JP4822944B2 - Physiological function improvement device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a physiological function improving tool using water vapor.

  Along with lifestyle changes, the overall flow of society toward health is becoming self-medication. Along with this, the momentum of daily health care is increasing. Common health concerns for adults include low back pain, shoulder pain, coldness, blurred vision, menstrual pain, and joint pain. In the future, 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 the eye and surrounding water vapor at a temperature that does not cause noxious stimuli to restore and improve the relaxation of the regulatory muscles, improve visual acuity, and improve the function of the meibomian glands. It is something to do. Since these treatment devices are intended to be applied to the eyes and around the eyes, the application time of water vapor is a short time that does not cause noxious stimulation 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 other physiological functions are improved by these treatment tools.

  Apart from these treatment devices, the present applicant has proposed a water vapor generator that supplies water vapor to the skin and mucous membrane (see Patent Document 3). In this water vapor generator, the distance between the generator and the application site such as skin and mucous membrane is set to 5 mm or more. However, since this application method requires a large amount of steam, it is not easy to generate steam heat for a long time.

JP 2002-65714 A JP 2002-78727 A JP 2002-78728 A

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a physiological function improving instrument that can improve various physiological functions of a human body or the like.

The present invention has a heat generating portion using chemical energy, and supplies water vapor generated from the heat generating portion in a state where a sheet is interposed between the heat generating portion and the body surface. A physiological function improving device such as a human body,
In a measurement environment with an indoor temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH, the moisture content of the stratum corneum in the skin where the device is in contact is 0.25 g / cm ³ or more 0.5 hours after the start of contact. And the said objective is achieved by providing the physiological function improvement tools, such as a human body, which has the ability to supply the water vapor | steam which this water | moisture content lasts for 5 hours after a contact start.

  When the physiological function improving device of the present invention is attached to a human body or the like, the heat of condensation of water vapor is easily propagated deeply and widely to the skin, and not only the surface temperature of the application site, but also the surrounding temperature of the application site and the deep temperature of the application site. Can be increased. As a result, muscles relax and blood vessels dilate, increasing systemic blood flow. Thereby, the pain-causing substance is removed by the blood and the pain is resolved. In addition, heat is actively transmitted by blood, and peripheral temperatures of fingertips and the like also increase. Therefore, the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention has effects such as blood circulation promotion, muscle fatigue, muscle stiffness and muscle pain relief, coldness relief and neuralgia relief. In addition, there is an effect that the back pain is relieved or eliminated by applying to the lower back, and the abdominal pain is relieved or eliminated by applying to the abdomen. Furthermore, application to the lumbar region and / or the abdomen improves the function of the gastrointestinal tract and has the effect of recovering from fatigue. It also has the effect of relieving menstrual pain.

  The physiological function improving instrument of the present invention is particularly 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 physiological function improving instrument is applied in contact with the body surface. Applying in contact means applying a physiological function improving instrument in contact with the body surface via a sheet that also functions as a spacer capable of transmitting water vapor or a sheet that also functions as a fixture.

  The physiological function improving instrument of the present invention has a heat generating part using chemical energy, and is characterized in that water vapor (steam heated to a predetermined temperature) generated from the generating part is applied to the body surface. ing. Therefore, it can be said that the heat generating portion is a water vapor generating portion. In particular, the physiological function improving instrument is characterized by a long duration of generation of water vapor heated to a predetermined temperature. In the following description, heat accompanied by water vapor applied to the body surface is referred to as wet heat. In contrast to wet heat, heat that does not involve water vapor applied to the body surface, for example, heat generated from a commercially available disposable body warmer is referred to as dry heat.

  FIG. 1 (a) schematically shows a state in which the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention is applied to the body surface. Water vapor generated from the physiological function improvement instrument moves in the space between the instrument and the skin (mass transfer), reaches the skin, and transfers heat (contact heat transfer). The water vapor reaching the skin becomes condensed water, and the heat (condensation heat) generated at that time is transmitted to the skin. Thus, according to the physiological function improvement instrument of the present invention using wet heat, heat can be transferred to the skin with high heat transfer efficiency.

  FIG. 1 (b) schematically shows how heat is transmitted in the case of dry heat, in contrast to FIG. 1 (a). Dry heat, that is, heat transfer using a commercially available disposable body warmer, is heat transfer by thermal diffusion to air molecules. Therefore, the heat transfer efficiency is low in dry heat, and sufficient heat is not transmitted to the skin.

  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. Among these, it is preferable to use oxidation heat generated by an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal because it is easy to handle, has a relatively large calorific value, and is easily portable and compact.

  The specific configuration of the heat generating 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. This composition further includes 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). Etc.).

The physiological function improving instrument of the present invention has a heat generating part using chemical energy, and is generated from the heat generating part in a state where the sheet is interposed between the heat generating part and the body surface and the instrument is in contact with the heat generating part. It is a physiological function improving instrument such as a human body that is configured to supply water vapor (water vapor heated to a predetermined temperature). The device is characterized in that it increases the amount of water in the stratum corneum in the skin at the application site as compared to a normal state. In the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention, the moisture content of the stratum corneum in the skin where the instrument is in contact is 0.5 hours after the start of contact in a measurement environment with an indoor temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH. In this case, the water content is 0.25 g / cm ³ or more, and this water content has the ability to supply water vapor that lasts for 5 hours after the start of contact. In the following description, the amount of moisture in the stratum corneum refers to a value in a measurement environment at an indoor temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH. Various physiological functions of the human body are remarkably improved by applying such a physiological function improving instrument having the ability to generate water vapor to the body surface.

