a reinforcing square pipe 215 may be arranged in the load-bearing portion 213, if necessary. The strong angle pipe 215 can increase the strength (load bearing capacity) of the load-bearing portion 213.

Further, the heat insulating material 231 and the planar heat generating portion 221 are fixed to the protective member 210 by the pressing portion 232 of the heat insulating member 230 and are housed inside the protective member 210. As shown in FIG. 10, since there is a gap between the heat insulating member 230 and the base member 240, the heat insulating member 230 is not loaded from the tread 211. That is, since the planar heat generating portion 221 is supported by the heat insulating member 230, the load from the tread surface 211 does not affect the planar heat generating portion 221. Since the planar heating unit 221 can avoid the load from the load-bearing unit 213, it is possible to prevent the planar heating unit 221 from being damaged by the load and to extend the life of the snowmelting device 200.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, since the hollow structure 250 exists inside (or below) the heat insulating member 230, it contributes to weight reduction of the snowmelting device 200. Further, the heat insulating hollow structure can improve the snow melting efficiency.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the base member 240 has a first heat insulating hollow structure 251 that is substantially sealed in contact with the installation surface and has excellent heat insulating properties, and is not in contact with the installation surface. There are both a second heat-insulating hollow structure 255, which is a substantially sealed type and has excellent heat insulating properties, and a drainage hollow structure 252 having drainage holes 253 on the side surface. Further, the second heat insulating hollow structure 255 is a hollow structure generated by the existence of a gap between the heat insulating member 230 and the base member 240. These heat-insulating hollow structures 251,255 are preferable because the heat-insulating structure can prevent the heat from being dissipated from the planar heat-generating portion and can improve the snowmelt efficiency. The drainage hollow structure 252 not only prevents the temperature from dropping due to the snowmelt water, but also suppresses the refreezing of the snowmelt water by actively removing the snowmelt water to the outside when the snowmelt water enters the inside of the snowmelting device 200. It is preferable because it can be done.

If the snowmelt water does not enter the first heat-insulating hollow structure 251, the drainage hole does not have to exist, but like the snowmelting device 100, it is drained to the bottom surface in order to drain it to the outside. Holes may be arranged.

In the snow melting device 200, the tread surface 211 is provided with a through hole 214, but the tread surface may not have a through hole. For example, when a non-slip member is laid on the upper surface of the tread 211, the through hole is closed by the non-slip member. Even when there is no through hole in the tread surface, it is possible to drain the snowmelt water by using the side surface of the protective member. Specifically, for example, a gap (for example, a notch) through which snowmelt water can flow is provided on the side surface of the protective member, and between the side surface of the receiving portion of the base member and the side surface of the load-bearing portion of the protective member. , The snowmelt water can be drained from the tread when it has a predetermined width that allows the snowmelt water to flow in.

For example, as a drainage mechanism for snowmelt water using the side surface of the protective member, as shown in FIG. 11, a gap is provided between the facing surfaces of the load loading portion 213 and the receiving portion 243 of the base member 240, and the load is loaded. The snowmelt water may be introduced into the snow melting device 200 by providing the notch 217 on the side surface of the portion 213, and the snowmelt water may be introduced into the drain hole 253 provided on the side surface of the base member 240 (if necessary, the base member). A mechanism for discharging from the drain hole 254) provided on the side surface of the 240 can be exemplified.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual schematic perspective view for explaining the snowmelting device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a part of the snowmelting device shown in FIG. 12 viewed from the bottom surface side. It is a schematic perspective view for demonstrating the situation, and FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of the snowmelting apparatus of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, the snow melting device 300 is installed with respect to the gutter 340. In FIG. 12, a plurality of snow melting devices 300 are connected by a fixing means such as a hinge, and are arranged on the side groove 300 with the tread surface as the outermost surface. In FIG. 12, in order to explain the snowmelting device from the back side (inside), the snowmelting device 300 arranged at the end is upright. As shown in FIG. 13, the snowmelting device 300 includes a planar heat generating portion 321, a protective member 310 that protects the planar heat generating portion 321 from the outside (or above), and an inside (or below) of the planar heat generating portion 321. ) Is provided with at least a heat insulating member 330. The basic structure of the snowmelting device 300 can be a structure similar to the protective member 210, the heat generating member 220, and the heat insulating member 230 constituting the upper member 270 of the snowmelting device 200. It is possible to remove the snowmelt water from the tread by using a hole and / or a notch on the side surface of the protective member. Further, in the snowmelting device 300, similarly to the snowmelting device 200, the heat insulating member 330 includes a plurality of heat insulating materials 331 and a holding portion 332 (not shown).

