JP2016010542A - Gingiva warmer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gingiva warmer capable of warming a gingiva and can be easily used.SOLUTION: A gingiva warmer 1 comprises a mouth piece 2 and a heater. The mouth piece 2 comprises a first covering part 11 capable of covering a tooth row, and a second covering part 12 capable of covering the gingiva and projecting from the first covering part, and the mouth piece 2 is inserted into an oral cavity of a user, so that the first covering part and the second covering part respectively cover the tooth row and gingiva. The heater is provided independently from the mouth piece, and can warm the mouth piece in a state that it is not inserted into the oral cavity of the user.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gum heater for warming gums.

  Conventionally, a mouthpiece-shaped gum heater equipped with a heater is known (for example, Patent Document 1). According to this kind of gum warmer, when the gum warmer is inserted into the user's mouth, the heater is activated to warm the gum and thereby improve the blood circulation of the gum, thereby It was possible to prevent peri-disease.

JP-A 63-11176

  However, in the conventional technique, while the gum heater is inserted into the oral cavity, the heater provided in the gum heater is energized from an external power source. There was a risk of electric shock due to heater operation. In addition, since the heater and the external power source are always connected by a power line, the power line becomes an obstacle when the gum heater is used. For this reason, the gum heater has become difficult to use.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, and it aims at provision of the gum warmer which can warm a gum and can make it easy to use.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes a first covering portion capable of covering the dentition and a second covering portion protruding from the first covering portion and covering the gums, wherein the first covering portion and The mouthpiece that can be inserted into the oral cavity of the user so that the second covering portion covers the dentition and the gum, respectively, and the mouthpiece are provided separately from each other, before insertion into the oral cavity of the user It is a gum warmer provided with the heater which can heat the said mouthpiece in the state of this.

  According to this configuration, the mouthpiece is heated by the heater, and the heated mouthpiece can be separated from the heater and inserted into the oral cavity of the user. Therefore, the mouthpiece can be easily inserted into the oral cavity and the gums can be warmed by the mouthpiece. Therefore, it is possible to improve gum circulation and prevent periodontal disease and the like.

  Moreover, since the heater is separate from the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece can be reduced in size and weight, and the mouthpiece can be easily handled. Moreover, since it is not necessary to energize the heater when the mouthpiece is inserted into the oral cavity, the possibility of electric shock can be eliminated. As a result, the usability of the gum heater can be improved.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the gum heater according to claim 1, wherein a heat storage material capable of storing heat from the heater is provided inside the mouthpiece.

  According to this configuration, the mouthpiece 52 can be warmed while storing the heat storage material using the heater. For this reason, when the heated mouthpiece is inserted into the mouth of the user, the gums can be warmed with the whole mouthpiece, and the gums can be warmed using heat released from the heat storage material. Therefore, the gums can be warmed more effectively using the heat retaining effect of the heat storage material.

  The invention according to claim 3 includes a first covering portion capable of covering the dentition and a second covering portion protruding from the first covering portion and covering the gums, wherein the first covering portion and The mouthpiece includes a mouthpiece that can be inserted into the oral cavity of the user so that the second covering portion covers the dentition and the gum, respectively, and a heater and a heat storage material capable of storing heat from the heater are the mouthpiece. A power supply device for operating the heater provided inside is a gum heater that is detachably attached to the mouthpiece.

  According to this configuration, the mouthpiece can be warmed while storing the heat storage material using the heater, and the mouthpiece in a state separated from the power supply device can be inserted into the oral cavity of the user. Become. And at the time of the insertion, while warming a gum with the said whole mouthpiece, it becomes possible to warm a gum using the heat which the said thermal storage material discharge | releases. Therefore, the gums can be effectively heated by utilizing the heat retaining effect of the heat storage material. Therefore, it is possible to improve gum circulation and prevent periodontal disease and the like.

  Moreover, since the said heat storage material and the said heater can be arrange | positioned comparatively close, heat dispersion | distribution can be suppressed and the heating efficiency of the said heat storage material by the said heater can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to reduce power consumption during heating by the heater. Moreover, since the heater is not energized when the mouthpiece is inserted into the oral cavity, the possibility of electric shock can be eliminated. As a result, the usability of the gum heater can be improved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gum warmer according to any one of the first to third aspects, a vibrating body capable of imparting vibration to the second covering portion is provided inside the mouthpiece. It is provided.

