JP4789585B2 - Physiological function improvement tool - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a physiological function improving device that is applied to the abdomen to be used for improving the function of the gastrointestinal tract or used for alleviating or eliminating constipation .

  Along with lifestyle changes, there is a change in the life consciousness of middle-aged and older, and the number of middle-aged and elderly, so-called active seniors, who want to maintain a high quality of daily life is increasing. Coupled with the trend of the whole society toward health toward self-medication, active seniors are becoming more popular in daily health care.

  Typical health problems common to middle-aged and older people are low back pain, shoulder pain, coldness, and blurred vision. In the middle-aged and older generations centering on the above-mentioned active seniors, it is expected that it will become common to alleviate or treat or prevent these symptoms in daily family life. For example, in order to relieve back pain, etc., there is known a thermotherapy in which a heating element containing an oxidizable metal (so-called disposable body warmer) is attached to the lumbar region or the like to warm the relevant part. It is expected to become increasingly popular.

  By the way, the present applicant has previously proposed an eye mask-like shape vision improvement treatment device and meibomian gland function improvement treatment device that supplies water vapor to and around the eyes (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). These treatment tools supply water vapor below the eyes and around the eyes to a temperature that does not interfere with the body, thereby restoring and improving the relaxation of the regulatory muscles, improving visual acuity, and improving the function of the meibomian glands It is something to let you. Since these treatment devices are intended to be applied to the eyes and the surroundings of the eyes, the application time of water vapor is a short time that does not affect the body and is at most several tens of minutes. According to these treatment tools, visual acuity and meibomian gland function can be improved. However, each of the above-mentioned patent documents does not describe whether or not low back pain, abdominal pain and the like are alleviated by these treatment tools.

JP 2002-65714 A JP 2002-78727 A

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a steam heating device that can improve various physiological functions of the human body.

The present invention is a steam heating tool that has a steam generation unit using chemical energy, and is configured to supply steam under a state of contact with the body surface,
The steam heating device maintains the skin surface temperature at 38 to 49 ° C. for 3 to 15 hours in a state where it is in contact with the body surface, and the cumulative release amount is 0.5 to 12 mg / 3 hr · cm ^2. The above-described object is achieved by providing a steam heating tool having the ability to generate water vapor.

  The present invention also relates to a method for using the steam heating tool, wherein water vapor is supplied in a state where the steam heating tool is in contact with the body surface, and the skin surface temperature is maintained at 38 to 49 ° C. for 3 to 15 hours. The method of using the steam heating device is maintained.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve various physiological functions of the human body, such as relief and elimination of pain including back pain and abdominal pain, improvement of functions of internal organs such as gastrointestinal tract, relaxation and elimination of constipation, and recovery from fatigue. .

  The steam heating tool of the present invention is applied to the body surface of a human body. There is no restriction | limiting in particular in an application site | part, It can apply to desired sites, such as a waist | lumbar part, an abdomen, a neck part, a shoulder part, and a joint of various places. The steam heating tool is applied in contact with the body surface. Abutting and applying means both applying the steam heating device directly in contact with the body surface and applying it in contact with the body surface indirectly through an inclusion capable of water vapor transmission. Include.

  The steam heating tool has a water vapor generating part using chemical energy, and is characterized in that the water vapor generated from the generating part is applied to the body surface. In particular, steam warmers are characterized by a long duration of steam generation. In the following description, heat accompanied with water vapor is referred to as wet heat. In contrast to wet heat, heat not accompanied by water vapor, for example, heat generated from a commercially available disposable body warmer is referred to as dry heat.

  The chemical energy that can be used in the present invention includes heat of oxidation caused by oxidation reaction of oxidizable metals, heat of neutralization of acid and alkali, inorganic salts (calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, zeolite, etc.) Examples include heat of hydration. Of these, it is dry and has good handleability, a relatively large calorific value, and is easy to carry and compact, so it is necessary to use oxidation heat generated by the oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal. preferable.

  The specific configuration of the water vapor generation unit using chemical energy is appropriately determined according to the type of chemical energy. For example, when using oxidation heat generated by an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal, metal powder (for example, iron, aluminum, zinc, copper, etc.), a salt (for example, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, etc.) Chlorides, alkaline earth metal chlorides such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride), and a water vapor generating composition containing water. In this composition, a water retention agent (for example, vermiculite, calcium silicate, silica gel, silica-based porous material, alumina, pulp, wood powder, water-absorbing polymer, etc.), a reaction accelerator (for example, , Activated carbon, carbon black, graphite, and the like).

  As chemical energy, when using heat of neutralization of acids and alkalis, heat of hydration of inorganic salts, etc., the water vapor generating part is composed of a heating part that generates heat of neutralization and heat of hydration, and heat generated from these. It can comprise from the evaporation part which discharge | releases water vapor | steam. In this case, the heating unit may separate the reactants to be reacted with each other by a partition wall and break the partition wall at any time to generate water vapor so that the reaction can proceed. The evaporating section is composed of, for example, a fiber assembly such as paper, woven fabric, or non-woven fabric or a porous body impregnated with water, or a hydrogel polymer stretched into a film, and a heating section Water vapor may be released by the heat generation.

The steam heating device of the present invention maintains the skin surface temperature at 38 to 49 ° C., preferably 38 to 43 ° C. for 3 to 15 hours, preferably 3 to 10 hours, in a state where it is in contact with the body surface. And has an ability to generate water vapor with an integrated release amount of 0.5 to 12 mg / 3 hr · cm ² , preferably 4 to 9 mg / 3 hr · cm ² . By applying such a steam heating tool having the ability to generate water vapor to the body surface, various physiological functions of the human body are remarkably improved as illustrated in the examples described later.

