JP4841363B2 - Steam heating equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam heating tool used for applying water vapor heated to a predetermined temperature to an object.

  Various so-called chemical warmers using heat generated by an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal such as iron powder are known. Generally, these warmers have a structure in which a granular exothermic composition such as iron powder is enclosed in a bag-like container formed by joining a breathable sheet and a non-breathable sheet around it. . Therefore, when the size of the warmer is increased, the unevenness of the granular exothermic composition is increased in the container. This causes a variation in heat generation, and also causes a decrease in fit between an application object such as a human body and a warmer.

  For the purpose of preventing the unevenness of the granular exothermic composition, two sheets are joined around them, and the granular exothermic composition is placed in a container formed in a pouch shape, a cylindrical shape or a pocket shape. A heat cell formed by filling has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). The heat cell takes various shapes such as a disk shape, a triangle shape, and a pyramid shape. In the case of a disk, the diameter is 0.2 to 5 cm and the height is 0.15 to 1 cm. This heat cell is for applying heat to the human body. This heat cell generates water vapor when it generates heat due to its heat generation mechanism. However, the amount is negligibly small on the human body application side. Therefore, this heat cell is substantially free from the generation of water vapor on the human body application surface side when it generates heat. That is, water vapor heated to a predetermined temperature is not applied.

Japanese National Patent Publication No. 11-508786

  An object of the present invention is to provide a steam heating device that can eliminate the drawbacks of the above-described prior art.

The present invention includes a first layer having air permeability, a second layer located on the opposite side of the first layer and having lower air permeability or less air permeability than the first layer, and both layers A heating element that is held and accommodated in the container, and is configured to generate water vapor heated to a predetermined temperature from the first layer side using heat generated by an oxidation reaction of the heating element. A steam heating device used for the object,
The first layer and the second layer are joined to each other so that a large number of independent compartments capable of holding the heating element are formed between the two layers.
The object is achieved by providing a steam heating tool in which a heating element is held and accommodated in the compartment formed by joining both layers.

  According to the present invention, since the heat generating portions are individually held and accommodated in the independent compartments, the shape, height, and interval of the compartments can be appropriately adjusted to follow the shape of the application site of the application object. Thus, the steam heating tool can be brought into close contact with the part. Since the heating element is normally cured by the exothermic reaction, the followability of the part is lowered, but the followability can be ensured by providing the compartment. Also, it is difficult for the heat generating part to be biased. In addition, the air-permeable surface is in close contact with the part, but a stable space is formed between the part and the part due to the height and spacing of the compartment, so that uniform heat generation can be performed. Water vapor can be stably applied to the application site. This is particularly effective when the overall shape of the steam heating device is increased.

  The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows a front view of an embodiment of the steam heating device of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. In the following description, the front surface of the steam heating device is a surface from which water vapor is released, and is a surface facing the application target when the steam heating device is used. Moreover, the back surface of a steam heating tool means the surface located on the opposite side to a front surface. As will be described later, the steam heating device 10 of the present embodiment is preferably used by being wound around the waist of a human body.

  The steam heating tool 10 has a horizontally long strip shape having a predetermined width. The steam heating tool 10 has a central portion 11 located at the center in the length direction. A pair of arm portions 12 respectively extend laterally from the left and right side portions of the central portion 11. The upper side of the central part 11 and the upper side of each arm part 12 are both straight lines. The upper side of the central part 11 is connected to the upper side of each arm part 12. Thereby, the upper part of the steam heating device 10 is in a straight line as a whole. However, the positional relationship between the upper side of the central part 11 and the upper side of each arm part 12 is not limited to this, and for example, the upper side of each arm part 12 faces upward with a predetermined angle with respect to the upper side of the central part 11. It may be inclined.

  On the other hand, regarding the lower side, both the central part 11 and the lower side of each arm part 12 are straight. Further, the width of the central portion 11 (the length in the vertical direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1) is larger than the width of each arm portion 12. As a result, the lower side of the steam heating tool 10 forms a step between the central portion 11 and the arm portion 12. This level | step difference is a curve which connects smoothly the lower side of the center part 11, and the lower side of the arm part 12. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the central portion 11 includes a first layer 21 and a second layer located on the opposite side of the first layer 21. The first layer 21 is located on the front side of the steam warmer 10. The second layer 22 is located on the back side of the steam heating tool 10. Accordingly, when the steam heating tool 10 is used, the first layer 21 side faces the user's skin.

