JP2017070356A - Steam generator and hyperthermia tool - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steam generator capable of controlling easily a steam generation amount and a temperature.SOLUTION: A steam generator 100 includes a heating layer 11 for generating heat by an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal, an air-impermeable and moisture-impermeable second sheet 22, and a water retention layer 12 having a water-absorptive sheet. The steam generator 100 is formed by laminating the second sheet 22 between the heating layer 11 and the water retention layer 12, and a surface of the heating layer 11, which is opposite to the surface of the air-impermeable and moisture-impermeable second sheet 22, is covered with an air-permeable first sheet 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam generator and a heating tool.

  Various technologies are known as a heating tool that encloses a structure that generates heat and generates water vapor in a bag, and applies the generated hot water vapor to human skin or the like to give a warm feeling.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a heating element that encloses a heat generating powder made of a powder containing an oxidizable metal and water in a moisture-permeable sheet to generate water vapor. Patent Document 2 describes a heating element in which a heating layer containing an oxidizable metal and a water retention layer formed from a water absorbing sheet are laminated, and a heating tool provided with the heating element. It is described that abnormal heat generation is prevented by direct contact between the water retaining layer and the heat generating layer.
Patent Document 3 describes a heating tool in which a heating element and a steam generator that generates steam are arranged adjacent to each other.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-342147 JP 2013-146555 A JP2013-75021A

  However, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have room for improvement in the following points.

The heating device described in Patent Document 1 uses a conventional heating element for a warmer that is only for the purpose of heating, increasing the moisture content of the heating composition, and enclosing the heating composition. Water vapor is generated by increasing the air permeability of the sheet constituting the sheet. However, if the air permeability is simply increased, the temperature of the water vapor becomes too high, so a large number of temperature control materials are required from the viewpoint of safety, and it becomes bulky, and if the air permeability is lowered, the amount of water vapor is limited. There are challenges. In addition, in the heating device described in Patent Document 2, abnormal heat generation is surely prevented by the heat capacity of the water retaining layer at a certain amount of water vapor generation, and the stability and safety are high. When further attempts were made, the temperature increased, and there was a tendency that the water contained in the water retaining layer was not released sufficiently.
Further, in Patent Document 3, there is a description that the amount of generated steam and the temperature can be easily adjusted by arranging the heating element and the steam generator in contact with each other. The heat of vaporization when generating heat is easily taken away from the heating element, and there is room for improvement in terms of the rapid rise of heat generation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the background art as described above, and provides a water vapor generator capable of easily controlling the amount and temperature of water vapor.

  The present inventor has laminated a heat generation layer that generates heat by an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal and a water retention layer through a sheet having specific properties, so that the water vapor temperature is kept at an appropriate temperature even when a large amount of water vapor is generated. It was found that it can be controlled.

  That is, the present invention is a water vapor generator comprising a heat generating layer that generates heat by an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal, a non-permeable and non-moisture permeable sheet, and a water retention layer including a water absorbent sheet, The water vapor generator is formed by laminating the non-permeable and non-moisture permeable sheet between the exothermic layer and the water retention layer, and the non-permeable and non-moisture permeable sheet of the exothermic layer. A water vapor generator is provided in which the surface opposite to the surface on the sheet side is covered with a sheet having air permeability.

  The present invention also provides a heating tool in which the water vapor generating body is housed in a bag composed of a sheet having air permeability and moisture permeability at least partially.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if it produces | generates a lot of water vapor | steam, the water vapor | steam generator which can control water vapor | steam temperature to appropriate temperature can be provided.

It is sectional drawing which showed typically the water vapor generating body which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view of the example of the heating tool which concerns on embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the example of the heating tool which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the apparatus which measures water vapor generation amount.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.
In the present specification, “to” represents the following unless otherwise specified.

[Water vapor generator]
First, the water vapor generator of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a water vapor generator according to an embodiment. The water vapor generator 100 includes a heat generating layer 11 that generates heat due to an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal, and a water retention layer 12 that includes a water absorbent sheet. A sheet (second sheet 22) having air permeability and non-moisture permeability is laminated.
Further, the surface of the heat generating layer 11 opposite to the surface on which the second sheet 22 is laminated is covered with a first sheet 21 having air permeability.
Further, in the water vapor generator 100 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the surface of the water retention layer 12 opposite to the surface on which the second sheet 22 is laminated is covered with the third sheet 23. .

The water vapor generator 100 of the present embodiment normally generates water vapor from both the heat generating layer 11 and the water retaining layer 12, but the amount of water vapor generated from the whole water vapor generator 100 has an appropriate steam feeling. From the viewpoint of imparting a warm feeling, it is preferably 80 mg / 10 min or more, more preferably 100 mg / 10 min or more, further preferably 120 mg / 10 min or more, further preferably 135 mg / 10 min or more. 150 mg / 10 min or more is even more preferable.
Further, the amount of water vapor generated from the entire water vapor generator 100 is preferably 500 mg / 10 min or less, more preferably 400 mg / 10 min or less, from the viewpoint of imparting an appropriate warm feeling, 360 mg / 10 min. More preferably, it is as follows.
Further, from the viewpoint of maintaining an appropriate vapor feeling and warm feeling, it is preferably 200 mg / 20 min or more, more preferably 250 mg / 20 min or more, further preferably 300 mg / 20 min or more, and 1000 mg. / 20 min or less, more preferably 800 mg / 20 min or less, and even more preferably 700 mg / 20 min or less.
Further, the generation rate of water vapor generated from the entire water vapor generator 100 of the present embodiment is preferably 16 mg / min or more in terms of the maximum value from the viewpoint of appropriate vapor feeling and warm feeling during use, and 20 mg / min. It is more preferably at least min, more preferably at least 30 mg / min, preferably at most 60 mg / min, more preferably at most 55 mg / min.
The amount of water vapor generated from the entire water vapor generator 100 can be measured by the method described later.

Further, in the water vapor generating body 100 of the present embodiment, the surface of the water retention layer 12 opposite to the surface on which the second sheet 22 is laminated, that is, the outer surface side of the third sheet 23 is usually the wearer's surface. It is applied to the skin surface.
In addition, when the surface of the water retention layer 12 opposite to the surface on which the second sheet 22 is laminated is applied to the wearer's skin surface or the like, substantially from the water retention layer 12. The generated water vapor gives a warm feeling to the wearer.

  Hereinafter, each structure with which the water vapor generation body 100 of this embodiment is equipped is demonstrated.

[Heat generation layer / heating element]
The heat generating layer 11 generates heat by the oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal and imparts a thermal effect. In addition, the heating element 30 is formed by sealing the heating layer 11 in a bag made of the first sheet 21 and the second sheet 22.

From the viewpoint of preventing overheating, the maximum heating temperature of the heating element 30 is preferably configured to be 50 ° C. or less, more preferably configured to be 48 ° C. or less, and 45 ° C. More preferably, it is configured as follows. Further, from the viewpoint of facilitating more efficient generation of water vapor from the water retaining layer 12, it is preferably configured to be 38 ° C or higher, more preferably 39 ° C or higher, and 40 ° C. More preferably, the configuration is as described above.
Here, the “maximum heating temperature of the heating element 30” can be measured by bringing a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or thermistor into contact with the center of the first sheet 21.

  The oxidizable metal is a metal that generates heat of oxidation reaction, and examples thereof include one or more powders and fibers selected from the group consisting of iron, aluminum, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. Among these, iron powder is preferable from the viewpoints of handleability, safety, manufacturing cost, storage stability, and stability. Examples of the iron powder include one or more selected from the group consisting of reduced iron powder and atomized iron powder.

