Panel heater

Abstract

To provide a panel heater with excellent heating efficiency, capable of quickly heating an object while suppressing power consumption.SOLUTION: A panel heater of the present invention comprises a planar body part having a heater therein, and an operation unit operated by a user to control the operation of the heater. The body part has flexibility, and can be assembled so that an outer surface of one longitudinal end part and the outer surface of the other longitudinal end part are fixed so as to face them.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a panel heater. [Background technology]

[0002] There are panel heaters that use a panel-shaped heat source to warm the feet, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a foot warmer in which a cylindrical heating carpet is used, and when a user sits in a chair and places their feet inside the heated carpet, the feet are warmed by radiant heat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3234954 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional foot warmers, such as those described in Patent Document 1, have a cylindrical inner space where the user inserts their feet, making it easy to insert them. However, because the inner space is relatively wide, the distance from the heat source to the feet is long, and it takes a certain amount of time for the feet to warm up. Furthermore, to warm the feet quickly, the amount of heat generated by the heater needs to be increased, necessitating a large amount of electricity. Therefore, there is a demand for a panel heater that can warm the feet quickly while reducing power consumption by suppressing the amount of heat generated by the heater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides the following means to solve the above problems.

[0006] A panel heater according to one aspect of the present invention is a panel heater comprising a planar main body having a heater therein, and an operation unit operated by a user to control the operation of the heater, The main body portion is flexible and can be assembled so that the outer surface of one end in the longitudinal direction faces the outer surface of the other end, and is fixed in place.

[0007] Compared to conventional cylindrically-shaped panels, the panel heater described above has a smaller inner space formed by the main body, which reduces the distance between the heater and the user's feet when inserted into the inner space. This reduces the amount of heat generated by the heater and quickly warms the user's feet. Furthermore, the heater output required to maintain the temperature of the inner space can be reduced. This improves the heating efficiency of the panel heater.

[0008] In the above panel heater, preferably, the main body is rectangular, and when assembled in a self-standing state in which the outer surface of one longitudinal end of the main body is connected to the outer surface of the other longitudinal end, the outer surface of the one longitudinal end of the main body is connected to the outer surface of the other longitudinal end at the upper side.

[0009] According to the panel heater described above, the user can easily assemble the heater by connecting the outer surfaces of the main body parts together while sitting in a chair.

[0010] In the above panel heater, preferably, when the outer surface of one longitudinal end of the main body is connected to the outer surface of the other longitudinal end and is assembled so that the main body is free-standing, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the overlapping portion between the outer surface of one longitudinal end and the outer surface of the other longitudinal end, the length from the tip of the overlapping portion to the outer edge of the main body on the opposite side to the main body facing the tip is at least 1 / 3 of the length from one outer edge of the main body to the other outer edge.

[0011] With the panel heater described above, the distance between the heater and the user's feet inserted into the inner space formed by the main body can be reduced, allowing for faster and more efficient heating of the user's feet, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the panel heater.

[0012] In the above panel heater, preferably, when the outer surface of one longitudinal end of the main body is connected to the outer surface of the other longitudinal end and the main body is assembled to stand on its own, the heater is not positioned in the area where the outer surface of one longitudinal end and the outer surface of the other longitudinal end overlap.

[0013] With the panel heater described above, it is possible to prevent the areas near the ends of the main body parts that are connected to each other from becoming overheated due to the heat from the heater, and in some cases it is possible to prevent those areas from melting.

[0014] In the above panel heater, preferably, the operating unit is positioned at a position away from the portion where the outer surface of one longitudinal end of the main body overlaps with the outer surface of the other longitudinal end when the main body is assembled in a self-standing state with the outer surface of the other longitudinal end connected to the outer surface of the one longitudinal end.

[0015] According to the panel heater as described above, the operating section can be easily operated by the user in the assembled state.

[0016] In the above panel heater, preferably, the operating unit is positioned so as to be located above the inner surface of the right or left side of the main body unit when viewed from a user with both feet inserted inside the main body unit, when the outer surface of one longitudinal end of the main body unit is connected to the outer surface of the other longitudinal end of the main body unit and the main body unit is in an assembled state where it stands on its own.

[0017] According to the panel heater described above, in the assembled state, the user can easily operate the operating section with one hand.

[0018] Preferably, the panel heater further comprises a case incorporating a control unit that controls operation of the heater in response to user operation of the operation unit, The operation unit is arranged on the upper side of the case on the same side as the inner surface of the main body.