  The first layer 21 is composed of a laminate of an inner layer 21A and an outer layer 21B. On the other hand, the second layer 22 is also composed of a laminate of an inner layer 22A and an outer layer 22B. The first layer 21 is a layer having air permeability. On the other hand, the second layer 22 has lower air permeability than the first layer 21 or is hardly air permeable. Therefore, when the steam heating device 10 is used, air flows into the steam heating device 10 from the side of the first layer 21 that is the highly breathable side, and water vapor generated from the heating element that generates heat by the air that flows in is generated. Released from the first layer 21 side to the outside. In other words, in the steam heating device 10 of the present embodiment, the air inflow side and the water vapor release side are the same.

  A heating element 30 is held and accommodated between the first layer 21 and the second layer 22. The heating element 30 is held as follows. The first layer 21 and the second layer 22 are joined to each other so that a plurality of independent compartments 31 capable of holding the heating element 30 are formed between both layers. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the compartment 31 has a rectangular shape in plan view, and therefore the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 are vertically and horizontally latticed at an angle of 90 degrees. Are joined at the joint region 32. The heating element 30 is held and accommodated by being filled in a compartment 31 formed by joining both layers. Since the heating elements 30 are held and accommodated in the compartments 31 that are individually divided, the unevenness of the heating elements during use of the steam heating device 10 is prevented. As a result, heat generation occurs uniformly and water vapor is stably generated. This is particularly advantageous in the case of a large steam heater using a large amount of heating element 30.

  In addition, since the heating elements 30 are held and accommodated in the compartments 31 that are individually divided, there is an advantage that the fitting property when viewed as the whole steam heating device is improved. This is particularly advantageous when the steam heating tool 10 is applied to a portion having a undulating undulation, or to a portion having a curved surface with a large curvature.

  The compartments 31 are regularly arranged at a predetermined interval in both the length direction and the width direction of the steam heater 10. As described above, the compartment 31 in the present embodiment is rectangular in plan view, but the shape of the compartment 31 is not limited to this. For example, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon other than a rectangle, such as a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or a combination of these shapes can be used. However, from the viewpoint of making it difficult for the heating element 30 to be biased in the compartment 31, it is preferable that the compartment 31 has a shape with a relatively small aspect ratio in the plan view. When the compartment 31 has, for example, a shape extending in one direction and having a length and a width, if the aspect ratio, that is, the length / width ratio is 4 or less, particularly 2.5 or less, the heating element 30 biases are less likely to occur. Of course, it is preferable that the lower limit of the aspect ratio is 1, that is, the compartment 31 has no anisotropy.

  From the viewpoint of making the heating element 30 less likely to be biased and improving the fit of the steam heating tool 10, it is preferable not to make the size of the compartment 31 excessive. On the other hand, in order to efficiently generate heat from the heating elements 30 held and accommodated in the respective compartments 31, it is preferable to secure a certain amount of filling of the heating elements 30. That is, it is preferable not to make the size of the compartment 31 too small. From these viewpoints, the compartment 31 preferably has an equivalent circle diameter D (see FIG. 2) of 10 to 50 mm, particularly 20 to 40 mm when viewed in plan.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the compartment 31 in a state where the heating element 30 is held and accommodated protrudes toward the first layer 21 to form a convex portion. Between adjacent convex parts, that is, the part of the joining area 32 is a concave part with respect to the convex part. That is, in the central portion 11, the surface on the first layer 21 side is uneven. On the other hand, the surface on the second layer 22 side in the central portion 11 is flat compared to the surface on the first layer 21 side. Or the 2nd layer 22 side has the unevenness | corrugation whose surface is smaller than the 1st layer 21 side.

  As described above, in the steam heating device 10 of the present embodiment, the first layer 21 side faces the object to be applied. Therefore, when the surface of the first layer 21 is uneven, the entire surface on the first layer 21 side is not in contact with the application object, and a part of the surface is partially applied. Means contact. Specifically, the top surface portion 31A of the compartment 31 constituting a part of the surface on the first layer 21 side mainly comes into contact with the application object. On the other hand, the concave part between the adjacent compartments 31, that is, the part of the joining area 32 is separated from the application object to form a space S (see FIG. 2). This space S functions as a supply path for oxygen (air) necessary for the heating element 30 to generate heat. In addition, in a general chemical warmer, that is, a warmer with a small amount of water vapor generated during heat generation, oxygen (air) is taken in from the outer surface (the surface opposite to the surface facing the application target). It is not necessary to provide the space S. That is, in the space S, the steam heating device of the present embodiment is configured such that the oxygen (air) intake surface and the water vapor discharge surface are the same surface, and the surface is used opposite to the application target. 10 is a unique structure.