  The effects of improving the physiological function by applying the device of the present invention include, for example, promoting blood circulation, removing muscle fatigue, relaxing muscle stiffness and muscle pain, reducing coldness, and reducing neuralgia. It also relieves or eliminates abdominal and back pain, improves gastrointestinal function, and recovers from fatigue. In addition, for women, there is a relief of menstrual pain. Particularly for the relief of menstrual pain, surprisingly, the physiological function improving device of the present invention is applied to the abdomen and / or waist from at least the previous day of the menstrual start date for a predetermined time (for example, 2 to 10 hours) of the day. Then, it was found by the present inventors that the effect of alleviating menstrual pain is remarkably enhanced as compared with the case where the device is applied after the start of menstruation.

  The moisture content of the stratum corneum described above affects the thermal conductivity of the stratum corneum. It is known that the stratum corneum located on the most surface in the cross-sectional structure of the skin has a lower water content than the epidermis and dermis located thereunder, and as a result, has a low thermal conductivity. By applying wet heat to the stratum corneum in such a state using the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention, the stratum corneum becomes wet and the amount of water increases. As a result, the thermal conductivity of the stratum corneum increases. Due to the synergistic effect of this and the contact heat transfer of water vapor by wet heat described above (see FIG. 1A), according to the present invention, heat is propagated deeply and widely to the skin.

  When each part of the human body, for example, the waist and shoulders, is warmed by the physiological function improving device of the present invention having the above-mentioned characteristics, the circulation of the whole body is promoted and the peripheral temperature is increased as compared with the case of warming with dry heat of the same temperature. It has been confirmed. It has also been confirmed that the temperature rise continues for several tens of minutes after the heating is stopped. This is because, as described above, wet heat conducts heat faster than dry heat, so that the temperature in the deep part of the human body can be further increased. As the temperature in the deep part of the human body increases, the thermal center is stimulated via the autonomic nerve, thereby expanding blood vessels and increasing blood flow, and increasing peripheral temperature. Therefore, the physiological function improving device of the present invention not only improves the temperature and blood circulation of the human body part to which the device is applied, but also improves the blood circulation of the whole body, increases the peripheral temperature of fingertips, and improves cooling. . In addition, since moist heat can effectively transfer heat, a large amount of heat can be transferred to the deep skin even when the temperature of the heat generating portion is low. Therefore, it has the effect of reducing the risk of low-temperature burns, which is a problem with commercially available warmers.

  The increase in heat transfer efficiency when using the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention is supported by measuring the thermal conductivity. However, it is difficult to actually apply the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention to a human body and actually measure the thermal conductivity under the state. Therefore, in the present invention, a model measurement system is prepared, and the thermal conductivity is measured using the measurement system.

  FIG. 2 shows a method of measuring thermal conductivity using a model measurement system with reference to JIS S4100. In the model measuring system 100, a polypropylene plate 102 (thickness 7 mm) is placed on a heat bath 101, and eight layers of flannel cloth 104 (100% cotton, 5.905 twin yarn flannel). ). The heat bath 101 corresponds to a human body, and the body surface temperature, that is, the surface temperature of the heat bath, is maintained at 36.0 ° C. which is a general value as a body temperature. Physiological function improvement instrument 1 is arranged between board 102 and flannel cloth 104, and temperature and thermal conductivity are measured. The heat conductivity here is the heat conductivity from the heat generating part of the physiological function improving instrument 1 to the surface of the heat bath 101 defined as the body surface. The frame body 105 is placed on the flannel cloth 104 so as to surround the physiological function improvement instrument 1, and the physiological function improvement instrument 1 is fixed so that no gap is generated between the flannel cloth 104 and the plate 102. The heat flow plate 106 is disposed between the heat bath 101 and the plate 102 at a position directly below the physiological function improving instrument 1. The heat flow plate 106 is a sensor for measuring the heat flux. Separately from the heat flow plate 106, a thermocouple 107 is disposed between the physiological function improving instrument 1 and the plate 102. The thermocouple 107 is a sensor for measuring the heat generation temperature of the physiological function improving instrument 1.

  In the measurement of the thermal conductivity using the model measurement system 100 shown in FIG. 2, signals (voltages) obtained from the heat flow plate 106 and the thermocouple 107 are processed by a personal computer, and the heat flux of the physiological function improving instrument 1 and The exothermic temperature was measured and recorded. The processing by the personal computer was performed using commercially available software.

  The physiological function improving instrument 1 is used by being attached to a human body such that a portion where water vapor can be released from the heat generating portion faces the body surface. Therefore, the model measurement system is mounted and measured so that the water vapor dischargeable portion faces the heat bath 101.

In this model measurement system, the thermal conductivity up to the heat bath 101 of wet heat and dry heat was compared. With the physiological function improvement instrument 1 in contact with the plate 102 of the model measurement system, the thermal conductivity from the heat generating part to the heat bath 101 in the instrument 1 was measured. The heat conductivity after 1 hour of application was as follows, while the temperature of the heating element in each of wet heat and dry heat was the same.
・ Heat heat 0.046W / m ・ ℃
・ Dry heat 0.039W / m ・ ℃
Furthermore, the thermal conductivity 2 hours after application was as follows.
・ Heat heat 0.048W / m ・ ℃
・ Dry heat 0.032W / m ・ ℃
From these results, it was confirmed that the heat conductivity of wet heat was significantly higher than that of dry heat. From the measurement results of this model system, it is considered that the heat transfer rate from the physiological function improving instrument 1 of the present invention to the human body is further increased by water vapor, and the improvement of physiological function becomes more remarkable.

  From the above results, the physiological function improving instrument 1 according to the present invention has the thermal conductivity from the heat generating part of the physiological function improving instrument 1 to the heat bath 101 in a state where it is in contact with the plate 102 of the model measurement system. Has a water vapor generating ability of 0.04 to 0.06 W / m · ° C., particularly 0.045 to 0.055 W / m · ° C.

  Consider dry heat, that is, the thermal conductivity of air is 0.096 kJ / m · hr · ° C. (40 ° C.) and the thermal conductivity of water is 2.40 kJ / m · hr · ° C. (60 ° C.). It is easily understood that the thermal conductivity of the physiological function improving device of the present invention using wet heat is extremely high.