[0019] According to the panel heater as described above, the user can easily operate the operating portion while inserting his / her feet into the inner space formed by the main body portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled panel heater according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the assembled panel heater of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the assembled panel heater of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the panel heater of the embodiment in an expanded state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the panel heater according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a case of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the movement during assembly of the panel heater of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an assembled state of the panel heater according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a modified panel heater. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] A panel heater according to one embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. In each drawing, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted.

[0022] [Overall configuration of Panel Heater 1] The panel heater 1 of this embodiment is roughly rectangular in shape when unfolded before assembly, and when assembled, it takes on a heart-like shape when viewed from above, allowing it to stand on its own, and is configured so that the user can insert both feet into the inner space from above to warm their feet. In this specification, when the panel heater 1 is assembled and standing on its own, the side that is positioned vertically above is referred to as the upper side, and the opposite side that is in contact with the ground is referred to as the lower side.

[0023] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing the assembled state of a panel heater 1 of an embodiment, with FIG. 1 being a perspective view, FIG. 2 being a plan view seen from above, and FIG. 3 being a side view. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the panel heater 1 in an unfolded state in a flat plane. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the panel heater 1. As shown in the figures, the panel heater 1 comprises a main body 2 and a case 3.

[0024] [Main body 2] The main body 2 is flexible enough to be rolled up along its longitudinal direction, and can change its shape between the unfolded state shown in FIG. 4 and the assembled state shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Furthermore, although not shown, the main body 2 can be rolled up along its longitudinal direction to become a cylindrical storage state. The user manually changes the state between the unfolded state, assembled state, and storage state. In this specification, the surface located on the inside of the main body 2 in the assembled state is referred to as the inner surface, and the surface located on the outside is referred to as the outer surface.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4 , the main body 2 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners in a plan view in an unfolded state. As shown in each figure, a case 3 is permanently attached to the main body 2. As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 5 , the main body 2 includes a printed cloth 21, a PET sheet 22, an aluminum sheet 23, a heating wire 24, a nonwoven fabric 25, piping 26, and magnets 27a and 27b. As shown in the figure, the main body 2 is arranged so that the printed cloth 21, the PET sheet 22, the aluminum sheet 23, the heating wire 24, and the nonwoven fabric 25 are stacked in this order from the outer surface side. The piping 26 is a frame-shaped member that surrounds the outer edge of the main body 2. In other words, the main body 2 is configured such that the PET sheet 22, the aluminum sheet 23, and the heating wire 24 are sandwiched between the printed cloth 21 arranged on the outer surface side and the nonwoven fabric 25 arranged on the inner surface side, and the piping 26 is arranged around the outer edge as a frame.

[0026] The magnets 27a and 27b may be disposed at any position within the laminated structure of the main body 2, but may be disposed, for example, between the printed cloth 21 located on the outermost side and the PET sheet 22. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the magnet 27a is disposed near one end in the longitudinal direction and one end in the lateral direction of the substantially rectangular main body 2. The magnet 27b is disposed near the other end in the longitudinal direction and one end in the lateral direction. That is, in the lateral direction, the magnets 27a and 27b are disposed on the upper side, where the case 3 and the operating unit 4 are disposed.

[0027] The printed cloth 21 is formed mainly from a fibrous cloth. The printed cloth 21 is located on the outer surface of the main body 2 and is likely to catch the user's eye, so a pattern or design is printed on it.

[0028] The PET sheet 22 is formed mainly from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is a resin.

[0029] The aluminum sheet 23 is formed primarily from aluminum (Al) and functions as a heat insulating sheet, preventing the heat of the heating wire 24 arranged on the inner side of the aluminum sheet 23 from being conducted to the outer side.

[0030] The nonwoven fabric 25 is mainly made of nonwoven fabric, and the piping 26 is made of a cloth or resin having a certain degree of rigidity.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the printed cloth 21, the PET sheet 22, the aluminum sheet 23, and the nonwoven fabric 25 are all substantially rectangular with a notch at the position where the case 3 is to be placed.

[0032] The heating wire 24 is a resistance wire that generates heat when electricity is passed through it, and is made of nichrome, an alloy of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr), or an alloy of iron (Fe) and chromium. As shown in FIG. 5, the heating wire 24 is formed by curving a linear conductor and stretching it out in a planar shape, with one end and the other end electrically connected to the control unit 31. The heating wire 24 is designed so that its temperature changes from approximately 40°C to 60°C depending on the power supplied from the control unit 31. The heating wire 24 is the "heater" of the present invention. In other words, the main body 2 has a planar (panel-like) configuration with a heater inside.