  In order to supply a sufficient amount of oxygen (air) to the heating element 30, it is preferable to adjust the height H (see FIG. 2) of the compartment 31 that is a convex portion. Specifically, the height H is preferably 0.5 to 12 mm, particularly 2 to 8 mm. By setting the height H within this range, the space S can be sufficiently secured, and the height of the convex portion does not become excessively high, so that it is difficult for the steam heating device 10 to feel uncomfortable. The height H is measured using the surface connecting the compartments on the first surface 21 side in the steam heating device 10 as a reference plane.

  From the viewpoint of preventing unevenness of the heating element 30 and supplying a sufficient amount of oxygen (air) to the heating element 30, the ratio H / D between the height H of the compartment 31 and the equivalent circle diameter D is 0.02. It is preferable that it is -0.25, especially 0.04-0.23.

  In order to ensure a sufficient space S and supply a sufficient amount of oxygen (air) to the heating element 30, in addition to adjusting the height H of the compartment 31, the adjacent compartments It is also preferable to adjust the distance between the chambers 31, that is, the width of the joining region 32. By not reducing the distance between the adjacent compartments 31 too much, it is possible to prevent the volume of the space S from being reduced due to the deformation of the compartments 31 and the like, and hence the supply amount of oxygen (air). On the other hand, since the distance between the adjacent compartments 31 is not increased too much, the heat generated from the heat generator 30 held and accommodated in the compartment 31 is heated and held in the adjacent compartment 31. A synergistic effect of fever can be expected. From these viewpoints, it is preferable that the respective compartments 31 are arranged so that the shortest distance W (see FIG. 2) between the nearest compartments 31 is 1.5 to 30 mm, particularly 2 to 20 mm.

From the viewpoint of supplying a sufficient amount of oxygen (air) to the heating element 30, the structure of the central portion 11 in the steam heating device 10 of the present embodiment can be shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). In FIG. 3A, one or a plurality of small holes 33 penetrating therethrough are provided in the joint area 32 located between the compartments 31. Oxygen (air) is easily supplied from the outside to the space S through the small holes 33. In FIG. 3B, one or a plurality of small holes 34 penetrating the compartment chamber 31 are provided on the side surface of the compartment 31. Oxygen (air) is easily supplied to the heating element 30 held and accommodated in the compartment 31 through the small hole 34. If the structures shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are combined, a more sufficient amount of oxygen (air) can be supplied to the heating element 30. These small holes 33 and 34 are formed by, for example, drilling the joining region 32 and the first layer 21 using a punching pin having a diameter of 100 μm to 1 mm. Alternatively, it is formed by perforation by laser light irradiation. As the laser light, a CO ₂ laser, a YVO ₄ laser, an ultraviolet laser, or the like can be used.

In the steam heating tool 10 of the present embodiment, a desired amount of water vapor is generated by adjusting the air permeability of the first layer 21 and the composition of the heating element 30. Regarding the air permeability of the first layer 21, the moisture permeability of the first layer 21, that is, the moisture permeability of the entire laminate of the inner layer 21A and the outer layer 21B is 200 to 2000 g / (m ² · 24 hr), particularly 300 to ^{2000g / (m 2 · 24hr)} , especially it is preferable that the ^{500~1200g / (m 2 · 24hr)} . The moisture permeability is measured according to JIS Z0208 (40 ° C., 90% RH).

On the other hand, regarding the air permeability of the second layer 22, the moisture permeability measured by the above-described method is 0 or less on the condition that the moisture permeability is lower than the measurement limit value or lower than the moisture permeability of the first layer 21. ^{400g / (m 2 · 24hr)} , it is particularly preferably ^{0~300g / (m 2 · 24hr)} . By setting the moisture permeability of the second layer 22 within this range, water vapor generated from the heating element 30 can be preferentially released to the outside from the first layer 21 side.

