JP7309562B2 - steam generator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a steam generator.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a steam generator capable of supplying hot steam to the throat and nose is known (Patent Document 1). The steam generator disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a first panel and a second panel which are joined together to form a bag shape having an opening in part, and a flat plate-shaped steam generator contained in each panel. By enlarging the opening between the panel and the second panel, it is configured to have a cup shape capable of covering the mouth and nose of the user. According to the steam generator disclosed in Patent Literature 1, by supplying heated steam to the throat and nose, it is possible to enhance the function of the respiratory tract mucosa and obtain a preventive effect against colds, influenza, and the like.

JP 2011-188947 A

The steam generator of Patent Literature 1 has room for improvement in terms of fit to the user's face and grip when held by hand during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steam generator that fits well on a user's face and that is easy to grip when held by hand during use.

The present invention is a steam generator comprising a bottomed cylindrical mask body having an opening at the face-contacting end, and a steam generator capable of generating steam in an internal space of the mask body, wherein the mask body has a peripheral surface that tapers from the face-contacting end to a closed-side end located on the opposite side of the face-contacting end, and the peripheral surface of the mask body defines the inner space The steam generating device has a recessed portion that is concave toward the mask body, and the recessed portion is formed in a pair at positions facing each other on the peripheral surface of the mask body.

The steam generating tool according to the present invention is excellent in fit to the user's face and in grip when held by hand during use.

It is a figure which shows the steam generator which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a developed view showing a developed state of a mask body in the steam generator according to the present embodiment; 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. 2; FIG. It is a figure which shows the folding state of the steam generator which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the use condition of the steam generator which concerns on this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the steam generator according to the present embodiment in a state of being deformed into a cup shape; It is a schematic diagram which shows the apparatus which measures the amount of water vapor generation. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the cup body with its face-facing end opened is viewed from a direction facing the opening; It is a figure which shows the mask main body which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the mask main body which concerns on another modification. It is a figure which shows the mask main body which concerns on another modification. It is a figure which shows the mask main body which concerns on another modification.

Preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution of the invention. .

[Overall Configuration of Steam Generator]
As shown in FIG. 1, the steam generator 1 according to this embodiment has a cup-shaped mask body 2 that can cover the mouth and nose of the user, and steam can be generated in the inner space 4 of the mask body 2. and a steam generating body 3.

In this specification, the term “cup-shaped” means a cylindrical shape with one end open and the other end closed, that is, a bottomed cylindrical shape, and the shape of the body is , is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and includes, for example, a rectangular tube shape. Further, in this specification, the open end of the cup-shaped mask body 2 is referred to as the “face-contacting end 5 ”, and the closed-side end located opposite the face-contacting end 5 . is referred to as "closed end 6". Furthermore, in this specification, the mask body 2 arranged so that the "face-contacting end 5" and the "closed-side end 6" are aligned in the left-right direction is viewed from above (that is, the state shown in FIG. 4). The upper edge in the state is called "upper side edge 7", and the lower edge in the same state is called "lower side edge 8". Here, the "upper side edge 7" is an edge located on the nose side when the cup-shaped mask body 2 covers the user's mouth and nose, and the "lower side edge A portion 8” is an edge located on the mouth side (chin side) in the same state. However, since the mask body 2 according to the present embodiment is vertically symmetrical with respect to a horizontal center line 13a, which will be described later, it should be mounted upside down. It is also possible to wear it on the user so that the side edge 7 is located on the mouth side (chin side).

[Configuration of mask body]
As shown in FIG. 1, the mask body 2 includes a first panel portion 10A forming a half-peripheral surface of the mask body 2 and a second panel portion 10B forming the remaining half-peripheral surface. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask body 2 in a cup-shaped state in which the inner surface faces upward, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. . As shown in FIG. 2, the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are integrally continuous at the closed side end portion 6, and the closed side end portion 6 of both panel portions 10A and 10B is a boundary. It has a symmetrical shape as In other words, the mask main body 2 is made of a sheet-like member in which the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B of the same shape and size are symmetrically arranged.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are each formed in a shape tapering from the face-contacting side end portion 5 toward the closing side end portion 6, which is substantially fan-shaped in this embodiment. It is Specifically, the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are formed such that the face contact side end portion 5 is formed in an arc shape, and the closed side end portion 6 is formed in a generally linear shape. In addition, the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B have an upper side edge portion 7 extending from the upper end of the face-contacting side end portion 5 to the upper end of the closed side end portion 6, and a closing portion from the lower end of the face-contacting side end portion 5. A lower side edge portion 8 reaching a lower end of the side end portion 6 is inclined in a direction intersecting with the closed side end portion 6 side. Further, the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B each have a center connecting the center of the face-contacting side end portion 5 of the first panel portion 10A and the center of the face-contacting side end portion 5 of the second panel portion 10B. It has a vertically symmetrical shape with a line (hereinafter referred to as "horizontal center line 13a") as a boundary.