On the other hand, the snow melting device 300 may be provided with a base member, but the base member may not be provided. When the base member is not provided, as shown in FIG. 14, the snow melting device 300 is arranged as a lid member of the side groove 340. Since the side groove 340 exists under the snow melting device 300, the snow melting device 300 creates a space formed by the heat insulating member 330 of the snow melting device 300 and the side walls 341, 341 and the bottom surface 342 of the side groove 340. It can be used as a hollow structure 350 existing inside (or below) the 330.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the load-bearing portion 313 of the protective member 310 and the receiving frame 343 of the side groove 340 are in contact with each other, and the load from the tread 311 is supported by the load-bearing portion 313 and the receiving frame 343 of the side groove 340. Be done. Therefore, similarly to the snowmelting device 200, the heat insulating member 330 of the snowmelting device 300 is not loaded from the tread 311. That is, since the planar heat generating portion 321 is supported by the heat insulating member 330, the load from the tread surface 311 does not affect the planar heat generating portion 321. Since the load from the load-bearing unit 313 can be avoided, the planar heat-generating unit 321 can be prevented from being damaged by the load, and the life of the snowmelting device 300 can be extended.

Since the hollow structure 350 also has a drainage function as it is, it can be used as a drainage hollow structure. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, when a plurality of snowmelting devices 300 connected by connecting members such as hinges are arranged in a row, a heat insulating hollow structure having excellent heat insulating properties is formed at a portion away from the end of the row. can do. In this case, the snowmelt water can be efficiently removed by the gutter while preventing the snowmelt water from refreezing. Further, when the structure is foldable by the connecting member, the inside of the side groove can be easily inspected.

FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of the snowmelting device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snowmelting device of FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the snow melting device of FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the snowmelting device 400 may have a flat slope. In this case, the snowmelting device 400 includes a substantially flat tread surface 411 having no through hole (for example, a striped steel plate) as the protective member 410, and the tread surface 411 is inclined with respect to the installation surface at a predetermined gradient. There is.

16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device of FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the snow melting device of FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the snowmelting device 400 protects the heat generating member 420 (not shown) and the heat insulating member 430 (not shown) such as the planar heat generating portion 421, similarly to the upper member 270 of the snowmelting device 200. It is housed in 410.

Here, since the base member 440 inclines the protective member 410, the height of the first side surface that stands upright from the bottom surface is higher than that of the second side surface that faces the base member 440. Due to the height difference between the first side surface and the second side surface, the base member 440 supports the protective member 410 in a state of being inclined with respect to the ground contact surface, and the substantially flat tread 411 of the protective member 410 with respect to the ground contact surface. It is in a slanted state. As a result, the planar heat generating portion 421 is arranged inside (or below) the protective member 410 substantially parallel to the tread surface 411, and further, inside (or below) the planar heat generating portion 421, the planar heat generating portion 421. The heat insulating member 430 is arranged substantially in parallel with the heat insulating member 430. Similar to the snow melting device 200, the protective member 410 is provided with a reinforcing portion 412, and the heat generating member 420 and the heat insulating member 430 (heat insulating material 431) are detachably attached to the protective member 410.

In the protective member 410, in the pair of facing load-bearing portions 413 and 415 provided on the edge of the substantially flat tread surface 411, the first load-bearing portion 413 is inclined to the upper end and the second load-bearing portion 415 is inclined. It is arranged at the lower end of. The first load-bearing portion 413 and the second load-bearing portion 415 are in contact with the first receiving portion 443 and the second receiving portion 445, which are arranged on the base member 440, respectively. Then, in the base member 440, the load from the first load-bearing portion 413 is supported by the first receiving portion 443, and the load from the second load-bearing portion 415 is supported by the second receiving portion 445. ..