  As the inner layer 21A constituting the first layer 21, it is preferable to use a moisture-permeable resin film such as a porous film or a perforated film. The porous film is obtained by melt-extruding a resin composition kneaded with a filler that is not compatible with a resin, forming the film into a film, and stretching the film uniaxially or biaxially. The perforated film is obtained, for example, by forming a large number of small holes in a resin film using a perforated pin having a diameter of 100 μm to 1 mm. Although these moisture-permeable resin films have holes of a size that allows air and water vapor to pass therethrough, the heating element 30 is difficult to leak from the holes. Therefore, these moisture-permeable resin films have an advantage that leakage of the heating element 30 can be prevented while ensuring a sufficient amount of oxygen (air) inflow and a desired amount of water vapor.

  The outer layer 21 </ b> B that is disposed outside the inner layer 21 </ b> A and forms the surface of the first layer 21 is used to give a good texture to the steam heating device 10. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the outer layer 21B is made of a cloth or cloth-like material on the condition that the moisture permeability of the inner layer 21A is not hindered. For example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric or an air-through nonwoven fabric can be used.

  The inner layer 21A and the outer layer 21B are laminated by a predetermined means. From the viewpoint of reliably forming and securing the space S, it is preferable that the inner layer 21A and the outer layer 21B be made of a material with good unevenness and good spreadability. Further, from the viewpoint of successfully laminating both layers without impairing the moisture permeability of the inner layer 21A, it is preferable to join the two layers by, for example, intermittent application of a hot melt adhesive. As an aspect of intermittent application, for example, an aspect in which a hot melt adhesive is spirally coated or bead-coated is exemplified.

  As the inner layer 22 </ b> A constituting the second layer 22, it is possible to use a hardly moisture permeable resin film substantially free of holes through which water vapor permeates or the above-described moisture permeable resin film. Whichever resin film is used, it is preferable to prevent the heating element 30 from leaking through the resin film. When a moisture permeable resin film is used as the inner layer 22A, it is preferable to use a film having a moisture permeability lower than that of the moisture permeable resin film of the inner layer 21A constituting the first layer 21.

  On the other hand, as the outer layer 22B constituting the second layer 22, in view of the fact that the outer layer 22B constitutes the surface of the second layer 22, it is preferable to use one having a good texture. As the outer layer 22B, the same material as the outer layer 21B of the first layer 21 described above can be used. Depending on the specific application of the steam heating device 10, the outer layer 22B may not be used.

  The central part 11 in the steam heating tool of this embodiment can be manufactured by the method shown in FIG. 4, for example. First, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first layer 21 is placed on a molding die 40 having a large number of recesses 41. The shape of the recess 41 in the molding die 40 in plan view corresponds to the shape of the compartment 31 in plan view. A large number of pores (not shown) are formed on the surface of the mold 40. The pores are connected to suction means (not shown). By operating this suction means, the first layer 21 is brought into close contact with the surface of the mold 40. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first layer 21 is drawn into the recess 41, and the first layer 21 is in close contact with the bottom and side surfaces of the recess 41. The first layer 21 that is in close contact with the recess 41 serves as a portion constituting a compartment 31 composed of a convex portion. As described above, since the first layer 21 has moisture permeability, the moisture permeability of the layer 21 may be affected depending on the degree of suction. Therefore, it is preferable to perform suction under the condition that the moisture permeability of the first layer 21 does not change. Alternatively, the moisture permeability of the first layer 21 can be selected in advance in anticipation of the moisture permeability after the change.

  Under this state, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), the heating element 30 is filled in the recess 41. When the filling is completed, the second layer 22 is overlaid on the first layer 21 as shown in FIG. Then, the first layer 21 and the second layer 22 are bonded using bonding means such as an ultrasonic welding apparatus so that vertical and horizontal grid bonding lines (not shown) surrounding the recess 41 are formed. . As a result, a central portion having a number of compartments in which heating elements are held and accommodated is formed.

