Massage tool

Abstract

To provide a massage tool capable of enhancing a massaging effect.SOLUTION: A massage tool includes: a housing part having a storage space capable of storing a heating body; a plurality of protruding parts erected on the housing part; and an air inflow hole allowing air to flow into the storage space. The protruding part has: a stream discharge hole formed at a tip of the protruding part; and a flow path allowing the steam discharge hole and the storage space of the housing part to communicate with each other. The air inflow hole is formed between the plurality of protruding parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a massage tool. [Background technology]

[0002] Massage tools with multiple protrusions have been known for some time (Patent Document 1, etc.). In conventional massage tools, including the massage tool described in Patent Document 1, the protrusions are pressed against a part of the user's body, or the massage tool is oscillated with the protrusions pressed against the part of the user's body, stimulating the part of the user's body and promoting blood circulation, making it possible to provide, for example, a fatigue recovery effect or a beauty effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-202172 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present inventors have discovered that the massage effect can be further enhanced by stimulating a part of the user's body with the protrusions while warming that part.

[0005] The present invention relates to a massage tool capable of enhancing massage effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The massage tool of the present invention comprises a housing portion having an accommodation space capable of accommodating a heating element, a plurality of protrusions erected on the housing portion, and an air inlet hole for allowing air to flow into the accommodation space, the protrusions having a steam discharge hole formed at the tip of the protrusions and a flow path connecting the steam discharge hole to the accommodation space of the housing portion, and the air inlet hole is formed between the plurality of protrusions. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the massage tool of the present invention, it is possible to improve the massage effect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a massage tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the massage tool according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a massage tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a protrusion according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram showing the bottom surface portion according to the embodiment as viewed from the protrusion side. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a bottom portion according to the embodiment as viewed from the storage space side; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a heating element according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a water vapor generating sheet. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the massage tool according to the present embodiment is used. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a massage tool according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the inventions according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. In addition, in the present embodiments, the scale and dimensions of each component may be exaggerated, and some components may be omitted.

[0010] [Overall composition of massage equipment] The massage tool 1 according to this embodiment is a massage tool used for massaging a part of a user's body, for example, the head, face, shoulders, etc. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the massage tool 1 includes a housing portion 10 having an accommodation space 13 capable of accommodating a heating element 40, a plurality of protrusions 20 erected on the housing portion 10, an air inlet hole 30 for introducing air into the accommodation space 13, and the heating element 40 accommodated in the housing portion 10.

[0011] [Housing configuration] 1 to 6, the housing 10 has a cylindrical storage section 11 with a bottom and an open axial end, and a lid 12 capable of closing the storage section 11. The housing 10 is configured to be able to store a heating element 40 in a storage space 13 defined by the storage section 11 and the lid 12.

[0012] The storage section 11 has a bottom surface portion 11a and a peripheral surface portion 11b extending from the periphery of the bottom surface portion 11a toward the lid portion 12, and is generally formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with the lid portion 12 side open. The storage section 11 is configured to be able to store the heating element 40 in an internal space defined by the bottom surface portion 11a and the peripheral surface portion 11b. As described later, a protrusion 20 is provided upright on the bottom surface portion 11a.

[0013] The bottom surface portion 11a has a perfect circular shape. The bottom surface portion 11a (the surface on which the protrusion portion 20 of the housing portion 10 is erected) is formed in a curved shape that curves toward the protrusion direction of the protrusion portion 20. Specifically, the bottom surface portion 11a is formed in a curved shape that curves toward the protrusion direction of the protrusion portion 20 at the radial center. The bottom surface portion 11a may have an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or a flat shape.

[0014] In this specification, the "protruding direction of the protrusion" means the direction opposite to the direction in which the lid portion 12 is located, based on the bottom surface 11a, i.e., the surface on which the protrusion portion 20 of the housing portion 10 is erected.

[0015] The peripheral surface portion 11b is formed in a cylindrical shape. A screw thread is formed in a spiral shape along the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion (the end portion on the lid portion 12 side) of the peripheral surface portion 11b, so that the lid portion 12 can be screwed onto it.

[0016] In this embodiment, the connection portion between the bottom surface portion 11a and the peripheral surface portion 11b is formed in a curved shape. That is, the storage portion 11 according to this embodiment is formed in a dome shape (hemispherical shape) that is curved toward the protruding direction of the protrusion portion 20 as a whole. Note that the connection portion between the bottom surface portion 11a and the peripheral surface portion 11b may not be formed in a curved shape.

[0017] Because the connection portion between the bottom surface portion 11a and the peripheral surface portion 11b is formed in a curved shape, when the massage tool 1 is rocked, the connection portion between the bottom surface portion 11a and the peripheral surface portion 11b does not interfere with the user's body, so that the protrusion portion 20 can be pressed sufficiently against a part of the user's body, thereby enhancing the massage effect.