Skin surface temperature refers to the temperature of the skin surface measured by a contact thermometer, for example, a thermocouple. Further, the cumulative amount of water vapor released refers to the total amount of water vapor released until 3 hours have elapsed since the chemical reaction was generated in the water vapor generating part of the steam heating device. The total amount of water vapor released is measured by the following method. In a closed system with a volume of 54000 cm ³ (length 30 cm x width 50 cm x depth 36 cm) at a temperature of 20 ° C and a humidity of 40% RH, a steam heating tool is left in the interior so that water vapor can evaporate to cause a chemical reaction. . And the humidity of the air in the said closed system is measured with a hygrometer, and the amount of water vapor | steam generated after a chemical reaction start is calculated | required. And the integrated value until 3 hours passes is set as the integrated discharge amount.

  In order for the steam heating tool to have the water vapor generating ability, it is preferable that the steam heating tool has a maximum temperature of 38 ° C. or higher due to heat generated by chemical energy. Further, from the viewpoint of preventing low temperature burns and the like, it is preferable that the maximum temperature reached is 60 ° C. or less. The maximum attained temperature is measured according to JIS S4100 and refers to the value of the temperature that has reached the highest point.

  The steam heating device is used by being attached to a human body such that a portion where water vapor can be released faces the body surface. For example, it is worn on the waist, abdomen and shoulders of the human body. As a result of studies by the present inventors, when the waist, abdomen, and shoulders are warmed by wet heat, compared with the case where the same part is warmed by a general disposable warmer that generates less water vapor at the same temperature (that is, warmed by dry heat). It was found that systemic circulation was promoted and the peripheral temperature was increased. It was also found that the temperature increase continued for several tens of minutes after the heating was stopped. When the present inventors examined this reason, it turned out that wet heat has high heat conductivity and can raise not only the skin surface temperature of an application site | part but the temperature of the deep part of a human body. As the temperature in the deep part of the human body increases, the thermal center is stimulated, and the autonomic nerve becomes parasympathetic. As a result, blood vessels are dilated to increase blood flow, and the peripheral temperature is estimated to rise. In addition, it is estimated that the pain substance is relieved or eliminated by increasing the blood flow and removing the pain substance. Therefore, the steam heater does not only improve the body temperature and improve blood circulation of the part of the human body to which it is applied, but also relieve or eliminate pain in the part, recover muscle fatigue, relieve muscle stiffness and pain, and relieve neuralgia. It is effective. In addition, it is effective for improving blood circulation of the entire body, increasing peripheral temperature of fingertips, keeping the peripheral temperature warm, and improving coldness.

  For example, as exemplified by the examples described later, the back pain is alleviated or eliminated by applying the steam heating device to the lower back of the human body. By applying to the abdomen, abdominal pain caused by constipation or diarrhea is alleviated or eliminated. Furthermore, by applying to the lumbar region and / or the abdomen, the function of internal organs including the gastrointestinal tract is improved, and body fatigue is recovered. Thermotherapy using dry heat has been performed for a long time, but using wet heat and supplying wet heat with a steam heating device that has the ability to generate steam under the conditions described above, The present inventors have found that various physiological functions are remarkably improved.

  Control of the steam generating ability of the steam heating tool is appropriately determined according to the type of chemical energy. For example, the reaction rate is adjusted by appropriately changing the amount of reactants to be reacted in the steam generation part, and when the reactants are granules, the particle size, the supply amount of the reactants, etc. To control. Further, the water vapor generating ability may be controlled by interposing a moisture permeable sheet between the water vapor generating part and the body surface and adjusting the amount of water vapor permeated from the water vapor generating part.

  Next, a preferred embodiment of the steam heating device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a steam thermal sheet as an embodiment of the steam warmer of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. A steam thermal sheet 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a flat rectangular shape, and includes a heat generating sheet 2 as a water vapor generating portion and a container 3 for storing the heat generating sheet 2. As will be described later, the heat generating sheet 2 is composed of a fiber sheet and is formed slightly smaller than the container 3. The container 3 has a flat bag shape, and a plurality of sheet materials are bonded together to form a hollow bag shape. The container 3 is a breathable part at least part of which has moisture permeability.

  The heat generating sheet 2 can generate heat by contact with air. For this purpose, the heating sheet 2 contains an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, a fibrous material, an electrolyte, and water. When the heat generating sheet 2 comes into contact with air, an oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal contained in the sheet 2 occurs, and heat is generated. The water contained in the heat generating sheet 2 is heated by this heat to become water vapor having a predetermined temperature, and is discharged to the outside through the container 3. The water vapor is released from the breathable portion of the container 3 to the outside.

  As described above, the heat generating sheet 2 includes an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, a fibrous material, and an electrolyte, and is in a water-containing state. Specifically, the heat generating sheet 2 is configured by containing an electrolyte aqueous solution in a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material. As a result of the study by the present inventors, among these various materials, the material that greatly affects the steam generating ability of the steam thermal sheet 1 described above is an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator and a fibrous material contained in the molded sheet. It turned out to be. Specifically, the amount of the oxidizable metal contained in the molded sheet is preferably 60 to 90% by weight, more preferably 70 to 85% by weight, and the amount of the reaction accelerator is preferably 5 to 25% by weight, more preferably. It is important that the amount of the fibrous material is 8 to 15% by weight, preferably 5 to 35% by weight, more preferably 10 to 20% by weight. When the amount of these materials is in the above-mentioned range, a desired water vapor generating ability can be expected. As will be described later, since the molded sheet is preferably obtained by papermaking, it contains 5% by weight or less of moisture in the state after the drying step in the papermaking process.