One of the features of the steam heating tool 10 of the present embodiment is that the duration of steam generation is long. In order to obtain the steam heating device 10 having such water vapor generation characteristics, mainly the amount of oxidizable metal used, the moisture content in the heating element 30 before heat generation, and the moisture permeability value of the first layer 21 are controlled. This is very important. The value of moisture permeability of the first layer 21 is as already described. On the other hand, in general chemical warmers, the composition of the heat generating material and the structure of the container that stores the heat generating material do not actively generate water vapor, so the amount of water contained in the heat generating material is Few. On the other hand, since the steam heating tool 30 of the present embodiment actively generates water vapor, it has a heating element 30 having a composition containing moisture as a raw material for water vapor in addition to moisture necessary for heat generation. In the steam heating device 10 in which values such as moisture content and moisture permeability are appropriately controlled, the cumulative amount of water vapor released 90 minutes after the heating element 30 comes into contact with air is preferably 1.4 to 7.0 mg. / Cm ² , more preferably 2.2 to 7.0 mg / cm ² (hereinafter referred to as water vapor release characteristics).

The cumulative amount of water vapor released in the water vapor release characteristic is measured by the following method. In a closed system having a volume of 54000 cm ³ (length 30 cm × width 50 cm × depth 36 cm) at a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH, the steam heating tool 1 is left to generate heat so that water vapor can evaporate inside. And the humidity of the air in the said closed system is measured with a hygrometer, and the amount of water vapor generated after the start of heat generation is obtained. The integrated value after 90 minutes is taken as the integrated release amount.

  In order for the steam temperature heating tool 10 to have the above-mentioned water vapor release characteristics, it is preferable that the steam temperature heating tool 10 has a maximum temperature reached due to heat generation of 38 ° C. or higher. 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 temperature reached refers to the value of the temperature at which the first layer 21 side is aligned with the measurement surface according to JIS S4100 and the maximum point is reached.

  As the heating element 30 held and accommodated in the compartment 31, for example, a granular heating composition or a papermaking heating sheet is used. These heating elements 30 include, for example, an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, an electrolyte, and water. When the heating element 30 is made of a papermaking heating sheet, the 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 sheet-forming 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 paper-making 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. The papermaking heat generating sheet can be manufactured by, for example, a wet papermaking method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-102761 related to the previous application of the present applicant. On the other hand, when the heating element 30 is composed of a granular exothermic composition, the composition preferably includes an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, a water retention agent, an electrolyte, and water. Among the paper-making exothermic sheet and the granular heat-generating composition, it is easy to make the temperature distribution uniform, it is difficult to generate a bias, and furthermore, the ability to carry an oxidizable metal is excellent. It is preferable to use it. As these components constituting the heating element 30, those similar to those conventionally used in the technical field can be used.

  When the papermaking heat generating sheet is constituted by containing the electrolyte aqueous solution in the molded sheet, the material that greatly affects the water vapor release characteristics is the oxidizable metal, reaction accelerator and 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, and more preferably 8 to 20% by weight. If the amount of these materials is in the above range, desired water vapor release characteristics can be expected. The weight ratio of the reaction accelerator and the fibrous material to the oxidizable metal also affects the water vapor release characteristics. Specifically, the weight ratio of the reaction accelerator to the oxidizable metal is preferably 0.08 to 0.3, and more preferably 0.09 to 0.25. The weight ratio of the fibrous material to the oxidizable metal is preferably 0.08 to 0.3, and more preferably 0.09 to 0.29. Other important factors that affect the water vapor release characteristics include the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution and the added amount of the aqueous electrolyte solution. Specifically, the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution is preferably 1 to 15% by weight, more preferably 2 to 10% by weight. The electrolyte aqueous solution is preferably added in an amount of 30 to 80 parts by weight, more preferably 35 to 60 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the molded sheet.

  Next, parts other than the center part 11 in the steam heating tool 10 will be described. The arm portions 12 extending laterally from the left and right side portions of the central portion 11 may be configured by extending portions of the first layer 21 and / or the second layer 22 constituting the central portion 11. Alternatively, another material may be attached to both the left and right side portions of the central portion. The portion 13 of the arm portion 12 near the center portion 11 is preferably elasticized. The elasticized portion 13 is preferably configured to exhibit stretchability in the length direction of the steam heating device (the horizontal direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1). Thereby, the fitting property of the steam heating tool 10 is improved. Moreover, the size adaptability of the steam heating tool 30 is enhanced. That is, the size of the user's body varies, but the elasticized portion 13 can be expanded and contracted, so that one type of steam heating device 30 can be prepared to accommodate users of various body types. become.