More specifically, the first receiving portion 443 extends from the upper end of the upright portion of the first side surface of the base member 440 in an obtuse-angled, abbreviated shape. On the other hand, the second side surface extends outward (or upward) at an obtuse angle with respect to the bottom surface of the base member 440, and the second receiving portion 445 has a substantially downward opening in cross section with respect to the second side surface. It extends in a U shape. Then, on the bottom surface having a substantially U-shaped cross section, the protective member 410 is in contact with the protective member 410 on the upper end side of the bottom surface portion of the inclined protective member 410. That is, the second receiving portion 445 comes into contact with the second load-bearing portion 415 extending horizontally from the substantially flat tread surface 411 of the protective member 410 near the upper surface having a substantially U-shaped cross section that opens downward. doing. These load-bearing portions 413 and 415 and receiving portions 443 and 445 are detachably attached to each other.

As shown in FIG. 16, the load-bearing portions 413 and 415 of the protective member 410 and the receiving portions 443 and 445 of the base member 440 are in contact with each other, and the load is received by the load-bearing portions 413 and 415 and the base member 440. It is supported by portions 443 and 445. In other words, since the protective member 410, the heat generating member 420, and the heat insulating member 430 are not in contact with the base member 440 except for the load-bearing portions 413 and 415, the heat insulating member 430 is not loaded from the tread 411. Further, inside (or below) the heat insulating member 430, a hollow structure 450 exists in the base member 440.

That is, since the planar heat generating portion 421 is supported by the heat insulating member 430, the load from the tread surface 411 does not affect the planar heat generating portion 421. Since the planar heating unit 421 can avoid the load from the load-bearing unit 413, it is possible to prevent the planar heating unit 421 from being damaged by the load and to extend the life of the snowmelting device 400.

In the snow melting device 400, the tread 411 is inclined with a predetermined gradient. Therefore, the snowmelting device 400 can discharge the snowmelt water by using this inclination as a drainage mechanism of the snowmelt water.

Alternatively, the snowmelting device 400 may, if necessary, have a mechanism for discharging the snowmelting water from the drain hole after introducing the snowmelting water into the inside of the snowmelting device 400, similarly to the snowmelting device 200 and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the load-bearing portions 413 and 415 of the protective member 410 are provided with notches 417, and the second side surface of the base member 440 is provided with a drain hole 453. As a result, the snowmelt water flows into the snowmelting device 400 from the notch 417 and the like, and then flows out from the drain hole 453 to the outside.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the snow melting device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the snow melting device of FIG. 18, and FIG. 20 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the snow melting device of FIG. It is a schematic cross-sectional view. As shown in FIG. 18, the snowmelting device 500 may be used as a floor plate arranged at a construction site or the like, for example. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the snow melting device 500 includes a protective member 510, a heat generating member 520, and a base member 540. The protective member 510 includes a flat plate 511 having a substantially flat tread surface and a spacer 515 arranged inside (or below) the peripheral edge of the tread surface 511, and the flat plate 511 and the spacer 515 are detachably integrated by a fixing member. It has a first through hole 514 and a second through hole 517 on the peripheral edge.

The heat generating member 520 includes a planar heat generating portion 521 arranged substantially parallel to the tread surface 511 in a range excluding the load loading portion 513. The base member 540 is a flat plate having a horizontally projected area substantially equivalent to that of the protective member and having a first through hole 544 and a second through hole 547 on the peripheral edge. As shown in FIG. 20, the protective member 510 (flat plate 511 and spacer 515) and the base member 540 are detachably fixed by fixing means 560 such as bolts via the second through holes 517 and 547, respectively. To. The load from the tread 511 is supported by the portion of the protective member 510 and the base member 540 that contacts the spacer 515. Therefore, the load from the tread 511 is not applied to the planar heat generating portion 521 arranged in the range excluding the load loading portion 513. Further, as shown in the figure, when the planar heat generating portion 521 is directly placed on the base member 540, the snow melting device may have a reduced thickness (for example, 5 cm to 25 cm, preferably 10 cm to 20 cm). It is possible.

