Heat-generating element precursor, heat-generating element, and moxibustion tool

Abstract

To provide a heat-generating element precursor, a heat-generating element, and a moxibustion tool that are capable of elongating the heat-generating time even when a heat-generating composition identical to a conventional product is used.SOLUTION: One embodiment of the present invention is a heat-generating composition precursor 100 from which it is possible to form a heat-generating composition that reacts with oxygen in air in the presence of a liquid component to generate heat. The heat-generating composition precursor 100 comprises: a heat-generating composition precursor 10a yet to have the liquid component added thereto; and a cover 20 having a first covering part 20a that has a housing section 24 capable of housing the heat-generating composition precursor 10a, and an opening section 25 for housing the heat-generating composition precursor 10a, and that is made of a non-air permeable packaging material, and having a second covering part 20b that is made of an air-permeable packaging material and that covers the opening section 25 in a flat shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat generating element precursor, a heat generating element, and a moxibustion tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Heat generating elements utilizing the oxidation reaction of oxidizable metal powders are widely used in medical devices such as hot compresses and heating devices for stimulating meridians, as well as in daily necessities such as disposable body warmers.

[0003] Here, the heating element contains a heat generating composition (e.g., containing iron powder, water, salts, activated carbon, etc.) that generates heat when reacting with oxygen. When the heating element is in use, the heat generating composition is exposed to the outside air, whereby the oxygen in the outside air comes into contact with the heat generating composition, and the oxidation reaction of the oxidized metal powder proceeds. Specifically, in the case of the composition of the above example, the water and salts function to accelerate the oxidation speed of the iron powder, and the activated carbon functions to absorb a large amount of oxygen from the air and sustain the oxidation reaction.

[0004] From the viewpoint of preventing deterioration of the heat generating performance of the heat generating element, it is desirable to prevent or prevent the oxidation reaction of the oxidized metal before the use of the heat generating element. Based on this, a manufacturing method has been proposed in which a heat generating composition precursor (a mixture containing water-insoluble components of the heat generating composition, such as iron powder, salts, activated carbon, and a water-retaining material) is formed into a tablet shape, which is then filled into a container made of a packaging material, and water is then injected with a syringe (Patent Document 1), and a manufacturing method has been proposed in which water is injected through a water-permeable packaging material (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] WO2016 / 063815 publication [Patent Document 2] WO2022 / 034827 publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat generating element and a precursor thereof that can sustain heat generation for a longer period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention (1) is an exothermic composition precursor capable of forming an exothermic composition that generates heat by reacting with oxygen in the air in the presence of a liquid component, the exothermic composition precursor being a pre-liquid component; A first covering part having a storage part capable of storing a heat generating composition precursor and an opening for storing the heat generating composition precursor, the first covering part being made of a non-air permeable packaging material; The heating element precursor includes: a covering body having a second covering portion that covers the opening in a flat shape, the second covering portion being made of an air-permeable packaging material.

[0008] The present invention (2) is an exothermic composition precursor capable of forming an exothermic composition that generates heat by reacting with oxygen in the air in the presence of a liquid component, the exothermic composition precursor being a pre-liquid component; A first covering part having a concave (or convex) containing part capable of containing a heat generating composition precursor and an opening for containing the heat generating composition precursor, the first covering part being made of a non-air permeable packaging material; and a covering body having a second covering part that covers the opening in a flat shape, the second covering part being made of an air-permeable packaging material. Here, the storage part has a concave shape when viewed from the opening (when the inside of the storage part is viewed). Also, the storage part has a convex shape when viewed from above (when the outside of the storage part is viewed). The storage part has a space capable of storing a heat-generating composition precursor.

[0009] The present invention (3) is an exothermic composition precursor capable of forming an exothermic composition that generates heat by reacting with oxygen in the air in the presence of a liquid component, the exothermic composition precursor being a pre-liquid component; a first covering part having a first storage part (storage part 24 described later) capable of storing a heat generating composition precursor and having a first depth, and an opening for storing the heat generating composition precursor, the first covering part being made of a non-air permeable packaging material; The heating element precursor includes a covering body having a second covering part that covers the opening, the second covering part having a second storage part (depth based on the surface of the opening 25 described later) having a second depth different from the first depth, and the second covering part being made of an air permeable packaging material. The first covering part has a first storage part (storage part 24). The first storage part has a first depth. The second covering part has a second storage part. The second storage part has a second depth. The first depth and the second depth are different. Here, since the second covering part side becomes the application part to the adherend during use, it is preferable that the first depth is greater than the second depth (first depth>second depth). Also, since it is sufficient that the relationship of the first depth>second depth is satisfied, the second depth may be 0.

[0010] The present invention (4) is an exothermic composition precursor capable of forming an exothermic composition that generates heat by reacting with oxygen in the air in the presence of a liquid component, the exothermic composition precursor being a pre-liquid component; A first covering portion made of an easily deformable, non-permeable packaging material; A second covering portion made of an air permeable packaging material; The heat generating composition precursor is housed between a first covering part and a second covering part in a state in which the first covering part is deformed by the heat generating composition precursor. Here, "easily deformable" refers to the degree of deformability that when the heat generating composition precursor is pressed against the surface of the first covering part, the pressed surface can deform in the pressed direction (based on the surface not pressed). Examples of the material of the first covering part include an elastomeric film that is extensible (just stretches) or stretchable.

[0011] The present invention (5) is The first covering portion is a heating element precursor according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (4) having at least one ventilation hole.

[0012] The present invention (6) is The heat generating composition precursor includes a swelling agent capable of absorbing a liquid component, The swelling agent is a heat generating element precursor according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (5), which is capable of swelling within the container when it absorbs the liquid component.

[0013] The present invention (7) is The heat generating composition precursor according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (6), wherein the ratio of the volume of the heat generating composition precursor to the volume of the container is 0.2 or more.

[0014] The present invention (8) is The heating element precursor according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (7), wherein when the second covering portion faces an object to be heated, air is introduced into the opening through a gap formed between the second covering portion and the object to be heated.

[0015] The present invention (9) is The heat generating element precursor according to any one of the present inventions (1) to (8), further comprising an adhesive applied to the second covering portion and overlapping a part of the opening.

[0016] The present invention (10) is The heat generating element is obtained by introducing a liquid component into the housing of the heat generating element precursor according to any one of inventions (1) to (9) via the second covering portion.

[0017] The present invention (11) is the exothermic composition precursor is in a shaped solid form; This is the heating element of the present invention (10), in which the heat generating composition precursor in the solid form becomes the heat generating composition in a cracked form when the liquid component is introduced into the storage portion.

[0018] The present invention (12) is The heating element according to any one of the present inventions (10) to (11), wherein the time during which the heat generation temperature is 40° C. or more (the time until the temperature again reaches 40° C. after reaching 40° C.) is more than 20 minutes (more preferably 30 minutes or more, 40 minutes or more, 50 minutes or more, 60 minutes or more, or 70 minutes or more, the upper limit of which is not particularly limited, for example, 200 minutes or less). In addition, the maximum temperature is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 70° C. or less, 65° C. or less, 60° C. or less, or 55° C. or less.

