JP4130714B2

JP4130714B2 - Thermal material

Info

Publication number: JP4130714B2
Application number: JP31951798A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 南　　直樹; 永二宮下
Original assignee: FERRIC INC.
Current assignee: FERRIC INC.
Priority date: 1998-11-10
Filing date: 1998-11-10
Publication date: 2008-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 2018-11-10
Also published as: JP2000139993A

Description

【０００１】
【発明が属する技術分野】
本発明は温熱材に係り、特に、人体の様々な部位に装着できる汎用性を有し、かつ、低温やけど等の起こりにくい使い捨てカイロ、発熱シート等の温熱材に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、肩こり、神経痛、筋肉痛等の簡易な治療具として、種々の温熱材が広く用いられている。かかる温熱材は、空気と接触して発熱する発熱剤を所定の通気量を有するフィルムで覆い、発熱剤と空気とを徐々に反応させて所定時間発熱を維持するように構成され、通常、粘着剤により皮膚等に貼布して使用される。
【０００３】
このように粘着剤を用いて発熱袋を人体に貼布固定する方法は、どのような部位でも貼布可能で汎用性を有しており、かつ、十分な温熱効果が得られるという利点を有しているが、長時間同一部位に繰り返し使用すると、皮膚表面で蓄熱を生じ、発赤や疼痛等の低温やけどを起こす場合がある。さらに、粘着剤により、皮膚がかぶれたり、角質層が剥離したりする場合があった。また、膝や肩等の可動部分では剥がれ易く、また発汗によりそれが助長される等の問題もあった。
【０００４】
そこで、本発明者は、粘着剤による固定方法の上記問題点を解消すべく、従来から知られている袋状ネットのような装着用具を用いる方法、種々の織布、不織布やサポータ等を用いて発熱袋を患部に固定する方法の見直しを行った。
袋状ネットを人体に固定してこれに発熱袋を挿入する方法は、装着性が悪く、発熱袋と人体の皮膚表面とがフィットしないため、十分な温熱効果が得られないことが分かった。
また、発熱袋を織布や不織布テープからなる装着用テープで巻きつけて固定する方法では、発熱袋がずれやすく、特に可動部分に用いると発熱袋が落下してしまう等の問題があった。これを避けるために、複数回強く巻き付けると運動機能が阻害されたり、うっ血を生じる等の問題が生じた。さらに、これらのテープを巻き付けて固定する方法では、長時間使用すると発赤や疼痛等の低温やけどが起こりやすくなるという問題があることが分かった。伸縮性の織布、不織布を用いると装着性は改良されるものの十分でなく、低温やけどの問題は同様に起こることが分かった。
本発明はかかる知見を基に、より安全性の高い発熱袋の固定方法を検討する中で完成したものである。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は、上記従来の温熱材の問題点を解決すべく、人体のどのような箇所でも安定した装着が可能な汎用性のある温熱材であって、長時間繰り返し使用しても、発赤等の低温やけどやかぶれの発生しにくい安全性の高い温熱材を提供することを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の温熱材は、表面が不織布で被覆された通気性フィルムと非通気性フィルムとの間に発熱体を挟持したシート状発熱袋と、複数の通気孔を有する伸縮性フィルムの少なくとも一面に不織布が形成された伸縮性シート部材と、不織布と係合する面ファスナーと、からなり、
前記伸縮性シート部材の伸縮方向の一方の端部に、前記発熱袋を不織布が同一面側になるように固定し、他方の端部に前記面ファスナーを前記不織布側の面と反対側の面に固定したことを特徴とする。
また、前記伸縮性シート部材は、１．２〜１．６倍伸張時の厚さが伸張前の厚さ以下となることを特徴とする。
【０００７】
本発明の温熱材は、以上のようにシート状発熱袋とこの発熱袋を人体に装着固定するための伸縮性シート部材とが一体に形成されているため、膝や肘等の可動部に装着してもずれや落下が起こりにくいという特徴を有している。
【０００８】
さらに、発熱袋及び伸縮性シート部材は少なくとも一面が不織布で形成されているため、この面のどの部分であっても面ファスナーと係合させることができ、伸縮性シート部材を適切な伸び率、復元強度に調節して発熱袋を固定することができる。即ち、適切な力で発熱袋を固定できることから、運動機能を阻害することなくしかもうっ血を防止しつつ、発熱袋本来の十分な温熱効果を得ることができる。
【０００９】
なお、本発明において、発熱袋及び伸縮性シート部材の両面とも不織布とし、発熱袋のシート部材と反対側の一端にも面ファスナーを設けるのが好ましい。これにより、２カ所で、発熱袋は固定されるため人体へフィット性はさらに向上し、より高い装着性、温熱効果を得ることができる。
【００１０】
さらに本発明の温熱材の特徴は、織布や不織布単体からなる装着用テープを巻いて発熱袋を固定する場合と異なり、長時間使用しても、低温やけどの問題が少ないことにある。即ち、本発明の伸縮性シート部材の長さは、伸び率との関係で所定の長さに定められるため、装着部の径の大小あるいは個人差により、発熱袋上に伸縮性シート部材が複数回重なる場合がある。しかし、この場合でも、従来の装着用テープが重なると低温やけどが発生しやすくなるのに対し、本発明の伸縮性シート部材を用いることにより低温やけどの発生を抑制することができるという大きな特徴を有している。この理由の詳細は現在のところ明らかではないが、次のように考えている。
【００１１】
温熱治療は、温熱材で発生した熱を患部に供給して温めることにより、血行を促進させ、肩こり、筋肉痛並びに慢性疼痛を緩和するものである。シート状発熱袋で発生した熱は、温熱治療に用いられるための皮膚側へ伝達する熱と、発熱袋上面から外部に放散する熱量とのバランスにより、皮膚表面温度が所定の温度範囲に維持するように設計される。