The face-facing end portion 5 has a radius of curvature of 75 mm or more and 200 mm or less, preferably 80 mm or more and 120 mm or less, and more preferably 85 mm or more and 100 mm or less. The face-facing end 5 has an arc length of 160 mm or more and 220 mm or less, preferably 170 mm or more and 210 mm or less, and more preferably 180 mm or more and 200 mm or less. More preferred.

As shown in FIG. 2, concave portions 12 are formed in the upper side edge portion 7 and the lower side edge portion 8 of the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B, respectively. The concave portion 12 is formed in a concave shape that draws a gentle arc toward the horizontal center line 13a (inside of each panel portion 10A, 10B).

In this embodiment, the recessed portion 12 refers to an arc portion on the upper side edge portion 7 and the lower side edge portion 8 directed toward the inside of each panel portion 10A, 10B. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper side edge 7 and the lower side edge 8 extend from the face-contacting side end 5 to the closed side end 6, respectively, to the panel portions 10A and 10B. Arc-shaped face-facing side arc portions 7a and 8a facing outward, arc-shaped recessed portions 12 and 12 facing inward of each panel portion 10A and 10B, and arc-shaped outward facing each panel portion 10A and 10B. The closing-side arc portions 7b and 8b have a continuous wave shape. That is, the concave portion 12 according to the present embodiment is sandwiched between the face-contacting side arc portions 7a, 8a and the closing side arc portions 7b, 8b. The concave portion 12 of the upper side edge portion 7 refers to a region from the vertex (upper inflection point UF) of the face-contacting side arc portion 7a to the vertex (lower inflection point LF) of the closing side arc portion 7b, The concave portion 12 of the lower side edge portion 8 refers to a region from the vertex (upper inflection point UF) of the face-contacting side arc portion 8a to the vertex (lower inflection point LF) of the closed side arc portion 8b.

In the present embodiment, the concave portion 12 efficiently propagates the pressing force of the finger when the mask body 2 is deformed into a cup shape to the face-contacting end portion 5 side, and from the viewpoint of smoothly expanding the opening, It is preferable that it is concave toward the face-contacting end 5 side. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, each recessed portion 12 has an intersection of a recessed direction 13b of the recessed portion 12 of the upper side edge portion 7 and a recessed direction 13c of the recessed portion 12 of the lower side edge portion 8 of each panel. It is preferably located closer to the face-contacting end portion 5 than the centroid positions of the portions 10A and 10B. Moreover, it is more preferable that the intersection is located on the horizontal center line 13a.

The concave portion 12 has a radius of curvature of 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less at the top of the head, preferably 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and more preferably 25 mm or more and 35 mm or less. The recess 12 has an arc length of 20 mm or more and 60 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or more and 50 mm or less, and more preferably 35 mm or more and 45 mm or less.

In this embodiment, the mask body 2 has a multi-layer structure as shown in FIG. That is, the mask body 2 includes an inner sheet 14 that forms the inner surface when it is cup-shaped, and an outer sheet 16 that forms the outer surface when it is cup-shaped. The inner sheet 14 and the outer sheet 16 are formed to have the same shape and size, and the steam generator 3 is arranged between the inner sheet 14 and the outer sheet 16 .

The steam generators 3 are arranged on both the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B so as to be bilaterally symmetric with the closed side end portion 6 as a boundary. Specifically, when the cup-shaped mask body 2 covers the user's mouth and nose, a space surrounded by the user's mouth, nose and cheeks and the steam generator 3 is generated (see FIG. 6). ), from the viewpoint of increasing the temperature and absolute humidity in the steam generator 1 without suppressing steam generation, and from the viewpoint of suppressing the steam generator 3 from coming into contact with the skin, as shown in FIGS. It is preferable that they are arranged symmetrically in the vicinity of the closed end 6 of the mask body 2 .

More specifically, each steam generating body 3 is such that the distance D ₁ (see FIG. 3) between the end of each steam generating body 3 on the closed side end 6 side and the closed side end 6 is 15 mm or less. It is preferable that the shortest distance is 5 mm or more, and it is preferable that the shortest distance is 7 mm or more. More preferred. In addition, each steam generating body 3 is arranged so that the distance D ₂ (see FIG. 3) between the face contacting end 5 side of each steam generating body 3 and the face contacting end 5 is 15 mm or more. It is preferably arranged so that the shortest distance is 20 mm or more, more preferably 20 mm or more, preferably 30 mm or less, and preferably 25 mm or less. More preferred. Note that these distances _D1 and _D2 refer to distances on the horizontal center line 13a.

An adhesive (not shown) is applied to the outer sheet 16, and the steam generator 3 and the inner sheet 14 are adhered via the adhesive. As the adhesive, it is preferable to use a hot-melt adhesive, but it is not limited to this, and various known fixing means can be used. Instead of or in addition to the configuration in which the adhesive is applied to the outer sheet 16, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the adhesive is applied to the inner sheet 14. FIG.