When the oxidizable metal is powder, the median diameter is preferably 10 μm or more, and more preferably 20 μm or more, from the viewpoint that the oxidation reaction is efficiently performed. Further, the median diameter of the oxidizable metal is preferably 200 μm or less, and more preferably 150 μm or less.
From the same viewpoint, the median diameter of the oxidizable metal is preferably 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably 20 μm or more and 150 μm or less. The particle size of the oxidizable metal means the maximum length in the form of powder, and is measured by classification with a sieve, dynamic light scattering method, laser diffraction method, etc., but can be measured by laser diffraction method. preferable.

The content of the oxidizable metal in the heat generating layer 11 is preferably 100 g / m ² or more in terms of basis weight, from the viewpoint of increasing the heat generation temperature of the heat generating layer 11 to a desired temperature. More preferably, it is 200 g / m ² or more. Further, it is preferably 3000 g / ^{m 2} or less, and more preferably 1500 g / ^{m 2} or less.
Here, the content of the oxidizable metal in the heat generating layer 11 can be determined by an ash test according to JIS P8252 (or 8251) (revised edition of 2003) or a thermogravimetric instrument. In addition, it can be quantified by a vibration sample type magnetization measurement test or the like using the property that magnetization occurs when an external magnetic field is applied. Especially, it is preferable to obtain | require with a thermogravimetry.

Further, the heat generating layer 11 preferably contains a carbon component. The carbon component has water retention ability, oxygen supply ability, and catalytic ability, and can thereby promote the oxidation reaction efficiently.
As the carbon component, for example, one or two or more selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, acetylene black, and graphite can be used. However, oxygen is easily adsorbed when wet, and moisture in the heating layer 11 is constant. From the standpoint of keeping the temperature, activated carbon is preferably used. One type or two or more types of fine powder or small particles selected from the group consisting of coconut shell charcoal, wood powder charcoal, and peat charcoal are more preferably used. From the viewpoint of facilitating the control of the heat generation of the heat generating layer 11, wood charcoal is particularly preferred.

The average particle size of the carbon component is preferably 10 μm or more, and more preferably 12 μm or more, from the viewpoint that it can be uniformly mixed with the oxidizable metal. Further, the average particle size of the carbon component is preferably 200 μm or less, and more preferably 100 μm or less.
The mass average particle diameter of the carbon component is the maximum length in the form of powder and is measured by a dynamic light scattering method, a laser diffraction method, or the like, but is preferably measured by a laser diffraction method. The carbon component is preferably used in a powder form, but a form other than the powder form can also be used, for example, a fibrous form can be used.

The content of the carbon component in the heat generating layer 11 can accumulate moisture necessary for sustaining the oxidation reaction, and can sufficiently supply oxygen to the heat generating layer 11 to obtain a heat generating element having high heat generation efficiency. From a viewpoint, it is preferable that it is 0.3 mass part or more with respect to 100 mass parts of oxidizable metal content, It is more preferable that it is 1 mass part or more, It is further more preferable that it is 3 mass parts or more. . The content of the carbon component in the heat generating layer 11 is preferably 20 parts by mass or less, more preferably 15 parts by mass or less, with respect to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal. More preferably, it is at most part by mass.
Further, the content of the carbon component in the heat generating layer 11 is expressed by basis weight, and is preferably 4 g / m ² or more, and more preferably 7 g / m ² or more. Further, the content of the carbon component is preferably 290 g / m ² or less, more preferably 160 g / m ² or less, expressed as basis weight.

  In the heat generation layer 11, the mass ratio of the water content to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal is preferably 20 parts by mass or more from the viewpoint that the heat generation temperature of the heat generation layer 11 can be easily controlled to a specific range. More preferably, it is 30 parts by mass or more. In addition, the mass ratio of the water content to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal is preferably 150 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 130 parts by mass or less from the viewpoint of maintaining a good rise in heat generation.

In the heat generating layer 11, in addition to the non-oxidizing metal and the carbon component, a polymer having water absorption and a powder having water absorption can be used in combination for the purpose of improving water absorption.
Examples of the water-absorbing polymer include hydrophilic polymers having a cross-linked structure capable of absorbing and retaining a liquid 20 times or more of their own weight. Examples of the water-absorbing powder include vermiculite, sawdust, silica gel, and pulp powder. 1 type (s) or 2 or more types selected from are mentioned.
The content of the water-absorbing polymer or powder in the heat generation layer 11 is 1 part by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal from the viewpoint of stably maintaining the moisture of the heat generation layer and stabilizing the heat generation performance. It is preferably 5 parts by mass or more, more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, further preferably 50 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 45 parts by mass or less. More preferably, it is 40 parts by mass or less.

  The heat generating layer 11 can further contain a reaction accelerator. By including the reaction accelerator, it is possible to easily maintain the oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal. In addition, by using a reaction accelerator, it is possible to accelerate the oxidation reaction by destroying the oxide film formed on the oxidizable metal with the oxidation reaction. Examples of the reaction accelerator include one or more selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metal sulfates, and chlorides. Among them, a group consisting of various chlorides such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, ferrous chloride and ferric chloride, and sodium sulfate from the viewpoint of excellent conductivity, chemical stability and production cost. It is preferable to use 1 type, or 2 or more types selected from.

  The content of the reaction accelerator in the heat generating layer 11 is preferably 2 parts by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal from the viewpoint of maintaining a sufficient calorific value for a long time. More preferably, it is at least part. Further, the content of the reaction accelerator in the heat generating layer 11 is preferably 15 parts by mass or less, and more preferably 13 parts by mass or less with respect to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal content.

The heat generation layer 11 may be in a powder form or may be formed in a sheet shape. However, the heat generation layer 11 is formed in a sheet shape from the viewpoint of stabilizing the shape of the heat generating body and suppressing heat generation unevenness. It is preferable.
When the heat generating layer 11 is formed into a sheet shape, it is preferable that the heat generating layer 11 further includes a thickener from the viewpoint of facilitating the manufacturing process. As a thickener, a substance that absorbs moisture and increases consistency or imparts thixotropic properties can be used. Alginate such as sodium alginate, gum arabic, tragacanth gum, locust bean gum, guar gum, gum arabic Polysaccharide thickeners such as carrageenan, agar and xanthan gum; starch thickeners such as dextrin, pregelatinized starch and starch for processing; cellulose such as carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose or hydroxypropylcellulose One or a mixture of two or more selected from a derivative thickener; a metal soap thickener such as stearate; and a mineral thickener such as bentonite can be used.
Among these, polysaccharide thickeners are preferable from the viewpoint of having good coating performance, polysaccharide thickeners having a molecular weight of 1 million to 50 million are more preferable, and polysaccharide thickeners having a molecular weight of 2 million to 40 million. More preferred are thickeners. Further, xanthan gum is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of having good coating performance and salt resistance.

  When the heat generating layer 11 is formed into a sheet shape, the content of the thickener in the heat generating layer 11 is preferably 0.05 parts by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal. More preferably 1 part by mass or more. Moreover, it is preferable that it is 5 mass parts or less with respect to 100 mass parts of oxidizable metal content, and, as for content of the thickener in the heat generating layer 11, it is more preferable that it is 4 mass parts or less. By setting it as this range, solid content, such as an oxidizable metal and a carbon material, can be disperse | distributed stably. Moreover, thixotropy can be imparted and the coating performance can be further improved.

  The heat generating layer 11 can also contain a surfactant, a drug, a flocculant, a colorant, a paper strength enhancer, a pH control agent, a bulking agent, and the like as necessary.