【００１２】
しかし、従来の装着用テープを用いて発熱袋を固定すると、装着用テープが発熱体を覆うため発熱袋上面からの熱の放散が妨げられ、熱バランスが崩れて蓄熱が進み、長時間の使用により皮膚表面温度が上昇し低温やけど等の症状が現れるものと考えられる。
そこで、本発明者らは、装着テープを用いた場合に低温やけどが起こりやすくなる原因を検討した結果、低温やけどを起こし易いものは、引っ張って伸ばしたときに繊維が中央に集まりテープ幅が狭くなるとともに全体として波打ち、厚さが増加するものであることを見出した。即ち、従来の装着用テープ等を用いて発熱袋を強く巻き付けて固定しようとすると、厚さが増加する。これは、織布・不織布にかかわらず、また伸縮性の有無にかかわらず同様であった。
即ち、発熱袋を覆う装着用テープ等が厚くなり、また、空気層が発熱袋とテープ間に滞留して断熱材として作用する結果、蓄熱が進み、低温やけどが生じ易くなるものと考えられる。
【００１３】
一方、本発明の伸縮性シート部材は、多数の通気孔を有する伸縮性フィルム上に一方向に伸縮しやすいように不織布が形成されているため、伸びた状態でも、織布や、不織布単体のように伸びて厚くなるのとは異なり、逆に伸びて薄くなり、しかも通気性は十分確保されるため、滞留する空気層も形成されることはない。従って、発熱袋が伸縮性シート部材で覆われても放熱が妨げられることは少なく、熱バランスは維持されて、皮膚表面での蓄熱が防止できる結果、低温やけどを防止できるものと考えられる。
このことから、例えば、腰のように径の大きな場所に装着するときは、発熱袋を覆うことなく装着し、首や膝等に装着するときは、複数回巻いて装着することになるが、いずれの場合も同じ収縮強度とすることができ、しかも低温やけどを防止しながら十分な温熱効果が得られることになる。
【００１４】
以下に本発明の温熱材の一例を図１に示し、図を用いて本発明を説明する。温熱材は、主として発熱袋１００、一方向伸縮性シート部材１１０、面ファスナー１２０とから構成される。
図１において、（ａ）、（ｂ）はそれぞれ温熱材の模式的平面図及びＡ−Ａ’断面図であり、（ｃ）、（ｄ）は発熱袋部１００及び伸縮性シート部材１１０の模式的拡大断面図である。
【００１５】
発熱袋１００は、通気性フィルム１０１と非通気性フィルム１０２で発熱剤１０３を挟持し、さらにこれらのフィルムの外側に不織布１０４，１０５が設けられ、周辺１０６がホットメルトシール等によりシールされている。なお、不織布１０４は面ファスナー１２０と係合できるものである。
【００１６】
ここで、通気性フィルムは、例えばポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン、ポリフッ化エチレンフィルム等の多孔質フィルムが好適に用いられ、必要通気量に応じて孔径が定められる。通気量は必要発熱量、温度に応じて、用いる発熱剤に関連して設計される。発熱剤は、空気と接触して発熱するものであればどのようなものでも良く、例えば、鉄粉等の主剤に食塩水、活性炭等の補助剤を添加した公知の材料が用いられ、発熱時間に応じて、その量が定められる。
通気性フィルムの厚さは通常２０μｍ〜１ｍｍ程度のものが好適に用いられる。
【００１７】
非通気性フィルムとしては、実質的に酸素を透過しないフィルムであれば良く、例えばポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン、ポリブタジエン等のポリオレフィン、ポリ塩化ビニル、ポリ塩化ビニリデン、ポリエステル、ポリエーテル、ポリスルフォン、ポリアミド製で、厚さが２０μｍ〜１ｍｍ程度のものが用いられる。
【００１８】
また、不織布としては、例えばポリエチレン、ポリエステル、レーヨン、綿、パルプ等の不織布及びこれらを混合、組み合わせたものが用いられる。不織布の厚さは、通常１００μｍ〜１ｍｍ程度である。また、通気性フィルム側に用いる不織布は面ファスナーと係合し、伸縮性シート部材の収縮力に抗し得る強度及び係合強度を有するものを用いる。
【００１９】
伸縮性シート部材１１０は、通気孔を多数有する伸縮性フィルム１１１の少なくとも片面（面ファスナー１２０と係合する面）に不織布がフィルムの伸縮性を妨げないように形成されたものである。
図１の例では、一方向伸縮性フィルム（例えばメタロセン触媒を用いて作製したポリエチレンフィルム）１１１に通気孔１１２（０．５〜３ｍｍ径程度）を形成し、例えば、その両面に不織布１１３，１１４を繊維がＡ−Ａ’方向と垂直方向に、断面が例えば波状、台形状等になるように形成し、伸縮性を持たせたものである。このように、フィルム１１１には通気孔が多数形成されているため外気と通気が確保され蓄熱を防止できる構成となっている。また、このような構成にすることにより、伸ばした状態でも厚さは増加せず、放熱性を確保することができる。
【００２０】
なお、伸縮性シート部材において、皮膚と接触する面側の不織布１１４は必ずしも設ける必要はないが、皮膚に対する感触性を高める観点からは、両面に不織布を設けるのが好ましい。
なお、図の例では、３層構造を示したが、４層以上の構成としても良い。また、シート部材の伸び率は、装着性、汎用性の観点から、１．２〜１．６倍程度とするのが好ましい。
【００２１】
伸縮性フィルム１１１は、伸縮させても十分な強度を有し、熱伝達の良い材料であればよく、これに関連して材料、厚さ、孔径等が適宜定められる。
材料としては、例えば、ポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン等のポリオレフィン等の合成樹脂フィルムを好適に用いることができる。フィルムの厚さは、熱伝達及び発熱袋を固定するための強度と、通気孔の孔径との関係から、１５〜１００μｍ程度とするのが好ましい。この範囲で、装着性、放熱性が確保されるとともに十分な温熱効果が得られる。
また、通気孔の孔径は、放熱性並びにフィルム伸縮性及び強度の点から、０．５〜３ｍｍとするのが好ましい。孔の配置は、例えば千鳥配列等規則的に配列するのが好ましい。
伸縮性シート部材で用いる不織布は、上記発熱袋と同様の材料を用いることができ、上述したように伸縮性フィルムの伸縮性を阻害しないように形成する、あるいは不織布の繊維自体が伸縮性を有するものを用いてもよい。