  According to this configuration, when the mouthpiece warmed by the heater is inserted into the oral cavity of the user, the second covering portion is vibrated by the vibrating body while warming the gums. It is possible to apply vibration to the gums close to the tooth. Therefore, massage of the gums by vibration can be performed to improve the blood circulation of the warmed gums.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gum warmer according to the first or second aspect, an inflatable balloon is provided so as to press the second covering portion covering the gum toward the gum. A balloon control device that is provided on the mouthpiece and is capable of supplying or discharging a fluid to the balloon in order to inflate or deflate the balloon is provided.

  According to this configuration, when the mouthpiece heated by the heater is inserted into the oral cavity of the user, the balloon is inflated to press the second covering portion while warming the gums, and the first 2 It becomes possible to pressurize the gums close to the covering part. Therefore, a massage effect can be imparted to the gums, and the blood circulation of the warmed gums can be improved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the gum warmer which can warm a gum and can make it easy to use can be provided.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the gum heater which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic cross section of the mouthpiece in the gum heater of FIG. It is a schematic cross section of the heating apparatus in the gum heater of FIG. It is a block diagram by the side of the heating apparatus in the gum warmer of FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the heating apparatus of the gum heater which concerns on another embodiment. It is a schematic cross section of the mouthpiece of the gum heater according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the gum heater which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic cross section of the mouthpiece in the gum heater of FIG. It is a block diagram of the gum heater of FIG. It is a schematic cross section of the mouthpiece of the gum heater which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram by the side of the mouthpiece of the gum heater of FIG. It is a schematic cross section of the mouthpiece of the gum heater which concerns on another embodiment. It is a schematic cross section of the mouthpiece of the gum heater which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram by the side of the mouthpiece of the gum heater of FIG. It is a schematic cross section of the mouthpiece of the gum heater which concerns on another embodiment.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a gum heater 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the schematic cross section of the mouthpiece 2 in the said gum warmer 1 is shown. In FIG. 3, the schematic cross section of the heating apparatus 3 in the said gum heater 1 is shown. In FIG. 1, a part of the gum warmer 1 (the mouthpiece 2) is shown greatly for convenience of explanation.

  The gum warmer 1 is for warming the user's gums. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the gum heater 1 includes the mouthpiece 2 that can be inserted into the oral cavity of the user and a heater 4 that is disposed at any position around the user. And. The heater 4 is included in the heating device 3 in the present embodiment.

  The mouthpiece 2 has a first covering portion 11 and a second covering portion 12. The said 1st coating | coated part 11 is formed so that the user's dentition of the said gum heater 1 can be coat | covered. The second covering portion 12 protrudes from the first covering portion 11 and is formed so as to cover the gums of the user of the gum warmer 1.

  And the said mouthpiece 2 is comprised so that insertion in this user's oral cavity is possible so that the said 1st coating | coated part 11 and the said 2nd coating | coated part 12 may coat | cover a user's dentition and gum, respectively. . Here, the said mouthpiece 2 is utilized with respect to a user's upper jaw side and / or lower jaw side dentition and gums.

  In the present embodiment, the mouthpiece 2 is made of a resin (for example, elastomer) having high heat retention and flexibility. The mouthpiece 2 is formed in a U shape in plan view so as to extend in accordance with the user's dentition and gum. The mouthpiece 2 is formed in a concave shape in cross section so as to have a groove 13.

  The groove portion 13 extends in the extending direction of the mouthpiece 2 so that the user's dentition and gum can be accommodated therein, and both end portions 14A and 14B in the extending direction are opened. It is provided as follows. In the mouthpiece 2, the first covering portion 11 is disposed on the bottom side of the groove portion 13, and the second covering portion 12 is disposed on the opening side of the groove portion 13.

  Specifically, the first covering portion 11 extends in a direction along the user's tooth row (extending direction of the mouthpiece 2), and is concave in a sectional view so that the tooth row can be fitted inside. Is formed. And when the said mouthpiece 2 is inserted in a user's oral cavity, the said 1st coating | coated part 11 can come close to this dentition, inserting a dentition inside.

  The second covering portion 12 extends along the first covering portion 11. In the present embodiment, the second covering portion 12 includes a flat plate-like outer second covering portion 12A and an inner second covering portion that protrude from the outer opening end portion and the inner opening end portion of the first covering portion 11, respectively. 12B. When the mouthpiece 2 is inserted into the user's oral cavity, the outer second covering portion 12A and the inner second covering portion 12B can come close to this gum while sandwiching the gum between them. Yes.