The basis weight of the heat generating layer 11 can be set as appropriate depending on the use of the water vapor generator 100. For example, in the case of the one used for the eyes and its surroundings, it is preferably 300 g / m ² or more, and 450 g / m. more preferably ² or more, and more preferably 600 g / ^{m 2} or more.
The basis weight of the heat generating layer 11 is preferably 2500 g / m ² or less, more preferably 2000 g / m ² or less, and even more preferably 1500 g / m ² or less.

[First sheet]
Next, the first sheet 21 that covers the heat generating layer 11 will be described.
In the water vapor generating body 100 shown in FIG. 1, the first sheet 21 is a gas permeable sheet and covers the entire surface of the heat generating layer 11. Alternatively, the first sheet 21 may be provided with a region having air permeability and a region having no air permeability so as to cover the heat generating layer 11.

The first sheet 21 is made of a gas-permeable material, whereby oxygen can be sufficiently supplied to the heat generating layer 11, and the oxidation reaction in the heat generating layer 11 can be stably performed. .
As such a first sheet 21, for example, a porous sheet made of a synthetic resin that has air permeability but does not have water permeability is suitable. Specifically, a stretched film containing calcium carbonate or the like in polyethylene can be used. When such a porous sheet is used, various fiber sheets including one or more nonwoven fabrics selected from needle punched nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, and spunbonded nonwoven fabric are laminated on the outer surface of the porous sheet. Then, the texture of the first sheet 21 may be increased.
Note that the air permeability of the first sheet 21 (JIS P8117, revised version 2009, hereinafter the same for “air permeability” in the present specification) is set appropriately for the heat generation temperature of the heat generation layer 11 and the duration of heat generation. From the viewpoint of control, it is preferably 5000 seconds / 100 mL or less, more preferably 4000 seconds / 100 mL or less, and still more preferably 3000 seconds / 100 mL or less. The air permeability of the first sheet 21 is preferably 0 second / 100 mL or more, more preferably 100 seconds / 100 mL or more, further preferably 200 seconds / 100 mL or more, 400 seconds. / 100 mL or more is particularly preferable.

[Second sheet]
Next, the second sheet 22 laminated on the heat generating layer 11 will be described. The 2nd sheet | seat 22 of this embodiment has a non-air-permeable and moisture-impermeable property, and can fully isolate the heat-generating layer 11 and the water retention layer 12 from each other. Therefore, it can relieve that exothermic layer 11 and water retention layer 12 influence each other. As a result, the design range of the water vapor generator 100 as a whole can be expanded.

  The 2nd sheet | seat 22 can be suitably set from the raw material which has a non-air-permeable and moisture-permeable property, For example, metal materials, such as organic materials, such as a resin sheet, and metal foil can be used. Alternatively, it is possible to impart air permeability and moisture permeability by a combination of two or more different materials. In this embodiment, it is mentioned as a preferable aspect to use 1 type, or 2 or more types of resin sheets.

  Examples of the resin constituting the resin sheet include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, natural rubber, recycled rubber, synthetic rubber, or these. Or a derivative thereof can be used.

  Moreover, as metal foil, copper foil, aluminum foil, nickel foil, gold foil, silver foil etc. are mentioned, for example.

  The air permeability of the second sheet 22 is preferably 80000 seconds / 100 mL or more, more preferably 100000 seconds / 100 mL or more, from the viewpoint of reliably separating the heat generating layer 11 and the water retaining layer 12. More preferably, it is infinite (non-air-permeable).

The moisture permeability of the second sheet 22 by the ASTM method (E-96-80D method) is, for example, 230 g / m ² · 24 h from the viewpoint of reliably separating the heat generating layer 11 and the water retaining layer 12. Is preferably 200 g / m ² · 24 h or less, more preferably 100 g / m ² · 24 h or less, and even more preferably 0 g / m ² · 24 h, that is, a moisture-impermeable sheet. Is preferred.

[Water retention layer]
Next, the water retention layer 12 will be described.
The water retaining layer 12 includes a water absorbent sheet, and is laminated on the surface of the second sheet 22 constituting the heat generating element 30 on the side opposite to the surface on which the heat generating layer 11 is laminated.
The water retaining layer 12 generates water vapor as the heat generating element 30 generates heat, and is preferably configured so that the maximum temperature of the water vapor is 50 ° C. or less. The maximum temperature of water vapor is more preferably 48 ° C. or less, more preferably 45 ° C. or less, and preferably 36 ° C. or more, and 38 ° C. or more from the viewpoint of imparting an appropriate warm feeling. Is more preferably 39 ° C. or higher, and particularly preferably 40 ° C. or higher.
Note that this “temperature of water vapor” is the surface to be applied to the human skin surface or the like, that is, the surface of the third sheet 23 in the case of the water vapor generator 100 shown in FIG. In addition, a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or thermistor is brought into contact with the center of the portion where the water retention layer 12 overlaps, and measurement can be performed based on JIS standard S4100. Further, in the case where the temperature adjusting material or the like is provided on the outer surface in addition to the third sheet 23, the surface of the surface when actually applied to the human skin surface and the heat generation layer 11 and the water retention layer 12 are overlapped. Measurement can be performed by bringing a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or thermistor into contact with the center of the portion. In the case where the heat generating layer is made of powder, if the heat generating powder is biased, the heat generating layer is adjusted to be uniform and then measured by the same method as described above.

  The water retention layer 12 may be composed of a sheet containing the component (a) fiber material, for example, a single fiber sheet, or two or more layers may be laminated. Specific examples of the fiber sheet include paper such as filter paper manufactured from a fiber material described later, a nonwoven fabric, or a laminate of paper and a nonwoven fabric. Specifically, the sheet containing the component (a) fiber material may be a sheet material such as polyethylene, polypropylene fiber, polyethylene sheet, or a sheet material such as paper or non-woven fabric obtained by laminating or laminating a fiber material on a material having no water absorption. It is also possible to use a sheet material such as paper or nonwoven fabric obtained by laminating or mixing another fiber material with a fiber material such as pulp fiber or rayon fiber. By using the sheet | seat containing a component (a) fiber material for the water retention layer 12, content of the water contained in the water retention layer 12 can be controlled appropriately, and the generation amount of water vapor | steam can be improved. Therefore, it is preferable.

The water retention layer 12 may further contain a component (b) a water-absorbing polymer from the viewpoint of the rapid rise of water vapor generation. However, if the water-retaining layer 12 contains a large amount of the water-absorbing polymer, the water vapor generation rate tends to decrease. Therefore, it is preferable to appropriately adjust the content of the water-absorbing polymer in consideration of the balance between both actions.
When the water-retaining layer 12 contains the component (b), the form of the water-retaining layer 12 is (i) a sheet in which the component (a) and the component (b) are uniformly mixed, (ii) component (A) The component (b) is disposed between the same or different sheets including (a), and (iii) the component (b) is dispersed on the sheet of the component (a) to form a sheet. be able to.
The water-retaining layer 12 in the form (ii), for example, uniformly spreads the water-absorbing component (b) on the sheet containing the component (a), and sprays water in an amount of 200 g / m ² from the top. After that, the same or different sheet containing the component (a) can be further laminated thereon and pressed at 100 ± 0.5 ° C. and a pressure of 5 kg / cm ² for production.

  As the component (a) fiber material, both hydrophilic fibers and hydrophobic fibers can be used. From the viewpoint of improving the water retention amount in the water retention layer 12, it is preferable to use hydrophilic fibers, and cellulose fibers. More preferably, it is used. As the cellulose fiber, chemical fiber (synthetic fiber) or natural fiber can be used.