【００２２】
図１に示した温熱材は、発熱袋を固定すべく不織布と係合する面ファスナーを１つ設けた構成としたが、面ファスナーは一カ所に限る必要はなく、例えば、図２に示すように、発熱袋のシート部材と反対端に面ファスナー１２０’を設けても良い。この場合、面ファスナー１２０’は、面ファスナー１２０とは反対面側（通気性フィルム側）にも設けることになり、伸縮性シート部材の面ファスナー１２０側も不織布とする必要がある。以上の構成とすることにより、温熱材のフィット性、温熱効果は一層向上する。
【００２３】
次に、伸縮性シート部材と発熱袋との接続方法の一例について説明するが、接続方法は本発明の温熱材の特徴を損なわない範囲で、どのようなものも採用されるが、例えば、以下のようにすればよい。
【００２４】
図３に示すように、所定の形状の通気性フィルム１０１及び不織布１０４の複合フィルムと、非通気性フィルム１０２及び不織布１０５の複合フィルムとの間に発熱剤１０３を挟み、周辺１０６を熱圧着等でシールする。この際、伸縮性シート部材と接続する辺は端から５〜２０ｍｍ程度を圧着しないでおく。次に伸縮性シート部材を、圧着しないでおいた部分の２枚の複合フィルム間に挟み、この部分を熱圧着若しくは接着剤等で固定する。
【００２５】
あるいは、図４に示すように、所定の形状の通気性フィルム１０１及び不織布１０４の複合フィルムと非通気性フィルム１０２との間に発熱剤１０３を挟持し、周辺を熱圧着等でシールした後、伸縮性シート部材１１０の上に接着剤等を用いて固定する。
【００２６】
【実施例】
以下に、実施例を挙げて、本発明をより詳細に説明する。
【００２７】
（実施例１）
鉄粉（４５．０部）、活性炭（３．０部）、NaCl（２．０部）、水（３９．９部）と、サンフレッシュＳＴ５７１（三洋化成製）（７．０部）、珪藻土（３．１部）を攪拌混合して発熱剤を調合した。
次に、図５に示す形状のポリエステル不織布で被覆したポリエチレン通気性フィルムと、ポリエステル不織布で被覆した非通気性ポリエチレンフィルムとを、長手方向１４２ｍｍのところまで、一部を残し周辺を幅約５ｍｍで熱シールして貼り合わせ、この中に上記発熱剤を１５ｇを入れ、残りの未シール部を熱シールして発熱剤を封入した。
【００２８】
また、０．５ｍｍ径の孔を２ｍｍピッチで千鳥状に配列した伸縮性ポリエチレンフィルム（３０μｍ）の両側にポリエステル不織布（２６ｇ／ｍ^２）を貼り合わせて伸縮性シート部材を作製した。このとき、不織布の繊維の流れ方向はシート部材の伸縮方向と垂直とした。
次に、伸縮部材の一端を発熱袋の未シール部に挟み込んで１０ｍｍ幅で熱シールし、他端部に幅２０ｍｍ、長さ７３ｍｍの面ファスナー（３Ｍ製フックテープＫＪ−５４７６Ｈ０３）を接着剤で貼り付け、さらに３ｍｍ幅で熱シールした。以上のようにして、図５に示す形状の温熱材を作製した。
【００２９】
作製した温熱材を３人の被験者（Ａ，Ｂ，Ｃ）の膝部分に、発熱袋の凹み部分が膝にはまるように固定して温熱治療を行った。被験者の膝周りはそれぞれ約２３０、２７０、３８０ｍｍで、本実施例の伸縮性シート部材は約１．２倍伸ばすと発熱袋が運動機能及び感触良く固定保持され、歩いても温熱材がずれることはなかった。なお、約１．２倍伸びた状態では発熱袋表面がシート部材により面積比でそれぞれ約１００％、５５％、０％覆われた状態になった。
【００３０】
これらの状態で８時間の温熱治療を行ったところ、いずれの被験者も心地よい温熱を感じた。また、８時間経過後にこの温熱材を外し皮膚表面を観察したところ皮膚表面には特に変化はなく、温熱材の長時間使用で問題になる低温火傷の症状は観られなかった。
温熱治療の間、被験者Ａ，Ｃについては、温熱材と皮膚の間に熱電対（ＲＫＣ製ＳＴ−５０）を貼り付け皮膚表面温度を測定したところ、最高温度は被験者Ａの場合４２℃となり、この温度が約８時間持続した。一方、被験者Ｃの場合は、最高温度は４０℃であった。
【００３１】
（比較例１）
実施例１の伸縮性シート部材の代わりに、不織布（出光石油化学株式会社製ＥＷ２０７０）のみからなる装着用テープを用いた他は実施例１と同じ構成の温熱材を作製し、これを上記被験者（Ａ，Ｂ，Ｃ）の膝の同一部分に同様に１．２倍伸ばした状態で装着した。なお、被験者Ｂの場合、１．２倍伸びた状態で発熱袋の表面を装着用テープが面積比で５２％覆う状態となった。実施例１と比較して約５２％と値が小さくなったのは幅の減少によるものである。
【００３２】
同様に８時間の温熱治療を行ったところ、実施例１と同様の温感が得られたものの、被験者Ａの場合、8時間後に温熱材を外したところ、皮膚表面は赤みを帯び、低温火傷の初期状態を示していた。
また、温度測定の結果、被験者Ａの皮膚表面温度は最高温度は４５℃で、この温度が約７時間持続したことが分かった。
【００３３】
以上から明らかなように、本比較例の不織布だけからなる固定用テープを用いた場合、その使用方法によっては４５℃の高温を長時間持続するので低温やけどを起こす可能性が大きくなることが分かった。
即ち、実施例１の伸縮性シート部材は、従来の固定用部材と比較して極めて優れた放熱特性を示し、発熱袋全面被覆時の温度上昇を少なくし、低温火傷を起こしにくいものとなっている。
【００３４】
（実験例）
以下に、種々の発熱袋固定用部材の伸びと厚さ及び皮膚表面温度との関係について、本発明を完成する過程で行った実験の一例を説明する。
ここで、用いた固定用部材は、実施例１と同じ伸縮性シート部材（試料１）、試料１のシート部材の不織布を片面のみ形成したもの（試料２）、不織布単体（出光石油化学株式会社ＥＷ２０５０）（試料３）、比較例１と同じ固定部材（試料４）である。
【００３５】
（１）固定用部材の伸びと厚さとの関係
種々の発熱袋固定用部材の伸び（＝伸張時の中心部の長さ／伸張前の中心部の長さ（５０ｍｍ））と厚さの関係について測定した結果を表に示す
各試料の寸法は、幅５０ｍｍまたは１００ｍｍ、長さ２５０ｍｍとし、その両端２０ｍｍをガムテープで挟み込み引っ張りの保持部分とした。厚さは、マイクロメータを用い、直径６．３ｍｍ及び３０ｍｍの加圧子で、９０ｇの過重がかかるようにして測定した。なお、引張り力は不織布の流れの方向に対し垂直方向（長手方向）に加えた。
【００３６】
表１は、幅５０ｍｍ、長さ２５０ｍｍの試料を用い、マイクロメータの加圧子の直径を６．３ｍｍとして測定した結果である。
【表１】