[0019] The present invention (13) is The second covering portion is the heat generating element according to any one of the present inventions (10) to (12), at least a part of which swells outward due to swelling of the heat generating composition precursor.

[0020] The present invention (14) is a moxibustion tool including any one of the present inventions (10) to (13). Effect of the Invention

[0021] First, the heating element according to the present invention relates to a packaging material of a covering body that contains a heating composition, and the first covering part is made of a non-permeable packaging material, while the second covering part is made of a permeable packaging material. Therefore, when used, oxygen is supplied to the heating composition inside through the second covering part. In this case, when the second covering part side is applied to the heating object, according to the configuration of the present invention, the gap between the second covering part and the heating object is small or almost nonexistent. Therefore, oxygen is continuously supplied to the heating composition in small amounts, and the heating reaction continues for a long period of time. Furthermore, while the liquid component in the heating composition evaporates due to the heat generation of the heating composition, since the first covering part is made of a non-permeable packaging material, the evaporation of the liquid component to the outside can be suppressed, and the heat of vaporization taken away by evaporation can be retained inside, and in addition, a sufficient amount of the liquid component required for the reaction can be retained within the covering body. From the above, the heating element according to the present invention has the effect of being able to maintain the heating time for a longer period of time.

[0022] The heat generating element precursor according to the present invention also has the effect of being useful as an intermediate product for obtaining a heat generating element having the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, since the heat generating element precursor according to the present invention does not substantially contain a liquid component, it also has the effect of being able to be stored in this state for a long period of time without being sealed, since the oxidation reaction does not substantially proceed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a heating element precursor / heating element according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a cross section of the heating element precursor according to this embodiment taken along the line AA of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the heat generating element precursor according to this embodiment taken along the arrow AA in FIG. 1 (however, this is an example of a heat generating composition precursor having a different shape from that of FIG. 2). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a cross section of the heating element according to this embodiment taken along the arrow AA in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic state of the heating element according to the present embodiment in FIG. 4 when viewed from the bottom surface (attached surface) with the second covering portion removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view that illustrates an example of a heating element precursor according to this embodiment in which a vent hole is formed in the first covering portion. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram illustrating various patterns of adhesive applied to the heating element according to the present embodiment. The hatched areas indicate areas where the adhesive is present, and the white areas indicate areas where no adhesive is formed. The dotted lines indicate the boundaries with the periphery of the opening. The inside of the dotted line is the opening, and the outside is the periphery. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow of a method for manufacturing a heating element according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the heating patterns of the heating elements according to Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the heating patterns of the heating elements according to Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the heating patterns of the heating elements according to Example 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the heating patterns of the heating elements according to Example 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the heating patterns of the heating elements according to Example 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the heating patterns of the heating elements according to Example 6 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The "heat generating element precursor" and "heat generating element" according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. In summary, the "heat generating element" refers to a heat generating composition contained in a covering (described below) (including a case packaged in an outer bag), and the "heat generating element precursor" refers to the heat generating composition in a state before a liquid component is introduced therein (heat generating composition precursor) contained in a covering (described below).

[0025] The "heat generating element precursor" and the "heat generating element" will be described in detail below. Here, the "heat generating element precursor" or "heat generating element" according to this embodiment has a surface (hereinafter, for convenience, also referred to as the "lower surface" or "attached surface") that is applied to the body, clothing, or other object to which heat is to be applied (heating object), and at least one surface on the opposite side (hereinafter, for convenience, also referred to as the "upper surface"). For ease of explanation, in this specification, the body, clothing, and other objects to which heat is to be applied (heating objects) may be referred to as the "body" or "body, etc." However, the object to which the heat generating element precursor, heat generating element, or moxibustion tool according to the present invention is applied is not limited to the body.

[0026] The shapes, manufacturing methods, applications, etc. of the "heat generating element precursor" and "heat generating element" of this embodiment will be specifically organized and explained below.

[0027] ≪1. Shape, structure, size, thickness≫ <1-1. Shape> The overall shape of the heating element precursor / heating element according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, except that it is preferable that the opening of the first covering part (upper surface) is covered by the second covering part (lower surface) in a flat shape. Here, "flat" in this specification and claims includes not only a completely flat shape but also a substantially flat shape (the second covering part can be said to have a storage part) that bulges outward (toward the opposite side to the first covering part) to some extent, and here, "substantially flat" means that the first covering part bulges outward by, for example, 100%, 75%, 50%, 40%, or 30% (see FIG. 4, for example) with respect to the height of the storage part. Here, the "storage part height" means "h" in the figure if the height is constant as in FIG. 2, and means the average height (here, "average height" is the value obtained by dividing the volume of the "storage part of the first covering part" by the area of ​​the "opening of the first covering part"). Here, it is preferable that the second covering part of the heating element precursor is completely flat. With this configuration, when the liquid component is introduced into the inside through the second covering part of the heating element precursor, the second covering part is flat, so that the liquid component can be introduced uniformly to the surface (second covering part) (as a result, the liquid component can be introduced approximately uniformly to the heating element precursor). On the other hand, it is preferable that the second covering part of the heating element is approximately flat with some swelling. With this configuration, particularly when the heating object is a soft body (for example, skin), the swelling part of the second covering part sinks into the soft body and abuts against it, so that the gap between the second covering part and the heating object can be further reduced. Furthermore, since it is in closer contact with the heating object, it is difficult for the heat to escape. From the above, it is possible to further extend the heating time.

[0028] Incidentally, when considering the use as a moxa tool, as shown in Fig. 1 (a perspective view showing an example of the heat generating element precursor / heat generating element according to the present embodiment), the heat generating element precursor / heat generating element according to the present embodiment is preferably a convex three-dimensional shape (moxibustion shape). The shape of the heat generating element precursor / heat generating element according to the present embodiment when viewed from above or below is not particularly limited, and examples include an approximately circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, and the like. However, when considering that it will be used by directly attaching it to the skin, an approximately circular shape or an elliptical shape without corners is preferable.

[0029] <1-2. Structure> The heat generating element precursor / heat generating element according to this embodiment includes a heat generating composition precursor / heat generating composition; a first covering part having a housing part capable of housing the heat generating composition precursor / heat generating composition and an opening for housing the heat generating composition precursor; and a covering part having a second covering part that flatly covers the opening; and preferably an adhesive body that is applied to the second covering part and overlaps a part of the opening. In addition to these elements, the heat generating element precursor / heat generating element according to this embodiment may also include other elements as necessary, such as a release part (e.g., release paper) for covering the surface of the adhesive body. Hereinafter, the heat generating element precursor and the heat generating element will be described separately as appropriate.

[0030] (1-2-1. Overall structure: Heat generating element precursor) 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views showing a schematic diagram of a heat generating element precursor 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the heat generating element precursor 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a heat generating composition precursor 10a, a coating 20, and an adhesive body 30. Here, the shape of the heat generating composition precursor 10a in Fig. 2 is cylindrical (the bottom surface is flat), and the shape of the heat generating composition precursor 10a in Fig. 3 is tablet-shaped (the bottom surface is curved).