[0018] The storage section 11 is formed by integral molding using materials such as ABS resin and polycarbonate (PC). Note that the molding material and molding method of the storage section 11 are not limited to these, and various known molding materials and molding methods may be adopted.

[0019] The cover portion 12 has a closing portion 12a capable of closing the storage portion 11, and a pressing portion 12b capable of clamping the heating element 40 in cooperation with the bottom portion 11a.

[0020] The blocking portion 12a is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tip of the peripheral surface portion 11b, and is formed in a topped tube shape that is open on the side of the storage portion 11. A screw groove is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the blocking portion 12a in a spiral shape along the circumferential direction, and the storage portion 11 can be screwed into it.

[0021] The pressing portion 12b is provided at the radial center of the blocking portion 12a, and is formed in a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than the blocking portion 12a. In addition, the pressing portion 12b has an axial length that allows the heating element 40 to be sandwiched between the pressing portion 12b and the bottom surface portion 11a when the blocking portion 12a blocks the storage portion 11.

[0022] The lid portion 12 having the above configuration is attached to the storage portion 11 by screwing the screw groove of the closing portion 12a into the screw thread of the peripheral portion 11b. That is, the lid portion 12 is configured to be detachable from the storage portion 11. The lid portion 12 is configured to close the storage portion 11 by being attached to the storage portion 11. Conversely, the lid portion 12 is configured to open the storage portion 11 by being detached from the storage portion 11. The lid portion 12 may be configured to be non-detachable from the storage portion 11.

[0023] The lid portion 12 is formed by integral molding using materials such as ABS resin and polycarbonate (PC). Note that the molding material and molding method of the lid portion 12 are not limited to these, and various known molding materials and molding methods may be adopted.

[0024] The housing portion 10 according to this embodiment further has a gripping portion 14 to be held by the user's hand and a gripping portion 15 to be held between the user's fingers. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the circumferential portion 11b and the outer surface of the blocking portion 12a function as the gripping portion 14. From the viewpoint of making the size of the housing portion 10 large enough for the user to grip, it is preferable that the maximum outer diameter of the circumferential portion 11b and the maximum outer diameter of the blocking portion 12a are each 40 mm or more and 120 mm or less.

[0025] The handle 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a radial and axial length that allows the user to hold it between his / her fingers. The handle 15 is detachably attached to the apex of the blocking portion 12a.

[0026] The handle portion 15 is detachably configured from the closing portion 12a, which has the advantage that it can be replaced with a handle portion 15 of a different shape depending on the part of the user that the user wishes to massage. For example, when the user wishes to massage a part that is hard to reach, such as the back or waist, the massage can be easily performed by replacing it with a long handle portion 15' as shown in Fig. 11. The handle portion 15 may be configured to be non-detachable from the closing portion 12a, or may be formed integrally with the cover portion 12.

[0027] The grip portion 15 is formed by integral molding using materials such as ABS resin and polycarbonate (PC). Note that the molding material and molding method of the grip portion 15 are not limited to these, and various known molding materials and molding methods may be used.

[0028] [Protrusion configuration] 1 to 5, a plurality of protrusions 20 (seven in this embodiment) are erected on the bottom surface 11a of the housing part 10. Specifically, the protrusions 20 are formed integrally with the accommodating section 11 of the housing part 10, and are formed to extend from the outer surface of the bottom surface 11a in the opposite direction to the direction in which the lid part 12 is located.

[0029] The materials of the protrusion 20 and the housing 11 are preferably determined from the viewpoint of conducting the heat generated by the heating element 40 and having a hardness capable of massaging a part of the user's body. From this viewpoint, the protrusion 20 and the housing 11 are preferably formed by integral molding using materials such as ABS resin and polycarbonate (PC). The protrusion 20 may be configured to be detachable from the housing 11 and may be configured to be replaceable with a protrusion 20 of a different shape according to the user's preference.

[0030] Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the protrusion 20 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the protrusion 20 has a steam discharge hole 21 formed at the tip of the protrusion 20, a flow path 22 that connects the steam discharge hole 21 with the storage space 13 of the housing part 10, a cylindrical large diameter protrusion 23 that extends in the protruding direction of the protrusion 20 from the bottom surface 11a (the surface on which the protrusion 20 of the housing part 10 is erected), and a small diameter protrusion 24 that extends in the protruding direction of the protrusion 20 from the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23.

[0031] The steam release hole 21 is formed in the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23. Specifically, a plurality of steam release holes 21 (four in this specification) are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the large diameter protrusion 23. Note that a configuration in which only one steam release hole 21 is formed in the circumferential direction of the large diameter protrusion 23 may also be used. In addition, a configuration in which the protrusion 20 does not have the small diameter protrusion 24 and the steam release hole 21 is formed over the entire tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23 may also be used.