  In the present invention, the amount of moisture in the stratum corneum is measured by a time domain reflection method (hereinafter referred to as TDR method). In the TDR method, the tip of the probe is brought into contact with the skin, and a 10 GHz microwave is applied to the skin from the probe. The reflected wave of this microwave is detected with a probe. Since the reflected wave differs depending on the dielectric characteristics in the skin, that is, the orientation state of water molecules, the moisture state of the skin can be examined by detecting the reflected wave. In the TDR method, the measurement depth varies depending on the diameter of the probe. As the diameter increases, the moisture content in the deep skin can be measured. In the present invention, the moisture content at a depth of 20 μm from the surface is measured using a TDR probe A (outer diameter 0.7 mm) manufactured by Toko Denshi Co., Ltd. As a measuring instrument for connecting the probe, a 54750A Digitizing oscilloscope (trade name) manufactured by HEWLETT PACKARD was used.

As described above, in the physiological function improving device of the present invention, the moisture content of the stratum corneum in the skin where the device is in contact becomes 0.25 g / cm ³ or more 0.5 hours after the start of contact. And this water content has the ability to supply water vapor that lasts for 5 hours after the start of contact. Preferably, the water supply capacity is 0.25 to 0.39 g / cm ³ after 0.5 hours from the start of contact, and this moisture content lasts for 5 hours from the start of contact. The upper limit value of the water content of the stratum corneum is not particularly limited and is preferably as high as possible. Theoretically, the upper limit value is considered to be approximately 0.70 g / cm ^3, which is the water content of the human subcutaneous tissue. The “starting contact of the physiological function improving instrument” in the present invention refers to a point in time when the instrument is immediately brought into contact with the skin in a state where heat can be generated. Therefore, the measurement of the amount of water by bringing the device into contact with the skin after a predetermined time has elapsed after the heat generation of the device has started does not correspond to the “starting contact of the physiological function improving device” according to the present invention.

  In order to increase the moisture content of the stratum corneum, it is advantageous that the space formed between the two in the state where the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention is in contact with the skin is sufficiently moistened. From this point of view, in the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention, the humidity between the instrument and the skin surface is 0.5% from the start of contact at the site where the instrument is in contact in the measurement room environment of 20 ° C. It is preferable that it has a water vapor generating ability that is 50% RH or more in time and this humidity lasts for 5 hours from the start of contact. More preferably, the humidity is 60% RH or more, and more preferably 70% RH or more. The higher the humidity value, the better (the upper limit value of humidity is ideally 100% RH). In the following description, the humidity between the physiological function improving device and the skin surface refers to a value in a measurement environment at an indoor temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH.

  Furthermore, considering the improvement effect of physiological function, safety to the human body, and comfort during use, the physiological function improvement instrument of the present invention has a skin surface temperature at a site where the instrument comes into contact with the instrument. It preferably has the ability to generate water vapor and the heat generation ability to be 38 ° C. or higher and lower than 42 ° C. within 1 hour from the start of contact.

  From the viewpoint of effectively improving physiological function, the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention preferably has a long duration of water vapor generation. Specifically, the physiological function improving device preferably has a water vapor generation ability of 2 hours or more, more preferably 2 to 12 hours, more preferably from the viewpoint of improving physiological function by making the autonomic nerve parasympathetic dominant. Has 3-6 hours. In addition to this, the skin surface temperature is 38 ° C. or more and less than 42 ° C., particularly 38 ° C. or more over 2 to 12 hours, particularly 3 to 6 hours in a state where the physiological function improving device of the present invention is in contact with the body surface. It preferably has a water vapor generating ability and a heat generating ability that can be maintained at less than 41 ° C.

  The skin surface temperature was measured by the following method. The measurement environment was 20 ° C. and 40% RH. Under this environment, the subject was fitted with a measuring device and allowed to rest for 30 minutes. The skin surface temperature was measured at a position directly below the heating element in the physiological function improving device attached to the waist of the subject. The skin surface temperature (directly under the heating element) was measured using a body temperature monitor (Core Temp CM-210: manufactured by Terumo Corporation, body surface temperature probe: PDK161, deep temperature probe: PD1).

  Next, a preferred embodiment of the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 shows a steam thermal sheet 1 as an embodiment of the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. A steam thermal sheet 1 shown in FIG. 3 has a flat rectangular shape, and includes a heat generating portion 2 and a housing 3 for housing the heat generating portion 2. 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.

  When the heat generating part 2 uses an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal, the heat generating part 2 is composed of a heat generating powder or a heat generating sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, an electrolyte and water. In addition, the heat generating sheet can easily make the temperature distribution uniform, and because it has an excellent powder carrying capacity, the heat generating element does not move even if the human body moves, and low temperature burns can be prevented. It is preferable to the body. When the heat generating portion 2 comes into contact with air, an oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal contained in the heat generating portion 2 occurs, and heat is generated. With this heat, water contained in the heat generating part 2 is heated to become water vapor having a predetermined temperature, and is discharged to the outside through the container 3. Here, examples of the heat generating sheet include paper-made ones, and laminates formed by sandwiching heat generating powder with paper or the like. Papermaking is more preferable from the viewpoint of adhesion to the body and uniform generation of water vapor.

  When the heat generating part 2 is made of heat generating powder, the heat generating powder preferably includes an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, a water retention agent, an electrolyte, and water. As a result of studies by the present inventors, among these various materials, it has been found that the materials that greatly affect the steam generating ability of the steam thermal sheet 1 described above are oxidizable metals, reaction accelerators, and water retention agents. . Specifically, the amount of the oxidizable metal contained in the exothermic powder is preferably 20 to 50% by weight, more preferably 25 to 40% by weight, and the amount of the reaction accelerator is preferably 3 to 25% by weight, more preferably. It is important that the amount of water is 5 to 20% by weight, the amount of water retaining agent is 3 to 25% by weight, more preferably 5 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. Further, the amount of electrolyte contained in the exothermic powder is 0.3 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight, and the amount of water is 20 to 70% by weight, more preferably 30 to 60% by weight. It is also important for the desired water vapor generation ability to be expressed.