【００３７】
表１において、試料１，２の伸縮前の各不織布層の厚さは７２μｍである。また、▲１▼ は各試料の中央部の値、▲２▼は試料の長手方向端より８３ｍｍの位置の値を示す。
なお、試料１，２は１．６倍で、試料３，４（不織布単体）は１．４倍で復元性は低下した。伸ばす前に５０ｍｍの間隔であったものが、１．６倍伸ばした後では、試料１，２が５５ｍｍ、試料３が６５ｍｍ、試料４が６７ｍｍとなった。
【００３８】
表１から分かるように、試料１，２は伸びの力を加えるに従い厚さが減少し、これに対し不織布単独の試料３，４の場合は、厚さが増加した。また、各欄の（）内の数値は伸張時の各試料の幅であり、不織布単独では伸ばすほど極端に幅が減少することが分かる。
以上から、不織布単体の試料３，４では、伸張時に、伸びの力の垂直方向の内側に引張り込む力が大きく働き、これが横から糸を引っ張り込んで厚さを増加させていると思われる。これに対し、試料１，２は伸縮性のポリエチレンのフィルムと貼り合わせていることによりこの不織布の内側に引っ張り込む力を抑え、横からの糸の引張り込みを少なくし、ポリエチレンの延伸による薄膜化をより効果的に発現し全体として伸びの力に対して試料の厚さが減少するものと思われる。
【００３９】
表２は、幅１００ｍｍ、長さ２５０ｍｍの試料（試料１）を用い、マイクロメータの加圧子を直径６．３ｍｍ及び３０ｍｍとして測定した結果である。なお、表２において、Ｒ，Ｌは試料の幅方向の端よりそれぞれ２０ｍｍの点で測定した厚さである。
【表２】