  The weight ratios of the reaction accelerator and the fibrous material with respect to the oxidizable metal also affect the water vapor generating ability of the steam thermal sheet 1. Specifically, in the heat generating sheet 2, the weight ratio of the reaction accelerator to the oxidizable metal is preferably 0.1 to 0.3, and more preferably 0.11 to 0.25. The weight ratio of the fibrous material to the oxidizable metal is preferably 0.1 to 0.3, more preferably 0.12 to 0.29. Within these ranges, it is easy to improve the desired skin surface temperature to 38 ° C. or more and to obtain a desired amount of steam, and after opening the pillow bag containing the steam thermal sheet 1, The time to reach the temperature is short, and it becomes easy to provide appropriate wet heat for 3 hours or more.

  Other important factors affecting the water vapor generating ability of the steam thermal sheet 1 include the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution in the heat generating sheet 2 and the amount of the aqueous electrolyte solution added. Specifically, the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution in the heat generating sheet 2 is preferably 1 to 15% by weight, more preferably 2 to 10% by weight, from the viewpoint of obtaining a desired temperature. The electrolyte aqueous solution is preferably added in an amount of 40 to 80 parts by weight, more preferably 50 to 70 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the molded sheet, and the desired temperature is maintained and the desired generation of steam. It is preferable from the point of obtaining the amount.

Another major factor affecting the water vapor generation ability of the steam thermal sheet 1 is the moisture permeability of the container 3 (JIS Z0208, 40 ° C., 90% RH, hereinafter referred to as a value measured by this method when referred to as moisture permeability). Can be mentioned. By using the heat generating sheet 2 containing the above-described components in the above-mentioned blending amounts, and using the container 3 having the moisture permeability described below, the steam heat generating sheet 1 has a desired water vapor generating ability. It can be. In particular, among the container 3, passing through preferably humidity 300~2000g / m ² · 24hr portion having a breathable, more preferably be 600~1000g / m ² · 24hr, and a desired vapor It is preferable from the viewpoint that the discharge amount can be achieved and the desired duration of temperature can be achieved.

From the viewpoint of obtaining appropriate temperature control of water vapor and the generation duration of water vapor at a desired temperature, the container 3 has an air permeability (JIS P8117, hereinafter referred to as a value measured by this method). is preferably 8000~15000s / 100cm ^3, and further preferably 9000~12000s / 100cm ^3. For the same reason, steam release area of moist heat sheet, 0.001～0.25M ^2, it is preferred that especially 0.0025~0.04m ^2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the steam thermal sheet 1 of the present embodiment, the container 3 is formed in a flat bag shape by joining the peripheral edges of the moisture permeable film 3a and the hardly moisture permeable film 3b to each other. Has been. That is, one side of the container 3 has the moisture-permeable film 3a, and the other side has the hardly moisture-permeable film 3b. The moisture permeable film 3a allows water vapor generated from the heat generating sheet 2 to pass through. However, the moisture-impermeable film 3b is difficult to pass water vapor. That is, water vapor is released to the outside only from one side of the container 3, that is, the moisture permeable film 3 a side. The moisture permeability and air permeability of the moisture permeable film 3a are in the ranges described above. As a result, the steam thermal sheet 1 has the desired steam generation capability as described above.

  As the moisture permeable film 3a, a film that allows thermal steam to pass therethrough but hardly allows water to pass therethrough is used. Examples of such a film include a polyolefin film having fine pores. In addition, since water vapor | steam is discharge | released outside through the moisture-permeable film 3a as mentioned above, the vapor | steam thermal sheet 1 of this embodiment is mounted | worn so that the side of the moisture-permeable film 3a may oppose a human body. Therefore, from the viewpoint of enhancing the wearing feeling, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a non-woven fabric 3c such as an air-through non-woven fabric, which is a sheet material having a good texture, is disposed on the outer surface of the moisture-permeable film 3a. Therefore, the nonwoven fabric 3c faces the body when the steam thermal sheet 1 is used.

  On the other hand, as the hardly moisture permeable film 3b, a film that hardly allows water vapor or water to pass therethrough, for example, a polyolefin film or a polyester film that does not have micropores is used. As shown in FIG. 2, a non-woven fabric 3d such as an air-through non-woven fabric is laminated on the outer surface of the hardly moisture permeable film 3b for the purpose of improving the texture of the steam thermal sheet 1.

  The details of each material included in the heat generating sheet 2 will be described. Examples of the oxidizable metal include powders and fibers of iron, aluminum, zinc, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and the like. Among these, iron powder is preferably used in terms of handleability, safety, and manufacturing cost. When the oxidizable metal is a powder, the particle size is preferably 0.1 to 300 μm because the fixing property to the fibrous material and the control of the reaction are good. For the same reason, it is also preferable to use a material having a particle size of 0.1 to 150 μm containing 50% by weight or more.