  In this way, when the mouthpiece 2 is inserted into the oral cavity of the user, the first covering portion 11 can be covered on the dentition, and the second covering portion 12 can be covered on the gums from the front side and the back side. It can be done. And the said mouthpiece 2 can be mounted | worn with a dentition and a gum by the said 1st coating | coated part 11 and the said 2nd coating | coated part 12 of the covering state.

  In the gum warmer 1, the heater 4 is provided separately from the mouthpiece 2. The heater 4 is configured to be able to heat the mouthpiece 2 in a state before being inserted into the user's oral cavity. As described above, the heater 4 is provided in the heating device 3 in the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 4, the block diagram by the side of the heating apparatus 3 of the said gum heater 1 is shown. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the heating device 3 includes, in addition to the heater 4, a housing 18, a power supply device 19, a heater power ON / OFF unit 20, a temperature sensor 21, and a control unit. 22. In the present embodiment, the heater 4 is a first heater 4A, a second heater 4B, a third heater 4C, and a fourth heater 4D.

  The housing 18 is configured to accommodate the mouthpiece 2. The first heater 4A, the second heater 4B, the third heater 4C, and the fourth heater 4D are embedded in the housing 18 and surround the heaters 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. Thus, the heat insulating materials 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D are embedded.

  Specifically, the housing 18 has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped box 25 having an entrance / exit 24 for the mouthpiece 2 and a door body 26 capable of opening / closing the entrance / exit 24. The box body 25 has an internal space in which the mouthpiece 2 can be accommodated, and is configured so that the mouthpiece 2 can be taken in and out of the internal space through the entrance / exit 24.

  The box 25 has a first side wall 28 and a second side wall 29 that face each other. Inside the first side wall 28, the first heater 4 </ b> A and the heat insulating material 23 </ b> A are provided on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side, respectively. Inside the second side wall 29, the second heater 4 </ b> B and the heat insulating material 23 </ b> B are provided on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side, respectively.

  The box body 25 also has a third side wall 31 and a fourth side wall 32 that face each other. Inside the third side wall 31, a heat insulating material 23 </ b> C is provided. On the inner peripheral surface of the third side wall 31, a protruding portion 33 that protrudes toward the internal space of the box body 25 is provided.

  The protrusion 33 is formed so as to be positioned inside the mouthpiece 2 when the mouthpiece 2 is accommodated in the internal space of the box 25 (see FIG. 3). The third heater 4 </ b> C is provided inside the protruding portion 33 so as to extend along the protruding surface (outer peripheral surface) of the protruding portion 33.

  The fourth side wall 32 is provided with the entrance / exit 24. The door body 26 is rotatably attached to the fourth side wall 32 so that the doorway 24 can be opened and closed. Inside the door body 26, the fourth heater 4 </ b> D and the heat insulating material 23 </ b> D are provided on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side, respectively.

  The power supply device 19 is for supplying electric power to the heater 4. As the power supply device 19, an AC adapter or a battery is used. The power supply device 19 is connected to the heater 4 through the power supply ON / OFF unit 20 and to the control unit 22.

  The power ON / OFF unit 20 is controlled based on a control signal from the control unit 22 and configured to selectively turn ON / OFF the power supplied from the power supply device 19 to the heater 4. ing. The power ON / OFF unit 20 is connected to the heater 4, the power supply device 19, and the control unit 22.

  The temperature sensor 21 is configured to detect the temperature of the mouthpiece 2 or the ambient temperature of the mouthpiece 2 when the mouthpiece 2 is accommodated in the housing 18. The temperature sensor 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the internal space of the box 25 and is connected to the control unit 22.

  The control unit 22 is for performing operation control of the heater 4. The control unit 22 includes a CPU or the like, acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 21, and uses the power ON / OFF unit 20 to determine the operating state of the heater 4 based on the acquired detected temperature. The operation stop state can be switched.

  Specifically, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the detected temperature is a preset predetermined temperature (for example, about 40 to 60 ° C.) based on a signal from the temperature sensor 21 and detects the detected temperature. When the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the heater 4 is operated, and when the detected temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heater 4 is stopped.