As materials for the inner sheet 14 and the outer sheet 16, those conventionally used in the technical field of sanitary masks can be used, and the type thereof is not particularly limited as long as it has a certain level of breathability. For example, a nonwoven fabric or a fiber sheet such as gauze can be used, and nonwoven fabric is preferably used from the viewpoints of ease of processing and economic efficiency, and from the viewpoint of obtaining good shape retention.

The fiber material of the non-woven fabric includes, for example, one or two selected from polyester such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate); polyolefin such as PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), ethylene-propylene copolymer; rayon; and cotton. The one composed of the above fibers is preferable. In addition, as the nonwoven fabric, using fibers of one or more of the above materials, air through method, spunbond method, needle punch method, meltblown method, card method, heat fusion method, hydroentanglement method, solvent bonding A single-layer or multi-layer structure may be used. When both the inner sheet 14 and the outer sheet 16 are made of single-layer or multi-layered nonwoven fabrics, the steam generator 3 is sandwiched between two or more nonwoven fabrics.

The inner sheet 14 is preferably air permeable from the viewpoint of allowing the diffused steam to efficiently act on the body of the user of the steam generator 1 . On the other hand, the outer sheet 16 can be made of any material depending on the design of the product. may Examples of the stretchable sheet include a sheet containing elastic fibers as constituent fibers, a sheet containing elastic filaments, and a sheet exhibiting stretchability due to a structure such as rubber knitting.

Also, the inner sheet 14 and the outer sheet 16 may have a basis weight that allows them to exhibit rigidity to the extent that they can retain their shape when held in the user's hand. For the inner sheet 14, it is preferable to select a constituent material for the purpose of improving contact with the skin, and for the outer sheet 16, it is preferable to select a constituent material suitable for imparting shape retention to the mask body 2.

Specifically, the basis weight of the inner sheet 14 is preferably 20 g/m ² or more, more preferably 40 g/m ² or more, and even more preferably 60 g/m ² or more. It is preferably 150 g/m ² or less, more preferably 120 g/m ² or less, and even more preferably 100 g/m ² or less. Further, the basis weight of the outer sheet 16 is preferably 30 g/m ² or more, more preferably 50 g/m ² or more, even more preferably 70 g/m ² or more, and 200 g/m 2 or more. It is preferably ² or less, more preferably 150 g/m ² or less, even more preferably 100 g/m ² or less.

As shown in FIG. 4, the mask main body 2 is configured such that the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are folded around the closed-side end portion 6 so that the inner sheet 14 is on the inside. The edges of the portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B excluding the face-contacting-side end 5 (closed-side edge 6, upper side edge 7, and lower-side edge 8) are joined to each other so that the face-contacting side It is shaped like a bag having an opening at the end 5 . Specifically, in the mask body 2 according to the present embodiment, the upper side edge portion 7 of the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10A are arranged in a state where the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are overlapped with each other. 10B is sealed by the upper side edge joint portion 20, and the lower side edge portion 8 of the first panel portion 10A and the lower side edge portion 8 of the second panel portion 10B are on the lower side. It is sealed by side edge joints 22 .

It should be noted that the term “joining” in this specification includes any means such as thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, high-frequency welding, and adhesives to bond the first panel section 10A and the second panel section 10B afterwards. For example, a configuration in which the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are integrally formed from the beginning is also included. For this reason, for example, the closed side end portion 6 in the present embodiment is closed from the beginning because the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are integrally continuous, but in this specification, the closed side end portion 6 is closed. , such a closed state is also included in the "connection".

As shown in FIG. 4, the upper side edge joint portion 20 has a linear shape along the upper side edge portion 7, and the lower side edge joint portion 22 has a linear shape along the lower side edge portion 8. have a shape. Specifically, the upper side edge joint portion 20 and the lower side edge joint portion 22 are arranged from the face-contacting side end portion 5 toward the closed side end portion 6 as shown in FIG. 20 and the lower side edge joint 22 are slanted with respect to the horizontal centerline 13a so that the spacing between them gradually narrows. In addition, the upper side edge connecting portion 20 and the lower side edge connecting portion 22 deform the mask main body 2 into a shape along the nose and chin, thereby forming the steam generator 1 with good fit to the three-dimensional shape of the face. , it curves in a shape along the concave portion 12, that is, in a concave shape that draws a gentle arc toward the horizontal center line 13a (inside of each panel portion 10A, 10B).

As shown in FIG. 4, the upper side edge connecting portion 20 is provided at a predetermined distance closer to the horizontal center line 13a than the upper side edge portion 7. A dry edge 24 that is not subjected to a bonding process is formed between the edge bonding portion 20 and the edge bonding portion 20 . Similarly, the lower side edge connecting portion 22 is also provided at a predetermined distance closer to the horizontal center line 13a than the lower side edge 8, thereby connecting the lower side edge 8 and the lower side. A dry edge 24 that is not subjected to a bonding treatment is formed between the side edge bonding portion 22 and the side edge bonding portion 22 . The upper side edge joint portion 20 is provided inside the upper side edge portion 7 with an interval of 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less , and the lower side edge joint portion 22 is provided on the lower side edge portion. 8 with an interval of 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less .