Further, the through holes 514 and 544 are preferably arranged so as to avoid the planar heat generating portion 521, and it is more preferable that the through holes 514 and 544 communicate with each other from the viewpoint of good drainage. Alternatively or as an alternative, as a drainage mechanism for the snowmelt water, a notch 514 (not shown) may be provided in a part of the spacer 515 to drain the snowmelt water flowing in from the through hole 514.

Further, although not shown, the heat generating member is composed of a planar heat generating portion and at least a pair of electrode portions for energizing the heat generating portion, and the terminal accommodating portion of the electrode portion is arranged inside the snowmelting device. Although it may be provided, when the snowmelting device is made thin, the electrode terminal may be arranged outside the snowmelting device through the notch 514 and / or the through hole 544. If necessary, the snowmelting device 500 may dispose a heat insulating member under the planar heat generating portion 521. Further, since the protective member 510 and the base member 540 are detachably fixed by a fixing means 560 such as a bolt, the planar heat generating portion 521 (and the heat insulating member) may be taken out for repair or storage.

21 is a schematic perspective view of the snow melting device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device of FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 21, the snowmelting device 900 may be used as, for example, a steel staircase arranged at a construction site or the like. As shown in FIG. 22, the snow melting device 900 includes a protective member 910, a heat generating member 920, a heat insulating member 930, and a base member 940. The protective member 910 is formed on a flat plate 911 forming a substantially flat tread surface, a flat plate 916 connected vertically downward to one end of the flat plate 911 to form a kicking surface of the tread surface, and peripheral edges of these flat plates 911 and 916. , A load-bearing portion 913 formed perpendicular to the flat plate is provided. The tread surface 911 and the kick-in surface 916 have through holes 914 and 917 (not shown), respectively.

As shown in FIG. 22, the heat generating member includes a planar heat generating portion 921 arranged substantially parallel to each of the tread surface 911 and the kicking surface 916 in a range excluding the load loading portion 913. The base member 940 includes a tread surface 911 and a kicking surface 916, and a flat plate having substantially the same horizontal projected area. The load from the tread 911 is supported by a portion in contact with the load-bearing portion 913 and the frame portion 913 of the base member 940. Therefore, the load from the tread 911 is not applied to the planar heat generating portion 921 arranged in the range excluding the load loading portion 913. Further, when the planar heat generating portion 921 is made of a flexible material, the planar heating portion 921 can be bent at a substantially right angle between the tread surface 911 and the kicking surface 916 according to the shape of the stairs.

Further, although FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a snowmelting device having a pair of treads and a kicking surface, the snowmelting device having a plurality of pairs of treads and a kicking surface by further connecting the treads and the kicking surfaces. May be. Since the protective member 910 and the base member 940 are detachably fixed by fixing means (not shown) such as bolts, only the planar heat generating portion 921 may be taken out for repair or storage.

Further, on the tread surface 911 and the kicking surface 916, the through holes 914 and 917 (not shown) respectively arranged may be arranged so as to avoid the planar heat generating portion 921, or the planar heat generating portion 921. May be arranged without avoiding. For example, the snowmelt water flowing into the snow melting device 900 from the through hole 914 of the tread surface 911 can be drained to the outside of the snow melting device from the through hole 917 of the kicking surface 916. As an additional or alternative drainage mechanism for snowmelt water, a notch 918 is provided on the side surface of the tread 911 of the load-bearing portion 913, and a notch 919 is provided on the side surface of the kick-in surface 916 to flow in from the notch 918. The snowmelt water to be melted may be drained from the notch 919. The snowmelting device 400 may be provided with through holes 914, 917 and notches 918, 919 in any combination as a drainage mechanism.

Further, although not shown, the heat generating member is composed of a planar heat generating portion and at least a pair of electrode portions for energizing the heat generating portion, and the terminal accommodating portion of the electrode portion is arranged inside the snowmelting device. Although it may be provided, when the snowmelting device is made thin, the electrode portion terminals may be arranged outside the snowmelting device via any of the through holes 914 and 917 and the notches 918 and 919. ..