  In this way, in the heating device 3, the mouthpiece 2 is accommodated in the housing 18, and the mouthpiece 2 in the accommodated state is heated by heating from all directions until the predetermined temperature is reached by the heater 4. Be able to. Further, the mouthpiece 2 can be taken out from the housing 18.

  In the configuration as described above, when the gum warmer 1 is used, first, the mouthpiece 2 is heated using the heater 4 of the heating device 3. Then, after heating by the heater 4, the heated mouthpiece 2 is taken out from the heating device 3. And the said mouthpiece 2 is inserted in a user's oral cavity, and it mounts | wears with a dentition and a gum.

  Thereby, the mouthpiece 2 can be warmed by the heater 4, and the heated mouthpiece 2 can be separated from the heater 4 and inserted into the oral cavity of the user. Therefore, the mouthpiece 2 can be easily inserted into the oral cavity and the gums can be warmed by the mouthpiece 2. Therefore, it is possible to improve gum circulation and prevent periodontal disease and the like.

  Moreover, since the heater 4 is separate from the mouthpiece 2, the mouthpiece 2 can be reduced in size and weight, and the mouthpiece 2 can be easily handled. Moreover, since it is not necessary to energize the heater 4 when the mouthpiece 2 is inserted into the oral cavity, it is possible to eliminate the risk of electric shock. As a result, the usability of the gum heater 1 can be improved.

  In the heating device 3, in order to reduce power consumption and cost, for example, the heater 4 is replaced with the first heater 4A, the second heater 4B, the third heater 4C, and the fourth heater. Instead of 4D, a single heater 4E provided only on the floor (or ceiling 35) of the box 25 as shown in FIG. 5 may be used.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 6, the schematic cross section of the mouthpiece 42 of the gum heater which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the gum heater according to the present embodiment is different from the gum heater 1 according to the first embodiment in that a heat storage material 45 is provided in the mouthpiece 42. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the gum warmer includes the mouthpiece 42 and the heating device 3 including the heater 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). The heat storage material 45 capable of storing heat from the heater 4 is provided inside the mouthpiece 42.

  The mouthpiece 42 has a first covering portion 11 and a second covering portion 12. The mouthpiece 2 is made of a resin (for example, elastomer) having high heat retention and flexibility. The mouthpiece 42 has a groove 13 and is formed in a U shape in a plan view so as to extend in accordance with a user's dentition and gum.

  The heat storage material 45 is incorporated in at least one of the first covering portion 11 and the second covering portion 12 and is provided so as to extend in the extending direction of the mouthpiece 2. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 45 includes the outer second covering portion 12A and a part of the first covering portion 11 continuous thereto, the inner second covering portion 12B and the first covering portion continuous thereto. 11 is provided in part.

  In the present embodiment, as the heat storage material 45, a latent heat storage material using latent heat due to a phase change of a substance is employed. The latent heat storage material uses the property of storing heat (storage) when a substance changes phase from solid to liquid, and releasing (dissipating heat) when changing phase from liquid to solid, and stores and releases heat. .

  In order to promote blood circulation of the gums, it is preferable to warm the gums at about 40 to 60 ° C. Therefore, as the heat storage material 45, a latent heat storage material having a phase change temperature (melting point) in the range of 40 to 60 ° C., such as sodium thiosulfate hydrate (melting point 48 °), sodium acetate hydrate ( Melting point 58 ° C.) is used.

  In the present embodiment, the heat storage material in the present invention is the heat storage material 45 which is a latent heat storage material, but any material having a heat storage function may be used, for example, an oil-based material or a constant temperature. It may be a material that absorbs and dissipates heat when it is cured and softened (for example, a compound such as phosphate or ammonium nitrate).

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the control part 22 of the said heating apparatus 3 is the temperature which changes the phase of the said thermal storage material 45 as a predetermined temperature compared with the temperature detected by the said temperature sensor 21, or arbitrary temperature (for example, this) A temperature as high as about 10 ° C. is used.

  In this manner, in the heating device 3, the mouthpiece 42 is accommodated in the housing 18, and the entire mouthpiece 42 in the accommodated state is heated by the heater 4 and heated, and the heat storage material 45 stores heat. Can be performed substantially at the predetermined temperature. Further, the mouthpiece 42 can be taken out from the housing 18.