  As chemical fiber among cellulose fibers, for example, rayon or acetate can be used. On the other hand, natural fibers among cellulose fibers include, for example, various plant fibers, wood pulp fibers, non-wood pulp fibers, cotton fibers, hemp fibers, wheat straw fibers, hemp fibers, jute fibers, kapok fibers, palm fibers, and igusa. One type or two or more types selected from fibers can be used. Among these cellulose fibers, the use of wood pulp fibers makes it easy to improve the content of water contained in the water retention layer 12.

  Various fiber materials preferably have a fiber length of 0.5 mm or more, and more preferably 0.8 mm or more. The fiber material preferably has a fiber length of 6 mm or less, and more preferably 4 mm or less.

  In addition to the hydrophilic fiber, the water retention layer 12 may contain a hydrophobic fiber, particularly a heat-fusible fiber, if necessary. When the heat-fusible fiber is blended, the blending amount is preferably 0.1% by mass or more, and more preferably 0.5% by mass or more with respect to the total amount of fibers in the water retaining layer 12. Further, the blending amount of the heat-fusible fiber is preferably 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 5% by mass or less, based on the total amount of fibers in the water retention layer 12.

  As the component (b) water-absorbing polymer, it is possible to use a hydrophilic polymer having a crosslinked structure capable of absorbing and holding a liquid having a weight of 20 times or more of its own weight, as in the case of the above-described fiber material. The amount can be increased, which is preferable. As a shape of a component (b), 1 type, or 2 or more types selected from spherical shape, lump shape, grape bunch shape, and fiber shape are mentioned. The particle size of the component (b) is preferably 1 μm or more, and more preferably 10 μm or more. The particle size of component (b) is preferably 1000 μm or less, and more preferably 500 μm or less. The particle diameter of the water-absorbing polymer particles is measured by a dynamic light scattering method, a laser diffraction method, or the like, but is preferably measured by a laser diffraction method.

  Specific examples of the component (b) include, for example, starch, crosslinked carboxylmethylated cellulose, a polymer or copolymer of acrylic acid or an alkali metal acrylate, polyacrylic acid and a salt thereof, and a polyacrylate graft weight. 1 type (s) or 2 or more types selected from coalescence are mentioned. Of these, water contained in the water-retaining layer 12 can be effectively contained by using polyacrylic acid and its salts and polyacrylate graft polymer such as a polymer or copolymer of acrylic acid or alkali metal acrylate. The content of can be improved.

  The proportion of the component (b) in the water retention layer 12 is 10% by mass or more in the dry state from the viewpoint of improving the content of water contained in the water retention layer 12 and appropriately releasing water vapor during heating. Is preferable, and it is more preferable that it is 20 mass% or more. Moreover, it is preferable that it is 70 mass% or less in a dry state, and, as for the ratio of the component (b) to the water retention layer 12, it is more preferable that it is 65 mass% or less.

The water retention layer 12 preferably has a basis weight of 10 g / m ² or more, preferably 30 g / m ² or more from the viewpoint of maintaining moisture appropriately and facilitating the generation of water vapor. More preferably, it is more preferably 50 g / m ² or more. Also, water-retaining layer 12 preferably has a basis weight when used as a dry state is 400 g / ^{m 2} or less, more preferably 250 g / ^{m 2} or less, and more preferably 200 g / ^{m 2} or less .
When the component (b) is contained as the water retention layer 12, the basis weight when the component (b) contained in the water retention layer 12 is in a dry state from the point that water can be appropriately retained and water vapor can be easily generated. Is preferably 50 g / m ² or more, more preferably 60 g / m ² or more, and even more preferably 65 g / m ² or more. The basis weight when the component (b) contained in the water retaining layer 12 is in a dry state is preferably 200 g / m ² or less, more preferably 170 g / m ² or less, and 150 g / m ^2. More preferably, it is as follows.

Moreover, the water retention layer 12 can be normally prepared by adding water with respect to the above-mentioned water absorbing sheet.
The amount of water contained in the water retention layer 12 is preferably 25 g / m ² or more and more preferably 35 g / m ² or more as the basis weight of the water retention layer 12 from the viewpoint of improving the amount of water vapor generated. Preferably, it is 50 g / m ² or more. The amount of water contained in the water retention layer 12 is preferably 600 g / m ² or less, more preferably 300 g / m ² or less, and more preferably 200 g / m ² or less as the basis weight of the water retention layer 12. More preferably it is.

The water retention layer 12 preferably has a basis weight of 35 g / m ² or more, more preferably 65 g / m ² or more in a state containing water, from the viewpoint of making the amount of water vapor generated moderate. 100 g / m ² or more, more preferably 1000 g / m ² or less, more preferably 550 g / m ² or less, and further preferably 400 g / m ² or less.

The average thickness of the water retaining layer 12 can be set as appropriate depending on the use of the water vapor generator 100, etc., but the average thickness during drying is preferably 0.1 mm or more, and 0.2 mm or more. Is more preferable.
Moreover, it is preferable that the average thickness of the water retention layer 12 is 3 mm or less as an average thickness at the time of the drying, and it is more preferable that it is 2 mm or less.

[Third sheet]
Then, the 3rd sheet | seat 23 used for the water vapor generation body 100 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
The 3rd sheet | seat 23 is a sheet | seat which covers the surface on the opposite side to the surface by the side of the 2nd sheet | seat 22 of the water retention layer 12, and makes the water retention layer 12 contact the heat generating body 30 effectively, and hold | maintain so that it may not slip | deviate. It is preferable to use from the point. Further, the third sheet 23 has a performance of allowing water vapor generated from the water retention layer 12 to pass therethrough. In general, a part or all of the third sheet 23 is air permeable and moisture permeable.
The air permeability of the third sheet 23 is preferably 0 sec / 100 mL from the viewpoint of efficiently passing water vapor generated by the water retention layer 12. Further, it may have a temperature control function, and may be a single layer or two or more layers. As a material of the third sheet 23, for example, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, paper, porous film, perforated foamed plastic or the like can be used, and among these, it is preferable to use non-woven fabric.

The water vapor generating body 100 of the present invention has a basis weight of preferably 3000 g / m ² or less, more preferably 2000 g / m ² or less, from the viewpoint of reducing stress when applied to the skin of the body. More preferably, it is 1500 g / m ² or less. In addition, the water vapor generator 100 of the present invention has a basis weight of preferably 300 g / m ² or more, more preferably 500 g / m ² or more, and 800 g / m ² from the viewpoint of securing the amount of water vapor generated. More preferably, it is m ² or more.

  As mentioned above, although each structure with which the steam generator 100 of this embodiment is provided was described, the steam generator 100 of this embodiment is hermetically housed in a packaging bag (not shown) having oxygen barrier properties until just before use. It is preferable.

[Fourth sheet]
In addition, in the water vapor generating body 100 of the present embodiment, either one or both of a portion having air permeability in the first sheet 21 and a surface opposite to the surface on the second sheet 22 side of the water retention layer 12 are provided. It is preferable to be covered with a fourth sheet having air permeability and moisture permeability.
That is, the surface of the water retention layer 12 opposite to the surface on the second sheet 22 side and the surface opposite to the surface of the first sheet 21 facing the heat generating layer 11 are further covered with the fourth sheet. Preferably it is.
Further, when the water vapor generator 100 includes the above-described third sheet 23, in addition to the air-permeable portion of the first sheet 21, the surface of the third sheet 23 that faces the water retention layer 12, and this It is preferable that any one or two or more of the surfaces opposite to the surface facing the water retention layer 12 are further covered with the fourth sheet, and the first sheet 21 has air permeability or the third. It is more preferable that the surface of the sheet 23 opposite to the surface facing the water retention layer 12 is further covered with the fourth sheet.
As the material of the fourth sheet, it is preferable to use the same material as that of the second sheet 22. The fourth sheet is peeled off when using the water vapor generator of the present embodiment.