[0032] In each of the multiple protrusions 20, the total area of ​​the steam discharge holes 21 is set to 8.0 mm from the viewpoint of efficiently discharging the steam generated from the heating element 40. 2 It is preferable that the thickness is 9.0 mm or more. 2 More preferably, it is 10.0 mm or more. 2 It is more preferable that the total area of ​​the steam release holes 21 is 15.0 mm or more from the viewpoint of keeping the size of the protrusions 20 large enough to stimulate a part of the user's body. 2 Preferably, it is 13.0 mm or less.2 More preferably, it is 12.0 mm or less. 2 It is even more preferable that:

[0033] In this specification, the "total area of ​​the steam release holes" refers to the area that falls under (1) or (2) below. (1) If there is one steam release hole 21, the area of ​​that one steam release hole 21. (2) If there are multiple steam release holes 21, the total area of ​​the multiple steam release holes 21.

[0034] The flow path 22 is formed inside the large diameter protrusion 23, and is configured to communicate between the steam release hole 21 and the storage space 13 of the housing part 10. In other words, the flow path 22 is the internal space of the large diameter protrusion 23.

[0035] The large diameter protrusion 23 is formed to extend from the outer surface of the bottom surface portion 11a in the protruding direction of the protrusion 20. In addition, the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23 is formed in a curved shape that curves in the opposite direction to the protruding direction of the protrusion 20 (the direction in which the lid portion 12 is located).

[0036] The large diameter protrusion 23 is formed so that its diameter decreases toward the tip surface. The inclination angle of the large diameter protrusion 23 is preferably 90° or more, more preferably 95° or more, and even more preferably 100° or more, from the viewpoint of improving the stimulating sensation on the user's body and enhancing the massage effect. Moreover, the inclination angle of the large diameter protrusion 23 is preferably 135° or less, more preferably 130° or less, and even more preferably 125° or less, from the viewpoint of widening the steam release hole 21 and efficiently releasing the steam generated from the heating element 40.

[0037] In this specification, the "inclination angle of the large diameter protrusion" refers to the angle θ between a straight line SL1 passing through the base end and tip end of the outer surface of the large diameter protrusion 23, and a straight line SL2 passing through the base end of the outer surface of the large diameter protrusion 23 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the protrusion direction of the protrusion 20, as shown in Figure 4.

[0038] The thickness of the peripheral surface of large diameter protrusion 23 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.2 mm or more, and even more preferably 1.5 mm or more, from the viewpoint of increasing the strength of protrusion 20. Moreover, the thickness of the peripheral surface of large diameter protrusion 23 is preferably 4.5 mm or less, more preferably 4.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 3.5 mm or less, from the viewpoint of widening flow path 22 and efficiently discharging steam generated from heating element 40.

[0039] The small diameter protrusion 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the large diameter protrusion 23. The small diameter protrusion 24 is formed extending from the radial center of the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23 toward the protruding direction of the protrusion 20. The tip surface of the small diameter protrusion 24 is formed in a curved shape that curves toward the protruding direction of the protrusion 20. The curved tip surface of the small diameter protrusion 24 has the advantage of preventing the user's skin from being damaged when the protrusion 20 is pressed against a part of the user's body.

[0040] The small diameter protrusion 24 may be provided at a position eccentric to the axis of the large diameter protrusion 23. The small diameter protrusion 24 may be formed in a cone shape or a truncated cone shape. Furthermore, the tip surface of the small diameter protrusion 24 may be formed in a flat shape.

[0041] From the viewpoint of improving the sensation of stimulation on the user's body and enhancing the massage effect, the diameter of small diameter protrusion 24 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.2 mm or more, and even more preferably 1.5 mm or more. Also, from the viewpoint of widening steam release hole 21 and efficiently releasing steam generated from heating element 40, the diameter of small diameter protrusion 24 is preferably 4.0 mm or less, more preferably 3.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.5 mm or less.

[0042] In this embodiment, the length from the tip to the base of the protrusion 20 is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and even more preferably 4 mm or more, from the viewpoint of improving the sensation of stimulation to the user's body and enhancing the massage effect. Also, the length from the tip to the base of the protrusion 20 is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 8 mm or less, from the viewpoint of shortening the travel distance of the steam (the length along the axial direction of the flow path 22) and efficiently releasing the steam generated from the heating element 40.