As shown in FIG. 22, a heat insulating member 930 is arranged inward of the planar heat generating portion 921 on the stairs side substantially in parallel with the planar heating portion 921. Further, the protective member 910 and the base member 940 may be detachably fixed by a fixing means (not shown) such as a bolt. In that case, the protective member 910 and the base member 940 are taken out and repaired separately. , Save, etc.

The snowmelting device of the present invention may be installed alone as a heating panel, or a plurality of snowmelting devices may be combined and applied as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, a plurality of heating panels can be connected by a connecting member (for example, a connecting metal fitting 245) to expand the area for installation. Further, as shown in FIG. 23, a slope attachment 246 may be attached to the heating panel, if necessary.

The configuration of the connecting member can be appropriately designed by those skilled in the art. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, for example, in the snow melting device 200 of the second embodiment, as a preferable configuration, a lower notch portion provided on the side surface of the base member 240 from the back side of the base member 240 ( The connecting metal fitting 245 may be press-fitted and attached to the connecting groove portion) 244. Further, the slope attachment may be attached to the snow melting device, and in that case, the connecting member 247 may be dropped into the upper notch (connecting groove) 248 provided on the side surface of the base member 240 and attached. Such a snow melting device can be used as parking lot road heating or sidewalk heating, for example, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26.

Further, the shape of the heating panel can be various depending on the installation location. For example, the substantially trapezoidal plate-shaped heating panel 200'shown in FIG. 27 and the rectangular plate-shaped heating panel 200' In combination with, as shown in FIG. 28, it may be arranged on the slope portion (particularly the slope curve) to the elevated structure.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, it may be installed as a snow melting heater 600 in the lower space of the blow-off fence 680. The snow melting heater 600 may be integrated as a shape bent along the slope by utilizing the flexibility of the planar heat generating portion, or a plurality of (for example, two) rectangular plate-shaped snow melting devices 200 may be provided on the slope. The shape may be adjusted by connecting with a connecting member according to the shape of the above. As described above, since the snowmelt heater has excellent strength, it is possible to prevent the planar heat generating portion from being damaged by the load even when a load such as a car is applied.

Further, as shown in FIG. 31, the snow melting device 700 may be used on the surface member of the curb flat slope. In FIG. 31, the snowmelting device 700 is placed on a substantially rectangular parallelepiped central portion 780, a first slope portion 781 and a second slope portion 782 that incline downward toward opposite sides to the central portion. , Is laid. The snow melting device 700 may be integrated as a shape bent along the shoulder by taking advantage of the flexibility of the planar heat generating portion, or may be integrated with three rectangular plate-shaped snow melting devices on each of the members 780, 781 and 782. The device 200 may be connected by a connecting member to adjust the shape. Alternatively, the flat-type slope snowmelting device 400 and the box-type snowmelting device 200 may be connected and combined with a connecting member to form the snowmelting device 700.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 28, the snowmelting device 800 may be used as a flat slope to the stairs. In this case, as the snow melting device 800, a rectangular plate-shaped snow melting device 200 may be used and laid on a slope base 880 forming a predetermined gradient at each step of the stairs. Alternatively, a plurality of flat-type slope snowmelting devices 400 may be connected by a connecting member to form a snowmelting device 800. As shown in FIG. 32, the snow melting device 800 may have a non-slip member 870 laid on the tread surface.

The various modifications may be embodiments other than the snowmelting device 200 of the second embodiment described above, and can be similarly applied to, for example, the snowmelting device of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, the materials of the constituent members and the like will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the description of these materials and the like can be applied to any of the above embodiments.

(Heat generating member)
The heat generating member includes a planar heating element and a waterproof covering material for covering the planar heating element as a planar heating element. As the planar heating element, coating or printing of a paint, ink, etc. to which conductive particles such as carbon black are added as an energizing planar heating element on a base material such as a radiation planar heating element (infrared ray), a film, or a sheet. Examples include a conductive sheet in which a fiber containing carbon fiber as an essential component is impregnated with a resin, and a knitted fabric containing conductive fiber coated with conductive particles, etc., all of which are used in the snow melting device of the present invention. Used as a built-in planar heating element.