Here, the effect of the steam generator 100 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
The water vapor generator 100 of the present embodiment includes the second sheet 22 having a non-air-permeable and non-moisture-permeable property, so that the heat generating layer 11 and the water retaining layer 12 can be effectively separated. 11, it becomes easy to design so that each of the heating element 30 including the first sheet and the second sheet and the water retaining layer 12 have desired performance.
This makes it easy to control the heat generation characteristics of the heating element 30 and the characteristics such as the amount of water vapor generated in the water retention layer 12.

In addition, in the heating tool as described in Patent Document 3, there is a suggestion that the heating element can be configured to involve an oxidation reaction of metal powder, but the heating element described in Patent Document 3 is actually used. When the above structure is replaced with the heat generating layer 11 of the present application, oxygen is supplied only from the surface to which the wearer applies, and heat generation as desired does not occur.
On the other hand, in the water vapor generating body of the present embodiment, in addition to interposing the second sheet 22 having a non-permeable and moisture-permeable property between the heat generating layer 11 and the water retaining layer 12, One sheet 21 has air permeability. As described above, since the first sheet has air permeability, the heat generation efficiency of the heat generation layer 11 can be improved, and the rise of heat generation is quickly generated, and at the same time, a large amount of water vapor is stably generated from the water retention layer 12. Can be made.

Moreover, regarding the water vapor generating body 100, a heating tool can be produced using this.
The heating tool is applied directly to the human body or attached to clothing, and is suitably used for warming the human body. Examples of the application site in the human body include shoulders, neck, eyes, eye circumference, waist, elbows, knees, thighs, lower legs, abdomen, lower abdomen, hands, and soles. Among them, the heating tool of the present embodiment uses an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal as a heat generating layer, and can be used without stress from the point that the water vapor generating body can be lightened, so it is applied to the eyes and the surroundings. It can use suitably for what. Further, in addition to the human body, the present invention is applied to various articles and suitably used for heating and keeping warm.

[Heater]
Hereinafter, an example in which the water vapor generator 100 of the present embodiment is applied as a heating tool will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the heating tool, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the heating tool.
The heating tool 50 shown in these drawings is of a so-called eye mask type, and is used to apply water vapor heated to a predetermined temperature to the eyes and the surroundings by contacting the eyes and the surroundings thereof. It is
In the present embodiment, the water vapor generating body 100 is accommodated in a bag body composed of a sheet having air permeability and moisture permeability at least partially.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heating device 50 includes a main body 51 and an ear hook 52 in which a hole 54 into which an ear is inserted is formed.
The main body 51 has a horizontally long shape having a longitudinal direction X and a width direction Y orthogonal thereto. The main body 51 has a substantially oval shape. The ear hooks 52 are used as a pair, and each ear hook 52 is attached to each end of the main body 51 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). The heating tool 51 is attached so that each ear hook 52 is hung on the wearer's ear and the body 51 covers both eyes of the wearer. Under this wearing condition, the steam temperature generated from the heating tool 51 is applied to the eyes of the wearer, and eye fatigue, redness, and eye strain are alleviated, and a relaxed feeling is obtained. In addition, a feeling of falling asleep is also induced.

  FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the heating tool 51. In the figure, the ear hook 52 is disposed on the main body 51.

The main body 51 further includes a bag body 53.
The bag body 53 includes a bag body first sheet 55 located on the side close to the skin surface of the wearer and a bag body second sheet 56 located on the side far from the skin surface of the wearer. It is preferable that both the bag body first sheet 55 and the bag body second sheet 56 are made of nonwoven fabric. Here, the bag body first sheet 55 and the bag body second sheet 56 are provided so as to sandwich the water vapor generator 100 described above, but the water vapor generated from the water retention layer 12 is usually effective for the wearer. Therefore, the first sheet 21 of the water vapor generator 100 is arranged so that the side of the water vapor generator 100 of the present embodiment on which the third sheet 23 is provided and the bag first sheet 55 are in contact with each other. It arrange | positions so that the side provided with and the bag 2nd sheet | seat 56 may contact | connect.

The basis weight of each of the bag body first sheet 55 and the bag body second sheet 56 is 20 g / m ² from the viewpoint of preventing the inside from being seen through and from the viewpoints of heat retention, flexibility, thickness, and the like. The above is preferable, and 40 g / m ² or more is more preferable. Further, each of the basis weight of the bag the first sheet 55 and the bag body second sheet 56 is preferably 200 g / ^{m 2} or less, 110g / ^{m 2} or less is more preferable.
In addition, since the bag body first sheet 55 applies the generated water vapor to the wearer, the bag body second sheet 56 may both have air permeability in order to smoothly supply oxygen to the heat generating layer 11. preferable.
Specifically, the air permeability of these bag sheets is preferably at least partially air permeable from the viewpoint of having the ability to pass water vapor generated from the water retention layer 12, and the air permeability of the entire sheet is 0 sec / 100 mL is preferable.

  The bag body first sheet 55 and the bag body second sheet 56 have the same shape and are substantially oval. The outer shape of the bag body first sheet 55 and the bag body second sheet 56 is the outer shape of the main body 51. The bag body first sheet 55 and the bag body second sheet 56 are overlapped with each other, and at least part of the peripheral edge portions thereof are joined, and the center portion in the X direction is joined along the Y direction, whereby the bag body 53 is joined. It becomes. In order to join the bag body first sheet 55 and the bag body second sheet 56, for example, a hot melt adhesive can be used. Note that the water vapor generator 100 may be fixed to the bag body 53 by an adhesive, a heat seal, or the like (not shown).

  As the bag body first sheet 55 and the bag body second sheet 56, for example, a fiber sheet including a nonwoven fabric can be used. For example, 1 type, or 2 or more types selected from a needle punch nonwoven fabric, an air through nonwoven fabric, and a spun bond nonwoven fabric can be used.

  The bag 53 is formed with substantially V-shaped notches 53A and 53B cut inwardly along the Y direction from the long side at the position of the center of the two long sides extending in the X direction. . The notches 53A and 53B have different degrees of cut. The notch portion 53A is located between or near the wearer's eyebrows when the heating tool 50 is attached. The notch portion 53B is located on the wearer's nose bridge when the heating tool 50 is worn. Therefore, the notch portion 53B is more severed than the notch portion 53A.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ear hook 52 in the heating device 50 is disposed on the bag first sheet 55 in the main body 51 in a state before use. When using the heating tool 50, as shown in FIG. 2, the ear hooking portion 52 is reversed outward in the X direction to be in an open state. In a state before use, that is, in a state where the left and right ear hooks 52 are located on the main body 51, the contour formed by the left and right ear hooks 52 is substantially the same as the contour of the main body 51. Yes. The ear hook 52 can be made of the same material as the bag 53.

  The heating tool 50 of the present embodiment is entirely packaged by a packaging material (not shown) having oxygen barrier properties before use, so that the steam generator 100 does not come into contact with oxygen in the air. Yes.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described with reference to drawings, these are the illustrations of this invention, Various structures other than the above are also employable.

  In relation to the above-described embodiment, the present invention further discloses the following water vapor generator, production method, or application.