With the mask main body 2 having the above structure, the upper side edge 7 and the lower side edge 8 are brought closer to each other by putting a finger on the concave portion 12 of the upper side edge portion 7 and the concave portion 12 of the lower side edge portion 8 . By pressing in the direction that the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are not connected, the arc-shaped peripheral portion (opening of the end portion 5 on the face-facing side) expands to form a planar bag shape ( 4) to a three-dimensional cup shape (see FIG. 1).

The mask main body 2 has such rigidity that it can maintain its cup shape (shape can be retained) when it is held in the user's hand. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the mask body 2 is in a cup-shaped state (a state in which the opening of the face-contacting end 5 is widened), and the mask body 2 extends from the face-contacting end 5 to the closed-side end. It has a peripheral surface that tapers towards 6 . Furthermore, the peripheral surface of the mask body 2 has a concave portion 12 that is concave toward the internal space 4 . A pair is formed on the side edge portion 7 and the lower side edge portion 8).

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the mask body 2 has an opening at the face-contacting end 5 that is large enough to cover the user's mouth and nose.

Specifically, the mask body 2 preferably has an opening width W (see FIG. 8) at the face-contacting end portion 5 in a cup-shaped state of 40 mm or more, and more preferably 60 mm or more. It is more preferably 80 mm or more, more preferably 170 mm or less, more preferably 150 mm or less, and even more preferably 130 mm or less. By setting the width W of the opening of the face-contacting end portion 5 to 40 mm or more, the distance between the steam generating body 3 and the mouth and nose is set to be large enough to cover the user's mouth and nose. There is an advantage that it can be prevented from being too far apart, and it can be a moderate feeling of warmth and a suitable amount of steam. In addition, since the width W of the opening of the face-contacting end portion 5 is 170 mm or less, it is possible to prevent the steam generating body 3 from coming too close to the mouth and nose, and it is possible to provide an appropriate feeling of warmth and an appropriate amount of steam. There is Furthermore, because of the width W of the opening of the face-facing end portion 5, it can be used without problems even in a configuration in which the size of the opening, which will be described later, can be changed. As shown in FIG. 8, the "width W of the opening of the face-contacting side end portion 5" is the width between the center of the face-contacting side end portion 5 of the first panel portion 10A and the first panel portion 10A in the cup-shaped state. It refers to the linear distance between the center of the face-contacting end 5 of the two-panel portion 10B.

In addition, the mask body 2 preferably has an opening height H (see FIG. 8) at the face-contacting end portion 5 in a cup-shaped state of 50 mm or more, more preferably 70 mm or more. , more preferably 90 mm or more, preferably 150 mm or less, more preferably 140 mm or less, and even more preferably 130 mm or less. By setting the height H of the opening of the face-contacting end portion 5 to 50 mm or more in this manner, it is possible to cover the user's mouth and nose, and the steam generating body 3 and the mouth and nose are separated from each other. There is an advantage that it is possible to prevent the distance from being too far, and it is possible to have an appropriate amount of warmth and steam. In addition, since the height H of the opening of the face-contacting end portion 5 is 150 mm or less, the steam generator 3 is prevented from coming too close to the mouth and nose, and an appropriate amount of warmth and steam can be obtained. There are advantages. Furthermore, since the height H of the opening of the face-contacting side end portion 5 is used, it can be used without problems even in a configuration in which the size of the opening can be changed, which will be described later. The "height H of the opening of the face-contacting side end 5" is the intersection of the upper side edge 7 and the face-contacting side end 5 in the cup-shaped state, as shown in FIG. and the intersection of the lower edge 8 and the face-facing end 5.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the mask main body 2 has an internal space 4 formed between it and the user's face in a state in which the opening of the face-facing end 5 covers the user's mouth and nose. is preferably 50 ml or more and 200 ml or less, more preferably 100 ml or more and 150 ml or less. By setting the volume of the internal space 4 to be equal to or less than the above upper limit value, it is possible to impart sufficient vapor feeling while maintaining good handleability and appearance. Moreover, by making the volume of the internal space 4 equal to or larger than the above lower limit value, it becomes easy to breathe, and vapor and aroma components are easily imparted.

The internal space 4 formed between the mask body 2 and the user's face is not limited to a closed space formed by the mask body 2 coming into contact with the user's face. It may have a slight gap between them. The slight gap referred to here refers to a gap that may occur when the steam generator 1 is attached by a normal method. Even if there is such a gap, since the gap is large enough not to impair the effect of the steam generated by the steam generator 3, the gap is also closed along the edge of the mask body 2. It can be treated as if it is

[Internal space volumetric method]
Here, the volume of the internal space 4 can be measured as follows. That is, using a human head model manufactured using the average human head data (latest data at the time of filing) manufactured by Digital Human Technology Co., Ltd., reproducing the usage condition of the steam generator 1, and using a three-dimensional measuring machine 3D data can be obtained and measured. Also, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-205926, a liquid-impermeable film is placed inside the mask, and water is poured into this part so that it is in the same state as when the mask is worn. Almost the same value can be obtained by the method of measuring the amount of remaining water with the face facing downward. The volume of the internal space 4 may be measured by the method disclosed in the publication.