  On the other hand, when the heat generating part 2 is composed of a heat generating sheet, the heat generating sheet is preferably composed of a fiber sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, a fibrous material, an electrolyte and water. That is, it is preferable that the exothermic sheet is one in which a fiber sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, a fibrous material, and an electrolyte is in a water-containing state. In particular, the exothermic sheet is preferably configured by containing an electrolyte aqueous solution in a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material.

  When the present inventors examined, when the heat generating part 2 consists of a heat generating sheet, the material having a great influence on the water vapor generating ability of the steam thermal sheet 1 includes an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator and a material included in the molded sheet. It was found to be fibrous. 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, and more preferably 8 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.

  Other important factors affecting the water vapor generating ability of the steam thermal sheet 1 include the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution and the amount of the aqueous electrolyte solution added to the heating sheet. Specifically, the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution in the heating sheet is preferably 1 to 15% by weight, more preferably 2 to 10% by weight. If the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution is less than 1% by weight, the desired temperature may not be obtained. If it exceeds 15% by weight, a significant improvement in the effect cannot be expected. The electrolyte aqueous solution is preferably added in an amount of 40 to 80 parts by weight, more preferably 45 to 65 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the molded sheet. If the amount added is less than 40 parts by weight, the desired temperature may not be sustained. In addition, a desired steam generation amount may not be obtained. If it exceeds 80 parts by weight, the desired temperature may not be obtained.

Regardless of whether the heat generating part 2 is made of a heat generating powder or a heat generating sheet, another important factor affecting the water vapor generating ability of the steam thermal sheet 1 is the moisture permeability (JIS Z0208, 40 ° C.) of the container 3. 90% RH, and hereinafter referred to as moisture permeability means a value measured by this method). By using the heat generating part 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. Specifically, the moisture permeability of the breathable portion of the container 3 is preferably 300 to 2000 g / (m ² · 24 hr), more preferably 600 to 1000 g / (m ² · 24 hr). When the moisture permeability of the portion having air permeability is less than 300 g / (m ² · 24 hr), a desired vapor release amount may not be achieved. If it exceeds 2000 g / (m ² · 24 hr), the desired temperature duration may not be achieved.

From the viewpoint of obtaining appropriate temperature control of water vapor and the duration of generation of water vapor at a desired temperature, the container 3 is measured by this method when the air permeability of the portion having air permeability (JIS P8117, hereinafter referred to as air permeability). preferably the means a value) is 8000~15000s / 100cm ^3, and further preferably 9000~12000s / 100cm ^3.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, 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, a large amount of water vapor is released 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 water vapor to permeate but hardly permeates water is used. Examples of such a film include a polyolefin film having fine pores. Such a film is well known as a moisture-permeable back sheet in sanitary products such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins. 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. 3 and 4, 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.

  As described above, the steam thermal sheet 1 of the present embodiment has a sheet interposed between the heat generating portion 2 and the body surface, and the steam thermal sheet 1 is in contact with the steam thermal sheet 1 in contact with the body surface. Supply. In this embodiment, the members corresponding to this sheet are the moisture permeable film 3a and the nonwoven fabric 3c. These members have a function of controlling the amount of air supplied to the heat generating part 2 of the steam thermal sheet 1 and a function of transmitting heat and water vapor generated in the steam thermal sheet 1 to the body surface. In the present embodiment, the total thickness of the moisture permeable film 3a and the nonwoven fabric 3c is 0.05 to 1.5 mm from the viewpoint of stable supply of air and efficient propagation of heat to the skin (body surface). preferable. On the condition that the total thickness falls within this range, the thickness of the moisture permeable film 3a is preferably 0.01 to 0.1 mm, and the thickness of the nonwoven fabric 3c is preferably 0.03 to 0.5 mm. .

  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. 4, 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.

  When the heat generating part 2 is made of heat generating powder, the details of each material included in the heat generating powder will be described. Examples of the oxidizable metal include powders of iron, aluminum, zinc, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and the like. And fiber. 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, 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.

  Examples of water retention agents include fibrous materials, water-absorbing polymers, vermiculite, calcium silicate, silica gel, alumina, and the like. Among these, it is preferable to use a water-absorbing polymer from the viewpoints of high retainability and excellent productivity.

  As the fibrous material, a natural or synthetic fibrous material can be used without 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, and chlorinated 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. 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. The fibrous material preferably has an average fiber length of 0.1 to 50 mm, particularly 0.2 to 20 mm, from the viewpoint of securing the strength of the heat generating sheet and water dispersibility of the fibrous material.

  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.

  When the heating element 2 is a heating sheet, there is no particular limitation on the method for manufacturing the heating sheet. 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 preferably 0.05 to 15% by weight, particularly 5 to 12% by weight. .

The molded sheet (that is, the heat-generating sheet before being hydrated) has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, particularly 0.15 to 1.5 mm, while maintaining the mechanical strength of the molded sheet. Is preferable from the viewpoint that the steam thermal sheet 1 is easily fitted to the application site of the body. Moreover, it is preferable because the heat generation distribution becomes uniform. Furthermore, by setting it as the thickness of this range, when the vapor | steam thermal sheet 1 is applied to a body, this vapor | steam thermal sheet 1 becomes difficult to stand out from the outer side of clothes. 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 wet heat sheet 1 is preferably 0.03 g / cm ^{2 to} 0.17 g from the viewpoint that the desired temperature sustain can be achieved, the fit is good, and manufacturing problems are not likely to occur. / cm ^2, more preferably from ^{0.06g / cm 2 ~0.14g / cm 2} . For the same reason, the ratio of the weight per unit area of the oxidizable metal is preferably ^{0.02g / cm 2 ~0.14g / cm 2} , more preferably 0.04g / cm ² ~0.12g / cm ² .