<1> A steam generator comprising a heat generating layer that generates heat due to an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal, a non-permeable and moisture-impermeable sheet, and a water retention layer including a water-absorbent sheet,
The water vapor generator is formed by laminating the non-permeable and moisture-permeable sheet between the heat generation layer and the water retention layer,
A water vapor generator, wherein a surface of the heat generation layer opposite to the non-air-permeable and moisture-permeable surface on the sheet side is covered with a sheet having air permeability.
<2> The surface of the water retaining layer opposite to the non-air-permeable and moisture-permeable surface on the sheet side is preferably further covered with a gas-permeable and moisture-permeable sheet. Steam generator.
<3> The air permeable and moisture permeable sheet that covers the surface of the water retaining layer opposite to the non-air permeable and moisture permeable surface on the sheet side is preferably composed of a nonwoven fabric, <2> The water vapor generator described.
<4> The air permeability of the air-permeable and moisture-permeable sheet that covers the surface of the water-retaining layer opposite to the non-air-permeable and moisture-permeable surface on the sheet side is preferably 0 sec / 100 mL. <2> or the water vapor generator according to <3>.
<5> The surface of the water retaining layer opposite to the non-permeable and moisture-permeable surface on the sheet side or the sheet having the permeability is further covered with a non-permeable and moisture-permeable sheet. The water vapor generator according to <1>.
<6> The surface of the water permeable and moisture permeable sheet that covers the surface opposite to the surface of the water permeable and moisture permeable sheet opposite to the surface of the water permeable layer, or the water retaining layer. The water vapor generator according to any one of <2> to <4>, wherein a surface opposite to the facing surface is further covered with a non-permeable and non-permeable sheet.
<7> The air permeability of the air-permeable sheet coated on the surface opposite to the surface on which the non-air-permeable and moisture-impermeable sheet is laminated is preferably 0 second / 100 mL or more. More preferably 100 seconds / 100 mL or more, still more preferably 200 seconds / 100 mL or more, even more preferably 400 seconds / 100 mL or more, and preferably 5000 seconds / 100 mL or less, more The water vapor generator according to any one of <1> to <6>, which is preferably 4000 seconds / 100 mL or less, more preferably 3000 seconds / 100 mL or less.
<8> The amount of water contained in the water retaining layer is preferably 25 g / m ² or more, more preferably 35 g / m ² or more, and even more preferably 50 g / m ² or more as the basis weight. The water vapor generator according to any one of <1> to <7>, preferably 600 g / m ² or less, more preferably 300 g / m ² or less, and still more preferably 200 g / m ² or less. .
<9> The amount of water vapor generated from the entirety of the water vapor generator is preferably 80 mg / 10 min or more, more preferably 100 mg / 10 min or more, still more preferably 120 mg / 10 min or more, and further preferably 135 mg. / 10 min or more, particularly preferably 150 mg / 10 min or more, preferably 500 mg / 10 min or less, more preferably 400 mg / 10 min or less, further preferably 360 mg / 10 min or less, <1 > The water vapor generator according to any one of <8>.
<10> The amount of water vapor generated from the entire water vapor generator is preferably 200 mg / 20 min or more, more preferably 250 mg / 20 min or more, further preferably 300 mg / 20 min or more, and preferably The water vapor generator according to any one of <1> to <9>, which is 1000 mg / 20 min or less, more preferably 800 mg / 20 min or less, and still more preferably 700 mg / 20 min or less.
<11> The maximum water vapor generation rate of water vapor generated from the entire water vapor generator is preferably 16 mg / min or more, more preferably 20 mg / min or more, and further preferably 30 mg / min or more. The water vapor generator according to any one of <1> to <10>, preferably 60 mg / min or less, more preferably 55 mg / min or less.
<12> The temperature of the water vapor generated from the water retaining layer is preferably 50 ° C. or lower, more preferably 48 ° C. or lower, still more preferably 45 ° C. or lower, and preferably 36 ° C. or higher. The water vapor generator according to any one of <1> to <11>, more preferably 38 ° C. or higher, further preferably 39 ° C. or higher, and still more preferably 40 ° C. or higher.
<13> The surface of the water retaining layer opposite to the surface on which the non-permeable and moisture-permeable sheets are laminated is applied to the skin surface of the wearer, <1> to <12 > The water vapor generator according to any one of the above.
<14> The sheet having air permeability coated on the surface opposite to the surface on which the non-air-permeable and moisture-impermeable sheet is laminated is preferably composed of a porous sheet made of a synthetic resin. More preferably, the water vapor generator according to any one of <1> to <13>, which is a stretched film containing calcium carbonate or the like in polyethylene.
<15> The non-permeable and moisture-impermeable sheet interposed between the heat generating layer and the water retaining layer is preferably a resin sheet or a metal foil, more preferably polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, Resin sheet selected from polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, natural rubber, recycled rubber, synthetic rubber, or derivatives thereof, or copper foil, aluminum foil, nickel foil, The water vapor generator according to any one of <1> to <14>, which is a metal foil selected from gold foil and silver foil.

<16> The content of the oxidizable metal in the heat generating layer is preferably 100 g / m ² or more, more preferably 200 g / m ² or more, and preferably 3000 g / m ² or less. The water vapor generator according to any one of <1> to <15>, which is more preferably 1500 g / m ² or less.
<17> The steam generator according to any one of <1> to <16>, wherein the heat generating layer preferably contains a carbon component.
<18> The content of the carbon component in the heat generating layer is preferably 0.3 parts by mass or more, more preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal. 3 parts by mass or more, preferably 20 parts by mass or less, more preferably 15 parts by mass or less, and further preferably 13 parts by mass or less, based on 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal. The water vapor generator according to>.
<19> The steam generator according to any one of <1> to <18>, wherein the heat generating layer preferably contains water.
<20> The water content in the heat generating layer is preferably 20 parts by mass or more, more preferably 30 parts by mass or more, and preferably 150 parts with respect to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal. The steam generator according to any one of <1> to <19>, which is not more than part by mass, more preferably not more than 130 parts by mass.
<21> The steam generator according to any one of <1> to <20>, wherein the heat generating layer preferably contains a water-absorbing polymer or a water-absorbing powder.
<22> The content of the water-absorbing polymer or the water-absorbing powder in the heat generating layer is preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 5 parts by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal. Yes, more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, preferably 50 parts by mass or less, more preferably 45 parts by mass or less, still more preferably 40 parts by mass or less, water vapor according to <21> Generator.
<23> The exothermic layer preferably contains one or more reaction accelerators selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metal sulfates, and chlorides, <1> to <22 > The water vapor generator according to any one of the above.
<24> The content of the reaction accelerator in the heat generating layer is preferably 2 parts by mass or more, more preferably 3 parts by mass or more with respect to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal. Is 15 parts by mass or less, more preferably 13 parts by mass or less, the steam generator according to <23>.
<25> The basis weight of the heat generating layer is preferably 300 g / m ² or more, more preferably 450 g / m ² or more, still more preferably 600 g / m ² or more, and preferably 2500 g / m. The steam generator according to any one of <1> to <24>, which is ² or less, more preferably 2000 g / m ² or less, and further preferably 1500 g / m ² or less.
<26> The air permeability of the non-permeable and moisture-impermeable sheet interposed between the heat generating layer and the water retaining layer is preferably 80000 seconds / 100 mL or more, more preferably 100000 seconds / 100 mL or more. The water vapor generator according to any one of <1> to <25>, which is more preferably infinite (non-permeable).
<27> The water retention layer is preferably composed of a fiber sheet containing a fiber material, and more preferably, the fiber material is laminated or laminated on a material having no water absorption such as polyethylene fiber, polypropylene fiber, polyethylene sheet, or polypropylene sheet. <1> selected from a sheet such as paper, a nonwoven fabric, a paper material obtained by laminating or mixing another fiber material with a fiber material such as pulp fiber or rayon fiber, or a sheet such as a nonwoven fabric. Thru | or any one of <26>.
<28> The dry basis weight of the water retaining layer is preferably 10 g / m ² or more, more preferably 30 g / m ² or more, still more preferably 50 g / m ² or more, and preferably The water vapor generator according to any one of <1> to <27>, which is 400 g / m ² or less, more preferably 250 g / m ² or less, and still more preferably 200 g / m ² or less.
<29> A heating tool in which the water vapor generating body according to any one of <1> to <28> is accommodated in a bag body formed of a sheet having air permeability and moisture permeability at least partially.
<30> The heating tool according to <29>, wherein the air permeability of the sheet constituting the bag body is preferably 0 sec / 100 mL.
<31> The heating device is preferably applied to the shoulder, neck, eyes, eye periphery, waist, elbow, knee, thigh, lower leg, abdomen, lower abdomen, hands, and soles, more preferably eyes. And the heating tool as described in <29> or <30> applied to the circumference | surroundings.