[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic example of the heating element precursor 100 according to this embodiment in which an air hole 40 is formed in the first covering portion 20a (a modified example of the heating element precursor according to FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 6, the first covering portion 20a has at least one air hole 40. When the air hole 40 is formed, the air in the storage portion 24 is easily discharged to the outside when the liquid component is introduced into the heating element precursor 100 (it becomes an escape route for the internal air). As a result, the liquid component is introduced fairly uniformly throughout the heating composition precursor 10, so that the injected liquid component can be produced without overflowing on the production line. In addition, when the first covering portion has at least one air hole, the liquid component may be introduced through the air hole of the first covering portion.

[0032] (1-2-2. Overall structure: Heating element) 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a typical example of a heat generating element 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the heat generating element 200 according to the present embodiment includes a heat generating composition 10b, a coating 20, and an adhesive body 30.

[0033] (1-2-3. Element: Heat-generating composition precursor / heat-generating composition) Heat-generating composition precursor The exothermic composition precursor according to this embodiment is not structurally limited as long as it has the composition described below. However, the exothermic composition precursor according to this embodiment is preferably a molded body, and among molded bodies, it is particularly preferably a pressure-molded body (e.g., tablet-molded body). By using a molded body or a pressure-molded body, it is possible to introduce a larger amount of the exothermic composition precursor into the coating body compared to the case of using a powdered exothermic composition precursor that is not molded. In addition, by using a molded exothermic composition precursor, when the liquid component is introduced from the second coating part during the production of the exothermic body, the liquid component introduced inside spreads so as to crawl on the surface of the exothermic composition precursor that is a molded body, and as a result, it is possible to introduce the liquid component more evenly into the exothermic composition precursor. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the non-reactive part in the exothermic composition when the exothermic body is used (the part where the reaction with oxygen is not expected because the liquid component is not introduced), and as a result, the heat generation time can be sustained for a longer period. In addition, when a molded exothermic composition precursor is used, it becomes easier to transport and install the tablet by air or a magnet. The shape of the exothermic composition precursor that is a molded body is not particularly limited. For example, the shape of the exothermic composition precursor which is a molded product may be a disk, tablet, prism, pyramid, cube, rectangular parallelepiped, cylinder, cone, elliptical cylinder, lozenge shape with a hole in the center, sphere, etc.

[0034] Heat-generating composition The heat generating composition according to this embodiment is obtained by introducing a liquid component into the heat generating composition precursor. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, when a liquid component is introduced into the molded heat generating composition precursor 10a (FIG. 2), the liquid absorbing component (e.g., a swelling agent) in the heat generating composition precursor absorbs the liquid component, and the volume of the liquid absorbing component increases rapidly. The lower limit of the volume expansion rate from the heat generating composition precursor (volume of heat generating composition / volume of heat generating composition precursor×100%) is, for example, 150% or more, 175% or more, 200% or more, 225% or more, or 250% or more, and the upper limit is, for example, 500% or less, 450% or less, 400% or less, 350% or less, or 300% or less. In addition, as a result of the sudden increase in volume, as shown in FIG. 4, cracks 11 are generated in the molded shape, resulting in a heat generating composition whose shape is somewhat collapsed. To elaborate on this point, when a liquid component is added to a heat generating composition precursor containing a liquid absorbing component, the heat generating composition precursor usually tends to break into pieces due to the swelling of the liquid absorbing component. On the other hand, when the exothermic composition precursor is stored in the covering as in this embodiment, the swelling of the exothermic composition precursor due to the addition of the liquid component is restricted by the inner wall of the covering. For this reason, it is presumed that the cracks occur due to the internal stress caused by the inability to break into pieces. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a schematic view of the exothermic body 200 according to one example of this embodiment in FIG. 3, viewed from the bottom (attached surface) side after the second covering portion 20b is peeled off. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the cracks 11 occur in the exothermic composition 11b, and air is supplied not only to the outside of the exothermic composition 10b but also to the inside, so that the amount of the exothermic composition that reacts is substantially increased, and the heat generation time can be sustained for a longer period of time.

[0035] (1-2-4. Element: Covering) As described above, the covering according to this embodiment has the first covering portion and the second covering portion. Here, the covering according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs.

[0036] ·Entire covering As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the covering body 20 according to this embodiment has a first covering part 20a and a second covering part 20b. The first covering part 20a includes a surface other than the surface facing the body, i.e., an upper surface 21. The second covering part 20b is applied to the body, etc. so as to face the body, etc. (for example, via an adhesive 30). Here, the second covering part 20b includes a surface applied to the body, etc., i.e., a lower surface (attachment surface) 22. The covering body 20 has a peripheral part 23 that protrudes outward. The first covering part 20a and the second covering part 20b are joined at the peripheral part 23. The first covering part 20a and the second covering part 20b will be described below.

[0037] First covering part The first covering portion 20a has a concave-shaped (when viewed from the opposite side of FIG. 2) storage portion 24 capable of storing the heat generating composition precursor 10a / heat generating composition 10b. The first covering portion 20a has an opening 25 capable of storing the heat generating composition precursor 10. The first covering portion 20a can be manufactured, for example, by processing a resin sheet by a method such as thermoforming or vacuum forming. An easily deformable material may be used as the first covering portion. Here, "easily deformable" refers to a degree of deformability that, as described above, when the heat generating composition precursor is pressed against the surface of the first covering portion, the pressed surface (based on the surface not pressed) can be deformed in the pressed direction (for example, 1 / 3 or more, 1 / 2 or more, 2 / 3 or more, 1 or less of the thickness of the heat generating composition precursor is deformed in the pressed direction). When such a material is used, the process of deforming the first covering portion, such as thermoforming or vacuum forming, and then storing the heat generating composition precursor in the deformed portion (i.e., the storage portion or the opening) is not required. That is, the deformation of the first covering part and the accommodation of the exothermic composition precursor are carried out simultaneously by pressing the exothermic composition precursor against the surface of the first covering part. Thereafter, with the exothermic composition accommodated in the first covering part, the second covering part is joined to the first covering part to obtain the exothermic element precursor.

[0038] Second coating section The second covering portion 20b is joined to the first covering portion 20a so as to flatly cover the opening 25 of the first covering portion 20a.