表２が示すように、いずれの加圧子を用いた場合でも、伸張とともに厚さが減少する傾向を示すことが分かった。
【００４０】
（２）固定用部材の伸びと蓄熱との関係
固定用部材の伸びの程度が蓄熱状態がどのように影響するか調べるため、以下のように簡易な系で実験を行った。
発熱源としては、一定の発熱状態を維持するため、通常の発熱袋の代わりに鉄製のヒータ（３５ｍｍｘ４０ｍｍｘ１ｍｍ）をポリエステル不織布の袋に入れた発熱体を用いた。この発熱体の表面温度は、室温２６℃で、所定の電力（６．４５Ｖ，５６．６ｍＡ）を投入したところ、ほぼ４１℃に維持された。
また、固定用部材として、(ｉ)試料１、(ii)試料４と同じものを用い、伸びた状態でも発熱体全体を覆うように、幅１００ｍｍ、長さ２５０ｍｍに裁断したものを用いた。
ヒータを発泡スチロールブロック（１８０ｍｍｘ６０ｍｍｘ４５０ｍｍ）に載せ、固定用部材を所定の伸びで巻き付けて固定した。このとき、温度を測定するため、(Ａ)発泡スチロール面、（Ｂ）固定用部材表面に熱電対（ＲＫＣ製ＳＴ−５０）をセットした。
【００４１】
試料１及び４について、伸びと各部の温度の関係をそれぞれ図６（ａ）及び（ｂ）に示す。
なお、伸び１．０とは固定用部材を発熱体表面に置き軽く押さえた状態である。図が示すように、試料１の部材は、伸びが増加するにつれて、発泡スチロール面の温度は下がるのに対し、試料４の部材の場合、逆に温度が上昇した。
【００４２】
【発明の効果】
本発明の温熱材は、発熱袋とこれを固定するための伸縮性部材とが一体化されているため、発熱袋の人体へのフィット性がよく、ずれ等が起こりにくいため安定して温熱治療を行うことができる。
また、伸縮部材の固定に面ファスナーを用い、かつ発熱体及び伸縮部材のどの部分とも係合可能なため、適度な強度で固定することが可能となり、運動機能を阻害することなくまた違和感もない優れた装着性を有している。
さらに、伸縮部材は伸張時であっても放熱性に優れているため、蓄熱による低温やけどの心配のない極めて安全性の高い温熱材を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の温熱材の一例を示す模式図である。
【図２】本発明の温熱材の他の例を示す模式図である。
【図３】本発明の温熱材の他の例を示す模式図である。
【図４】本発明の温熱材の他の例を示す模式図である。
【図５】実施例１の温熱材を示す模式図である。
【図６】固定用部材の伸びと温度との関係を示すグラフである。
【符号の説明】
１００発熱袋、
１０１通気性フィルム、
１０２非通気性フィルム、
１０３発熱剤、
１０４、１０５不織布、
１１０伸縮性シート部材、
１１１伸縮性フィルム、
１１２通気孔、
１１３、１１４不織布、
１２０、１２０’ 面ファスナー。[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to a thermal material, and more particularly to a thermal material such as a disposable body warmer and a heat generating sheet, which has versatility that can be attached to various parts of a human body and is unlikely to cause low-temperature burns.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, various thermal materials have been widely used as simple treatment tools for stiff shoulders, neuralgia, muscle pain, and the like. Such a thermal material is configured to cover a heat generating agent that generates heat upon contact with air with a film having a predetermined air flow rate, and to gradually react the heat generating agent and air to maintain heat generation for a predetermined time. Attached to the skin etc. with the agent.
[0003]
Thus, the method of sticking and fixing the heat generating bag to the human body using an adhesive has the advantage that it can be applied to any part and has versatility, and a sufficient thermal effect can be obtained. However, repeated use at the same site for a long time may cause heat accumulation on the skin surface and cause low-temperature burns such as redness and pain. Furthermore, the adhesive may cause skin irritation or exfoliation of the stratum corneum. In addition, there are problems that the movable parts such as knees and shoulders are easily peeled off, and that they are promoted by perspiration.
[0004]
Therefore, the present inventor uses a conventionally known method using a wearing tool such as a bag-like net, various woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, supporters, etc. in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the fixing method using an adhesive. The method of fixing the fever bag to the affected area was reviewed.
It was found that the method of fixing the bag-like net to the human body and inserting the heat-generating bag into the human body is not easy to wear and the heat-generating bag and the skin surface of the human body do not fit, so that a sufficient heating effect cannot be obtained.
Further, in the method in which the heat generating bag is wrapped and fixed with a mounting tape made of woven fabric or non-woven tape, the heat generating bag is liable to be displaced, and particularly when it is used for a movable part, there is a problem that the heat generating bag falls. In order to avoid this, if a strong wrap is applied several times, problems such as inhibition of the motor function and occurrence of congestion occur. Furthermore, it has been found that the method of winding and fixing these tapes has a problem that low-temperature burns such as redness and pain tend to occur when used for a long time. It was found that the use of stretchable woven and non-woven fabrics improved the wearability but was not sufficient, and the problem of low-temperature burns occurred as well.
Based on this knowledge, the present invention has been completed while studying a more secure method for fixing a heating bag.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention is a general-purpose thermal material that can be stably mounted anywhere in the human body in order to solve the above-described problems of the conventional thermal material, and even when used repeatedly for a long time, redness, etc. The purpose is to provide a highly safe thermal material that does not easily cause low-temperature burns or rashes.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The thermal material of the present invention is provided on at least one surface of a sheet-like heating bag having a heating element sandwiched between a breathable film and a non-breathable film whose surfaces are coated with a nonwoven fabric, and a stretchable film having a plurality of ventilation holes. An elastic sheet member formed with a nonwoven fabric and a hook-and-loop fastener that engages with the nonwoven fabric,
The heat generating bag is fixed to one end portion of the stretchable sheet member in the expansion / contraction direction so that the nonwoven fabric is on the same surface side, and the surface fastener is fixed to the other end portion on the surface opposite to the surface on the nonwoven fabric side. It is characterized by being fixed to.
The stretchable sheet member is characterized in that the thickness when stretched 1.2 to 1.6 times is equal to or less than the thickness before stretch.
[0007]
The thermal material of the present invention is mounted on a movable part such as the knee or elbow because the sheet-like heat generating bag and the elastic sheet member for mounting and fixing the heat generating bag on the human body are integrally formed as described above. Even so, it has a feature that it is difficult to slip and fall.
[0008]
Furthermore, since at least one surface of the heat generating bag and the elastic sheet member is formed of a nonwoven fabric, any part of this surface can be engaged with the surface fastener, and the elastic sheet member has an appropriate elongation rate. The heating bag can be fixed by adjusting the restoring strength. That is, since the heat generating bag can be fixed with an appropriate force, it is possible to obtain a sufficient heat effect inherent to the heat generating bag while preventing blood stagnation without impairing the motor function.
[0009]
In the present invention, it is preferable that both surfaces of the heat generating bag and the elastic sheet member are made of non-woven fabric, and a hook-and-loop fastener is provided at one end of the heat generating bag opposite to the sheet member. Thereby, since the heat generating bag is fixed at two places, the fit to the human body is further improved, and higher wearability and thermal effect can be obtained.
[0010]
Further, the thermal material of the present invention is characterized in that there are few problems of low-temperature burns even when it is used for a long time, unlike the case of fixing a heat generating bag by winding a mounting tape made of a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric alone. That is, since the length of the stretchable sheet member of the present invention is determined to be a predetermined length in relation to the elongation rate, there are a plurality of stretchable sheet members on the heating bag depending on the diameter of the mounting portion or individual differences. May overlap. However, even in this case, when the conventional mounting tape overlaps, low temperature burns are likely to occur, but the use of the stretchable sheet member of the present invention has the great feature that low temperature burns can be suppressed. Have. The details of this reason are not clear at present, but we think as follows.
[0011]
In the thermal treatment, the heat generated by the thermal material is supplied to the affected area and warmed to promote blood circulation and relieve stiff shoulders, muscle pain and chronic pain. The heat generated in the sheet-like heating bag maintains the skin surface temperature within a predetermined temperature range by the balance between the heat transmitted to the skin for use in thermal therapy and the amount of heat dissipated from the upper surface of the heating bag to the outside. Designed as such.
[0012]
However, fixing the heat-generating bag using conventional mounting tape prevents the heat from dissipating from the upper surface of the heat-generating bag because the mounting tape covers the heating element, and the heat balance is disrupted, resulting in increased heat storage and prolonged use. As a result, the skin surface temperature rises and symptoms such as low-temperature burns appear.
Therefore, as a result of examining the cause of low temperature burns easily occurring when using a mounting tape, the present inventors have found that those that are likely to cause low temperature burns are gathered in the center when pulled and stretched, and the tape width is narrow. As a result, it has been found that the entire surface is wavy and the thickness increases. That is, if the heat-generating bag is strongly wound and fixed using a conventional mounting tape or the like, the thickness increases. This was the same regardless of the presence or absence of stretchability, regardless of whether the fabric was woven or non-woven.
That is, it is considered that the mounting tape covering the heat generating bag becomes thick, and the air layer stays between the heat generating bag and the tape and acts as a heat insulating material. As a result, heat storage proceeds and low temperature burns are likely to occur.
[0013]
On the other hand, the stretchable sheet member of the present invention has a nonwoven fabric formed on a stretchable film having a large number of ventilation holes so as to easily stretch in one direction. However, the air layer staying in the air layer is not formed because the air layer is elongated and thin, and the air permeability is sufficiently secured. Therefore, even if the heat generating bag is covered with the stretchable sheet member, it is unlikely that heat dissipation is hindered, the heat balance is maintained, and heat storage on the skin surface can be prevented, so that low temperature burns can be prevented.
From this, for example, when wearing in a place with a large diameter such as the waist, wearing without covering the heating bag, when wearing on the neck or knee etc., it will be worn by wrapping multiple times, In either case, the same shrinkage strength can be obtained, and a sufficient thermal effect can be obtained while preventing low-temperature burns.
[0014]
An example of the thermal material of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 below, and the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The thermal material mainly includes a heating bag 100, a one-way stretchable sheet member 110, and a hook-and-loop fastener 120.
1, (a) and (b) are a schematic plan view and AA ′ cross-sectional view, respectively, of the thermal material, and (c) and (d) are schematic views of the heating bag portion 100 and the stretchable sheet member 110, respectively. FIG.
[0015]
In the heat generating bag 100, the heat generating agent 103 is sandwiched between the air permeable film 101 and the non-air permeable film 102, and the