Of these, a planar heating element composed of a woven or knitted material containing organic fibers coated with carbon nanotubes is a planar heating element that generates heat uniformly over a wide area and has excellent flexibility and bending fatigue resistance. Therefore, it is preferably used in the present invention. Because of the uniform heat generation, heat is more uniformly conducted to the object as compared with the conventional linear planar heating element such as nichrome, so that it is possible to exhibit an efficient snow melting function in snow melting applications.

For example, a woven surface heating element, which is a flexible material, can be installed along the uneven shape of the reinforcing portion of the protective member. As a result, the heater can be brought closer to the snow, so that the heat transfer coefficient can be improved and the snow melting efficiency can be improved.

The planar heating element using the conductive fibers is composed of a heat generating portion formed of a knitted fabric containing the conductive fibers and an electrode portion for energizing the heat generating portion. The conductive fibers include organic fibers and carbon nanotubes that coat the surface of the organic fibers. The ratio of the carbon nanotubes may be about 0.1 to 50 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the organic fiber. The organic fiber may be composed of at least one selected from the group consisting of polyester resins, polyamide resins, polyolefin resins and acrylic resins. The conductive fiber may be a multifilament yarn or a spun yarn having a single yarn fineness of 11 dtex or less. The conductive fiber may be a fiber in which the organic fiber is immersed in a dispersion liquid containing carbon nanotubes and the conductive layer is attached to the surface of the organic fiber. The linear electrical resistance value of the conductive fiber at 20 ° C. ^{may be about 1 × 10 -1} to 1 × 10 ⁵ Ω / cm. The knitted fabric may be a woven fabric composed of warp yarns made of polyester fibers and weft yarns made of conductive polyester fibers. The knitted fabric may be a knitted fabric made of conductive polyester fibers coated with an insulating layer, except for a portion in contact with the electrode portion.

The heat-generating member includes, in addition to the planar heat-generating portion, at least a pair of electrode portions for energizing the heat-generating portion. The electrode portion is made of a conductive material that can be energized, and is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity. It may be a carbon material, ceramic, or the like, but a metal is usually used. Examples of the metal include periodic table group 6A metals such as tungsten, periodic table group 7A metals such as manganese, periodic table group 8 metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt and platinum, and periodic table groups 8 metals such as copper, silver and gold. Table 1 Group 1 B metal, periodic table such as zinc Group 2 B metal, periodic table such as aluminum Group 3 B metal, periodic table such as tin and lead Group 4 B metal, periodic table group 5 B metal such as bismuth, etc. Be done. Among these metals, metals such as chromium, nickel, copper, silver, gold, and aluminum are widely used. The shape of the electrode portion can be appropriately selected according to the shape of the heat generating portion, and is not particularly limited. However, since it is usually arranged at both ends of the heat generating portion which is a rectangular sheet, it is strip-shaped or linear (fibrous or rod-shaped). ). The size of the electrode portion can be selected according to the shape of the heat generating portion. In addition, the electrode portion is usually coated with an insulating and waterproof coating material.

A waterproof covering material covers the above-mentioned planar heating element (electrode portion if necessary) to form a planar heating element. Examples of the covering material include a covering material made of a hydrophobic resin, rubber, metal leaf and the like. Further, it is preferable that the front and back surfaces of the planar heating element are laminated with a coating material such as an electrically insulating film or sheet, and preferred coating materials include polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, and fluororesin (for example, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, and fluororesin (). Preferably, it may be ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), rubber, thermoplastic elastomer or the like.

It is preferable that the terminals of the electrode portion are housed in the storage portion as needed. The shape and location of the storage portion are not particularly limited as long as the terminals can be stored, and the storage location may be inside or outside the snowmelting device. It is preferable that the storage portion can be stored inside the snowmelting device. The storage portion may be arranged on the protective material side of the planar heat generating portion, but from the viewpoint of water resistance, it is preferably arranged on the side opposite to the protective material of the planar heat generating portion. In that case, it is more preferable that the storage portion can be stored inside the heat insulating material. In such a case, the storage portion has a shape and a thickness that can be stored in a preferable place.