[0039] (1-2-5. Element: Adhesive) The heating element precursor and heating element according to this embodiment preferably have an adhesive on the surface of the second covering part opposite to the first covering part side. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the adhesive 30 is applied to the attachment surface of the second covering part 20b. The adhesive 30 is applied to the body or the like so that the second covering part 20b faces the body or the like. The adhesive 30 is applied to the second covering part 20b so as to overlap with a part of the opening 25 of the first covering part 20a, for example. Therefore, by changing the position, shape, and size at which the adhesive 30 is applied, the area of ​​the region where the first covering part 20a overlaps with a part of the opening 25 can be adjusted. This makes it possible to control the area of ​​the region of the opening 25 that does not overlap with the first covering part 20a, i.e., the area of ​​the region of the opening 25 where ventilation is substantially possible (ventilation region 26). By controlling the area of ​​the adhesive in this way, it is also possible to control the heating temperature and heating time. Furthermore, by providing the adhesive body 30, the gap between the second covering part 2b and the body etc. can be stably maintained. As a result, the amount of air introduced into the inside can be controlled to be small, so that the oxidation reaction time can be sustained for a longer period of time.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating various patterns of the adhesive body 30 of the heating element precursor and the heating element 200 according to this embodiment. The hatched portion indicates the portion where the adhesive body 30 is present, and the white portion indicates the portion where the adhesive body 30 is not formed. The dotted line indicates the boundary between the opening 25 and the peripheral portion 23. The inside of the dotted line is the opening 25, and the outside is the peripheral portion 23. The position, size, and shape of the adhesive body 30 are not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the adhesive body 30 can be applied to any position, size, and shape, such as a stripe, circle, or rectangle. Here, as described above, when the second coating part of the heating element is slightly bulging outward (see, for example, FIG. 4), when this is applied to an adherend, the heating element tends to peel off from the adherend. In consideration of this case, it is preferable that the adhesive body is present in approximately the center of the back surface (adhering surface) of the heating element (for example, in the case of the example of FIG. 7, the third and fifth from the left in the upper row, and the first to third in the lower row).

[0041] <1-3. Size and thickness> (1-3-1. Heat-generating composition precursor) The size of the exothermic composition precursor according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be of a size and shape according to the application of the exothermic body. For example, when manufacturing an exothermic body to be used as a moxibustion tool, the exothermic composition precursor is preferably in a solid form with a width of 2 mm to 30 mm (diameter in the case of a cylinder) and a height of 2 mm to 15 mm. For example, when the exothermic composition precursor is cylindrical as shown in FIG. 2, A in the figure is the width and B is the height, and when the exothermic composition precursor is tablet-shaped as shown in FIG. 3, C in the figure is the width and D is the height. Note that when the width and height are not constant as shown in FIG. 3, the width is the width at the maximum length, and the height is the height at the maximum height.

[0042] (1-3-2. Covering body) The size of the covering body according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined based on the amount of the heat generating composition precursor stored inside, the area to be heated, and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, when the heat generating composition precursor 10a contains a swelling agent, the swelling agent swells after the liquid component is injected, and as a result, the volume of the heat generating composition 10b becomes larger than the volume of the original heat generating composition precursor 10a. In addition, if the volume of the covering body is too small, when the liquid component is injected, the liquid component may overflow before being absorbed by the heat generating composition precursor 10a. Considering these, as shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that at least for the heat generating element precursor 100, there is a space (a gap between the heat generating composition precursor 10a and the first covering part 20a) in the housing part 24. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the diameter of the housing part upper surface 21 of the first covering part 20a and / or the housing part height h are slightly larger than the diameter and / or height of the heat generating composition precursor 10a, respectively. For example, when manufacturing a heating element to be used as a moxibustion tool, the diameter of the upper surface 21 of the first covering part 20a is preferably 5 mm to 40 mm. The height h of the housing part of the first covering part 20a is preferably 5 mm to 20 mm. The thicknesses of the first covering part and the second covering part are not particularly limited, and are generally about 6 to 800 μm, and preferably about 20 to 700 μm.

[0043] (1-3-3. Volume ratio) The ratio of the volume of the heat generating composition precursor 10a to the volume of the storage section 24 is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.2 or more, and even more preferably 0.3 or more, and is preferably 0.7 or less, more preferably 0.6 or less, and even more preferably 0.5 or less, as an upper limit. If this volume ratio is within the preferred range, when the liquid component is introduced into the heat generating composition precursor, the liquid component can be introduced substantially uniformly throughout the heat generating composition, and the effective amount of the heat generating element (the portion of the heat generating composition precursor into which the liquid component has been introduced) can be maximized, so that the oxidation reaction time can be extended.

[0044] (1-3-4. Adhesive body) When the adhesive body according to this embodiment is applied to a heating body, the ratio of the area of ​​the ventilation region 26 to the area of ​​the opening 25 is preferably 0.05 or more, more preferably 0.1 or more, and even more preferably 0.2 or more, and the ratio is preferably 1 or less, more preferably 0.95 or less, more preferably 0.9 or less, and even more preferably 0.85 or less, so that the adhesive body is applied to the second covering part 20b. By setting the ratio in the preferred range, when the heating body is applied to the heating object, the amount of oxygen introduced into the heating body can be reduced to a preferred range, so that the oxidation reaction time can be longer. In addition, the thickness of the adhesive body is generally preferably 5 to 250 μm, more preferably 10 to 220 μm, and even more preferably 20 to 200 μm.

[0045] ≪2.Materials, ingredients, and composition≫ (2-1. Heat-generating composition precursor) The heat generating composition precursor according to the present embodiment contains an oxidizable metal powder, one or more salts, activated carbon, a swelling agent, and, if necessary, various additional components. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0046] ·Oxidizable metal powder The oxidizable metal powder according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it is a metal powder that generates oxidation heat, and is generally iron powder. Specific examples of the oxidizable metal powder include iron powder (reduced iron, cast iron, atomized iron, iron sulfate), aluminum powder, zinc powder, manganese powder, magnesium powder, calcium powder, and the like. Here, the exothermic composition precursor contains the oxidizable metal powder in a range of about 10% by mass to about 80% by mass, preferably about 15% by mass to about 70% by mass, based on the total mass of the exothermic composition precursor. In this specification, "%" means "% by mass" unless otherwise specified.

[0047] ·salts The salt according to the present embodiment may be any electrolyte that dissolves in the liquid component and ionizes. Specific examples of the salt according to the present embodiment include salts of alkali metals (e.g., sodium, potassium, etc.), alkaline earth metals (e.g., magnesium, calcium, etc.), other metals (e.g., manganese, copper, etc.) with inorganic acids (e.g., chlorides, sulfates, carbonates, nitrates, etc.), salts of organic acids (e.g., acetates, etc.), or mixtures thereof. Among these salts, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, cupric chloride, and mixtures containing them are preferred. Here, the exothermic composition precursor contains salts in a range of preferably about 0.5% by mass to about 10% by mass, more preferably about 1% by mass to about 5% by mass, based on the total mass of the exothermic composition precursor.

[0048] ·Activated carbon The activated carbon according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited. Specific examples of the activated carbon according to the present embodiment include activated carbon derived from vegetable raw materials such as coconut shells and wood, and activated carbon derived from animal raw materials and other raw materials. Here, the exothermic composition precursor contains activated carbon in a range of preferably about 0.5% by mass to about 25% by mass, more preferably about 0.5% by mass to about 20% by mass, and even more preferably about 1% by mass to about 15% by mass, based on the total mass of the exothermic composition precursor.

[0049] Swelling agent The swelling agent according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it absorbs liquid components and expands in volume (typically a water-absorbent polymer). Specific examples of the swelling agent according to the present embodiment include hydrophilic polymers such as dry gel, gelatin, and agar, and hydrophobic polymers whose swelling is not easily suppressed by inorganic salts. A particularly suitable swelling agent is a hydrophobic acrylic acid polymer. Here, the heat generating composition precursor contains the swelling agent in a range of preferably less than about 45% by mass, more preferably about 0.1% by mass to about 30% by mass, even more preferably about 0.5% by mass to about 20% by mass, and particularly preferably about 1% by mass to about 10% by mass, based on the total mass of the heat generating composition precursor.