  As the reaction accelerator, it is preferable to use a reaction accelerator that functions as a water retention agent and also has a function as an oxygen retention / supply agent for the oxidizable metal. For example, activated carbon (coconut shell charcoal, charcoal powder, calendar bituminous coal, peat, lignite), carbon black, acetylene black, graphite, zeolite, perlite, vermiculite, silica and the like can be mentioned. Among these, activated carbon is preferably used because it has water retention ability, oxygen supply ability, and catalytic ability. The particle size of the reaction accelerator is preferably 0.1 to 500 μm from the viewpoint that it can effectively contact the oxidizable metal. For the same reason, it is also preferable to use a material containing 50% by weight or more of 0.1 to 200 μm.

  As the fibrous material, a natural or synthetic fibrous material can be used without any particular limitation. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, kabok, wood pulp, non-wood pulp, peanut protein fiber, corn protein fiber, soy protein fiber, mannan fiber, rubber fiber, hemp, manila hemp, sisal hemp, New Zealand hemp, rabu hemp, Plant fibers such as eggplant, igusa and straw are listed. Further, animal fibers such as wool, goat hair, mohair, cashmere, alkapa, Angola, camel, vicuuna, silk, feathers, down, feather, algin fiber, chitin fiber, and casein fiber can be mentioned. Furthermore, mineral fibers, such as asbestos, are mentioned. On the other hand, examples of the synthetic fibrous material include semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon, viscose rayon, cupra, viscose rayon, cupra, acetate, triacetate, oxide acetate, promix, chlorinated rubber, and hydrochloric acid rubber. In addition, synthetic polymer fibers such as nylon, aramid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylonitrile, acrylic, polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane and the like can be mentioned. Furthermore, metal fiber, carbon fiber, glass fiber, etc. can also be used. Moreover, the collection | recovery reuse goods of these fibers can also be used. Among these, wood pulp, cotton, polyethylene fiber, and polyester fiber are preferably used from the viewpoints of fixability with an oxidizable metal and a reaction accelerator, flexibility of the heat generating sheet 2, oxygen permeability, production cost, and the like.

  In particular, when natural fibers such as wood pulp are used in combination with synthetic fibers such as polyethylene fibers and polyester fibers (especially thermoplastic resin fibers), the mechanical strength of the molded sheet can be increased even if the amount of oxidizable metal is increased. Is preferable because it is possible to prevent a decrease in the thickness. In this case, the blending ratio of the natural fiber and the synthetic fiber is preferably 0.1 to 20 parts by weight, particularly 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of the synthetic fiber with respect to 100 parts by weight of the natural fiber. Whether the fiber is a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber, the fibrous material has an average fiber length of 0.1 to 50 mm, particularly 0.2 to 20 mm, which ensures the strength of the heating sheet 2 and the fibrous material. It is preferable from the viewpoint of water dispersibility.

  The fibrous material preferably has a CSF (Canadian standard drainage test method JIS P8121) of 600 ml or less, more preferably 450 ml or less. Thereby, the fixing property between the fibrous material and the oxidizable metal becomes good, and the heat generating property of the heat generating sheet 2 can be made good. Moreover, it becomes easy to adjust the tearing length described later within a range described later, and as a result, the oxidizable metal can be removed from the heat generating sheet 2 and the mechanical strength of the heat generating sheet 2 can be appropriately maintained. it can. The lower the CSF of the fibrous material, the better. When only normal pulp fibers are used as the fibrous material, and papermaking is performed under a condition where the component ratio other than the fibrous material is high, the drainage is good and the dehydration is good by setting the CSF to 100 ml or more. Thus, a heat-generating sheet having a uniform thickness is easily obtained. Furthermore, molding defects such as blister breakage during drying are less likely to occur. In the heat generating sheet 2, since the ratio of components other than the fibrous material is relatively high, the heat generating sheet 2 having good drainage and uniform thickness can be obtained. Moreover, since the fibril increases as the CSF decreases, the fixability between the fibrous material and components other than the fibrous material is improved, and a high sheet strength can be obtained. Adjustment of the CSF of the fibrous material can be performed by a beating process or the like. CSF may be adjusted by mixing low and high CSF fibers.

  Examples of the electrolyte include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or transition metal sulfates, carbonates, chlorides or hydroxides. Among these, chlorides of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals or transition metals are preferably used from the viewpoint of excellent conductivity, chemical stability and production cost, and particularly sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, chloride. Ferrous and ferric chloride are preferably used.

  Additives usually used in papermaking, such as a flocculant, a sizing agent, a colorant, a paper strength enhancer, a yield improver, a filler, a thickener, a pH control agent, a bulking agent, etc. A thing can also be added without a restriction | limiting in particular.

  There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the manufacturing method of the heat generating sheet 2. FIG. As described above, the exothermic sheet is formed by adding an aqueous electrolyte solution to a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material. Therefore, first, an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator. And a heat generating sheet is obtained by forming the shaping | molding sheet containing a fibrous material, and adding electrolyte aqueous solution to this shaping | molding sheet. For the production of the molded sheet, for example, a wet papermaking method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-102761 or an extrusion method using a die coater according to the previous application of the present applicant can be used. In particular, it is preferable to use a wet papermaking method from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost and productivity. When performing the wet papermaking method, a circular paper machine, a long paper machine, a short paper machine, a twin wire paper machine, or the like can be used. The slurry used for papermaking contains an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, a fibrous material, and water, and its concentration is 0.05 to 10% by weight, particularly 0.1 to 2% by weight. Is preferred.