[0033] The heating wires 24 are arranged at positions that avoid one end and the other end of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction so as not to be positioned at positions where they overlap each other in the assembled state (see FIG. 4). This prevents the heating wires 24 from being positioned close to each other and facing each other in the assembled state, and prevents the vicinity of the ends of the main body 2 from becoming too hot.

[0034] As described above, the main body 2 is flexible in the longitudinal direction, and therefore the printed cloth 21, PET sheet 22, aluminum sheet 23, heating wire 24, nonwoven fabric 25, and piping 26 that constitute the main body 2 are also flexible in the longitudinal direction. The main body 2 and the members that constitute the main body 2 do not need to be flexible in the lateral direction. The operation of folding the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction to bring the panel heater 1 into an assembled state for use will be described later.

[0035] [Case 3] 5, the case 3 is configured to include a control unit 31, a power cord 32, an outer cover 33, an inner cover 34, a display sheet 35, and four screws 36. The case 3 is formed by covering the control unit 31 having the power cord 32 with the outer cover 33 and the inner cover 34, connecting them to each other with the screws 36, and attaching the display sheet 35 to the surface. The control unit 31 has an operation unit 4 which is an operation button that can be operated by the user.

[0036] 6 is a diagram showing the appearance of the case 3. The operation unit 4 is disposed on the upper side of the case 3. The case 3 further has display units 37a to 37c that can display the state of the panel heater 1 so that the user can visually check it. The display units 37a to 37c are light-emitting units such as LEDs mounted on the control unit 31, for example.

[0037] The control unit 31 controls the operation of the heating wire 24 in response to user operations on the operation unit 4. Specifically, the control unit 31 includes a control board, a control semiconductor device, electronic components, etc. That is, the case 3 houses the control unit 31 including the control board, etc. The power cord 32 supplies power to the control unit 31 from an external source.

[0038] [Operation unit 4] The operation unit 4 is provided in the control unit 31 as described above, but is arranged on the upper end side of the main body 2 in the case 3. In other words, the operation unit 4 is arranged on one end side in the short direction of the main body 2, and more specifically, on the upper side of the surface on the same side as the inner surface of the main body 2. The operation unit 4 can be operated by the user touching it, and when operated, the control unit 31 detects the operation by the user and controls the heating wire 24 in accordance with that operation. The operation when the user operates the operation unit 4 will be described later.

[0039] [Panel heater 1 shape] As described above, the panel heater 1 changes shape between the unfolded state shown in Fig. 4 and the assembled state shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. This will be explained in detail below.

[0040] The main body 2 can be assembled into a cylindrical shape by aligning the outer surface of one longitudinal end with the outer surface of the other longitudinal end, with the magnets 27a and 27b facing each other, and connecting the magnets 27a and 27b by attracting each other. As described above, the magnets 27a and 27b are located on the upper side of the main body 2, so the main body 2 is connected at the upper position. The main body 2 has sufficient rigidity to be bent from the state shown in FIG. 7(a) to the state shown in FIG. 7(b) by pressing the position A in the figure with a force of 1.0 N. In this way, the panel heater 1 changes from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 4 to the assembled state shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2 , when viewed from above in the assembled state, the main body 2 has a first curved portion 2a that curves to connect the tip C of the connected and overlapping portion B to position X1, a second curved portion 2b that curves to connect the tip C to position X2, and a third curved portion 2c that curves to connect the first curved portion 2a to the second curved portion 2b. In other words, the first curved portion 2a extends from one end of the main body 2, and the second curved portion 2b extends from the other end of the main body 2. Although there may be some deviation depending on the assembled state of the main body 2, the diameters of the first curved portion 2a and the second curved portion 2b are approximately the same. Furthermore, the diameter of the third curved portion 2c is approximately twice the diameters of the first curved portion 2a and the second curved portion 2b. The overlapping portion B where the main body portions 2 are connected refers to a portion where the magnets 27a and 27b are attracted to each other and connected, and the ends of the main body portions 2 are in surface contact with each other.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2 , when viewed from above in the assembled state, the operation unit 4 is located away from the overlapping portion B of the main body 2. More specifically, during use, the user inserts their left foot at position D1 and their right foot at position D2 in the inner region of the main body 2 in FIG. 2 . As viewed from the user with their feet inserted in these regions, the operation unit 4 is located on the upper side of the right inner surface of the main body 2. By locating the operation unit 4 in this position, a user using the panel heater 1 can easily operate the operation unit 4 with their right hand. Considering that a user will operate the operation unit 4 with their left hand, the operation unit 4 may be located on the upper side of the left inner surface of the main body 2. Furthermore, even if the operation unit 4 is slightly offset from the upper position of the right or left inner surface of the main body 2, the operation unit 4 can be easily operated by the user by locating it so that at least a portion of it faces the overlapping portion B of the main body 2 when viewed from above.