[0050] Additional ingredients The various additional components according to this embodiment include a binder, a temperature control agent, a pH adjuster, an oxidation reaction promoter, a hydrogen gas inhibitor, an extender, a filler, an anti-caking agent, a thickener, a surfactant, and the like. One or more of these are used as necessary. Among these, the binder, the temperature control agent, and the pH adjuster will be described in detail. First, the binder according to this embodiment is an agent for forming the powder raw material into a solid form. Specific examples of the binder according to this embodiment include cellulose (e.g., crystalline cellulose), starch, dextrin, sucrose ester, Teflon (registered trademark), lactose, propylene glycol, carboxymethyl cellulose, calcium silicate, synthetic hydrotalcite, magnesium aluminometasilicate, dried aluminum hydroxide gel, corn starch, calcium carbonate, gum arabic, gelatin, guar gum, kaolin dibasic calcium phosphate, tribasic calcium phosphate, polyethylene oxide, xanthan gum, ammonium methacrylate copolymer, vinyl acetate copolymer, syrup, povidone, lactitol, calcium sulfate, algin, alginic acid, and the like. Here, when molding (e.g., tablet molding), the exothermic composition precursor contains a binder in the range of preferably about 5% by mass to about 50% by mass, more preferably about 5% by mass to about 45% by mass, and even more preferably about 10% by mass to about 40% by mass, based on the total mass of the exothermic composition precursor. The temperature control agent according to this embodiment is an agent that controls the upper limit of the exothermic temperature. Specific examples of the temperature control agent according to this embodiment include aliphatic compounds having a melting point of 35°C to 70°C and a water solubility of 5g / 100mL or less at 20°C, more specifically, higher α-olefin polymers (copolymers of two or more α-olefins having 10 to 35 carbon atoms or copolymers of one or more α-olefins having 10 to 35 carbon atoms and one or more other olefins, preferably side-chain crystalline polyolefins having a certain long-chain α-olefin in the side chain), various paraffin waxes such as vegetable, animal, or petroleum-based, myristyl myristate, polyester polyol, polyoxyethylene fatty acid diester, etc. The heat-generating composition precursor contains a temperature control agent in a range of preferably 0 to about 40 mass %, more preferably about 0.1 mass % to about 35 mass %, and even more preferably about 0.5 mass % to about 30 mass %, based on the total mass of the heat-generating composition precursor.Furthermore, the pH adjuster according to this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it functions to prevent the outer bag from swelling with hydrogen gas during storage. Specific examples of the pH adjuster according to this embodiment include sodium sulfite, sodium polyphosphate, sodium thiosulfate, etc. The exothermic composition precursor contains the pH adjuster in a range of preferably about 0.01% by mass to about 5% by mass, more preferably about 0.1% by mass to about 2% by mass, based on the total mass of the exothermic composition precursor.

[0051] (2-2. Heat-generating composition) The heat generating composition according to the present embodiment is obtained by adding a liquid component to the heat generating composition precursor described above. The liquid component will be described below.

[0052] ·Liquid component The liquid component according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it is a medium capable of forming a liquid that dissolves and ionizes salts, breaks the oxide film of iron to continue the oxidation reaction of iron, and conducts electricity in the heat generating composition. A suitable example of the liquid component according to the present embodiment is water. Examples of water include ion-exchanged water, pure water, tap water, and industrial water. The liquid component may also contain other components {e.g., salts, pH adjusters (e.g., sodium sulfite)} as necessary. Here, the amount of the liquid component injected into the heat generating composition precursor is preferably 10 to 50 parts by mass, more preferably 15 to 40 parts by mass, even more preferably 17.5 parts by mass to 35 parts by mass, and most preferably 20 parts by mass to 30 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the heat generating composition precursor. In terms of the content of the liquid component in the heat-generating composition, the heat-generating composition preferably contains the liquid component in a range of about 1% by mass to about 40% by mass, and more preferably about 10% by mass to about 30% by mass, based on the total mass of the heat-generating composition precursor.

[0053] -Optimal blend of heat generating components To summarize the above, the preferred formulation of the heat generating composition according to this embodiment is, based on the total mass of the heat generating composition, 15% by mass to 60% by mass of oxidizable metal powder, 1% by mass to 4% by mass of salts, 2% by mass to 10% by mass of activated carbon, 10% by mass to 40% by mass of liquid component (e.g., water), 1% by mass to 10% by mass of swelling agent, 12% by mass to 20% by mass of binder, and 0% by mass to 25% by mass of temperature control agent.

[0054] (2-3. First Covering Part) The first covering part is made of an air-impermeable packaging material. This allows liquid components (e.g., water or water vapor) in the heat-generating composition to remain and condense on the inner surface of the first covering part, making it difficult to be released from the heat-generating composition. As a result, a heat generating body or a moxa tool that has a longer heat generation duration at high temperatures can be provided. Here, "air-impermeable" refers to, for example, an air permeability of 80,000 seconds / 100 cc or more. The air permeability is a value measured by JIS P8117:2009 (Gurley method). In addition, when the first covering part has an air hole, the air permeability is the air permeability when the air hole is blocked. Specific examples of materials for the air-impermeable packaging material include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polycarbonate, rubber hydrochloride, and the like, either alone or in combination. In addition, as the non-air permeable packaging material, paper, aluminum sheet, polyurethane foam, artificial fibers such as polyvinyl chloride, cloth such as cotton, hemp, silk, and laminates thereof can also be used. In addition, when heat sealing is used as a joining method with the second covering part, it is preferable to select the material of the first covering part in relation to the material of the second covering part. In addition, the first covering part does not need to be composed of only the non-air permeable packaging material, and may be, for example, a composite of the non-air permeable packaging material and a nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, when the above-mentioned easily deformable material is used as the first covering part, the material of the first covering part can preferably be a ductile material or a stretchable material. Specific examples include olefin-based elastomers, urethane-based elastomers, rubber-based elastomers, etc.