[Configuration of steam generator]
The steam generator 3 is configured to generate heat and steam by reacting with oxygen in the air, and supply the warmed steam to the user. As the form of the steam generator 3, for example, a mixture of powders, a sheet such as a paper sheet, or a coated sheet obtained by applying a dispersion liquid or the like to a base material can be adopted. Moreover, the steam generator 3 preferably contains an oxidizable metal, a carbon component, and water.

Oxidizable metals are metals that generate oxidation reaction heat, and include, for example, powders and fibers of one or more selected from iron, aluminum, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. Among them, iron is preferable, and iron powder is particularly preferable, from the viewpoints of handleability, safety, production cost, storage stability and stability. Examples of iron powder include reduced iron powder and atomized iron powder. The particle size of the oxidizable metal particles can be, for example, about 0.1 to 300 μm.

The carbon component has at least one function of water retention capacity, oxygen supply capacity and catalytic capacity, and preferably has all three functions. As the carbon component, for example, one or more selected from activated carbon, acetylene black, and graphite can be used. Among these, activated carbon is more preferably used from the viewpoint of easily adsorbing oxygen when wet and keeping the moisture content in the heating element constant.

Preferably, the steam generator 3 further contains a water retaining material and has excellent steam dissipation properties. Water retaining materials include super absorbent polymer (SAP), starch, zeolite, perlite, vermuculite, and the like.

The planar shape of the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, and may be circular, polygonal, or the like. From the viewpoints of production efficiency, ease of handling, and heating and humidifying effect, quadrilaterals such as rectangles and substantially squares are preferable, and substantially squares are more preferable from the viewpoint of ease of handling. Also, one or more steam generators 3 are preferably installed in the steam generator, preferably in the panel, and more preferably installed in both the left and right panels. The heat generation characteristics of the two steam generators may be the same or different, but are more preferably the same.

Also, the steam generator 3 may be perfumed with a perfume composition. The perfume composition may be either a natural perfume or a synthetic perfume, or a mixture thereof. Fragrance compositions include, for example, terpene hydrocarbons, monoterpene alcohols, sesquiterpene alcohols, aromatic alcohols, acetic esters, compounds having a carbonyl group, methyl dihydrojasmonate, and aromatic components such as ionone, and Examples include those containing essential oils and the like. These may be used singly or in combination of two or more. In addition to the above perfume components and essential oils, the perfume composition may contain, for example, perfume components and solvents described in "Synthetic Perfume Chemistry and Product Knowledge" (written by Genichi Indo, Kagaku Kogyo Nippo Co., Ltd.). The solvent may contain one or more of dipropylene glycol, ethyl diglycol, isopropyl myristate, benzyl benzoate, triethyl citrate and diethyl phthalate.

The content of the fragrance composition can be appropriately selected according to its type, the specific use of the steam generator 1, and the like. Although it depends on the type of the fragrance composition, as a general range, the content of the fragrance composition is 0.5 or more and 6 or less parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the oxidizable metal of the steam generator 3. more preferably 0.7 or more and 4.5 or less parts by mass.

As a method for perfuming the steam generator 3, when the fragrance composition is liquid, there is a method of directly adding the fragrance composition to the steam generator 3 by spraying or the like. In addition, there is also a method in which the constituent materials (sheets, raw materials, etc.) of the steam generating body 3 are scented to obtain a scented sheet, a powdered scent, or a paste-like scented substance. When the perfume composition is solid, there is a method of adsorbing the perfume composition to the steam generator 3 or adding it by accommodating it in the steam generator 3 .

Furthermore, the steam generator 3 preferably has a cumulative amount of steam generated in 10 minutes from the start of steam generation (hereinafter referred to as "10-minute steam generation amount") of 250 mg or more, and preferably 350 mg or more. is more preferably 450 mg or more, preferably 1000 mg or less, more preferably 850 mg or less, and even more preferably 700 mg or less. With such a steam generation amount, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of steam in the first 10 minutes after starting use of the steam generator 1, so that the effect of steam can be more effectively given. can be done.

[Water vapor generation measurement method]
Here, the 10-minute steam generation amount of the steam generator 3 is a numerical value measured as follows using the apparatus 30 shown in FIG. The device 30 shown in FIG. 7 includes an aluminum measurement chamber (volume: 2.1 L) 31, and an inflow path 32 that allows dehumidified air (humidity less than 2%, flow rate: 2.1 L/min) to flow into the lower portion of the measurement chamber 31. , an outflow passage 33 for outflowing air from the upper part of the measurement chamber 31, an inlet thermo-hygrometer 34 and an inlet flow meter 35 provided in the in-flow passage 32, and an outlet thermo-hygrometer 36 and an outlet flow rate provided in the out-flow passage 33. A thermometer 37 and a thermometer (thermistor) 38 provided in the measurement chamber 31 are provided. As the thermometer 38, one having a temperature resolution of about 0.01°C is used.