  From the point which maintains the form after papermaking, and the point which maintains mechanical strength, the molded sheet obtained by papermaking has a moisture content (weight moisture content, the same shall apply hereinafter) until 70% or less, particularly 60% or less. It is preferable to dehydrate. Examples of the method for dewatering the formed sheet after papermaking include dewatering by suction, a method of dehydrating by blowing pressurized air, a method of dehydrating by pressing with a pressure roll or a pressure plate, and the like.

  The dehydrated molded sheet is preferably dried by heat drying. The heating and drying temperature is preferably 60 to 300 ° C, particularly 80 to 250 ° C. The moisture content of the molded sheet after drying is more preferably 20% or less, particularly 10% or less. The dehydration and / or drying of the molded sheet is preferably performed in an inert gas atmosphere from the viewpoint of suppressing oxidation of the oxidizable metal. However, since the molded sheet does not contain an electrolyte serving as an oxidation aid, it can be molded in a normal air atmosphere as necessary. This is advantageous because the production equipment can be simplified. The molded sheet after drying contains an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator and a fibrous material, preferably 60 to 85% by weight of the oxidizable metal, more preferably 70 to 80% by weight, and a reaction accelerator. 5 to 25% by weight, more preferably 8 to 15% by weight, and 5 to 35% by weight, more preferably 10 to 20% by weight of fibrous material.

The molded sheet thus obtained (that is, the exothermic sheet 2 in a state before being hydrated) has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, particularly 0.15 to 1.5 mm. It is preferable in that the molded sheet becomes flexible while maintaining the desired strength, and the steam thermal sheet 1 is easy to fit to the application site of the body. Molded sheet for the same reason, it is preferable that the basis weight of 10 to 1000 g / m ^2, more preferably from 50~600g / m ^2, and still more preferably from 100 to 500 g / m ^2.

The molded sheets may be used by overlapping a plurality of sheets as they are, or may be used by stacking a plurality of molded sheets folded and folded. The weight ratio of the molded sheet to the area of the steam-heated sheet 1 is preferably 0.03 g / cm ^{2 to} 0.00 in terms of achieving desired temperature sustainability, good fit, and less prone to manufacturing problems. was 17 g / cm ^2, more preferably from ^{0.06g / cm 2 ~0.14g / cm 2} . For the same reason, the ratio of the weight of the oxidizable metal per unit area is preferably 0.02 g / cm ² to 0.14 g / cm ² , more preferably 0.04 g / cm ² to 0.12 g / cm ^2. cm ² .

  The molded sheet has a breaking length (JIS P8113, hereinafter referred to as a value measured by this method when referred to as the breaking length) of 200 to 4000 m, particularly 200 to 3000 m, when the steam thermal sheet 1 is used. This is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing the oxidizable metal from falling off the molded sheet and maintaining the flexibility of the molded sheet. A molded sheet having such a tearing length can be easily obtained by using the fibrous material having the CSF described above.

  The molded sheet thus obtained contains an aqueous electrolyte solution to obtain a heat generating sheet 2. This step is preferably performed in an inert gas atmosphere such as nitrogen or argon. Examples of the method for containing the aqueous electrolyte solution include a spray coating method, a method of applying with a brush, a method of immersing in an aqueous electrolyte solution, a gravure coating method, a reverse coating method, a doctor blade method and the like. The concentration of the electrolyte in the aqueous electrolyte solution and the applied amount of the aqueous electrolyte solution are adjusted so that the amount of the electrolyte and the water content in the resulting heat generating sheet 2 are in the ranges described above.

The obtained heat generating sheet 2 is accommodated in the container 3 to be a steam thermal sheet 1. It is preferable that the steam thermal sheet 1 is sealed in a packaging bag made of an oxygen barrier material to form a packaging bag containing a steam thermal sheet as a final product. When the steam thermal sheet 1 is used, the steam thermal sheet 1 is taken out of the packaging bag so that the oxidizable metal contained in the steam thermal sheet 1 reacts with oxygen in the air, and heat generation starts and steam is generated. To do. As an oxygen barrier material, for example, its oxygen permeability coefficient (ASTM D3985) is 10 cm ³ · mm / (m ² · d · MPa) or less, particularly 2 cm ³ · mm / (m ² · d · MPa) or less. Such a thing is preferable. Specific examples include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and polyacrylonitrile.

  It is preferable that a label indicating that the steam thermal sheet 1 is used for improving the physiological function of the human body is attached to the packaging bag for packaging the steam thermal sheet 1. For example, an indication that back pain is alleviated or eliminated by applying to the lower back, or an indication that abdominal pain is alleviated or eliminated by applying to the abdomen, and constipation is alleviated or eliminated can be added. Alternatively, an indication that the function of the gastrointestinal tract is improved by applying to the lumbar region and / or the abdominal region and fatigue is recovered can be given. Thus, it is possible to inform the consumer that the physiological function improving effect that cannot be achieved by the conventional disposable hand warmers can be achieved by the present invention. Thus, the consumer will readily recognize the full value of the improved performance of the present invention. The display includes any information means that can convey the improved performance of the present invention to the consumer, such as symbols and graphics as well as characters. In addition, the display can include information indicating that the present invention is superior to other products. Further, in addition to or instead of attaching the above indication to the packaging bag, an instruction including the indication may be put in the packaging bag together with the steam thermal sheet 1. Alternatively, the indication may be given to the steam thermal sheet 1 itself.