(Insulation member)
The heat insulating material used for the heat insulating member is not particularly limited as long as it has heat insulating properties applicable to the snow melting device, and a fiber-based heat insulating material, a plastic board-based heat insulating material, or the like can be appropriately used. Among these, from the viewpoint of light weight, workability, and waterproofness, a heat insulating material such as foamed plastic is preferable. Preferably, polyurethane foam (for example, rigid urethane foam), polystyrene foam (for example, beaded polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam), phenolic foam, or the like may be used.
The heat insulating material is preferably waterproof, and if necessary, the heat insulating material may have a moisture-proof layer (such as a waterproof coating) on the surface of the heat insulating material, or the heat insulating material may be encapsulated in a waterproof film. ..
The thickness and shape of the heat insulating material can be appropriately set according to the purpose. For example, the thickness of the heat insulating material can be selected from a wide range of about 5 to 100 mm, and may be, for example, about 5 to 10 mm, preferably about 15 to 50 mm, depending on the application.

(Protective member)
For the protective member, the material can be appropriately selected according to the purpose required for the snowmelting device. When the load is relatively low, the protective member may be made of resin from the viewpoint of light weight. On the other hand, when the load is relatively high, the protective member may be made of steel from the viewpoint of robustness. Further, depending on the purpose, a part of the protective member may be made of a resin and a part of the protective member may be made of a steel material. For example, resin may be used in places where the load is low (for example, treads, etc.), and steel may be used in places where the load is high (for example, load-bearing parts, reinforcing parts, etc.).
Further, as described above, the tread may or may not have a through hole. From the viewpoint of weight reduction, it is preferable that the tread has a through hole. Further, the tread may be provided with a non-slip layer (for example, a non-slip sheet), if necessary, or, for example, a protrusion for non-slip is provided on the surface like a striped steel plate. You may.
Further, the protective member may or may not have a reinforcing portion. When the load is relatively high, it is preferable to provide a reinforcing portion under the tread from the viewpoint of robustness. The presence of the reinforcing portion is preferable because the load applied to the tread can be dispersed and the amount of deflection of the tread can be reduced.

(Base member)
The base member is arranged so as to cover the protective member from below, and the material can be appropriately selected according to the purpose required for the snowmelting device. When the load is relatively low, the base member may be made of resin from the viewpoint of light weight. On the other hand, when the load is relatively high, the base member may be made of steel from the viewpoint of robustness. Further, depending on the purpose, a part of the protective member may be made of a resin and a part of the protective member may be made of a steel material. For example, resin is used for places where the load is low (for example, contact parts with the installation place), and steel is used for places where the load is high (for example, base member frame part, base member frame part). May be good.

Further, the contact portion may have a shape other than the folded plate, may be wavy, or may be substantially flat. Further, it may be fixed to the ground with a fixture such as an anchor pin. Preferably, the contact portion has a folded plate shape, in which case the strength of the base member can be improved and the heat insulating property of the snowmelting device can be improved by forming an air layer. Further, the shape of the folded plate can exert a non-slip effect on the installation surface, and the snowmelting device can be satisfactorily installed even when the installation surface is inclined or the ground is poor.
Further, the base member can be fixed by a side wall or the like for covering the protective member from the inside (or below), but if necessary, the base member can be fixed to and from the protective member. It may be fixed by means.

(Drainage mechanism)
The drainage mechanism is not particularly limited as long as the snowmelt water generated mainly on the tread surface of the snow melting device can be quickly removed. For example, a through hole may be provided in the tread surface of the protective member, or the protective member may be provided. The snowmelt water may be removed from the tread by providing a notch (for example, a notch having a height of about 5 mm to 3 cm, preferably about 5 mm to 1 cm, which is arranged at the lower end of the side surface). Further, the snowmelt water may be removed from the tread surface by inclining the protective member itself.
Further, when the base member exists and the snowmelt water flows into the inside of the snowmelting device, the drainage mechanism also applies the snowmelting water to the outside of the base member in order to remove the snowmelting water flowing from the protective member to the outside. The snowmelt water may be removed to the outside of the snowmelting device by providing a gap that allows the snowmelt water to flow out to the outside. As long as the snowmelt water can be removed to the outside, the gaps provided in the base member are, for example, a through hole provided in the bottom surface of the base member and a notch provided in the side surface of the base member (for example, arranged at the lower end of the side surface portion). A notch having a height of about 5 mm to 3 cm, preferably about 5 mm to 1 cm) is mentioned.