The surface temperature of the surface of the steam generator 3 located on the skin side (the inner surface of the mask body 2) was measured by removing the steam generator 3 from the oxygen blocking bag at the measurement environment temperature of 30 ° C (30 ± 1 ° C). , the surface of the steam generator 3 located on the skin side, i.e., the steam releasing surface, is placed in the measurement chamber 31, and a thermometer 38 with a metal ball (4.5 g) is placed thereon for measurement. . In this state, dehumidified air is flowed from the lower part, and the difference in absolute humidity before and after the air flows into the measurement chamber 31 is obtained from the temperature and humidity measured by the inlet thermo-hygrometer 34 and the outlet thermo-hygrometer 36. The amount of water vapor released by the steam generator 3 is calculated from the flow rate measured by the flow meter 35 and the outlet flow meter 37 . Then, the total amount of water vapor measured up to 10 minutes after taking out the steam generator 3 from the oxygen-blocking bag is taken as the 10-minute steam generation amount.

[How to use the steam generator]
Next, how to use the steam generator 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
In this embodiment, since the steam generator 3 is integrated with the mask body 2, the entire steam generator 1 is stored in an oxygen blocking bag. In this storage state, the mask body 2 is folded into a bag shape.

First, the user opens the oxygen-blocking bag and takes out the steam generator 1 from the oxygen-blocking bag at the time of use. As a result, the steam-generating body 3 comes into contact with air, and the oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal contained in the steam-generating body 3 causes the steam-generating body 3 to start generating heat.

After taking out the steam generator 1 from the oxygen blocking bag, the user puts his/her fingers into the concave portion 12 of the upper side edge portion 7 and the concave portion 12 of the lower side edge portion 8 of the mask body 2, as shown in FIG. , and presses the upper side edge 7 and the lower side edge 8 in a direction toward each other. As a result, the arcuate peripheral portion (opening of the end portion 5 on the face-facing side) where the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are not joined expands, and the mask body 2 changes from a flat bag-like shape. It transforms into a three-dimensional cup shape. The user brings the mask body 2 closer to the face so that the mouth and nose are covered by the mask body 2 thus deformed into a cup shape. At this time, it is preferable that the face-contacting end 5 of the mask body 2 is brought into close contact with the user's face, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be used with the end 5 away from the user's face.

When the steam generator 3 generates heat while the mouth and nose are covered by the mask body 2, the water contained in the steam generator 3 is heated by the heat to generate steam (at a predetermined temperature). heated steam), is discharged into the inner space 4 of the mask body 2 through the inner sheet 14 of the mask body 2, and is supplied to the mouth and nose of the user. At this time, since the steam generator 3 is scented, the user inhales the aromatic component together with the steam. As described above, according to the steam generator 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to supply the user with the hot steam and the aromatic component by a simple method.

As described above, the steam generator 1 according to the present embodiment includes a mask body 2 that can be deformed into a bottomed tubular shape (cup shape) having an opening at the face-facing end 5, and an inner space 4 of the mask body 2. The mask main body 2 in a cup-shaped deformed state has a peripheral surface that tapers from the face-facing end 5 toward the closed-side end 6. This peripheral surface has concave portions 12 that are concave toward the internal space 4 , and a pair of concave portions 12 are formed on the peripheral surface of the mask body 2 at opposing positions.

According to the steam generator 1 having such a configuration, as shown in FIG. The inner surface side 12b of the recessed portion 12 formed fits the user's nose, and the inner surface side 12b of the recessed portion 12 formed in the lower side edge portion 8 fits the user's chin. It is possible to improve fit to the face and prevent leakage of steam generated in the internal space 4 .

Further, in the steam generator 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. The outer surface side 12a of the recessed portion 12 fits the user's finger (for example, the index finger), and the outer surface side 12a of the recessed portion 12 formed in the lower side edge portion 8 fits the user's other finger (for example, the thumb). Because it fits, it has excellent grip when held by hand during use.

Furthermore, in the steam generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the formation of the pair of recessed portions 12 makes it possible for the mask body 2 and the user's face to be closer together than in the case where the pair of recessed portions 12 are not formed. Since it is possible to reduce the volume of the space formed between, it is possible to improve the effect of steam on the amount of steam. That is, according to the steam generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the same steam effect can be obtained with a small amount of steam, or the same steam effect can be obtained with the same amount of steam, as compared with the case where the pair of recessed portions 12 are not formed. It is possible to obtain a steam effect.