[0043] 3, when viewed from the side in the assembled state, the main body 2 is configured so that the length L2 from the outer edge E1 of the first curved portion 2a of the main body 2 to the tip C (see FIG. 2) of the overlapping portion of the main body 2 is at least one-third of the length L1 between the outer edge E1 of the first curved portion 2a and the outer edge E2 of the third curved portion 2c of the main body 2. This configuration allows the user's feet to be closer to the heating wire 24 (heater) of the main body 2, allowing the user's feet to be warmed quickly and efficiently, improving heating efficiency.

[0044] The panel heater 1 can also be used in a circular shape as shown in FIG. 8(a) when the main body 2 is viewed from above, or in a semicircular or arc-shaped state as shown in FIG. 8(b). When used in a circular shape as shown in FIG. 8(a), the ends or end faces of the main body 2 may be connectable to each other. When used in a semicircular shape as shown in FIG. 8(b), it can be placed around the legs or waist of a user sitting on the floor to warm the legs or waist.

[0045] [Size of main body 2] Specific examples of the size of the panel heater 1 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 4 are as follows: Note that the following sizes are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0046] The length L11 of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 1350 mm or more and 1500 mm or less, more preferably 1350 mm or more and 1400 mm or less, for example, 1380 mm.

[0047] The length L12 of the main body 2 in the short side direction (i.e., the height of the main body 2 in the assembled state) is preferably 300 mm to 360 mm, more preferably 300 mm to 320 mm, for example, 310 mm. If the height of the main body 2 in the assembled state is within this range, it is preferable because it can be placed under a low table.

[0048] The centers of magnets 27a and 27b are positioned at a distance L13 of 50 mm from the longitudinal end of main body 2 and a distance L14 of 70 mm from the upper end. As shown in Fig. 4, magnets 27a and 27b are positioned symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center of main body 2. Magnets 27a and 27b are disk-shaped with a diameter of 20 mm.

[0049] The case 3 is positioned at a longitudinal position such that the distance L15 from the end of the main body 2 is 340 mm. The length L16 of the case 3 in the longitudinal direction, that is, the width, is 65 mm.

[0050] The heating wire 24 is arranged in a region excluding a region having a length L17 of 84 mm from the end of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the heating wire 24 is not arranged in regions 84 mm from either end of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] The operation unit 4 is disposed at a position 100 mm or less from the top end of the case 3 so that the user can easily operate the operation unit 4.

[0052] [Panel heater 1 operation] The panel heater 1 operates by the control unit 31 performing the following control in response to the user's operation of the operating unit 4 and the state of the panel heater 1. Note that the operations and controls described below are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0053] The panel heater 1 has one button as the operation unit 4. When the button on the operation unit 4 is pressed by the user, the control unit 31 changes the state of the panel heater 1 sequentially between power off, strong mode, medium mode, and weak mode. The strong mode, medium mode, and weak mode states are states in which the panel heater 1 is powered on. More specifically, when the button on the operation unit 4 is pressed and held for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 2 seconds) or more while the panel heater 1 is in the power off state, the control unit 31 changes the state of the panel heater 1 from power off to strong mode. When the button on the operation unit 4 is pressed while the panel heater 1 is in this strong mode state, the control unit 31 changes the state of the panel heater 1 sequentially between medium mode, weak mode, and power off.

[0054] When the power is on, the control unit 31 supplies power to the heating wire 24, and when the power is off, the control unit 31 stops the supply of power to the heating wire 24. More specifically, the control unit 31 supplies power to the heating wire 24 so that the temperature of the heating wire 24 becomes 55±5°C in the high mode, 50±5°C in the medium mode, and 45±5°C in the low mode.

[0055] 6, the state of the panel heater 1 is displayed by display units 37a to 37c. Specifically, when the panel heater 1 is in high mode, red display unit 37a lights up, when it is in medium mode, green display unit 37b lights up, and when it is in low mode, blue display unit 37c lights up.