Since the snow melting device of the present invention is a non-buried type, not only can it be easily installed like a snow melting mat, but also the snow melting efficiency is high because the heat generating member is located near the snow. Since it can be temporarily installed and can be easily added or removed, it can be used not only as an emergency measure, but also can be installed at a required place as needed, and can be post-constructed as appropriate.

Further, even if a load is applied to the tread surface, the planar heat generating portion is not damaged, so that the durability can be improved not only on the sidewalk but also in a place where a heavy load such as a vehicle passes.
Further, when the heat generating member can be removed from the protective member, the heater portion can be repaired and the maintainability can be improved.

The snow melting device of the present invention has high snow melting efficiency because the heater and snow come into contact with each other without being buried in the ground, and is used in various fields such as roadways and sidewalks (for example, roadway heating, parking lot heating, sidewalks). Heating, road shoulder blocks, curb flat slopes, sidewalk flat slopes, staircase flat slopes, fence heating, especially blowing fence heating), civil engineering applications such as drainage ditches (eg gutter lids), agricultural applications (eg) It can be used for greenhouse mats, etc.) and for construction purposes (for example, interior boards, sidewalks, floor boards such as curbs and iron boards).

As described above, a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, but various additions, changes or deletions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such additions, changes or deletions are also included in the scope of the present invention. Is done.

100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 ... Snow melting device 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 ... Protective member 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 ... Heat generating member 121,221,321,421,521 ... Planar heat generating part 130, 230, 330, 430 ... Insulation member 140, 240, 440, 540 ... Base member

Claims (13)

A snowmelting device including at least a heat-generating member composed of a planar heat-generating portion, at least a pair of electrode portions for energizing the heat-generating portion, and a protective member for protecting the planar heat-generating portion from the outside.
The protective member includes a substantially flat tread surface and at least a pair of load-bearing portions facing each other arranged on the edge of the tread surface.
The load from the substantially flat tread is supported by the load-bearing portion.
The planar heat generating portion has substantially the same size as the tread surface in a range excluding the load-bearing portion.
A snow melting device equipped with at least a drainage mechanism for snow melting water. The snowmelting device according to claim 1, wherein the planar heating element is composed of a planar heating element using conductive fibers. The snowmelting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective member includes a reinforcing portion for distributing a load applied to the tread. In the snowmelting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the snowmelting device includes a cartridge that can be detachably arranged, and the cartridge is composed of at least the planar heat generating portion. apparatus. The snowmelting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a heat insulating member is provided inside the planar heat generating portion. In the snowmelting device of claim 5, the snowmelting device includes a cartridge that can be detachably arranged, and the cartridge includes a woven surface-like heat generating portion and a flat plate-shaped heat insulating material, and the flat plate. The heat insulating material is placed on the upper surface of the woven surface heat generating portion at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the planar heat generating portion, and the heat insulating material can be folded with the interval as a bent portion. Snow melting device. In the snowmelting device according to any one of claims 5 or 6, the heat generating member includes a storage portion for storing the terminals of the electrode portion, and this storage portion is internally provided in the heat insulating member. , Snow melting device. The snowmelting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the protective member has a gap through which snowmelt water can flow into the snowmelting device. The snowmelting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tread has a through hole through which snowmelt water can flow into the snowmelting device. The snowmelting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a base member for supporting the protective member, the base member is provided with a drain hole for the inflowing snowmelt water. apparatus. In the snowmelting device of claim 10, the snowmelting device includes a heat insulating member inside the planar heat generating portion, and is surrounded by the base member and the heat insulating member to form a hollow structure. .. The snowmelting device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the base member has a wavy or folded plate shape at a contact portion with an installation location. A snowmelting device used as a gutter lid installed in a gutter in the snowmelting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images