  An aqueous electrolyte solution is contained in the molded sheet to obtain a heat generating sheet. 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 are within the ranges described above.

Regardless of whether the heat generating part 2 is a heat generating powder or a heat generating sheet, the heat generating part 2 is accommodated in the container 3. Thereby, the steam thermal sheet 1 is obtained. 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 wet heat 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, when applied to any part of the body, an indication that the deep temperature of the part increases and the blood flow increases to increase blood circulation, and the peripheral temperature rises to relieve coldness and relief of neuralgia Can be attached. Furthermore, the indication that the menstrual pain after the menstruation start date is relieved can be given by applying to the abdomen and / or the waist from at least the day before the menstruation start date. 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 of the present embodiment is held by a belt-like holder as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, 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. 5 (a) and 5 (b) is a pair of arms having a rectangular accommodating portion 12 capable of accommodating and holding the steam thermal sheet 1 at the center and 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 tip of the first arm portion 13a on the skin surface side (the paper surface side in FIG. 5A). On the other hand, on the outer surface side of the second arm portion 13b (the side opposite to the paper surface in FIG. 5 (a)), an attaching means (not shown) capable of fixing the fixing means 15, 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. 5A). 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.

  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 as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b). 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. In the case of such a usage pattern, the sheet interposed between the heat generating portion 2 and the body surface in the steam thermal sheet 1 is the moisture permeable film 3a and the nonwoven fabric 3c described above, and the first and the first in the holder. 2 is the skin surface side sheet material 22,23. Accordingly, the total thickness of these members is preferably 0.05 to 1.5 mm for the reason described above. On the condition that the total thickness falls within this range, the thickness of the first and second skin surface side sheet materials 22 and 23 is preferably 1.4 mm or less.

  As another method for attaching the steam thermal sheet 1 to the human body, the steam thermal sheet 1 can be brought into direct contact with the body surface. In that case, as shown in FIG. 7, adhesive N is applied to the surface of the steam-heated sheet 1 on the side of the moisture-impermeable film 3 b, and the steam-heated sheet 1 is stored in the housing 12 in the holder 10. Adhere to the skin. 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. Or instead of making it adhere to the holder 10, you may make the adhesive N in the vapor | steam thermal sheet 1 adhere to a user's underwear.

  The steam-heat sheet can be directly attached to the wearer's skin by the adhesive. In that case, for example, the steam thermal sheet 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 8 can be used. A steam thermal sheet 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a heat generating part 2 and a container 3 for storing the heat generating part 2. The container 3 is flat and has a bag shape in which a plurality of sheet materials are bonded so that a joint portion 4 having a closed shape is formed, and a closed space is formed inside the joint portion 4. This closed space serves as the accommodating portion 5 of the heat generating portion 2.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the container 3, the first moisture permeable sheet 3 a and the second moisture permeable sheet 3 b are bonded to each other at the bonding portion 4. On the outer surface of the second moisture permeable sheet 3b, a non-woven fabric 3c which is a sheet material having a good texture is arranged. A nonwoven fabric 3d is disposed on the outer surface of the first moisture-permeable sheet 3a. The 2nd moisture-permeable sheet 3b and the nonwoven fabric 3c are substantially the same dimension. The 1st moisture permeable sheet 3a and the nonwoven fabric 3d, the 2nd moisture permeable sheet 3b, and the nonwoven fabric 3c may be joined only in those peripheral edges, and may be partially joined in the sheet | seat surface. The first moisture-permeable sheet 3a and the non-woven fabric 3d act as the first ventilation layer 10a located on the side far from the user's skin when the heating tool 1 is used. On the other hand, the 2nd moisture-permeable sheet 3b and the nonwoven fabric 3c act as the 2nd ventilation layer 10b located in the side close | similar to a user's skin. That is, the steam thermal sheet 1 of the present embodiment is a double-sided breathable sheet, and is fixed to the user's body so that the second moisture-permeable sheet 3b and the nonwoven fabric 3d side face the skin. In the present embodiment, the first breathable layer 10a is composed of the first moisture permeable sheet 3a and the nonwoven fabric 3d, and the second breathable layer 10b is composed of the second moisture permeable sheet 3b and the nonwoven fabric 3c. The air-permeable layers 10a and 10b of 1 and 2 may be composed of only moisture-permeable sheets 3a and 3b, respectively.

  The container 3 has side edges S1 and S2 extending in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, it has the edge E1 and E2 extended in the width direction. One side edge S <b> 1 has a curved shape that is convex outward with respect to the longitudinal center line L of the container 3. The other side edge S2 has a curved shape that is an inwardly convex shape toward the vertical center line L. The edges E1 and E2 have curved shapes that are outwardly convex. The side edges S1 and S2 and the end edges E1 and E2 are smoothly connected to each other, and have a curved oval shape as a whole of the container.

  The first moisture permeable sheet 3 a and the nonwoven fabric 3 d extend outward from the joint portion 4 surrounding the housing portion 5 in the longitudinal direction of the housing body 3 to form a pair of ear portions 6 and 6. The ear | edge part 6 is comprised from the base 6a located near the junction part 4, and the front-end | tip part 6b located near the front-end | tip and connected with the base 6a.

  A fixing portion 7 for fixing the steam thermal sheet 1 to the user's body is provided on the surface on the second moisture-permeable sheet side in each tip portion 6b, that is, on the surface close to the skin. The fixing part 7 is provided at a position (peripheral part) outside the housing part 5 for the heat generating material 2. Two fixing portions 7 are provided, and each fixing portion 7 is provided on the longitudinal center line L of the container 3.