  The steam thermal sheet 1 according to the present embodiment is held by a belt-like holder as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, for example, and the holder is fixed to a human body, whereby the steam thermal sheet 1 1 can be applied to the human body. The holder 10 shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) has a rectangular accommodating portion 12 capable of accommodating and holding the steam thermal sheet 1 in the center, and a pair of arm portions extending from both sides thereof. A first arm portion 13a and a second arm portion 13b are provided. The first arm portion 13a and the second arm portion 13b are symmetrical. The first and second arm portions 13 a and 13 b extend with an inclination toward the direction of the angle θ with respect to a horizontal line H extending in the longitudinal direction of the holder 10.

  A fastening means 15 such as a hook member of a hook-and-loop fastener is attached to the front end portion of the first arm portion 13a on the skin surface side (the paper surface side in FIG. 3A). On the other hand, on the outer surface side of the second arm portion 13b (the side opposite to the paper surface in FIG. 3A), an attaching means (not shown) capable of attaching the attaching means 15 is used, for example, a loop member of a surface fastener. Is attached.

  The 1st and 2nd arm parts 13a and 13b are comprised from the base part 14a located near the accommodating part 12, and the free end part 14b located near the front-end | tip part. The width of the base portion 14a gradually decreases from the housing portion 12 toward the free end portion 14b. The base portion 14a and the free end portion 14b are connected at a place where the width of the base portion 14a no longer changes. The base portion 14a preferably has elasticity in both the extending direction of the arm portions 13a and 13b and the direction orthogonal thereto (the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3A). From this point of view, the base portion 14a is preferably composed of a so-called two-way stretchable fabric.

  It is preferable that the outer surface side sheet material 21 is made of a fabric having a good texture. Moreover, it is preferable that the outer surface side sheet material 21 has sufficient air permeability. The outer surface side sheet material 21 can be composed of, for example, a tricot knitted fabric. Similarly, it is preferable that the 1st and 2nd skin surface side sheet materials 22 and 23 are also comprised from the fabric with the favorable texture. Moreover, it is preferable that the 1st and 2nd skin surface side sheet materials 22 and 23 are comprised from the raw material which has sufficient water vapor permeability. As such a material, for example, a mesh-like knitted fabric is preferably used.

  The accommodating portion 12 is formed in a bag shape by sewing three sheet materials 21, 22, and 23. The outer surface side sheet material 21 is located on the outer surface side of the holder 10 and has a rectangular shape. The 1st skin surface side sheet | seat material 22 and the 2nd skin surface side sheet | seat material 23 are located in the skin surface side of the holder 10, and are each carrying the rectangular shape. The lateral widths of both skin surface side sheet materials 22 and 23 are the same as those of the outer surface side sheet material 21. The vertical length of both skin surface side sheet materials 22 and 23 is shorter than the vertical length of the outer surface side sheet material 21. The upper side and both sides of the first skin surface side sheet material 22 are stitched together with the upper side and both sides of the outer surface side sheet material 21. The second skin surface side sheet material 23 has its lower side and both side sides sewn together with the lower side and both side sides of the outer surface side sheet material 21. A lower part of the first skin surface side sheet material 22 and an upper part of the second skin surface side sheet material 23 are in an overlapped state, and the lower side 22a of the first skin surface side sheet material 22 and the second skin surface. The upper side 23a of the side sheet material 23 is a free edge. As a result, the insertion portion 24 of the steam thermal sheet 1 extending in the width direction of the storage portion 2 is formed on the skin portion of the storage portion 12. The steam thermal sheet 1 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 12 through the insertion portion 24. As described above, since the lower portion of the first skin surface side sheet material 22 and the upper portion of the second skin surface side sheet material 23 are in an overlapped state, the steam once stored in the storage portion 12 The thermal sheet 1 is difficult to jump out of the housing portion 12 and is stably held in the housing portion 12. Moreover, since the opening of the insertion portion 24 is large and easy to open, the steam thermal sheet 1 can be easily taken in and out.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the steam thermal sheet 1 accommodated and held in the holder 10 is applied to, for example, the waist and abdomen of a human body. In order to fix the holder 10 to the human body, the holder 10 is wound around the trunk, and a fastening means (not shown) attached to the first arm 13a is attached to the second arm 13b. Fasten to means (not shown). In this case, the steam thermal sheet 1 comes into contact with the body surface via the first skin surface side sheet material 22 and the second skin surface side sheet material 23 which are water vapor permeable materials in the holder 10. Alternatively, the steam thermal sheet 1 can be brought into direct contact with the body surface. In that case, an adhesive is applied to the surface of the steam-heated sheet 1 on the side of the hardly moisture permeable film 3 b, and the steam-heated sheet 1 is adhered to the skin surface of the housing portion 12 in the holder 10. That is, the steam thermal sheet 1 is not accommodated in the accommodating portion 12. And the holder 10 to which the steam thermal sheet 1 adheres is wound around and fixed to the body.

[Example 1]
The steam heating tool (steam heating sheet) of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was produced by the following procedure.

<Combination of raw material composition>
・ Fibrous material: Pulp fiber (NBKP, manufacturer: Fletcher Challenge Canada, trade name “Mackenzie”, CSF 140 ml) 8% by weight
・ Oxidizable metal: Iron powder (made by Dowa Iron Mining Co., Ltd., trade name “RKH”) 84% by weight
・ Reaction accelerator: Activated carbon (manufactured by Nippon Enviro Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name “Carborafine”) 8% by weight

  Polyamide epichlorohydrin resin (manufactured by Seiko PMC Co., Ltd., trade name “100% by weight” based on 100 parts by weight of the solid content of the raw material composition (total of fibrous material, oxidizable metal and water retention agent) WS4020 ") 0.7 part by weight and 0.18 part by weight of anionic flocculant sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd., trade name" HE1500F "). Water (industrial water) was further added. The solid content was added until the solid content became 12% by weight.