nonwoven fabrics

104 and 105 are provided outside these films, and the periphery 106 is sealed by hot melt sealing or the like. . The nonwoven fabric 104 can be engaged with the hook-and-loop fastener 120.
[0016]
Here, as the air permeable film, for example, a porous film such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyfluorinated ethylene film is suitably used, and the pore diameter is determined according to the necessary air permeability. The amount of ventilation is designed in relation to the heat generating agent to be used, depending on the required heat generation amount and temperature. Any exothermic agent may be used as long as it generates heat upon contact with air. For example, a known material in which an auxiliary agent such as saline or activated carbon is added to the main agent such as iron powder is used, and the heat generation time is increased. The amount is determined according to
The thickness of the air permeable film is preferably about 20 μm to 1 mm.
[0017]
The non-breathable film may be a film that does not substantially transmit oxygen, for example, polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polybutadiene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester, polyether, polysulfone, and polyamide, Those having a thickness of about 20 μm to 1 mm are used.
[0018]
Moreover, as a nonwoven fabric, the thing which mixed and combined these nonwoven fabrics, such as polyethylene, polyester, rayon, cotton, a pulp, for example is used. The thickness of the nonwoven fabric is usually about 100 μm to 1 mm. Moreover, the nonwoven fabric used for the breathable film side uses what has the intensity | strength and engagement intensity | strength which can engage with a hook_and_loop | surface fastener and can resist the contractive force of an elastic sheet member.
[0019]
The stretchable sheet member 110 is formed so that the nonwoven fabric does not hinder the stretchability of the film on at least one surface (the surface engaged with the surface fastener 120) of the stretchable film 111 having a large number of air holes.
In the example of FIG. 1, vent holes 112 (about 0.5 to 3 mm in diameter) are formed in a unidirectional stretch film (for example, a polyethylene film produced using a metallocene catalyst) 111, and for example,