In particular, in the steam generator 1 according to the present embodiment, a pair of upper and lower side edge joints (upper side edge joint 20 and lower side edge joint 22) that join the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B is provided inside the upper side edge portion 7 and the lower side edge portion 8 with a gap of 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, whereby the upper side edge portion 7 and the lower side edge portion A dry edge 24 is formed between the portion 8 and each side edge joint 20,22. According to the steam generator 1 having such a configuration, it is possible to impart flexibility to the upper side edge portion 7 and the lower side edge portion 8, so that fingers become painful when held by hand during use. It has the added advantage of being less

In addition, in the steam generator 1 according to the present embodiment, since the face-contacting end portion 5 is formed in an arc shape, the fit to the user's cheeks is improved, and the fit to the user's face is further enhanced. can be improved, and leakage of steam generated in the internal space 4 can be prevented.

Furthermore, in the steam generating device 1 according to the present embodiment, by arranging the steam generating bodies 3 on both the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B, it is possible to inhale an equal amount of steam into the left and right nostrils. be possible. Further, when the amount of steam generated for 10 minutes supplied to the internal space 4 by the steam generator 3 arranged on the first panel portion 10A and the steam generator 3 arranged on the second panel portion 10B exceeds 500 mg, By sufficiently supplying heated steam to the throat and nose, it is possible to enhance the function of the respiratory tract mucosa and activate ciliary movement, thereby obtaining a preventive effect against colds, influenza, and the like.

Furthermore, in the steam generator 1 according to the present embodiment, since the steam generator 3 is scented, it is possible to enhance the relaxing effect by adding a pleasant scent to the steam, for example.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above-described embodiments. Various changes or improvements can be added to each of the above embodiments.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the mask body 2 is used by holding it by hand, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to

In the above-described embodiment, the mask body 2 has an opening that can cover the user's mouth and nose. However, the mask body 2 is not limited to this. It may be of a size capable of covering at least one of.

Also, the mask body 2 may have a configuration in which the size of the opening can be changed. As a configuration for changing the size of such an opening, for example, as shown in FIGS. A configuration is exemplified in which the opening is enlarged by breaking the side temporary coupling portion 42). The upper temporary joining portion 40 and the lower temporary joining portion 42 are, for example, portions where the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are joined by perforation or continuous sealing. and the second panel portion 10B can be broken by an operation of separating them from each other. This connection is not limited to a perforated shape or a continuous seal shape, and the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are connected at the upper side temporary connecting portion 40 and the lower side temporary connecting portion 42, and breakage is not caused as described above. Any possible method may be used. The meaning of "bond" is as described above.

In such a modification, the upper temporary joint 40 extends from the intersection of the upper edge 7 and the face-contacting end 5 to the face-contacting end, as in the mask main body 2A shown in FIG. 9A, for example. An arbitrary configuration such as a configuration extending along the portion 5 or a configuration extending from the middle portion of the upper side edge portion 7 toward the face contact side end portion 5 like the mask main body 2B shown in FIG. Adoptable. The lower temporary joint portion 42 is formed along the face-contacting end portion 5 from the intersection of the lower-side edge portion 8 and the face-contacting-side end portion 5, as in the mask main body 2A shown in FIG. 9(a), for example. , or a configuration extending from the middle portion of the lower side edge portion 8 toward the face contact side end portion 5 as in the mask main body 2B shown in FIG. 9(b). be.

According to the mask bodies 2A and 2B according to such modified examples, it is possible to freely change the size of the opening by breaking the upper temporary connecting portion 40 and the lower temporary connecting portion 42. It is possible for the user to adjust the size of the opening according to the preferences of the user, the age of the user (adult, child), the size of the face, and the like.

In the embodiment described above, the mask body 2 has been described as having a foldable configuration, but is not limited to this, and may be shape-retained in advance.

In the above-described embodiment, the mask body 2 is formed by folding a single sheet-like member in which the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are integrally continuous at the closed side end portion 6, and the upper side edge portion 7 and Although it has been described that it is formed into a bag shape by joining the lower side edge portions 8, it is not limited to this. For example, the mask main body 2 is formed by superimposing the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B separated from each other, and connecting the closing side end portion 6, the upper side edge portion 7 and the lower side edge portion 8 to form a bag. It may be formed in a shape.

In the above-described embodiment, one concave portion 12 is formed in each of the upper side edge portion 7 and the lower side edge portion 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of concave portions 12 is arbitrary. It is possible to change. When a plurality of concave portions 12 are formed in this way, it is possible to improve the fit of the fingers when gripping the mask body 2 with a plurality of fingers, and to support the mask body 2 more stably. There is an advantage that

In the above-described embodiment, the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are described as having vertically symmetrical shapes, but the present invention is not limited to this, and they may be vertically asymmetrical shapes. For example, the number of recessed portions 12 formed in the upper side edge portion 7 and the number of recessed portions 12 formed in the lower side edge portion 8 may be different. As such a modification, for example, like a mask main body 2C shown in FIG. The resulting configuration is exemplified. The recesses 12A, 12B formed in the upper side edge 7 have a smaller radius of curvature and a shorter arc length than the recess 12 formed in the lower side edge 8 . According to such a mask body 2C, for example, two fingers (for example, index finger and middle finger, or middle finger and ring finger) are placed on the two recessed portions 12A and 12B formed in the upper side edge portion 7, and the lower Since it is possible to grip the mask body 2C with one finger (for example, a thumb) placed on the concave portion 12 formed in the side edge portion 8, the mask body 2C can be gripped with one finger each on the top and bottom. There is an advantage that it becomes possible to stably support the mask main body 2C as compared with .