  With the configuration as described above, the mouthpiece 52 is warmed while the heat storage material 55 is stored using the heater 54, and then the mouthpiece 42 is inserted into the oral cavity of the user to form a dental row and gum. When mounted, the gums can be warmed throughout the mouthpiece 42, and the gums can be warmed using heat released from the heat storage material 45. Therefore, the gums can be warmed more effectively using the heat retaining effect of the heat storage material 45.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the heat storage material 45 is a latent heat storage material and can store heat at a phase change temperature, the heat storage material 45 can be held at a constant temperature for a certain period of time. . Therefore, the heat retention effect of the heat storage material 45 can be enhanced and the gums can be warmed more effectively.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 7, schematic structure of the gum warmer 51 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention is shown. In FIG. 8, the schematic cross section of the mouthpiece 52 in the said gum warmer 51 is shown. FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of the gum heater 51.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the gum heater 51 according to the present embodiment is a gum heater 1 according to the first embodiment in that a heater 54 and a heat storage material 55 are provided in the mouthpiece 52. And very different. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the gum warmer 51 includes the mouthpiece 52. The heater 54 and the heat storage material 55 capable of storing heat from the heater 54 are provided inside the mouthpiece 52. A power supply device 56 for operating the heater 54 is detachably provided on the mouthpiece 52.

  The mouthpiece 52 has a first covering portion 11 and a second covering portion 12. The mouthpiece 52 is made of a resin (for example, an elastomer) having high heat retention and flexibility. The mouthpiece 52 has a groove 13 and is formed in a U shape in plan view so as to extend in accordance with a user's dentition and gum.

  The heat storage material 55 is incorporated in at least one of the first covering portion 11 and the second covering portion 12 and is provided so as to extend in the extending direction of the mouthpiece 2. In the present embodiment, the heat storage material 55 is provided on the inner second covering portion 12 </ b> B and a part of the first covering portion 11 continuous therewith so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the heater 54.

  In the present embodiment, as the heat storage material 55, a latent heat storage material using latent heat due to a phase change of a substance is employed. The latent heat storage material uses the property of storing heat (storage) when a substance changes phase from solid to liquid, and releasing (dissipating heat) when changing phase from liquid to solid, and stores and releases heat. .

  In order to promote blood circulation of the gums, it is preferable to warm the gums at about 40 to 60 ° C. Therefore, as the heat storage material 55, a latent heat storage material having a phase change temperature (melting point) in the range of 40 to 60 ° C., such as sodium thiosulfate hydrate (melting point 48 °), sodium acetate hydrate ( Melting point 58 ° C.) is used.

  In the present embodiment, the heat storage material in the present invention is the heat storage material 55 which is a latent heat storage material. However, any material having a heat storage effect may be used, for example, an oil-based material or a constant temperature. It may be a material that absorbs and dissipates heat when it is cured and softened (for example, a compound such as phosphate or ammonium nitrate).

  The mouthpiece 52 has a holding portion 57 inside thereof. The holding portion 57 is composed of a pair of flat plate members 58A and 58B arranged at a predetermined interval, and is attached to the inner second covering portion 12B. In the present embodiment, the holding portion 57 is made of the same resin as that forming the mouthpiece 52.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the heater 54, the heater power ON / OFF unit 60, the temperature sensor 61, the control unit 62, the heat transfer material 63, and the heat insulating material 65 are included in the holding unit 57. Is retained. The power supply device 56 can be attached to and detached from the holding portion 57.

  The power supply device 56 is for supplying electric power to the heater 54. As the power supply device 56, an AC adapter or a battery is used. When the power supply device 56 is attached to the mouthpiece 52 (the holding portion 57), as shown in FIG. 9, the power supply device 56 is connected to the heater 54 via the power ON / OFF portion 60, and the control is performed. The unit 62 is connected.

  The power ON / OFF unit 60 is controlled based on a control signal from the control unit 62, and is configured to selectively turn ON / OFF the power supplied from the power supply device 56 to the heater 54. ing. The power supply ON / OFF unit 60 is connected to the heater 54, the power supply device 56, and the control unit 62.

  The temperature sensor 61 is configured to detect the temperature of the holding unit 57 or the ambient temperature of the holding unit 57. The temperature sensor 61 is connected to the control unit 62.

  The controller 62 is for performing operation control of the heater 54. The control unit 62 includes a CPU or the like, acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 61, and uses the power ON / OFF unit 60 to operate and operate the heater 54 based on the acquired detected temperature. It is configured to be able to switch between the stopped state.