  As the fixing part 7, various means capable of fixing the steam thermal sheet 1 to the user's body can be used. Typically, the fixing portion 7 can be formed by applying an adhesive to the tip portion 6b. As an adhesive, the thing similar to what is normally used in the said technical field can be used. For example, rubber resin, acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, or the like can be used. These resins are preferably non-transferable.

  The position between the accommodating part 5 and the fixing part 7 of the heat generating part 2, that is, the base part 6a of the ear part 7 is extendable. The base portion 6a can be extended in the direction connecting the two fixing portions 7 and 7, that is, in the direction of the longitudinal center line L. In the present embodiment, the base 6a can be extended by forming a large number of slits 8 in the base 6a. In the base 6a, each slit 8 extends in a direction intersecting the vertical center line L. Thus, when the steam thermal sheet 1 is pulled in the longitudinal direction, the slit 8 is opened and the base 6a is extended. As a result, when the steam thermal sheet 1 is attached to the user's body, the base portion 6a extends following the user's movement, making it difficult to give the user a sense of tension. Further, the fixing portion 7 is difficult to come off from the body. In FIG. 18, the slit 8 extends in a direction orthogonal to the vertical center line L, but if the slit 8 intersects the vertical center line L, it is not necessary to be orthogonal. However, considering the extensibility of the base portion 6a, the angle between the slit 8 and the longitudinal center line L is preferably as close to a right angle as possible.

[Example 1]
The physiological function improvement instrument (steam thermal sheet) of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 was produced by the following procedure.

<Preparation of sheet-like exothermic part>
Composition of raw material composition and 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.), a product based on 100 parts by weight of the solid content of the raw material composition (total amount of fibrous material, oxidizable metal and reaction accelerator) (Name "WS4020") 0.7 parts by weight and 0.18 parts by weight of anionic flocculant sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd., trade name "HE1500F") were added. ) Was added until the solid concentration was 12% by weight to obtain a slurry.

<Making conditions>
Using the slurry, it was diluted with water to 0.3% by weight immediately before the paper making head, and paper was made at a line speed of 15 m / min with a slanted short net paper 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. The composition of the molded sheet thus obtained was measured using a thermogravimetric measuring device (TG / DTA6200, manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc.), and as a result, the iron was 84% by weight, activated carbon 8% by weight, and pulp 8% by weight. .

<Preparation of exothermic sheet>
The obtained molded sheet was cut into 80 mm × 100 mm, two sheets were stacked, and the following electrolyte was injected so that the amount of the electrolyte was 50 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the formed sheet. Capillary phenomenon was used to infiltrate the electrolyte into the entire molded sheet to obtain a heat generating sheet (sheet-like heat generating portion).

<Electrolyte>
Electrolyte: Purified salt (NaCl)
Water: Industrial water Electrolyte concentration: 5% by weight

<Containment in container>
Moisture permeable film made of polyethylene containing calcium carbonate (moisture permeability 800-1200 g / (m ² · 24 hr), air permeability 10000 ± 2000 s / 100 cm ³ ), linear low density polyethylene hardly moisture permeable film and air-through nonwoven fabric The bag-shaped container shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4 was produced using it. Two exothermic sheets were accommodated in this, and the steam thermal sheet shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4 was obtained. The water vapor discharge area was 0.016 m ² .

[Comparative Example 1]
As a container, two layers of 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 ) and linear low density A bag-shaped container was prepared by joining four sides of a stack of a polyethylene non-breathable film and an air-through nonwoven fabric. The container contained the same exothermic sheet (two sheets) used in the examples. In this way, a dry heat type heat generating sheet was obtained.

  The steam thermal sheet obtained in Example 1 was applied to the left waist of a subject (male in his 30s) for 5 hours. In addition, the dry heat type exothermic sheet obtained in Comparative Example 1 was applied to the right waist of the subject for 5 hours. About the vapor | steam thermal sheet obtained in Example 1, it applied so that the side of a moisture-permeable film might face skin. About the dry heat type exothermic sheet | seat obtained in the comparative example 1, it applied so that the side of a hardly moisture-permeable film and an air through nonwoven fabric may be opposed to skin. The applied environment temperature was 20 ± 1 ° C. During this period, the horny layer moisture content of the test subject, the humidity between the sheet and the skin surface, and the skin surface temperature were measured by the following methods.

As a result, for the steam thermal sheet obtained in Example 1, the humidity between the steam thermal sheet and the skin surface became 80% RH about 15-20 minutes after application, and this value continued for 5 hours. Further, the water content of the stratum corneum is applied before was approximately 0.16-0.17g / cm ^3, becomes 0.25 g / cm ³ or more 30 minutes after the application, until subsequent 5 hours 0.26- A value of 0.32 g / cm ³ was shown. The skin surface temperature of the application part was 38-39 ° C. from 30 minutes to 5 hours after application.

On the other hand, about the dry heat type heat generating sheet obtained in Comparative Example 1, about 15-20 minutes after application, the humidity between the heat generating sheet and the skin surface became 40% RH, and this value continued for 5 hours. Further, the water content of the stratum corneum is applied before was approximately 0.16-0.17g / cm ^3, from about 0.20 g / cm ³ becomes from the application after 10 minutes, until subsequent 5 hours 0.20- A value of 0.24 g / cm ³ was shown. The skin surface temperature of the application part was 38-39 ° C. from 30 minutes to 5 hours after application, which was similar to Example 1.

  The graphs of the measurement results are shown in FIGS.

<Measurement of moisture content in stratum corneum>
The water content of the stratum corneum portion (depth: about 20 μm) of the skin was measured by the TDR method. This measurement method is based on “A method of measuring surface permittivity by microwave dielectric analysis” S. Natio and M. Hoshi; Rev. Sci. Instrum. Vol. 67, No. 10, 3633-3641 (1996). The measurement environment was an indoor temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH. Before the measurement 20 minutes before each measurement time (5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes, 180 minutes, 240 minutes, 300 minutes) I entered the adjusted environment room. When measuring the amount of moisture in the stratum corneum, the sheet was peeled off from the skin of the subject, and the measurement probe was applied to the skin surface and operated quickly. The measurement position was a position 10 mm above and 10 mm below the sheet center. Seven measurements were made at each position. The average value of the 14 measurement results obtained was determined and used as the moisture content of the stratum corneum. Immediately after the measurement, the sheet was brought into contact with the skin.