Example 1
A water vapor generator having the structure shown in FIG. 1 was produced.
[Preparation of exothermic powder]
The following oxidizable metal, carbon component, reaction accelerator, water-absorbing polymer, water-absorbing powder, wood powder and water were prepared, and exothermic powder was prepared by the following procedure with the contents shown in Table 1. . Under a nitrogen atmosphere, the water-absorbing polymer and iron powder were mixed, and a solution in which sodium chloride was dissolved in water was sprayed and stirred to adhere the iron powder to the surface of the water-absorbing polymer. Next, activated carbon, wood powder and vermiculite were added with stirring to prepare exothermic powder.
In addition, the kind of each compound, a product name, and a manufacturer are as follows.
Oxidizable metal: iron powder (iron powder RKH, DOWA IP CREATION Co., Ltd.), median diameter 45 μm
Carbon component: Activated carbon (Calboraphin, manufactured by Nippon Enviro Chemicals), median diameter 40 μm
Reaction accelerator: Sodium chloride (Japanese Pharmacopoeia sodium chloride, manufactured by Tomita Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)
Water-absorbing polymer: Aqua Pearl (manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries) Wood flour: Wood flour (manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Co., Ltd.)
Water-absorbing powder: Vermiculite (manufactured by Vermitech)
Wood flour: Wood flour (Sanyo Kasei Co., Ltd.)
Water: tap water

[Production of heating element]
3.0 g of the prepared exothermic powder was added to an air-permeable bag (first sheet: Kojin TSF-EU 400 sec type, manufactured by Kojin Film & Chemicals Co., Ltd. (stretched film made of polyethylene and calcium carbonate). Air permeability of 400 seconds / 100 mL), second sheet: AF-JF27, manufactured by J Film Co., Ltd. (non-air-permeable with polyethylene film)), each having a size of 6.3 cm × 6.3 cm And the sheet was hermetically sealed and sealed with exothermic powder to produce a heating element.

[Production of water vapor generator]
As a water retention layer, filter paper (qualitative filter paper No. 2, Toyo Filter Paper Co., Ltd., basis weight 125 g / m ² , cut to 6.3 cm × 6.3 cm, mass 0.5 g), 0.5 g of water with a dropper A water-retaining layer was produced by soaking uniformly (the amount of water was 125 g / m ² ). The produced water retention layer is laminated on the second sheet of the produced heat generation layer, and further, a nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene having a basis weight of 80 g / m ² is laminated as a third sheet covering the water retention layer, and the peripheral portion is heated. Sealed. It was put in an oxygen barrier bag (aluminum pillow), and the periphery was sealed and sealed. A series of operations were performed in a nitrogen atmosphere. Further, the produced water vapor generator was stored overnight (about 15 hours) at 25 ° C. until the evaluation described later was performed.

(Examples 2-5, Comparative Examples 1-4)
A water vapor generator was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the first sheet and the second sheet used for producing the heating element were those shown in Table 3.

(Example 6)
[Preparation of exothermic powder water dispersion]
Prepare an oxidizable metal, a carbon component, a reaction accelerator, a thickener, a pH control agent, and water, and at a composition ratio (mass ratio) shown in Table 2, the exothermic powder water dispersion ( Exothermic composition) was prepared.
Specifically, the thickener was dissolved in water, and then the reaction accelerator and pH control agents 1 and 2 were dissolved to prepare an aqueous solution. On the other hand, a powder in which an oxidizable metal and a carbon component are pre-mixed is prepared, and the pre-mixed powder is put in the aqueous solution, and stirred at 150 rpm for 10 minutes with a disk turbine type stirring blade to disperse a slurry-like heat generation powder water I got a thing.
In addition, the kind of each compound, a product name, and a manufacturer are as follows.
Oxidizable metal: Iron powder (Iron powder RKH, DOWA IP CREATION Co., Ltd.) average particle size 45 μm
Carbon component: activated carbon (Calboraphin, manufactured by Nippon Enviro Chemicals Co., Ltd.) average particle size 40 μm
Reaction accelerator: Sodium chloride (Japanese Pharmacopoeia sodium chloride, manufactured by Tomita Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.)
Thickener: Xanthan gum (Labor Gum GS-C, DSP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd.) Molecular weight 2,000,000
pH control agent 1: Tripotassium phosphate (manufactured by Yoneyama Chemical Co., Ltd.)
pH control agent 2: 48% potassium hydroxide solution (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc.)
Water: tap water

[Production of heating element]
PE laminate paper (manufactured by Knitku Co., Ltd.) was used as the base material layer, and 2.2 g of exothermic powder water dispersion was applied to the surface of the base material layer of 24.01 cm ² (4.9 cm × 4.9 cm). Die coating was performed to produce a heat generating layer.
Next, wood pulp paper (weighing 20 g / m ² , manufactured by Ino Paper Co., Ltd.) and water-absorbing polymer (sodium polyacrylate, spherical, average particle size 300 μm, weighing 70 g / m ² , Aquaric CA, Japan Catalyst sheet) and wood pulp paper (basis weight 30 g / m ² , manufactured by Ino Paper Co., Ltd.), and a polymer sheet is prepared by integrating them into 24.01 cm ² (4.9 cm × 4.9 cm). The cut one was laminated on the heat generating layer.
The laminated body of the heat generating layer and the polymer sheet is filled into a bag produced using the first sheet and the second sheet shown in Table 3, and the periphery of both sheets is hermetically sealed and sealed. A heating element was used.
Subsequently, the water retention layer and the third sheet were laminated in the same manner as in Example 1 to produce a water vapor generator. The produced water vapor generator was put in an oxygen shielding bag (aluminum pillow), and the periphery was sealed and sealed. A series of operations were performed in a nitrogen atmosphere. Further, the produced water vapor generator was stored overnight (about 15 hours) at 25 ° C. until the evaluation described later was performed.

[Evaluation]
The heating tool obtained as described above was evaluated for the following items, and the results are shown in Table 3.