  Specifically, the control unit 62 is based on a signal from the temperature sensor 61 and a predetermined temperature (in this embodiment, the temperature at which the heat storage material 55 is phase-changed or higher than the predetermined temperature). It is determined whether or not the temperature is an arbitrary temperature (for example, a temperature higher by about 10 ° C.). When the detected temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the heater 54 is operated, and the detected temperature reaches the predetermined temperature. Then, the operation of the heater 54 is stopped.

  The heat transfer material 63 is for making it easier to transfer the heat of the heater 54 to the heat storage material 55. The heat transfer material 63 is composed of a member having high thermal conductivity (for example, an aluminum plate sheet). The heat transfer material 63 passes through the holding portion 57 so as to pass through a position close to the heater 54, and the heat storage material 55 and the inner second covering portion 12 </ b> B or the first covering portion 11. It is connected.

  In the present embodiment, a heat transfer material 64 is built in the inner second covering portion 12B and a part of the first covering portion 11 continuous therewith. The heat transfer material 64 extends along the heat storage material 55 and is disposed so as to contact the heat storage material 55. The heat transfer material 63 is connected to the heat storage material 55 through the heat transfer material 64.

  The heat insulating material 65 is for preventing an excessive temperature rise of the holding portion 57 due to the operation of the heater 54. The heat insulating material 65 is disposed inside the housing 58 so as to surround the heater 54, the control unit 62, the heat transfer material 63, and the like.

  In this manner, the power supply device 56 is attached to the mouthpiece 52 so as to be connected to the power ON / OFF section 60 and the control section 62, and the whole mouthpiece 52 is heated by the heater 54 and warmed. At the same time, heat storage of the heat storage material 55 can be performed substantially at the predetermined temperature. Further, the power supply device 56 can be removed from the mouthpiece 52.

  In the above configuration, when the gum heater 51 is used, first, the mouthpiece 52 is heated so that the whole mouthpiece 52 is warmed by the heater 54 and heat storage of the heat storage material 55 is performed. The power supply device 56 is attached to the above. After heating by the heater 54, the power supply device 56 is removed from the mouthpiece 52. And the said mouthpiece 52 is inserted in a user's oral cavity, and it mounts | wears with a dentition and a gum.

  Accordingly, the mouthpiece 52 is warmed while the heat storage material 55 is stored using the heater 54, and the mouthpiece 52 separated from the power supply device 56 is inserted into the user's oral cavity to obtain a tooth. It can be attached to the rows and gums. At the time of wearing, the gums can be warmed by the whole mouthpiece 52 and the gums can be warmed by using heat released from the heat storage material 55. Therefore, the gums can be effectively heated by utilizing the heat retaining effect of the heat storage material 55. Therefore, it is possible to improve gum circulation and prevent periodontal disease and the like.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the heat storage material 55 is a latent heat storage material and can store heat at a phase change temperature, the heat storage material 5 can be held at a constant temperature for a certain period of time. . Therefore, the heat retention effect of the heat storage material 55 can be enhanced, and the gums can be warmed more effectively.

  In addition, since the heat storage material 55 and the heater 54 can be disposed relatively close to each other, heat dispersion can be suppressed and the heating efficiency of the heat storage material 55 by the heater 54 can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to reduce power consumption during heating by the heater 54. Moreover, since the heater 54 is not energized when the mouthpiece 52 is inserted into the oral cavity, the possibility of electric shock can be eliminated. As a result, the usability of the gum heater can be improved.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 10, the schematic cross section of the mouthpiece 72 of the gum heater which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention is shown. FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of the gum heater on the mouthpiece 72 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the gum heater according to this embodiment is greatly different from the gum heater 1 according to the first embodiment in that a vibrating body 74 is provided in the mouthpiece 72. Is different. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the gum warmer includes the mouthpiece 72 and the heating device 3 including the heater 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). The vibrating body 74 capable of applying vibration to the second covering portion 12 of the mouthpiece 72 is provided inside the mouthpiece 72.

  The mouthpiece 72 has a first covering portion 11 and the second covering portion 12. The mouthpiece 72 is made of a resin (for example, elastomer) having high heat retention and flexibility. The mouthpiece 72 has a groove 13 and is formed in a U shape in plan view so as to extend in accordance with the user's dentition and gum.