<Measurement of humidity between sheet and skin surface>
A humidity sensor (Thermo Recorder TR-72U, temperature / humidity sensor TR-3110, manufactured by T & D) is fixed to the skin surface at the center of the sheet with tape, then the sheet is applied to the skin and the humidity is measured for up to 5 hours. did.

<Measurement of skin surface temperature>
A temperature sensor (data collection type handheld thermometer LT-8, skin temperature sensor LT-ST08-12, manufactured by Gram) is fixed to the skin surface at the center of the sheet with tape, and then the sheet is applied to the skin. The temperature was measured up to 5 hours after application.

[Comparative Example 2]
Salon ship heating tool direct pasting (trade name, manufactured by Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was applied to the left waist of the subject for 5 hours. The applied environment temperature was 20 ± 1 ° C. The water content of the stratum corneum is applied before was approximately 0.16-0.17g / cm ^3, from about 0.23 g / cm ³ next to the application 30 minutes after, 0.20-0.25G until subsequent 5 hours A value of / cm ³ was indicated. The skin surface temperature of the application part was 40-42 ° C. from 30 minutes to 5 hours after application. Graphs of the moisture content of the stratum corneum and the skin surface temperature are shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b).

[Comparative Example 3]
Salon ship heating tool direct pasting (trade name, manufactured by Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was applied to the left waist of the subject for 5 hours. However, in normal use, the skin non-facing surface was applied so that it faced the skin. In other words, it was applied opposite to normal use. The applied environment temperature was 20 ± 1 ° C. The water content of the stratum corneum is applied before was approximately 0.16-0.17g / cm ^3, from about 0.20 g / cm ³ next to the application 30 minutes after, 0.16-0.24G until subsequent 5 hours A value of / cm ³ was indicated. The skin surface temperature of the application part was 34-38 degreeC from 30 minutes after application to 5 hours. A graph of the moisture content of the stratum corneum and the skin surface temperature is shown in FIGS.

[Comparative Example 4]
ThermaCare Therapeutic Heat Wraps (product name, manufactured by P & G) was applied to the subject's left waist for 5 hours. The applied environment temperature was 20 ± 1 ° C. The moisture content of the stratum corneum was about 0.15-0.16 g / cm ³ before application, but became about 0.19 g / cm ³ after 30 minutes of application, and thereafter 0.16-0.29 g until 5 hours. A value of / cm ³ was indicated. The skin surface temperature of the application part was 37-41 ° C. from 30 minutes to 5 hours after application. A graph of the moisture content of the stratum corneum and the skin surface temperature is shown in FIGS.

[Comparative Example 5]
ThermaCare Therapeutic Heat Wraps (product name, manufactured by P & G) was applied to the subject's left waist for 5 hours. However, in normal use, the skin non-facing surface was applied so that it faced the skin. In other words, it was applied opposite to normal use. The applied environment temperature was 20 ± 1 ° C. The water content of the stratum corneum is applied before was approximately 0.14-0.15g / cm ^3, from about 0.19 g / cm ³ next after application 30 minutes, until subsequent 5 hours 0.19-0. A value of 26 g / cm ³ was shown. The skin surface temperature of the applied part was 35-40 ° C. from 30 minutes to 5 hours after application. A graph of the moisture content of the stratum corneum and the skin surface temperature is shown in FIGS.

[Example 2]
The physiological function improvement instrument (steam thermal sheet) of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 was produced by the following procedure.

<Preparation of exothermic sheet>
The molded sheet produced in the same manner as in Example 1 was cut into 54 mm × 100 mm, and the three sheets were superposed, and the same electrolysis as in Example 1 was performed so that the amount of the electrolytic solution was 45 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the molded sheet. The liquid was injected. Capillary phenomenon was used to infiltrate the electrolyte into the entire molded sheet to obtain a heat generating sheet (sheet-like heat generating portion).

<Containment in container>
As the moisture permeable sheets 3a and 3b shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a polyethylene porous moisture permeable film was used. The moisture permeability of the moisture permeable sheet 3a was 150 g / (m ² · 24 hr). The moisture permeability of the moisture permeable sheet 3b was 300 g / (m ² · 24 hr). A nylon nonwoven fabric 3d having a basis weight of 40 g / m ² was laminated on the outer surface of the first moisture-permeable sheet 3a. A nylon nonwoven fabric 3c having a basis weight of 40 g / m ² was also disposed on the outer surface of the second moisture-permeable sheet 3b. The exothermic sheet was accommodated in this container.

About the obtained steam-heat sheet | seat, it carried out similarly to Example 1, and measured the test subject's stratum corneum moisture content, the humidity between a sheet | seat and the skin surface, and skin surface temperature. As a result, about 15-20 minutes after application, the humidity between the steam thermal sheet and the skin surface was 80% RH, and this value continued for 5 hours. In addition, the water content of the stratum corneum was about 0.16 to 0.17 g / cm ³ before application, but became 0.25 g / cm ³ or more after 30 minutes from application, and from 0.26 to 5 hours thereafter. A value of 0.32 g / cm ³ was shown. The skin surface temperature of the application part was 38-39 ° C. from 30 minutes after application until 5 hours.

  Furthermore, about the obtained vapor | steam thermal sheet, the relaxation effect of the menstrual pain was evaluated in the following procedure.