[0056] The control unit 31 has a so-called timer function, and automatically switches the panel heater 1 to a power-off state after a predetermined time (for example, four hours) has elapsed since the power was turned on.

[0057] When the user changes the state while the power is on, the control unit 31 resets the remaining time until the power is turned off at the time the state is changed, and automatically turns the panel heater 1 off when a predetermined time (for example, four hours) has elapsed since the change. For example, if the panel heater 1 is set to high mode by a user's operation and then changed to medium mode by a user's operation one hour later, the control unit 31 turns the panel heater 1 off four hours after the change to medium mode.

[0058] The control unit 31 is equipped with a safety mechanism that automatically turns off the power to the panel heater 1 when it falls over. Specifically, the control unit 31 is equipped with a sensor such as a tilt sensor that can detect when the panel heater 1 has fallen over, and when it detects that the tilt of the panel heater 1 exceeds a predetermined amount (for example, 45° from the vertical) and continues for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds), it determines that the panel heater 1 has fallen over. When it is determined that the panel heater 1 has fallen over, the control unit 31 automatically turns off the power to the panel heater 1. At this time, the control unit 31 flashes all of the display units 37a to 37c to indicate that the safety mechanism has been activated.

[0059] Furthermore, when the control unit 31 detects that the panel heater 1 has returned to an upright state from a fallen state, it returns the panel heater 1 from the power-off state to the state it was in immediately before the power was turned off. In this case, it resets the time of the timer that automatically changes the power from on to off, and automatically turns the panel heater 1 off after a predetermined time has elapsed since the panel heater 1 was turned on again.

[0060] [Variations] The panel heater of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the panel heater 1 of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the spirit of the invention. Modifications are shown below, but the modifications are not limited to these.

[0061] The panel heater may have a shape similar to that of the panel heater 1a shown in FIG. 9. That is, the main body 2a of the modified panel heater 1a shown in FIG. 9 has notches 2b at the upper corners of both ends, giving it an overall convex shape. Such a convex shape makes it easy for the user to insert their feet into the positions where the notches 2b are formed when the panel heater 1a is assembled. Furthermore, the areas other than the notches 2b where the user inserts their feet can be made higher, so that the shape can warm the user's feet from the knees to the thighs. The shape of the panel heater of the present invention is preferably a strip shape extending in one direction that includes the convex shape of the main body 2a and the rectangular shape of the main body 2 described above.

[0062] In the panel heater 1 of the embodiment, the case 3 having the operation unit 4 is fixed non-detachably to the main body 2, but the case 3 may be a separate structure separated from the main body 2 and connected to the main body 2 by a cable. Also, the control unit 31 may be fixed to the main body 2, and the operation unit 4 may be provided as a separate structure from the control unit 31.

[0063] In the embodiment, the panel heater 1 is connectable by using magnets 27a and 27b to face the outer surface of one end of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction, but instead of magnets, it may also be connectable using other connection mechanisms such as snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or engaging members.

[0064] In addition, in the panel heater 1 of the embodiment, the magnets 27a and 27b connect the outer surface of one end of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction to the outer surface of the other end of the main body 2 at a surface, but the connection may be at the ends rather than at a surface. In this case, the opposing outer surfaces of the main body 2 may be spaced apart.

[0065] The heating wire 24 of the panel heater 1 may be replaced with a member other than a heating wire that generates heat when electricity is applied.

[0066] [Summary of the embodiment and modifications] As described above, the panel heater 1 (and 1a; the same applies below) comprises a main body 2 and an operating unit 4. The main body 2 has a planar structure with an electric heating wire 24 inside that serves as a heater. The operating unit 4 is operated by the user to control the operation of the electric heating wire 24. The main body 2 is flexible, and can be assembled so that the outer surface of one longitudinal end faces the outer surface of the other longitudinal end and is fixed in place.

[0067] In the panel heater 1 configured as described above, the inner space formed by the main body 2 is small, and the distance between the user's feet inserted at positions D1 and D2 in the inner space and the heating wire 24 is short, so the user's feet can be warmed quickly while suppressing the amount of heat generated by the heating wire 24. In addition, the output of the heating wire 24 required to maintain the temperature in the inner space can also be suppressed. In other words, this configuration improves the heating efficiency of the panel heater 1.