  The vibrating body 74 is built in the second covering portion 12 and is provided along the second covering portion 12. In the present embodiment, the vibrating body 74 includes an outer vibrating body 74A built in the outer second covering portion 12A and an inner vibrating body 74B built in the inner second covering portion 12B. The vibrating body 74 is of a bimorph type having piezoelectric elements on both sides of the substrate, and is connected to a power supply device 76.

  Further, the mouthpiece 72 has a holding portion 77 inside thereof. The holding portion 77 includes a pair of flat plate members 78A and 78B arranged at a predetermined interval, and is attached to the inner second covering portion 12B. In the present embodiment, the holding portion 77 is made of the same resin as that forming the mouthpiece 72.

  In the present embodiment, a drive circuit 80 and a control unit 82 are held inside the holding unit 77. The power supply device 76 is attached to the holding portion 77.

  The power supply device 76 is for applying a voltage to the vibrating body (piezoelectric element) 74. As the power supply 76, an AC adapter or a battery is used. The power supply device 76 is connected to the vibrating body 74 via the drive circuit 80 and is also connected to the control unit 82.

  The control unit 82 is for performing vibration control of the vibrating body 74. The control unit 82 is connected to the drive circuit 80. The control unit 82 includes a CPU and the like, and is configured to be able to vibrate the vibrating body 74 using the drive circuit 80.

  In this way, in the mouthpiece 72, the vibration of the vibrating body 74 is excited, and the second covering portion 12 (the outer second covering portion 12A and the inner second covering portion including the vibrating body 74 is incorporated. 12B) can be vibrated. In the heating device 3, the mouthpiece 72 can be heated using the heater 4.

  With the above configuration, when the mouthpiece 72 heated by the heater 4 of the heating device 3 is inserted into a user's oral cavity and attached to a dentition and a gum, the mouthpiece 72 is heated while the gum is heated. The vibrating body 74 can vibrate the second covering portion 12 to apply vibrations to the gums adjacent to the second covering portion 12. Therefore, massage of the gums by vibration can be performed to improve the blood circulation of the warmed gums.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the vibrating body 74 is configured using a piezoelectric element, it is not necessary to increase the size of the mouthpiece 72 on which the vibrating body 74 is mounted. Therefore, even when the vibrating body 74 is mounted, the mouthpiece 72 can be maintained in a relatively small and thin shape, and the mouthpiece 72 can be easily put in and out of the user's mouth.

  In addition, you may provide the thermal storage material 85 in the inside of the said mouthpiece 72, as shown in FIG. Further, a heat storage material and a heater may be provided inside the mouthpiece 72. Although it does not specifically limit as a heat storage material in such a case, It is preferable to employ | adopt a latent heat storage material.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 13, sectional drawing of the mouthpiece 92 of the gum heater which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention is shown. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the mouthpiece 92 side of the gum heater.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the gum heater according to the present embodiment is greatly different from the gum heater 1 according to the first embodiment in that a balloon 94 is provided on the mouthpiece 92. To do. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the gum warmer includes the mouthpiece 92 and the heating device 3 including the heater 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). The mouthpiece 92 is provided with the balloon 94 that is inflatable so as to press the second covering portion 12 of the mouthpiece 92 covering the gums of the user toward the gums.

  The mouthpiece 92 has a first covering portion 11 and the second covering portion 12. The mouthpiece 92 is made of a resin (for example, elastomer) having high heat retention and flexibility. The mouthpiece 92 has a groove 13 and is formed in a U shape in plan view so as to extend in accordance with the user's dentition and gum.

  The balloon 94 is disposed adjacent to the second covering portion 12 and is provided along the second covering portion 12. In the present embodiment, the balloon 94 is an outer balloon 94A adjacent to the outer second covering portion 12A and an inner balloon 94B adjacent to the inner second covering portion 12B. The balloon 94 can be inflated and deflated, and is configured using a stretchable material (for example, a rubber-based material).

  In the present embodiment, a balloon control device capable of supplying or discharging a fluid to the balloon 94 is provided to inflate or deflate the balloon 94. In the present embodiment, the balloon control device includes a fluid supply pipe 96, a fluid discharge pipe 97, a communication pipe 98, a pump (micro blower) 99, a power supply device 100, an on-off valve 101, and a control unit 102. It has.

  The fluid supply pipe 96 is connected to one of the outer balloon 94A and the inner balloon 94B at one end. The fluid discharge pipe 97 is connected at one end to the other of the outer balloon 94A and the inner balloon 94B. The communication tube 98 is connected to both the outer balloon 94A and the inner balloon 94B so as to communicate with each other.