(1) Evaluation 1
A female university student (average age: 20.2 years old) was examined, and the degree of abdominal pain and back pain immediately after the start of menstruation was selected from four levels: 0: no pain, 1: slightly painful, 2: painful, 3: very painful. We conducted a questionnaire to select. The subjects with a score of 0 were excluded, and the subjects with scores 1 to 3 were allowed to apply the steam thermal sheet directly to their skin immediately after the questionnaire. At this time, it was divided into a group to be applied to the abdomen (N = 12, hereinafter referred to as abdomen group) and a group to be applied to the waist (N = 15, hereinafter referred to as waist group). After applying the steam thermal sheet for 8 hours continuously, the abdominal pain level was selected from the above four stages for the abdominal group. For the lumbar group, the level of back pain was selected from the above four stages. The result is shown in FIG.

  As is apparent from FIG. 15, it can be seen that in both the abdominal group and the lumbar group, those who showed improvement in pain relief greatly outweigh those who did not see improvement.

(2) Evaluation 2
Test 1 subjects were divided into two groups. In the first group (N = 6), the steam thermal sheet was applied directly to the abdominal skin for 8 hours on the day before the menstruation start date. On the next day, immediately after the start of menstruation, a questionnaire was conducted to select the degree of abdominal pain from the four-level scores as in the evaluation (1). Immediately after the questionnaire, the steam thermal sheet was directly applied to the abdominal skin for 8 hours. After 8 hours, a questionnaire was conducted to select the degree of abdominal pain again from the above four stages.

  In the second group (N = 6), the steam thermal sheet was not applied to the abdomen the day before the menstruation start date. Other than this, in the same manner as in the first group, the questionnaire was conducted immediately after the start of menstruation and after the steam thermal sheet was applied to the abdomen for 8 hours. The result is shown in FIG.

  As is apparent from the results shown in FIG. 16, when the steam thermal sheet is applied from the day before the menstruation start date, the degree of improvement in pain relief is greater than when the steam thermal sheet after the menstruation start is applied. I understand that. From this result, it can be said that the menstrual pain after the menstruation start date is effectively relieved by applying the steam thermal sheet from at least the day before menstruation start.

FIG. 1A is a model diagram of heat conduction of wet heat, and FIG. 1B is a model diagram of heat conduction of dry heat. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a model measurement system for measuring thermal conductivity. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a steam thermal sheet as an embodiment of the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. Fig.5 (a) is a top view which shows the holder which accommodates and hold | maintains the steam thermal sheet shown in FIG. 2, FIG.5 (b) is a bb sectional view taken on the line in Fig.5 (a). Fig.6 (a) is a figure which shows the state which applied the steam thermal sheet shown in FIG. 2 to the waist | hip | lumbar part, and FIG.6 (b) is a figure which shows the state applied to the abdomen. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 4) showing another embodiment of the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the moisture content of the stratum corneum in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. FIG. 11 is a graph showing humidity in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. FIG. 12 is a graph showing skin surface temperatures in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. FIG. 13A is a graph showing the moisture content of the stratum corneum in Comparative Examples 2 and 3, and FIG. 13B is a graph showing the skin surface temperature in Comparative Examples 2 and 3. FIG. 14A is a graph showing the water content of the stratum corneum in Comparative Examples 4 and 5, and FIG. 14B is a graph showing the skin surface temperature in Comparative Examples 4 and 5. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the effect of alleviating menstrual pain by the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a graph showing the effect of alleviating menstrual pain with the physiological function improving instrument of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Steam thermal sheet (physiological function improvement device)
2 Heating part 3 Container 10 Holder

Claims (7)

It has a heat generating part using an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal, and supplies water vapor generated from the heat generating part under a state where a sheet is interposed between the heat generating part and the body surface. A device for improving physiological function used to relieve menstrual pain ,
A double-sided breathable container having a first ventilation layer located on the side far from the user's skin during use and a second ventilation layer located on the side near the user's skin and used as the sheet Contains the heat generating part,
Using 0.11 to 0.14 g / cm ^{2 of the} oxidizable metal per unit area of the heat generating part ,
In a measurement environment with an indoor temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH, the moisture content of the stratum corneum in the skin where the device is in contact is 0.25 g / cm ³ or more 0.5 hours after the start of contact. and have a supply capacity of water vapor the moisture content is sustained from the contact start until after 5 hours,
A physiological function improving instrument that is applied to the abdomen and / or waist for 2 to 10 hours of the day from at least the previous day of the menstruation start date . In a measurement environment with an indoor temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH, the humidity between the device and the skin surface becomes 50% RH or more in 0.5 hours from the start of contact at the site where the device is in contact. In addition, the humidity lasts for 5 hours after the start of contact, and the moisture content of the stratum corneum in the skin where the device is in contact is measured in an environment where the room temperature is 20 ° C. and the humidity is 40% RH. next 0.25~0.39g / cm ³ at 0.5 hours after the contact start and physiology features of claim 1, wherein the water content has a supply ability of water vapor to be sustained from the contact start until after 5 hours Improvement instrument. Skin surface temperature of a portion of the instrument is abutment, physiology improvements device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein with a supply capacity of water vapor becomes over 38 ℃ 42 below ° C. within one hour from the contact start. The sheet interposed between the heat generating part of the instrument and the body surface has a function of controlling the amount of air supplied to the heat generating part of the instrument, and a function of transmitting heat and water vapor generated from the instrument to the body surface. has the door, physiology improvements device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 total thickness of the sheet is 0.05 to 1.5 mm. Claim 1 which is put in a package together with an instruction sheet indicating that menstrual pain after the menstruation start date is relieved by applying to the abdomen and / or waist from at least the day before the menstruation start date. to physiology improvements device according to any of the 4. Claim 1 thru | or 4 which is put in the package in which the indication that the menstrual pain after the menstruation start date was eased by applying to an abdomen and / or a waist | lumbar region from the day before menstruation starting date was described. raw physical function improved device according to any one. By applying the abdomen and / or waist at least the day before the physiological start date claims 1 indication that physiological starting date after the cramps are alleviated is described human body according to any one of 4 Physiological function improvement equipment such as.