<Making conditions>
Using the raw material composition, it was diluted with water to 0.3% by weight immediately before the papermaking head, and papermaking was carried out at a line speed of 15 m / min with an inclined short papermaking machine to produce a wet shaped sheet.

<Drying conditions>
The molded sheet was sandwiched with felt, dehydrated under pressure, passed through a heating roll at 140 ° C. as it was, and dried until the water content became 5% by weight or less. The basis weight after drying was 450 g / m ² and the thickness was 0.45 mm. As a result of measuring the composition of the molded sheet (exothermic intermediate molded body) thus obtained using a thermogravimetric measuring device (TG / DTA6200, manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc.), iron was 84% by weight, activated carbon was 8% by weight, pulp It was 8% by weight.

<Preparation of exothermic sheet>
The obtained molded sheet (exothermic intermediate molded body) was cut into 80 mm × 100 mm, the two sheets were stacked, and the following electrolytic solution was injected so that the amount of the electrolytic solution was 50 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the molded sheet. Capillary phenomenon was used to infiltrate the electrolyte into the entire molded sheet to obtain a heat generating sheet (sheet-shaped heat generating molded body).
<Electrolyte>
Electrolyte: Purified salt (NaCl)
Water: Industrial water Electrolyte concentration: 5% by weight

<Containment in container>
Using a moisture-permeable film made of polyethylene containing calcium carbonate (moisture permeability of 800 to 1200 g / m ² · 24 hr, air permeability of 10000 ± 2000 s / 100 cm ³ ), linear moisture-resistant polyethylene film and air-through nonwoven fabric The bag-shaped container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was produced. Two exothermic sheets were accommodated in this, and the steam thermal sheet shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2 was obtained. The water vapor discharge area was 0.008 m ² .

<Evaluation 1>
For the purpose of verifying the physiological function improvement effect of the obtained steam thermal sheet, a clinical trial was conducted to reduce the back pain. The steam thermal sheet was accommodated and held in the accommodating portion 12 of the holder 10 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and applied to the waist of the subject as shown in FIG. At this time, a group of subjects to which the steam thermal sheet is applied so that the steam release surface side of the steam thermal sheet faces the waist of the subject (this group is referred to as a wet heat group), and the water vapor non-release surface side of the steam thermal sheet is the subject. It was divided into a group of subjects (this group is referred to as a dry heat group) to which the steam thermal sheet was applied so as to face the lower back. In the wet heat group, wet heat is applied to the waist of the subject. In the dry heat group, water vapor is not applied to the waist of the subject, but dry heat is applied. There were 28 people in the wet heat group and 27 people in the dry heat group. The subjects were males and females aged 23 to 67 years who have sustained low back pain or low back leg pain symptoms for more than 6 months as subjective symptoms. Table 1 shows the health status of subjects in each group before the test. The wear continued for 4 weeks with a wear time of 8 hours a day. Every day, the state of lower back pain was evaluated with the following score after the removal of the steam thermal sheet.
1: No back pain at all.
2: Occasional mild back pain.
3: There is always back pain or sometimes considerable back pain.
4: There is always severe back pain.

The evaluation is summarized in units of one week, and the ratio of the number of subjects evaluated as score 1 is defined as the cure rate in each week (except for subjects evaluated as score 1 immediately before the start of the study). The change was compared between wet heat group and dry heat group. The results are shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and (b). FIG. 5 (a) shows the result for the entire subject, and FIG. 5 (b) shows the result for the subject over 40 years old. 5A and 5B, * indicates that the risk factor P in the χ ² test is less than 0.03, and ** indicates that the risk factor P in the test is less than 0.01. All indicate that there is a significant difference in test results.

  Separately from this, various characteristics of the steam thermal sheet were measured according to the method described above for the subjects in the wet heat group. The results are shown in Table 2.

  As is clear from the results shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, it can be seen that the subjects in the wet heat group had lower back pain as compared to the subjects in the dry heat group. In particular, it can be seen that the effect of alleviating back pain is extremely remarkable for subjects over 40 years old who are middle-aged or older who suffer from back pain.

<Evaluation 2>
A clinical trial was conducted for a relief effect of low back pain different from that in Evaluation 1. Subjects were only wet heat group. The test subjects were 30 women aged 45 to 64, who had chronic low back pain symptoms. As in Evaluation 1, a steam thermal sheet was worn. However, the wearing period was 2 weeks. Every day, after desorption of the steam thermal sheet, the individual symptoms of low back pain were evaluated with the following scores from the viewpoint of (1) painful, (2) heavy, and (3) dullness.
0: There is no symptom.
1: Not very concerned.
2: A little worrisome.
3: I'm interested.
4: Very anxious.
After two weeks, the scores of the three individual symptoms were averaged for each subject, and compared with the scores before the test. Moreover, the total value of the score of three individual symptoms was averaged about each test subject, and it was set as comprehensive evaluation. The results are shown in FIGS.

  As is apparent from the results shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, it can be seen that a clear improvement effect of back pain can be seen by applying a steam thermal sheet to the lower back for 2 weeks.