1. Water vapor generation amount The water vapor generation amount was measured as follows using a water vapor generation amount measuring device 40 shown in FIG. The water vapor generation amount measuring device 40 shown in FIG. 4 allows dehumidified air (with a humidity of less than 2% and a flow rate of 2.1 L / min) to flow into an aluminum measurement chamber (volume 2.1 L) 41 and a lower portion of the measurement chamber 41. An inflow path 42 and an outflow path 43 through which air flows out from the upper part of the measurement chamber 41 are provided. An inlet temperature / humidity meter 44 and an inlet flow meter 45 are attached to the inflow path 42. On the other hand, an outlet temperature / humidity meter 46 and an outlet flow meter 47 are attached to the outflow passage 43. A thermometer (thermistor) 48 is attached in the measurement chamber 41. A thermometer having a temperature resolution of about 0.01 ° C. was used.
At the measurement environment temperature (temperature of the environment where the water vapor generation amount measuring device 40 is installed) 30 ° C. (30 ± 3 ° C.), the heating tool is taken out of the packaging material and placed in the measurement chamber 41 with its water vapor generation surface facing up. . A thermometer 48 with metal balls (4.5 g) was placed on it. In this state, 30 ° C. (30 ± 1 ° C.) dehumidified air was flowed from the lower part of the measurement chamber 41. The absolute humidity difference before and after the air flowed into the measurement chamber 41 was determined from the temperature and humidity measured by the inlet temperature / humidity meter 44 and the outlet temperature / humidity meter 46. Further, the amount of water vapor released by the heating tool was calculated from the flow rates measured by the inlet flow meter 45 and the outlet flow meter 47. Table 3 shows the amount of water vapor generated for 10 minutes and 20 minutes from the start of measurement.

2. Maximum water vapor generation rate A value obtained by differentiating the water vapor generation amount measured by the water vapor generation amount measuring device 40 with respect to time was defined as [water vapor generation rate (g / min)], and the maximum value was defined as the maximum water vapor generation rate. Table 3 shows the maximum water vapor generation rate in 30 minutes from the start of measurement.

3. Maximum temperature of the water vapor generator The sensor of the thermometer 48 installed in the measurement chamber 41 of the water vapor generation amount measuring device 40 is brought into contact with the third sheet of the water vapor generator, and the temperature measurement is performed simultaneously with the measurement of the water vapor generation amount. went. In this temperature measurement, the time axis was plotted on the horizontal axis and the temperature was plotted on the vertical axis. The highest temperature (° C.) was measured from the start of measurement to the end of measurement (30 minutes). The results are shown in Table 3.

(Examples 7 to 9, Comparative Examples 5 and 6)
When producing the heating element, a heating element was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the first sheet and the second sheet shown in Table 4 were used.
Moreover, when producing a water vapor generation body, about Example 7, 9 and Comparative Example 6, it is a non-air-permeable and moisture-impermeable sheet (4th sheet | seat, the aluminum pillow material used for the oxygen shielding bag). The water retention layer 12 was covered, and the four sides of the periphery were heat sealed and fixed. A water vapor generator was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the water retention layer 12 was covered with the fourth sheet. The produced water vapor generator was stored at 50 ° C. for 3 days (about 72 hours) until evaluation described later.
The heating tool thus obtained was evaluated according to each evaluation item described above. The results are shown in Table 4.

(Comparative Examples 7-9)
The raw materials shown in Table 5 (excluding wood powder from those shown in Example 1) were blended according to the following procedure to prepare exothermic powders. Under a nitrogen atmosphere, the water-absorbing polymer and iron powder were mixed, and a solution in which sodium chloride was dissolved in water was sprayed and stirred to adhere the iron powder to the surface of the water-absorbing polymer. Next, activated carbon and vermiculite were added with stirring to prepare exothermic powder.
A bag produced using the first sheet and the second sheet shown in Table 6 is filled with the prepared exothermic powder in the amount shown in Table 6, and the periphery of both sheets is hermetically sealed. The exothermic powder was enclosed to produce a heating element. And it was put in the oxygen interruption | blocking bag (aluminum pillow) without providing the water retention layer in Example 1, and the circumference | surroundings were sealed and sealed. Moreover, when measuring water vapor temperature in evaluation, the 3rd sheet | seat used in Example 1 was laminated | stacked on the 1st sheet | seat side which is a water vapor generation surface, and the sensor of the thermometer was made to contact the surface.

(Comparative Example 10)
The heating element produced in Example 6 was used as it was as a steam generator. The water vapor temperature was measured by the same method as in Comparative Examples 7-9.

  Table 6 shows the evaluation results of the steam generators described in Comparative Examples 7 to 10 thus obtained. Table 6 also shows the results of Example 2 described above for comparison.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Heat generation layer 12 Water retention layer 21 1st sheet | seat 22 2nd sheet | seat 23 3rd sheet | seat 30 Heat generating body 40 Water vapor generation amount measuring device 41 Measurement chamber 42 Inflow path 43 Outflow path 44 Inlet temperature / humidity meter 45 Inlet flow meter 46 Outlet Thermohygrometer 47 Outlet flow meter 48 Thermometer 50 Heating tool 51 Body portion 52 Ear hook portion 53 Bag body 53A, 53B Notch portion 54 Hole 55 Bag body first sheet 56 Bag body second sheet 100 Water vapor generator

Claims (14)

A water vapor generator comprising a heat generating layer that generates heat by an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal, a non-permeable and non-moisture permeable sheet, and a water retaining layer provided with a water absorbent sheet,
The water vapor generator is formed by laminating the non-permeable and moisture-permeable sheet between the heat generation layer and the water retention layer,
A water vapor generator, wherein a surface of the heat generation layer opposite to the non-air-permeable and moisture-permeable surface on the sheet side is covered with a sheet having air permeability.   2. The water vapor generator according to claim 1, wherein a surface of the water retaining layer opposite to the surface of the non-air permeable and moisture permeable sheet side is further covered with a gas permeable and moisture permeable sheet.   The surface of the water-retaining layer opposite to the non-air-permeable and moisture-permeable surface on the sheet side, or the surface opposite to the surface facing the heat generating layer of the air-permeable sheet is further non-air-permeable. The water vapor generator according to claim 1, which is covered with a moisture-impermeable sheet.   The surface facing the water retaining layer or the surface facing the water retaining layer of the air permeable and moisture permeable sheet that covers the surface of the water retaining layer opposite to the surface of the non-air permeable and moisture permeable sheet side. The water vapor generator according to claim 2, wherein a surface opposite to the surface is further covered with a non-permeable and moisture-permeable sheet.   The air permeability of the air-permeable sheet coated on the surface opposite to the surface on which the non-air-permeable and moisture-impermeable sheet is laminated of the heat generation layer is 0 to 5000 seconds / 100 mL. Item 5. The water vapor generator according to any one of Items 1 to 4. The water vapor generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an amount of water contained in the water retaining layer is 25 g / m ² or more and 600 g / m ² or less as a basis weight.   The water vapor generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an amount of water vapor generated from the whole water vapor generator is 80 mg / 10 min to 500 mg / 10 min.   The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a temperature of the steam generated from the water retaining layer is 50 ° C or lower.   The water vapor generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a maximum water vapor generation rate of water vapor generated from the entire water vapor generator is 16 mg / min or more and 60 mg / min or less.   The surface of the water retaining layer opposite to the surface on which the non-permeable and moisture-permeable sheets are laminated is applied to the skin surface of the wearer. The water vapor generator according to Item.   The air-permeable sheet coated on the surface opposite to the surface on which the non-air-permeable and moisture-impermeable sheet is laminated of the heat generating layer is constituted by a synthetic resin porous sheet. The water vapor generator according to any one of 1 to 10.   The water vapor generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the non-permeable and moisture-impermeable sheet interposed between the heat generating layer and the water retention layer is a resin sheet or a metal foil. .   A heating tool in which the water vapor generator according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is housed in a bag formed of a sheet having air permeability and moisture permeability at least partially.   The heating tool according to claim 13, wherein the air permeability of the sheet constituting the bag body is 0 sec / 100 mL.

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