  The pump 99 is configured to supply a fluid (a gas such as air) to the outer balloon 94A and the inner balloon 94B through the fluid supply pipe 96 and the communication pipe 98. The pump 99 is communicated with the other end of the fluid supply pipe 96. The pump 99 is connected to the drive circuit 103.

  The power supply device 100 is for supplying power to the pump 99. As the power supply device 100, an AC adapter or a battery is used. The power supply device 100 is connected to the pump 99 via the drive circuit 103 and is also connected to the control unit 102.

  The on-off valve 101 is configured to be able to shut off the fluid discharge pipe 97 whose other end is released to the atmosphere. The on-off valve 101 is provided in the fluid discharge pipe 97. The on-off valve 101 is composed of an electromagnetic valve or the like, and is connected to the control unit 102.

  The control unit 102 is for performing drive control of the pump 99 and open / close control of the open / close valve 101. The control unit 102 is connected to the drive circuit 103. The control unit 102 includes a CPU and the like, and is configured to be able to switch between a drive state and a drive stop state of the pump 99 using the drive circuit 103, and opens the on-off valve 101. It is comprised so that a state and a closed state can be switched.

  Specifically, the control unit 102 is configured to close the on-off valve 101 in order to inflate the balloon 94 and then drive the pump 99 to supply fluid to the balloon 94. Has been. The controller 102 is configured to stop the driving of the pump 99 in order to deflate the balloon 94 and to open the on-off valve 101 so as to discharge fluid from the balloon 94 to the outside. Yes.

  In this way, in the mouthpiece 92, the balloon 94 is inflated, and the second covering portion 12 adjacent to the balloon 94 is placed in the direction close to the user's gums (the outer second covering portion 12A and the The inner second covering portion 12B can be pressed in the direction of approaching the opposing portion. In the heating device 3, the mouthpiece 92 can be heated using the heater 4.

  With the above configuration, when the mouthpiece 92 heated by the heater 4 of the heating device 3 is inserted into the user's oral cavity and attached to the dentition and gums, the mouthpiece 92 is used to warm the gums. It is possible to inflate the balloon 94 so as to press the second covering portion 12 and pressurize the gums adjacent to the second covering portion 12. Therefore, a massage effect can be imparted to the gums, and the blood circulation of the warmed gums can be improved.

  Note that a heat storage material 105 may be provided inside the mouthpiece 92 as shown in FIG. Although it does not specifically limit as a heat storage material in such a case, It is preferable to employ | adopt a latent heat storage material.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gum warmer 2 Mouthpiece 4 Heater 11 1st coating | coated part 12 2nd coating | coated part 12A Outer side 2nd coating | coated part 12B Inner 2nd coating | coated part 45 Thermal storage material 54 Heater 55 Thermal storage material 56 Power supply device 74 Vibrating body 74A Outer vibrating body 74B inner vibrating body 85 heat storage material 94 balloon 94A outer balloon 94B inner balloon 99 pump (balloon control device)
101 On-off valve (balloon control device)
102 Control unit (balloon control device)
105 Heat storage material

Claims (5)

A first covering portion capable of covering the dentition and a second covering portion protruding from the first covering portion and covering the gums, wherein the first covering portion and the second covering portion are respectively teeth A mouthpiece that can be inserted into the user's mouth to cover the rows and gums;
A gum heater, comprising: a heater provided separately from the mouthpiece and capable of heating the mouthpiece in a state before being inserted into the oral cavity of the user.   The gum heater according to claim 1, wherein a heat storage material capable of storing heat from the heater is provided inside the mouthpiece. A first covering portion capable of covering the dentition and a second covering portion protruding from the first covering portion and covering the gums, wherein the first covering portion and the second covering portion are respectively teeth Comprising a mouthpiece that can be inserted into the user's mouth to cover the rows and gums;
A heater and a heat storage material capable of storing heat from the heater are provided in the mouthpiece, and a power supply device for operating the heater is detachably provided in the mouthpiece. Gum warmer.   The gum warmer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a vibrating body capable of applying vibration to the second covering portion is provided inside the mouthpiece. An inflatable balloon is provided on the mouthpiece to press the second covering portion covering the gums against the gums,
The gum heater according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a balloon control device capable of supplying or discharging a fluid to the balloon in order to inflate or deflate the balloon.

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