nonwoven fabrics

113 and 114 are formed on both sides thereof. The fiber is formed in a direction perpendicular to the AA ′ direction so that the cross section becomes, for example, a wave shape, a trapezoidal shape, etc., and has elasticity. Thus, since many air holes are formed in the film 111, it is the structure which can ensure external air and ventilation | gas_flowing and can prevent heat storage. Further, with such a configuration, the thickness does not increase even in the extended state, and heat dissipation can be ensured.
[0020]
In the stretchable sheet member, it is not always necessary to provide the non-woven fabric 114 on the side in contact with the skin, but it is preferable to provide non-woven fabric on both sides from the viewpoint of improving the touch to the skin.
In the example shown in the figure, a three-layer structure is shown, but a structure having four or more layers may be used. Moreover, it is preferable that the elongation rate of a sheet | seat member shall be about 1.2 to 1.6 times from a viewpoint of mounting | wearing property and versatility.
[0021]
The stretchable film 111 may be a material that has sufficient strength even when stretched and has good heat transfer, and the material, thickness, hole diameter, and the like are appropriately determined in this connection.
As the material, for example, a synthetic resin film such as polyolefin such as polyethylene and polypropylene can be suitably used. The thickness of the film is preferably about 15 to 100 μm from the relationship between the strength for fixing the heat transfer and the heat generating bag and the hole diameter of the air holes. Within this range, mounting properties and heat dissipation are ensured and a sufficient thermal effect is obtained.
Moreover, it is preferable that the hole diameter of a ventilation hole shall be 0.5-3 mm from the point of heat dissipation, film stretchability, and intensity | strength. The holes are preferably arranged regularly, such as a staggered arrangement.
The nonwoven fabric used for the stretchable sheet member can be made of the same material as the heat-generating bag, and is formed so as not to disturb the stretchability of the stretchable film as described above, or the nonwoven fabric fiber itself has stretchability. A thing may be used.
[0022]
The thermal material shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration in which one hook-and-loop fastener that engages with the non-woven fabric to fix the heating bag is provided. However, the hook-and-loop fastener need not be limited to one place, for example, as shown in FIG. In addition, a hook-and-loop fastener 120 'may be provided at the end opposite to the sheet member of the heat generating bag. In this case, the hook-and-loop fastener 120 ′ is also provided on the side opposite to the hook-and-loop fastener 120 (the breathable film side), and the hook-and-loop fastener 120 side of the stretchable sheet member also needs to be a non-woven fabric. By setting it as the above structure, the fitting property of a thermal material and a thermal effect improve further.
[0023]
Next, an example of a connection method between the elastic sheet member and the heat generating bag will be described. Any connection method can be used as long as it does not impair the characteristics of the thermal material of the present invention. Like this.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, a heat generating agent 103 is sandwiched between a composite film of a breathable film 101 and a nonwoven fabric 104 having a predetermined shape and a composite film of a non-breathable film 102 and a nonwoven fabric 105, and the periphery 106 is thermocompression bonded. Seal with. At this time, the side connected to the stretchable sheet member is not crimped about 5 to 20 mm from the end. Next, the stretchable sheet member is sandwiched between the two composite films that have not been pressure-bonded, and this part is fixed by thermocompression bonding or an adhesive.
[0025]
Or, as shown in FIG. 4, after sandwiching the exothermic agent 103 between the breathable film 101 of a predetermined shape and the composite film of the nonwoven fabric 104 and the non-breathable film 102 and sealing the periphery by thermocompression bonding or the like, It fixes on the elastic sheet member 110 using an adhesive agent or the like.
[0026]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples.
[0027]
(Example 1)
Iron powder (45.0 parts), activated carbon (3.0 parts), NaCl (2.0 parts), water (39.9 parts), Sunfresh ST571 (manufactured by Sanyo Kasei) (7.0 parts), diatomaceous earth (3.1 parts) was stirred and mixed to prepare an exothermic agent.
Next, a polyethylene breathable film coated with a polyester nonwoven fabric having the shape shown in FIG. 5 and a non-breathable polyethylene film coated with a polyester nonwoven fabric are left up to about 142 mm in the longitudinal direction with a width of about 5 mm around the periphery. After heat sealing and bonding, 15 g of the exothermic agent was put therein, and the remaining unsealed portion was heat sealed to enclose the exothermic agent.
[0028]
Moreover, the polyester nonwoven fabric (26 g / m < ² >) was bonded together on both sides of the elastic polyethylene film (30 micrometers) which arranged the hole of 0.5 mm diameter at 2 mm pitch at zigzag form, and the elastic sheet member was produced. At this time, the flow direction of the fibers of the nonwoven fabric was perpendicular to the expansion / contraction direction of the sheet member.
Next, one end of the expansion / contraction member is sandwiched between unsealed portions of the heat generating bag and heat-sealed with a width of 10 mm, and a surface fastener (3M hook tape KJ-5476H03) with a width of 20 mm and a length of 73 mm is attached to the other end portion with an adhesive. Affixed and heat sealed with a width of 3 mm. As described above, the thermal material having the shape shown in FIG. 5 was produced.
[0029]
The prepared thermal material was fixed to the knees of three subjects (A, B, C) so that the dents of the heat-generating bags fit into the knees, and thermal therapy was performed. The subject's knees are approximately 230, 270, and 380 mm, respectively, and when the stretchable sheet member of this example is stretched approximately 1.2 times, the heat-generating bag is fixed and held with good motor function and feel, and the thermal material shifts even when walking. There was no. When the sheet was extended about 1.2 times, the surface of the heat generating bag was covered with the sheet member by about 100%, 55%, and 0% by area ratio.
[0030]
When heat treatment was performed for 8 hours in these states, all subjects felt comfortable heat. Further, when the thermal material was removed after 8 hours and the skin surface was observed, there was no particular change in the skin surface, and no symptoms of low-temperature burn that would be a problem with long-term use of the thermal material were observed.
During the thermal treatment, for subjects A and C, when a thermocouple (ST-50 made by RKC) was applied between the thermal material and the skin and the skin surface temperature was measured, the maximum temperature was 42 ° C. for subject A, This temperature lasted for about 8 hours. On the other hand, in the case of subject C, the maximum temperature was 40 ° C.
[0031]
(Comparative Example 1)
Instead of the stretchable sheet member of Example 1, a thermal material having the same configuration as that of Example 1 was prepared except that a mounting tape made only of a nonwoven fabric (EW2070 manufactured by Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.) was prepared. Similarly, it was attached to the same part of the knee of (A, B, C) in a state of being stretched 1.2 times. In the case of the subject B, the surface of the heat generating bag was covered with 52% of the surface area of the heat generating bag in an extended state by 1.2 times. The reduction of the value by about 52% compared to Example 1 is due to the decrease in width.
[0032]
Similarly, when the thermal treatment was performed for 8 hours, the same thermal sensation as in Example 1 was obtained. However, in the case of the subject A, when the thermal material was removed after 8 hours, the skin surface was reddish and low-temperature burns occurred. The initial state of was shown.
As a result of temperature measurement, it was found that the skin surface temperature of subject A was 45 ° C., and this temperature lasted for about 7 hours.
[0033]
As is clear from the above, when using a fixing tape consisting only of the nonwoven fabric of this comparative example, depending on the method of use, a high temperature of 45 ° C. is maintained for a long time, so the possibility of low temperature burns increases. It was.
That is, the stretchable sheet member of Example 1 exhibits extremely excellent heat dissipation characteristics as compared with the conventional fixing member, reduces the temperature rise when covering the entire surface of the heat generating bag, and does not easily cause low-temperature burns. Yes.
[0034]
(Experimental example)
Below, an example of the experiment conducted in the process which completes this invention is demonstrated about the relationship between the expansion | extension of various heat-generating bag fixing members, thickness, and skin surface temperature.
Here, the fixing member used was the same elastic sheet member as in Example 1 (Sample 1), a sheet member of Sample 1 formed only on one side (Sample 2), a nonwoven fabric alone (Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.) EW2050) (Sample 3) and the same fixing member (Sample 4) as Comparative Example 1.
[0035]
(1) Relationship between elongation and thickness of fixing member Relationship between elongation (= length of central portion when stretched / length of central portion before stretching (50 mm)) and thickness of various fixing members for heat-generating bags The dimensions of each sample shown in the table for the measurement results were set to a width of 50 mm or 100 mm and a length of 250 mm. The thickness was measured using a micrometer with a pressurizer having a diameter of 6.3 mm and a diameter of 30 mm so that an excess weight of 90 g was applied. The tensile force was applied in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the nonwoven fabric (longitudinal direction).
[0036]
Table 1 shows the results of measurement using a sample having a width of 50 mm and a length of 250 mm and a micrometer pressurizer diameter of 6.3 mm.
[Table 1]