<Evaluation 3>
A clinical trial was conducted to improve the abdominal symptoms. Subjects were only wet heat group. The test subjects were 25 women aged 45 to 64, who had abdominal symptoms. The steam thermal sheet was applied to the abdomen of the subject as shown in FIG. The daily wearing time was 8 hours, and the wearing period was 2 weeks. Every day, after desorption of the steam thermal sheet, individual symptoms of abdominal symptoms were evaluated with the following scores from the viewpoint of (1) constipation, (2) diarrhea-like symptoms, (3) bloating, and (4) pain.
0: There is no symptom.
1: I am not worried too much.
2: Slightly troubled.
3: I'm worried.
4: Extremely worried After 2 weeks, the scores for each of the 4 individual symptoms were averaged for each subject and compared with the scores before the test. The results are shown in FIGS.

  As is clear from the results shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, it can be seen that the effect of clearly improving the abdominal symptoms can be seen by applying the steam thermal sheet to the abdomen for 2 weeks.

<Evaluation 4>
A clinical trial was conducted to improve constipation symptoms. Subjects were only wet heat group. The test subjects were 26 women aged 45 to 64 years and had abdominal symptoms that suffered from constipation (the following 4 and 5 grades with a constipation score of 5). The steam thermal sheet was applied to the abdomen of the subject as shown in FIG. The daily wearing time was 8 hours, and the wearing period was 3 weeks. Subjects were asked to record the presence or absence of defecation for one week before the clinical trial and every day during the trial period. The results of recording were divided into the week before the clinical trial (week 0) and 1, 2, and 3 weeks during the trial period, and the results of summarizing the days of defecation in each week are shown in FIG. Constipation scores are as follows:
1: No symptoms.
2: I'm not worried too much.
3: A little worried.
4: I'm worried.
5: I am very worried.

  As is clear from the results shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that by applying the steam thermal sheet to the abdomen for 3 weeks, the number of days of stool increase significantly compared to before the test, and an obvious improvement effect of constipation symptoms can be seen. .

<Evaluation 5>
In order to confirm that the steam thermal sheet of the present invention has an effect of adjusting the stomach condition, the activation state of gastric movement was measured by electrogastrogram. The electrogastrogram was measured using a Nipro electrogastrometer EG manufactured by Nipro Corporation. A steam heat sheet and a dry heat sheet were applied to the four subjects as shown in FIG. 4 (b). The dry heat sheet was the same in size and form as the steam thermal sheet, and showed a skin surface temperature similar to the skin surface temperature of the site to which the steam thermal sheet was applied, but used no steam. Each sheet was worn for 5 hours. Measure gastric contraction frequency (2.4 to 3.6 cpm) before and during wearing (2.5 hours after application), and after detachment (immediately after removing the sheet 5 hours after application), and examine the average amplitude of the frequency It was. The results are shown in FIG.

  As is apparent from the results shown in FIG. 9, it can be seen that when the steam thermal sheet is attached, the average amplitude of the gastric contraction motion frequency during and after attachment is remarkably increased compared to before attachment. . On the other hand, when the dry heat sheet is attached, there is no significant increase in the average amplitude of the gastric contraction motion frequency. From this result, it is expected that the application of the steam thermal sheet activates stomach movement and has the effect of adjusting the stomach to improve constipation.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a steam thermal sheet as an embodiment of the steam warmer of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. Fig.3 (a) is a top view which shows the holder which accommodates and hold | maintains the steam thermal sheet shown in FIG. 1, FIG.3 (b) is the bb sectional view taken on the line in Fig.3 (a). FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a state where the steam thermal sheet shown in FIG. 1 is applied to the waist, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a state where the steam thermal sheet is applied to the abdomen. FIGS. 5A and 5B are graphs showing the low back pain mitigating effect of the steam heating device of the present invention. FIGS. 6A to 6D are graphs showing the low back pain mitigating effect of the steam heating device of the present invention. FIGS. 7A to 7D are graphs showing the effect of alleviating abdominal symptoms by the steam heating device of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the effect of alleviating constipation symptoms by the steam heating device of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the activation effect of stomach movement by the steam heating device of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Steam thermal sheet (steam thermal tool)
2 Heat generation sheet (water vapor generating part)
3 Container 10 Holding tool

Claims (3)

It has a water vapor generating part using chemical energy and a container that is at least partially breathable and contains the water vapor generating part, and supplies water vapor in a state of being in contact with the body surface Which is a physiological function improvement tool,
The moisture permeability (JIS Z0208, 40 ° C., 90% RH) of the breathable portion of the container is 300 to 1200 g / m ² · 24 hr,
The physiological function improving tool maintains the skin surface temperature at 38 to 49 ° C. for 3 to 15 hours in a state in which a breathable portion of the container is in contact with the body surface, and an integrated release amount Has a water vapor generating capacity of 4 to 12 mg / 3 hr · cm ² ,
A physiological function improving tool that is applied to the abdomen to be used to improve the function of the gastrointestinal tract or to relieve or eliminate constipation . The physiological function improvement tool of Claim 1 which has the said water vapor generation part using the oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal. The water vapor generating part is a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator and a fibrous material, an aqueous electrolyte solution, and a heat generating sheet capable of generating heat by contact with air,
The molded sheet includes 60 to 90% by weight of an oxidizable metal, 5 to 25% by weight of a reaction accelerator, and 5 to 35% by weight of a fibrous material,
The physiological function improvement tool according to claim 2, wherein 40 to 80 parts by weight of the aqueous electrolyte solution containing 1 to 15% by weight of electrolyte is added to 100 parts by weight of the molded sheet.

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