  The elasticizing part 13 can be comprised from the film of an elastomer material, for example. In general, an elastomer material exhibits a sticky feeling that causes a decrease in texture, and in order to prevent this, it is preferable to bond a material having a good texture such as a nonwoven fabric to the surface of the film. Alternatively, the elasticized portion 13 may be composed of a composite elastic sheet in which a plurality of elastic strands made of an elastomer material are sandwiched and fixed by two sheet materials having a good texture such as a nonwoven fabric. In this case, each elastic strand is oriented in one direction so as to extend in the length direction of the steam heating device 30.

  Fastening means 14 is attached to the front side of the tip of one arm 12. The fastening means 14 is configured such that when each arm 12 is wound around the user's stomach while the central portion 11 of the steam heater 10 is in contact with the waist of the user, one arm 12 is connected to the other. It is used for fixing to the arm portion 12 of the arm. For this purpose, it is preferable that attachment means (not shown) that engages with the fixation means 14 is attached to the back side of the distal end portion of the other arm portion 12. As the fixing means and the attaching means, for example, a combination of a loop member and a hook member of a hook-and-loop fastener can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the steam heating tool 10 of the present embodiment is suitably applied to the waist of a human body. The steam heating device 10 is used by being wound around the abdomen so that the front side of the central portion 11 faces the waist of the user. In the central part 11, the heating elements 30 are held and accommodated in a large number of independent compartments 31, so that the fit to the waist is good. Also, the heating element 30 is less likely to be biased. In addition, the central portion 11 is in contact with the user's skin mainly at the site of the top surface portion 31 </ b> A of the compartment 31, and a space in which oxygen (air) can be stably supplied to the heating element 30 between the adjacent compartments 31. S (see FIG. 2) is formed. As a result, the steam heating tool 30 generates heat uniformly and can stably apply water vapor to the user's waist.

  In FIG. 5, steam heated to a predetermined temperature is generated from the steam heating device 30 and applied to the user's lower back. Water vapor increases the surface temperature of the user's skin. In addition, the inventors have found that the deep temperature under the skin also increases. It was also found that application of water vapor heated to a predetermined temperature promotes circulation throughout the body and raises the peripheral temperature as compared with the case of heating with a disposable body warmer with a small amount of steam generation at the same temperature. 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 water vapor | steam has high heat conductivity and can raise the temperature of the deep part of a human body. It is presumed that the temperature in the deep part of the human body increases, thereby stimulating the thermal center, thereby expanding blood vessels and increasing blood flow, and increasing peripheral temperature. Therefore, the steam heating device 10 of the present embodiment is effective not only for improving the temperature and blood circulation of the human body part to which this is applied, but also for improving the blood circulation of the entire body, increasing the peripheral temperature of the fingertips, and improving the cooling performance. Is.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the preferable embodiment, this invention is not restrict | limited to the said embodiment. For example, although the said embodiment is an example which applied the steam heating tool 10 shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2 to the waist | hip | lumbar part of a human body, it replaces with this and the center part 11 opposes the abdominal part. You may apply as follows. As a result, water vapor at a predetermined temperature is applied to the abdomen, and abdominal pain caused by constipation or diarrhea is alleviated or eliminated.

  Moreover, the thing of the shape shown to Fig.6 (a) can also be used as a water vapor | steam heat generating body. The steam heating tool 10 ′ shown in the figure has an elliptical shape that is curved as a whole. Adhesive N is applied to the front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction. Of the two side edges, one side edge S1 has a curved shape that is outwardly convex with respect to the longitudinal center line of the steam heating device 10 '. The other side edge S2 has a curved shape that is an inward convex toward the longitudinal center line. As shown in FIG. 6B, the steam heating device having such a shape has a high fit when attached to the shoulder of a human body. In this case, as shown in the figure, the steam heater 10 'is attached so that the side edge S2 is located on the side close to the neck and the side edge S1 is located on the side far from the neck. According to the steam heating tool 10 ', water vapor having a predetermined temperature is applied from the neck to the shoulder, so that the shoulder stiffness or the like is alleviated or eliminated.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such examples.

[Example 1]
A steam heater having the structure shown in FIG. 1 was manufactured. A microporous film manufactured by Kojin Co., Ltd. was used as the inner layer 21A in the first layer 21, and a spunbond nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of 30 g / m ² was used as the outer layer 21B. The inner layer 21 </ b> A and the outer layer 21 </ b> B were bonded together by an impulse sealer to be integrated. The moisture permeability of the first layer 21 was 736 g / (m ² · 24 hr).