[0055] (2-4. Second Covering Part) The second covering part is composed of an air-permeable packaging material. This allows oxygen to be supplied from the outside to the heating element composition when the heating element is used. In addition, when the air-permeable packaging material is permeable to liquid components (for example, water-permeable), even during the manufacture of the heating element, the liquid component can be injected, for example, on the surface of the air-permeable packaging material opposite to the surface facing the first covering part, so that the liquid component can introduce the liquid medium into the packaging material through the second covering part. Here, the air-permeable packaging material is not particularly limited as long as it can introduce air outside the heating element into the heating element, and examples of the air-permeable packaging material include packaging materials with an air permeability of 100 seconds / 100cc or less (JIS P8117:2009, Gurley method) (for example, 50 seconds or less, 25 seconds or less, 10 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 1 second or less, 0.5 seconds or less). Examples of the structure of the second covering part include nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, single-layer or multi-layer porous film or sheet, single-layer or multi-layer non-porous film or sheet with pinholes, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of the breathable packaging material (nonwoven fabric or woven fabric) are preferably used in the technical fields of heating elements and medical heating devices, and include, for example, those containing artificial fibers such as nylon, vinylon, polyester, rayon, acetate, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride, and natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk, and wool, and nonwoven fabrics in the form of spunbond, thermal bond, spunlace, etc. Among these, nonwoven fabric is preferable in that air can be introduced from the side of the second covering part (in the direction parallel to the adherend surface when attached to the adherend). Note that, when the breathability from the side of the nonwoven fabric (second covering part) is guaranteed, an embodiment in which an adhesive layer is provided on the entire back surface of the heating element can be envisioned. Here, the basis weight of the nonwoven fabric is generally about 10 g / m 2 ~about 800g / m 2 A thickness of about 20 g / m is preferable. 2 ~about 500g / m 2is preferable. A specific example of the gas-permeable packaging material (a film or sheet having gas permeability entirely or partially) is a stretched film (preferably a stretched porous film or a sheet containing the same). A stretched porous film generally contains an inorganic filler, and is gas-permeable when continuous holes are formed by stretching. As described above, the type of gas-permeability of the material to be used as the gas-permeable packaging material is appropriately determined based on the heat-generating composition used, the required heat generation amount, temperature, and heat generation time. In addition, when heat sealing is used as a joining method with the first covering part, it is preferable to select the material of the second covering part in relation to the material of the first covering part.

[0056] Furthermore, it is preferable that the second covering portion has flexibility, i.e., is soft and bendable. During the manufacture of the heat generating element according to this embodiment, the heat generating composition expands after the liquid component is injected. In this case, the second covering portion is in a state where at least a part of it bulges outward along the shape of the swollen heat generating composition. The flexibility allows this bulging.

[0057] In addition, the gas-permeable packaging material constituting the second covering part preferably has a water-resistant pressure higher than the liquid pressure at the time of pouring the liquid component in. In relation to the liquid pressure at the time of pouring described later, the water-resistant pressure (liquid pressure resistance) of the gas-permeable packaging material is preferably 0.1 to 100 KPa, more preferably 0.1 to 30 KPa, even more preferably 0.5 to 30 KPa, and most preferably 1 to 30 KPa.

[0058] (2-5. Sticky body) The adhesive body according to the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and may be not only a so-called solvent type, emulsion type, or hot melt type, but also a gel type (e.g., sodium polyacrylate), etc. Specific examples of the adhesive include an acrylic adhesive, a rubber adhesive, a urethane adhesive (an acrylic urethane adhesive), a silicone adhesive, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer adhesive, a polyester adhesive, a polyamide adhesive, and an epoxy adhesive.

[0059] 3. Manufacturing method of heating element The manufacturing method of the heating element according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the manufacturing method (S1) of the heating element according to the present embodiment. Note that S10 to S30 in FIG. 8 correspond to the manufacturing method of the heating element precursor according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the manufacturing method S1 of the heating element according to the present embodiment includes a manufacturing step S10 of a heating composition precursor, a manufacturing step S20 of a first covering portion, an encapsulating step S30 of the heating composition precursor, a liquid component injection step S40, and an encapsulating step S50 in an outer bag. Below, the manufacturing method (S1) of the heating element according to the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into each step.

[0060] <3-1. Heat-generating composition precursor manufacturing process S10> The manufacturing process S10 of the exothermic composition precursor is a process of mixing and molding the components of the exothermic composition precursor {for example, compression molding (for example, tableting)}. The components are as described above. Meanwhile, the components of the exothermic composition are divided into solid components (room temperature) and liquid components (room temperature). The former are further divided into non-soluble components (for example, water-insoluble components; for example, oxidized metal powder, activated carbon, swelling agent, temperature control agent, etc.) that are insoluble or poorly soluble in the liquid component (for example, water) and soluble components (for example, water-soluble components; for example, salts, pH adjusters, etc.) that are easily soluble in the liquid component (for example, water). Among these, in the manufacturing process S10 of the exothermic composition precursor, only the non-soluble components (for example, water-insoluble components) or the non-soluble components (for example, water-insoluble components) and one or more soluble components (for example, water-soluble components) are mixed to manufacture the exothermic composition precursor. That is, a suitable exothermic composition precursor is a mixture of components that are solid at room temperature of the exothermic composition raw material, which consists of insoluble components (e.g., water-insoluble components) or contains insoluble components (e.g., water-insoluble components) and one or more soluble components (e.g., water-soluble components), and does not substantially contain liquid components (e.g., only water, an aqueous solution of some or all water-soluble components, or an aqueous solution containing some or all water-soluble components and components that are liquid at room temperature other than water). Here, "insoluble or poorly soluble" refers to a component that dissolves in an amount of less than 1 g per 100 g of liquid components at room temperature (25 ° C). On the other hand, "easily soluble" refers to a component that dissolves in an amount of 1 g or more per 100 g of liquid components at room temperature (25 ° C). Here, the manufacturing step S10 of the exothermic composition precursor will be explained with a more specific example. As solid components (insoluble components and soluble components) that are components of the exothermic composition precursor, iron powder, activated carbon, salt, water-absorbent polymer as a swelling agent, and crystalline cellulose as a binder are prepared. The solid components are weighed and packed in a polyethylene bag, which is then closed and mixed. The resulting mixture is molded (e.g., compressed (e.g., tableted with a tabletop tablet press)) to produce a cylindrical exothermic composition precursor.

[0061] <3-2. Manufacturing process S20 of first covering part> The manufacturing step S20 of the first covering part is a step of manufacturing the first covering part before, after, or in parallel with the manufacturing step S10 of the exothermic composition precursor. It is preferable that the manufacturing step S20 of the first covering part is performed before or in parallel with the manufacturing step S10 of the exothermic composition precursor so that the exothermic composition precursor can be sealed in a bag or container immediately after it is manufactured. Here, the manufacturing step S20 of the first covering part will be explained with a more specific example. By molding a non-air-permeable packaging material (e.g., polyester) (e.g., sandwiching the non-air-permeable packaging material between a heated convex stainless steel pressing mold and a concave stainless steel receiving mold and pressing it), a first covering part having a deep containing portion (recess) and a peripheral portion can be obtained.

[0062] <3-3. Heat-generating composition precursor encapsulation step S30> The heat generating composition precursor encapsulation step S30 is a step of manufacturing a heat generating element precursor by encapsulating the heat generating composition precursor in a covering body. Here, the heat generating composition precursor encapsulation step S30 will be explained with a more specific example. After the heat generating composition precursor manufactured in the heat generating composition precursor manufacturing step S10 is placed (through the opening of the first covering part) in the housing part of the first covering part manufactured in the first covering part manufacturing step S20, the second covering part (for example, a polyester nonwoven fabric having air permeability) is covered on the first covering part. Next, the first covering part and the second covering part are joined (for example, by thermocompression bonding; as a specific example, by applying pressure from the second covering part side with a heated stainless steel heat seal bar to thermocompress), and the heat generating composition precursor is encapsulated. The above steps are the manufacturing process of the heat generating element precursor. The manufacturing steps from S10 to S30 may be performed by deep drawing packaging. Specifically, for example, the deep draw packaging process includes the steps of forming a depression (receiving section) in a bottom material (e.g., roll-shaped) that is the raw material for the first covering section by vacuum forming (e.g., heated vacuum forming), placing a heat generating composition precursor therein, and then sealing (e.g., vacuuming) a top material (e.g., roll-shaped) that is the raw material for the second covering section from above, and cutting. Note that the liquid component injection step in S40 described below may be performed before or after the cutting step. By employing this deep draw packaging process, the height of the molded product is stabilized, and as a result, performance variation between products can be further prevented.