In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the fingers are placed on the concave portions 12 formed in the upper side edge portion 7 and the lower side edge portion 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, a finger may be inserted into a through-hole 54 or a slit 56 formed in the vicinity of the recessed portion 12 . As such a modified example, for example, like a mask main body 2D shown in FIG. A configuration is exemplified in which through-holes 54 each having a size through which a finger can be inserted are formed at positions close to the recessed portion 12 in the portions 50 and 52 . Further, instead of the through-holes 54, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a slit 56 through which a finger can be inserted is formed, as in a mask main body 2E shown in FIG. 12, for example. 11 and 12, one through-hole 54 and one slit 56 are provided in each of the upper side edge portion 7 and the lower side edge portion 8, but the numbers thereof are not limited. For example, two may be provided on the upper side edge 7 and one may be provided on the lower side edge 8 . In such a case, the mask bodies 2D and 2E can be stably supported as compared with the case where the upper and lower fingers are held one by one. According to the mask bodies 2D and 2E, there is an advantage that even if the mask bodies 2D and 2E are held for a long time, the user will not get tired easily.

In the above-described embodiment, the face-contacting end portions 5 of the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are described as being formed in an arc shape. can be adopted.

In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the face-facing side arc portions 7a and 8a and the closing side arc portions 7b and 8b are provided so as to sandwich the recessed portion 12. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and for example, both sides of the concave portion 12 may be formed linearly.

In the above-described embodiment, the dry edge is formed on the upper side edge 7 and the lower side edge 8 of the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B. A configuration in which no edge is formed may be employed.

In the above-described embodiment, one steam generator 3 is provided for each of the first panel section 10A and the second panel section 10B. A plurality of them may be provided on each of the second panel portions 10B, or may be provided on only one of the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B. Further, the steam generating body 3 is not limited to the configuration in which the first panel portion 10A and the second panel portion 10B are enclosed. may be detachable, or the steam generator 3 may be fixed to the inner surface of the mask body 2 using a fixing means such as an adhesive. Furthermore, in the case of the type in which the steam generator 3 is retrofitted to the mask body 2 as described above, only the steam generator 3 may be stored in a state sealed in an oxygen blocking bag. When a plurality of steam generators 3 are provided, the steam characteristics and shape of each may be the same or different. It is preferable to have the characteristic

In the above-described embodiment, the steam generator 3 is described as being scented, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a steam generator that is not scented may be used.

It is clear from the description of the scope of claims that modifications such as those described above are included in the scope of the present invention.

1: Steam generator 2: Mask main body 3: Steam generator 4: Internal space 5: Face contact side end 6: Closed side end 7: Upper side edge 8: Lower side edge 10A: First panel part 10B: second panel portion 12: recessed portion 14: inner sheet 16: outer sheet 20: upper side edge joint portion (side edge joint portion)
22: lower side edge joint (side edge joint)
24: dry edge

Claims (7)

A steam generator comprising a bottomed cylindrical mask body having an opening at the face-facing end, and a steam generator capable of generating steam in the inner space of the mask body,
The mask body has a peripheral surface that tapers from the face-contacting end toward a closed-side end located on the opposite side of the face-contacting end,
The peripheral surface of the mask body has a concave portion that is concave toward the internal space,
A pair of recessed portions are formed at opposing positions on the peripheral surface of the mask body,
The mask body comprises a first panel portion forming a half-peripheral surface of the mask body and a second panel portion forming the remaining half-peripheral surface,
The first panel portion and the second panel portion are formed in a bag-like shape in which edge portions excluding the face-contacting end portion are joined together, and by expanding the opening of the face-contacting end portion, It is configured to be deformable into the bottomed cylindrical shape,
The first panel portion and the second panel portion have the recessed portion in a pair of side edge portions from the face-contacting side end portion to the closing side end portion.
Steam generator. The pair of side edge portions are provided with side edge coupling portions for coupling the first panel portion and the second panel portion to each other,
The steam generator according to claim 1 , wherein each side edge coupling portion has a shape along the recessed portion. Each side edge coupling portion is provided inside the side edge portion with an interval of 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less,
The steam generator according to claim 2 , wherein a dry edge is formed between the side edge portion and the side edge coupling portion. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the first panel portion and the second panel portion are formed in an arc shape at the face-contacting side end portions. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the steam generator generates 250 mg or more of steam for 10 minutes. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the steam generator is sandwiched between two or more nonwoven fabrics. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the steam generator is scented.

Images