A polymer resin film layer made of polyethylene having a basis weight of 35 g / m ² was used as the inner layer 22A in the second layer 22, and a spunbonded nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of 30 g / m ² was used as the outer layer 22B. A polyethylene film was laminated on the nonwoven fabric and integrated to obtain the second layer 22. The second layer 22 was non-vented.

A papermaking heat generating sheet was used as the heat generating element 30. This exothermic sheet was manufactured by the following method.
<Combination of raw material composition>
・ Oxidizable metal: iron powder (particle size 45 μm, manufactured by Dowa Mining Co., Ltd., trade name “RKH”) 84% by weight
Water retention agent: activated carbon (particle size 45 μm, (manufactured by Nippon Enviro Chemicals, trade name “Calboraphy”)), 8% by weight
・ Fibrous matter: Pulp fiber (Fletcher Challenge Canada, trade name “Mackenzie”), 8% by weight
Water: Industrial water, added until the solid content concentration becomes 0.3% by weight With respect to 100 parts by weight of the raw material composition, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (produced by Daiichi Kogyo Kagaku Co., Ltd., trade name “Selogen HE-” 1500 F ") 0.22 parts by weight, and 0.8 parts by weight of polyamide epichlorohydrin resin (manufactured by Nippon PMC Co., Ltd., trade name" WS4020 ").

<Paper making conditions>
Using the raw material composition, a paper sheet was made with an inclined short paper machine to produce a wet shaped sheet.

<Drying conditions>
The molded sheet in a wet state was sandwiched between felts, 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. An intermediate papermaking product having a basis weight of 450 g / m ² was obtained.

<Preparation of paper heating sheet>
With respect to 100 parts by weight of the obtained intermediate papermaking product, a 5% by weight sodium chloride aqueous solution was injected using a syringe so as to be 45 parts by weight. Using a capillary phenomenon, a sodium chloride aqueous solution was infiltrated into the entire sheet to obtain a paper-made exothermic sheet.

  Using these first layer 21 and second layer 22 and the paper-made heat generating sheet, a steam heating tool having nine substantially rectangular parallelepiped compartments was obtained. The dimensions of the compartment were as shown in Table 1.

[Examples 2 and 3]
Instead of the papermaking heating sheet used in Example 1, a granular heating composition was used as the heating element 30. This granular exothermic composition was prepared by the following procedure. Uniform iron powder (Dowa Iron Mining Co., Ltd., trade name “RKH”), superabsorbent polymer and activated carbon (Nihon Enviro Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name “Carborafine”) in a nitrogen atmosphere. Then, a 4.5% by weight aqueous sodium chloride solution was added to further uniformly mix. Further, vermiculite was added and mixed uniformly. The composition was as follows:
・ Iron powder 33%
・ Super absorbent polymer 10%
・ Vermiculite 7%
・ 10% activated carbon
・ Sodium chloride 1.8%
・ Water 38.2%

  The granular exothermic composition thus prepared was held and accommodated in a compartment having the dimensions shown in Table 1. Except these, it carried out similarly to Example 1, and obtained the steam heating tool.

Example 4
In a compartment having the same dimensions as in Example 3, the same granular heat generating composition used in the same example was held and accommodated. However, unlike the structure shown in FIG. 2, the compartment has a structure in which the first layer 21 side is flat and projects on the second layer 22 side. Therefore, H is 0 in the dimensions of the compartment shown in the table. Except these, it carried out similarly to Example 1, and obtained the steam heating tool.

[Comparative Example 1]
The same granular exothermic composition as used in Example 4 was used. Further, the first layer and the second layer used in the example were used upside down. That is, the first layer was used to face outward, and the second layer was used to face the user's skin. The granular exothermic composition was held and accommodated between the first layer and the second layer. However, the granular exothermic composition was held and accommodated in one large accommodating portion having a length of 120 mm and a width of 100 mm, instead of being held and accommodated in a number of compartments. Except these, it carried out similarly to Example 4, and obtained the steam heating tool.

[Evaluation]
For the steam heaters obtained in Examples and Comparative Examples, the following criteria were evaluated for followability during wearing on the body, presence of bias of the heating element, and occurrence of water vapor from the skin facing surface side. The results are shown in Table 1.

[Followability while wearing on the body]
◯: When the first layer is attached to a relatively thin part such as a leg or arm, the first layer is in close contact with the skin.
X: A state in which floating or unnatural wrinkles occur between the first layer and the skin when pasted on a relatively thin part of the leg or arm.