[0063] <3-4. Liquid component injection process S40> The liquid component injection step S40 is a step of injecting a liquid component into the heat generating composition precursor enclosed in the heat generating element precursor produced in the heat generating composition precursor encapsulation step S30. Here, the liquid component injection step S40 will be explained with a more specific example. The liquid component is applied to the second covering part (the part covering the opening of the first covering part) while applying pressure {for example, the heat generating element precursor is placed under the nozzle of a plunger pump (so that the second covering part is on top), and when the liquid component (for example, water) is ejected from the nozzle, the liquid component is injected into the heat generating element precursor by the ejection pressure}. If the first covering part has an air hole, the liquid component may be injected through the air hole of the first covering part. By injecting the liquid component, the liquid component comes into contact with the heat generating composition precursor, and the swelling agent contained in the heat generating composition swells. As a result, cracks occur at multiple locations in the heat generating composition precursor that has been molded {for example, pressure molded (for example, tableted)}. The above steps are the manufacturing process of the heat generating element.

[0064] <3-5. Encapsulating process into outer bag S50> The outer bag sealing step S50 is a step of sealing the heating element produced in the liquid component injection step S40 in an outer bag. Here, the outer bag is preferably made of an airtight material that is substantially oxygen impermeable (for example, transparent alumina-deposited polyester, low-density polyethylene, etc.).

[0065] <3-6.Other> When providing an adhesive body on the heating body, the method may include a step of attaching the adhesive body to the heating body (for example, using a comma coater, gravure coater, hot melt T-die coater, etc.) and a step of attaching a release body to the adhesive body (or a step of attaching an adhesive body with a release body to the heating body). Furthermore, the second covering part used in the step S30 of encapsulating the heat generating composition precursor may be one having an adhesive body and a release body on its surface.

[0066] ≪4.Applications≫ The heating element according to this embodiment can be widely used in medical devices such as hot compresses and heating devices for stimulating meridians, and in daily necessities such as disposable body warmers and moxibustion devices. EXAMPLES

[0067] <Production of heating elements> <Production of Heat-Generating Composition Precursor> As raw materials that are solid components (water-insoluble components and water-soluble components) at room temperature of the heat generating composition precursor, iron powder (Powder Tech Co., Ltd. reduced iron powder "RDH-3M"), activated carbon (Dainen Co., Ltd. wood powder activated carbon "PL-1P"), salts (Nihonkaisui Co., Ltd. powdered salt "EF-300"), water-absorbent polymer (Sanyo Kasei Co., Ltd. polyacrylic acid resin "ST-500D*") as a swelling agent, crystalline cellulose (Asahi Kasei Chemicals Co., Ltd. crystalline cellulose "Ceolas TG-101") as a binder, and α-olefin copolymer (Toyokuni Oil Co., Ltd. "HS Crystal-6100P") as a temperature control agent were used. Here, 45.0 parts by mass of iron powder, 7.0 parts by mass of activated carbon, 3.5 parts by mass of salts, 30.0 parts by mass of crystalline cellulose, 25.0 parts by mass of temperature control agent, and 5.0 parts by mass of water-absorbent polymer were used as the basic recipe. The weighed solid ingredient raw materials were sealed in a polyethylene bag, and mixed for 3 minutes with the bag closed while allowing sufficient air in. 1.2 g of this mixed raw material was weighed out and compressed into tablets using a tablet press (ESTEC Co., Ltd. "Tabletop rotary tablet press PICCOLA standard machine") (compression pressure 10 KN). A pressing die with a diameter of 13.9 mm and a receiving die with an inner diameter of 14 mm were used to produce a cylindrical exothermic composition precursor with a diameter of 14 mm and a thickness of 5 mm.

[0068] <Molding of the first covering portion> A nylon / polyethylene film (Kurilon Chemical Co., Ltd., total thickness 180 μm, not measurable, i.e., air permeability >80,000 sec / 100 cc) was sandwiched between a convex stainless steel pressing mold heated to 110°C and a concave stainless steel receiving mold from which cooling air came out, pressed for 4 seconds, and then, 0.5 seconds later, cooled with air for 4 seconds to produce a cup-shaped first covering part with a storage section having an inner diameter of 21 mm, an outer diameter of 26 mm, and a height of 7 mm.

[0069] <Encapsulation in a covering> One heat generating composition precursor was placed in the first covering part prepared above, and a polyester / polyethylene laminated spunbond nonwoven fabric ("HST40" by Shinwa Corporation, basis weight = 40 g / m) was placed on top of it as the second covering part. 2 A stainless steel heat seal bar (air permeability = 0.2 sec / 100 cc) was placed over the opening of the first covering part to cover the opening. Pressure (10 MPa) was applied for 10 seconds from the separator side using a stainless steel heat seal bar heated to 180°C, and the second covering part and the first covering part were thermocompression bonded at their peripheries to encapsulate the heat generating composition precursor. After encapsulation, the product was punched out with a Thomson blade to a diameter of 26 mm to produce a heat generating element precursor.

[0070] <Injection of liquid components> The covering was placed under the water outlet so that the application surface of the covering was on the upper side. Water was supplied at a stroke of 4.5 mm using a pump (HIBER "Hyber Pump") with a flow channel inlet inner diameter of 2 mm and outlet inner diameter of 0.8 mm. The edge (outlet) of a silicone buffer member with a diameter of 6 mm attached to the tip of the metal tube of the water injection head was brought into contact with the application surface side (second covering part side) (nonwoven fabric surface of the covering) of the covering in which the heat generating composition precursor produced above was enclosed, and 0.4 g of water was injected per heating element to produce a heating element.

[0071] <Enclosing in outer bag> The obtained heating element was immediately enclosed in an outer bag of transparent alumina-deposited polyester 12 μm / low-density polyethylene 40 μm after production, and was left to stand at room temperature.

[0072] Example 1 The heating element according to Example 1 was produced by the manufacturing method described above.

[0073] Example 2 Except for forming one ventilation hole (diameter 1.0 mmφ) in the center of the upper surface of the first covering part, the heating element of Example 2 was produced by the same manufacturing method as Example 1. Note that water was poured from the second covering part side as described above.

[0074] Example 3 The heating element of Example 3 was produced by the same manufacturing method as Example 1, except that one ventilation hole (1.0 mm in diameter) was formed in the center of the upper surface of the first covering part, and four adhesive bodies {four adhesive bodies of 4 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness were applied (glue lumps were pressed with an iron)} were formed on the attachment surface of the second covering part (see the second from the left in the top row of Figure 7; 3 mm of the 4 mm in diameter of the glue was placed in a position that overlapped the opening). Note that water was injected from the second covering part side as described above.