[0037]
In Table 1, the thickness of each nonwoven fabric layer before and after stretching of Samples 1 and 2 is 72 μm. Also, (1) is the value at the center of each sample, and (2) is the value at a position 83 mm from the end in the longitudinal direction of the sample.
In addition, samples 1 and 2 were 1.6 times, and samples 3 and 4 (non-woven fabric alone) were 1.4 times and the restorability was lowered. Although it was 50 mm before stretching, after 1.6 times stretching, Samples 1 and 2 were 55 mm, Sample 3 was 65 mm, and Sample 4 was 67 mm.
[0038]
As can be seen from Table 1, the thickness of Samples 1 and 2 decreased as the elongation force was applied, whereas the thickness of Samples 3 and 4 of the nonwoven fabric alone increased. Moreover, the numerical value in () of each column is the width | variety of each sample at the time of expansion | extension, and it turns out that a width | variety reduces extremely, so that it extends with a nonwoven fabric alone.
From the above, in the samples 3 and 4 of the nonwoven fabric alone, it seems that the force of pulling inward in the vertical direction of the stretching force works greatly during stretching, which pulls the yarn from the side and increases the thickness. On the other hand, samples 1 and 2 are bonded to a stretchable polyethylene film to suppress the pulling force inside the nonwoven fabric, reduce the pulling of the yarn from the side, and reduce the thickness by stretching the polyethylene. It is considered that the thickness of the sample is reduced with respect to the elongation force as a whole.
[0039]
Table 2 shows the results of measurement using a sample (sample 1) having a width of 100 mm and a length of 250 mm, with the micrometer pressurizer having a diameter of 6.3 mm and 30 mm. In Table 2, R and L are thicknesses measured at a point of 20 mm from the end in the width direction of the sample.
[Table 2]

As shown in Table 2, it was found that any of the pressurizers showed a tendency to decrease in thickness with extension.
[0040]
(2) Relationship between the elongation of the fixing member and heat storage In order to investigate how the degree of elongation of the fixing member affects the heat storage state, an experiment was conducted with a simple system as follows.
As a heat generation source, a heating element in which an iron heater (35 mm × 40 mm × 1 mm) was put in a polyester nonwoven fabric bag was used instead of a normal heat generation bag in order to maintain a constant heat generation state. The surface temperature of the heating element was maintained at about 41 ° C. when a predetermined power (6.45 V, 56.6 mA) was applied at a room temperature of 26 ° C.
Further, as the fixing member, the same member as (i) sample 1 and (ii) sample 4 was used, and a member cut into a width of 100 mm and a length of 250 mm was used so as to cover the entire heating element even in the extended state.
The heater was placed on a foamed polystyrene block (180 mm × 60 mm × 450 mm), and the fixing member was wound and fixed at a predetermined elongation. At this time, in order to measure the temperature, a thermocouple (ST-50 made by RKC) was set on (A) the polystyrene foam surface and (B) the fixing member surface.
[0041]
6A and 6B show the relationship between elongation and the temperature of each part for Samples 1 and 4, respectively.
Note that the elongation of 1.0 is a state where the fixing member is placed on the surface of the heating element and lightly pressed. As shown in the figure, the temperature of the polystyrene foam surface of the sample 1 member decreased as the elongation increased, whereas the temperature of the sample 4 member increased conversely.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
Since the heat generating material of the present invention integrates the heat generating bag and the elastic member for fixing the heat generating bag, the heat generating bag has a good fit to the human body and is not easily displaced, so that the heat treatment is stable. It can be performed.
In addition, since a hook-and-loop fastener is used to fix the expansion and contraction member and can be engaged with any part of the heating element and the expansion and contraction member, it can be fixed with an appropriate strength, without impairing the motor function and without feeling uncomfortable. Excellent wearability.
Furthermore, since the elastic member is excellent in heat dissipation even at the time of extension, it is possible to provide a highly safe thermal material that is free from fear of low-temperature burns due to heat storage.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a thermal material of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing another example of the thermal material of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing another example of the thermal material of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing another example of the thermal material of the present invention.
5 is a schematic view showing a thermal material of Example 1. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the elongation of the fixing member and the temperature.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 fever bag,
101 breathable film,
102 non-breathable film,
103 exothermic agent,
104, 105 non-woven fabric,
110 elastic sheet member,
111 elastic film,
112 vents,
113, 114 non-woven fabric,
120, 120 'Hook and loop fastener.

Claims

Elasticity in which a nonwoven fabric is formed on at least one surface of a sheet-like heating bag having a heating element sandwiched between a breathable film and a non-breathable film whose surfaces are coated with a nonwoven fabric, and a stretchable film having a plurality of ventilation holes A sheet member and a hook-and-loop fastener that engages with the non-woven fabric. The heat-generating bag is fixed to one end of the stretchable sheet member in the expansion and contraction direction so that the non-woven fabric is on the same surface side. Department said surface a fastener at a fixed temperature hot material on a surface thereof opposite to the nonwoven fabric-side surface to the elastic sheet member, the heat dissipation during 1.2 to 1.6-fold stretching, stretching A thermal material characterized by higher heat dissipation than before .

The thermal material according to claim 1, wherein the flow direction of the nonwoven fabric fibers is perpendicular to the expansion and contraction direction of the stretchable sheet member.

A non-woven fabric is formed on both surfaces of the stretchable film, and a hook-and-loop fastener is further fixed to a surface opposite to the hook-and-loop fastener at the end opposite to the stretchable sheet member of the heating bag. Item 3. The thermal material according to item 1 or 2.

The thermal material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stretchable sheet member has a thickness when stretched by 1.2 to 1.6 times less than a thickness before stretching. .