[Presence or absence of bias of heating element]
An actual use test was conducted with steam heating equipment applied to the back and waist. In a continuous area to be applied to the skin (when divided into compartments, including the compartment (containing the heating element) and the part where there is no heating element between the compartments) The case where the continuous non-heated region caused by the bias was less than 30% was marked with “◯”, and the case where the continuous non-heated region was 30% or more was marked with “X”.

[Presence / absence of water vapor from the skin facing surface]
The steam heating tool was placed on a horizontal table so that the skin facing surface faced upward in an environment of 20 ° C. and 60 RH%. A transparent plastic plate was placed on it. After 5 minutes from the contact with air, whether or not water vapor was adhered to the inside of the plastic plate was visually observed. The case where the adhesion of water vapor was recognized was “◯”, and the case where water vapor was not recognized was “x”. Moreover, about the steam heating tool of Example 1 and 2, the mode of adhesion of water vapor | steam was photographed. The results are shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and (b). In the figure, the joining region 32 on the skin side surface of the steam heating tool is painted black to make it easier to visually recognize the water vapor adhered to the inner surface of the plastic plate.

  As apparent from the results shown in Table 1, the steam heating device obtained in each example generates water vapor from the skin facing surface side, has good followability with the body, and is a heating element. The bias was not generated. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the generation of water vapor was stable.

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing one embodiment of the steam heating device of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are cross-sectional views (corresponding to FIG. 2) showing another structure of the central portion of the steam heating device shown in FIG. 4 (a) to 4 (d) are diagrams showing a process of manufacturing a central portion in the steam heating apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a usage pattern of the steam heating device shown in FIG. 1. Fig.6 (a) is a top view which shows another embodiment of the steam heating tool of this invention, FIG.6 (b) is a figure which shows the usage pattern of the steam heating tool shown to Fig.6 (a). . FIGS. 7A and 7B are photographs taken by visualizing the state of generation of water vapor from the steam heating tool obtained in Examples 1 and 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Steam heating tool 11 Center part 12 Arm part 13 Elastication part 14 Fastening means 21 1st layer 22 2nd layer 30 Heating element 31 Compartment 31A Top surface part 32 Joining area 33, 34 Small hole

Claims (10)

A first layer having air permeability, a second layer located on the opposite side of the first layer and having lower air permeability or less air permeability than the first layer, and held between both layers. The steam is heated from the first layer side using heat generated by the oxidation reaction of the heating element, and the first layer side is used toward the object. Steam heating equipment to be used,
The first layer and the second layer are joined to each other so that a large number of independent compartments capable of holding the heating element are formed between the two layers.
A heating element is held and accommodated in the compartment formed by joining both layers ,
Vapor in which the compartment protrudes on the first layer side to form a convex portion, and the junction region between the first layer and the second layer is a concave portion with respect to the convex portion Heating tool. The steam heater according to claim 1, wherein the compartment has a shape having a length and a width in a plan view, and a ratio of length / width is 1 to 4. The compartment forming the convex portion has a circle-equivalent diameter D of 10 to 50 mm, a height H of 0.5 to 12 mm, and a H / D ratio of 0. It is 02-0.25, The steam heating tool of Claim 1 or 2. 4. The compartment according to claim 1 , wherein the compartment is arranged such that the shortest distance W between the convex portions located in the nearest position is 1.5 to 30 mm when viewed in plan. Steam heating equipment. The steam heating tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating element comprises a granular heating composition or a paper-making heating sheet . The steam heating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heating element contains an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, an electrolyte, and water. 7. One or a plurality of small holes penetrating therethrough are provided in a joining region located between the compartments and formed by joining the first layer and the second layer. The steam heating tool according to any one of the above. The moisture permeability of the first layer measured according to JIS Z0208 (40 ° C., 90% RH) is 200 to 2000 g / (m ² 24 hr), provided that the moisture permeability of the second layer is lower than the moisture permeability of the first layer, 0 to 400 g / (m ² The steam heating tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is 24 hr). The first layer is composed of an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer is made of a porous film or a perforated film having moisture permeability, and the outer layer is made of a cloth or a nonwoven fabric. Steam heating equipment. The steam heating tool according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a surface on the second layer side is flatter than a surface on the first layer side.