[0075] Example 4 The heating element of Example 4 was produced using the same manufacturing method as Example 1, except that an adhesive body with a coating amount of 90 μm and a width of 6 mm was formed in the center of the attachment surface of the second covering part (see the fifth from the left in the top row of Figure 7).

[0076] Example 5 The heating element of Example 5 was produced by the same manufacturing method as Example 1, except that two ventilation holes (diameter 1 mmφ) were formed at equal distances relative to the diameter of the upper surface of the first covering part, and an adhesive body with a coating amount of 90 μm and a width of 6 mm was formed in the center of the attachment surface of the second covering part (see the fifth from the left in the top row of Figure 7). Note that water was injected from the second covering part side as described above.

[0077] Example 6 The heating element of Example 5 was produced by the same manufacturing method as Example 1, except that one ventilation hole (diameter 1 mmφ) was formed in the center of the upper surface of the first covering part, and an adhesive body (see the fifth from the left in the top row of Figure 7) with a coating amount of 90 μm and a width of 10 mm was formed in the center of the attachment surface of the second covering part. Note that water was injected from the second covering part side as described above.

[0078] Comparative Example 1 The first covering part is made of a nonwoven fabric (Asahi Kasei Corporation's "Smash Y65230"), which is a breathable packaging material, and the second covering part is made of an adhesive material (adhesive 90 μm / PET spunlace nonwoven fabric 30 g / m 2 The heating element of Comparative Example 1 was produced by the same manufacturing method as in Example 1, except that a 12 μm thick PET film and a 30 μm thick PE film were used.

[0079] Comparative Example 2 The iron powder, which is a component of the heat generating composition precursor, is made of "InSIP" from Höganäs Japan Co., Ltd. The first covering part is made of a nonwoven fabric (Asahi Kasei Corporation's "Smash Y65230"), which is a gas-permeable packaging material, and the second covering part is made of an adhesive material (adhesive 90 μm / PET spunlace nonwoven fabric 30 g / m 2 A heating element according to Comparative Example 1 was produced by the same manufacturing method as in Example 1, except that a 12 μm thick PET film and a 30 μm thick PE film were used.

[0080] <Heat generation test> The heat generation test was carried out with the heater horizontally in accordance with the method of JIS S4100 "Disposable Heater". For the heat generation test, a tank-shaped heater with dimensions of W615×D410×H60mm (using a vinyl chloride plate with a thickness of 8mm) was used, which was installed in a thermostatic room with a room temperature of 20°C and a humidity of 65%. Hot water was circulated at 8L / min from a circulating thermostatic water bath attached to the tank-shaped heater, and the surface temperature of the heater (vinyl chloride plate) was controlled to 30°C. Each heating element sample was attached to the vinyl chloride plate on the surface of the heater with the attachment surface of the second covering portion facing down. Here, during the attachment, a temperature measurement sensor was attached to the bottom surface of the second covering portion with double-sided tape at approximately the center of the bottom surface, to measure the temperature of the heating element over time. The temperature measuring device used was Chino Graphic Recorder KR2S00, and the sensor was "ST-22E-005" from Anritsu Meter Co., Ltd.

[0081] The results are shown in Figures 9 to 14 and Table 1. "Rise" was defined as the time from exceeding 31.5°C to exceeding 40°C, and "sustaining time" was defined as the time from reaching 40°C to the next time it reaches 40°C.

[0082] [Table 1]

[0083] The heating elements according to Examples 1 to 6 exhibited good heat generation characteristics. That is, it was found that the heating elements according to Examples 1 to 6 had a significantly longer duration than the heating elements according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10a Heat-generating composition precursor 10b Heat-generating composition 11. Crack 20 Covering 20a First covering part 20b Second covering part 21 Top side 22 Bottom side 23 Periphery 24 Storage unit 25 Opening 26 Ventilation area 30 Sticky Body 40 Vent 100 Heating element precursor 200 Heating element

Claims

1. an exothermic composition precursor capable of forming an exothermic composition that generates heat by reacting with oxygen in the air in the presence of a liquid component, the exothermic composition precursor being a precursor to which the liquid component has not yet been added; a first covering part having a storage part capable of storing the heat generating composition precursor and an opening for storing the heat generating composition precursor, the first covering part being made of a non-air permeable packaging material; a covering body having a second covering portion that covers the opening in a flat manner, the second covering portion being made of an air-permeable packaging material;

2. an exothermic composition precursor capable of forming an exothermic composition that generates heat by reacting with oxygen in the air in the presence of a liquid component, the exothermic composition precursor being a precursor to which the liquid component has not yet been added; a first covering part having a concave containing portion capable of containing a heat generating composition precursor and an opening for containing the heat generating composition precursor, the first covering part being made of a non-air permeable packaging material; a covering body having a second covering portion that covers the opening in a flat manner, the second covering portion being made of an air-permeable packaging material;

3. an exothermic composition precursor capable of forming an exothermic composition that generates heat by reacting with oxygen in the air in the presence of a liquid component, the exothermic composition precursor being a precursor to which the liquid component has not yet been added; a first covering part having a first containing section capable of containing a heat generating composition precursor and having a first depth, and an opening for containing the heat generating composition precursor, the first covering part being made of a non-air permeable packaging material; a second covering portion covering the opening, the second covering portion having a second storage portion having a second depth different from the first depth, the second covering portion being made of an air-permeable packaging material; and a covering body having the second covering portion.

4. an exothermic composition precursor capable of forming an exothermic composition that generates heat by reacting with oxygen in the air in the presence of a liquid component, the exothermic composition precursor being a precursor to which the liquid component has not yet been added; A first covering portion made of an easily deformable, non-permeable packaging material; A second covering portion made of an air permeable packaging material; A heat generating element precursor, comprising: a heat generating composition precursor housed between a first covering portion and a second covering portion, the first covering portion being deformed by the heat generating composition precursor.

5. The heating element precursor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first covering portion has at least one ventilation hole.

6. The heat generating composition precursor contains a swelling agent capable of absorbing a liquid component, The heating element precursor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the swelling agent is capable of swelling within the container when it absorbs the liquid component.

7. 5. The heat generating element precursor according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a volume of the heat generating composition precursor to a volume of the container is 0.2 or more.

8. The heating element precursor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein air is introduced into the opening through a gap generated between the second covering portion and the object to be heated when the second covering portion faces the object to be heated.

9. The heating element precursor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an adhesive applied to the second covering portion and overlapping a portion of the opening.

10. A heating element, comprising the heating element precursor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and the liquid component introduced into the housing of the heating element precursor via the second covering portion.

11. the exothermic composition precursor is in a shaped solid form; The heating element according to claim 10 , wherein the solid form of the heat generating composition precursor becomes the heat generating composition in a cracked form when the liquid component is introduced into the container.

12. The heating element according to claim 10, wherein the time during which the heat generation temperature is 40° C. or higher exceeds 20 minutes.

13. The heating element according to claim 10 , wherein at least a portion of the second covering portion bulges outward due to swelling of the heat generating composition precursor.

14. A moxibustion device comprising the heating element according to claim 10.

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