[0068] The panel heater 1 has a rectangular main body 2, with the outer surface of one longitudinal end connected to the outer surface of the other longitudinal end at the top. This configuration makes the panel heater 1 easy to assemble by connecting the outer surfaces of the main body 2 together while the user is seated in a chair.

[0069] Furthermore, when the panel heater 1 is assembled, the length from the tip C of the overlapping portion to the outer edge E1 of the main body 2 on the opposite side of the main body 2, which is perpendicular to the plane formed by the overlapping portion between the outer surface of one longitudinal end of the main body 2 and the outer surface of the other longitudinal end of the main body 2, i.e., when viewed from the side as shown in Figure 3, is at least one-third of the length from the outer edge E1 to the outer edge E2. This configuration reduces the distance between the user's feet inserted into the internal space and the heating wire 24, allowing for faster and more efficient heating of the user's feet. In other words, the heating efficiency of the panel heater 1 can be improved.

[0070] Furthermore, in the assembled state, the panel heater 1 is configured so that the heating wire 24 is not disposed in the area where the outer surface of one longitudinal end overlaps with the outer surface of the other longitudinal end. This configuration prevents the areas near the ends of the connected main body 2 from becoming overheated due to the heat of the heating wire 24, and in some cases prevents the area from melting. The heating wire 24 may be replaced with a heater other than a heating wire that generates heat when electricity is passed through it.

[0071] In addition, in the assembled state of the panel heater 1, the operating unit 4 is located at a position away from part B where the outer surface of one longitudinal end of the main body 2 overlaps with the outer surface of the other longitudinal end. This configuration makes it easy for the user to operate the operating unit 4 during use.

[0072] In addition, when assembled, the panel heater 1 is positioned so that it is located at the top of the inner surface on the right or left side of the main body 2 when viewed from a user with both feet inserted at positions D1 and D2 inside the main body 2. This configuration makes it easy for the user to operate the operating unit 4 with one hand during use.

[0073] The panel heater 1 also includes a case 3 that houses a control unit 31, and an operating unit 4 is located at the upper side of the case 3. This configuration makes it easier for the user to operate the operating unit 4 during use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1, 1a...Panel heater 2, 2a...Main body 21...Printed fabric 22...PET sheet 23...Aluminum sheet 24…Heating wire 25...Nonwoven fabric 26...Piping 27a, 27b...Magnet 3. Case 31...Control unit 4...Operation unit

Claims

1. A panel heater comprising a planar main body having a heater therein and an operation unit operated by a user to control the operation of the heater, The main body portion is flexible and can be assembled so that an outer surface of one end portion in the longitudinal direction faces an outer surface of the other end portion. Panel heater.

2. The main body is rectangular, and in an assembled state in which an outer surface of one longitudinal end of the main body is connected to an outer surface of the other longitudinal end, the outer surface of the one longitudinal end of the main body is connected to an outer surface of the other longitudinal end at an upper side. The panel heater according to claim 1.

3. In an assembled state in which the outer surface of one longitudinal end of the main body portion is connected to the outer surface of the other longitudinal end and made to stand on its own, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the overlapping portion between the outer surface of one longitudinal end and the outer surface of the other longitudinal end, the length from the tip of the overlapping portion to the outer edge of the main body portion on the opposite side to the main body portion facing the tip is 1 / 3 or more of the length from one outer edge of the main body portion to the other outer edge. The panel heater according to claim 1.

4. In an assembled state in which an outer surface of one longitudinal end of the main body is connected to an outer surface of the other longitudinal end and the main body is made to stand on its own, the heater is not disposed in a portion where the outer surface of the one longitudinal end and the outer surface of the other longitudinal end overlap. The panel heater according to claim 1.

5. the operating unit is disposed at a position away from a portion where the outer surface of one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the main body unit overlaps with the outer surface of the other end portion in an assembled state in which the main body unit is self-standing by connecting the outer surface of one end portion in the longitudinal direction with the outer surface of the other end portion; The panel heater according to claim 1.

6. The operating unit is arranged to be located above the inner surface of the right or left side of the main body unit when viewed from a user who has both feet inserted inside the main body unit in an assembled state in which the outer surface of one end of the main body unit in the longitudinal direction and the outer surface of the other end of the main body unit are connected and the main body unit is made to stand on its own. The panel heater according to claim 1.

7. a case incorporating a control unit that controls operation of the heater in response to a user's operation of the operation unit; The operation unit is disposed on an upper side of the case on the same side as the inner surface of the main body. The panel heater according to claim 1.

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