[0043] In this specification, the "length from the tip to the base of the protrusion" refers to the length that corresponds to the following (1) or (2) in a cross section along the protruding direction of the protrusion 20 (see FIG. 4). (1) When the protrusion 20 has a small diameter protrusion 24, like the protrusion 20 in this embodiment, the straight line length L along the protrusion direction of the protrusion 20 from the tip of the small diameter protrusion 24 to the base end of the outer surface of the large diameter protrusion 23. (2) When the protrusion 20 does not have the small diameter protrusion 24, the straight line length along the protrusion direction of the protrusion 20 from the tip end to the base end of the outer surface of the large diameter protrusion 23. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the position of the base end of the outer surface of large diameter protrusion 23 varies in the circumferential direction of large diameter protrusion 23, the base end of the outer surface of large diameter protrusion 23 that is located furthest to the tip in the protruding direction of protrusion 20 is used as the reference.

[0044] In this embodiment, the projected area of ​​the protrusions 20 is preferably 13 or more, more preferably 14 or more, and even more preferably 15 or more, relative to the length from the tip to the base end of the protrusions 20, from the viewpoint of shortening the travel distance of the steam (the length along the axial direction of the flow path 22) and efficiently releasing the steam generated from the heating element 40. Also, from the viewpoint of improving the sensation of stimulation to the user's body and enhancing the massage effect, the projected area of ​​the protrusions 20 is preferably 50 or less, more preferably 40 or less, and even more preferably 35 or less, relative to the length from the tip to the base end of the protrusions 20.

[0045] In this specification, the "projected area of ​​the protrusion" refers to the projected area of ​​the protrusion 20 when the protrusion 20 is viewed in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the protrusion 20.

[0046] The protrusion 20 having the above configuration is configured to emit steam generated from the heating element 40. Specifically, the protrusion 20 is configured to emit, from the steam emission hole 21, the steam that is generated from the heating element 40 and flows into the flow path 22.

[0047] [Air inlet configuration] As shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the air inlet hole 30 is formed in the bottom surface 11a of the housing part 10 (the surface on which the protrusion 20 of the housing part 10 is erected). That is, the air inlet hole 30 is a hole formed penetrating from the inner surface to the outer surface of the bottom surface 11a, and is located closer to the housing part 10 than the steam discharge hole 21 of the protrusion 20 in the protruding direction of the protrusion 20. In this way, since the air inlet hole 30 is located closer to the housing part 10 than the steam discharge hole 21 of the protrusion 20, a space is formed between the user's skin and the air inlet hole 30 when the protrusion 20 is pressed against a part of the user's body. Therefore, even when the protrusion 20 is pressed against a part of the user's body (even during a massage with the massage tool 1), air flows into the accommodation space 13 from the air inlet hole 30, so that the generation of steam by the heating element 40 can be continued, and the massage effect can be improved.

[0048] The shape of the air inlet hole 30 is not particularly limited, and may be a circular shape or a polygonal shape. In this embodiment, the air inlet hole 30 has a circular shape.

[0049] The air inlet holes 30 are formed between the multiple protrusions 20. Specifically, multiple air inlet holes 30 (12 in this embodiment) are formed, and each air inlet hole 30 is formed between each protrusion 20.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, when the bottom surface portion 11a is viewed from the protrusion portion 20 side, the bottom surface portion 11a has a first virtual line VL1 and a second virtual line VL2 that divide the bottom surface portion 11a into four equal parts: a first region A1, a second region A2, a third region A3, and a fourth region A4. And each protrusion portion 20 is provided in the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 of the bottom surface portion 11a, respectively. Similarly, each air inlet hole 30 is provided in the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 of the bottom surface portion 11a, respectively.

[0051] Specifically, each protrusion portion 20 is arranged to be line-symmetric with the first virtual line VL1 as the axis of symmetry, and is arranged to be line-symmetric with the second virtual line VL2 as the axis of symmetry. Similarly, each air inlet hole 30 is arranged to be line-symmetric with the first virtual line VL1 as the axis of symmetry, and is arranged to be line-symmetric with the second virtual line VL2 as the axis of symmetry.

[0052] Since each protrusion portion 20 is provided in the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 of the bottom surface portion 11a respectively, there is an advantage that massage can be performed efficiently and the convenience of the massaging tool 1 is improved. Also, since each air inlet hole 30 is provided in the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 of the bottom surface portion 11a respectively, there is an advantage that air can be efficiently introduced into the accommodation space 13.

[0053] 6, in a state where the bottom surface portion 11a (the surface on which the protrusions of the housing portion 10 are erected) is viewed from the side of the storage space 13, the total projected area of ​​the flow paths 22 is preferably 0.7 or more, more preferably 0.8 or more, and even more preferably 0.9 or more relative to the total projected area of ​​the air inlet holes 30, from the viewpoint of efficiently releasing steam generated from the heating element 40. Moreover, the total projected area of ​​the flow paths 22 is preferably 5 or less, more preferably 3 or less, and even more preferably 2 or less relative to the total projected area of ​​the air inlet holes 30, from the viewpoint of allowing sufficient air to flow into the storage space 13 and efficiently generating steam from the heating element 40.

[0054] [Heating element configuration] 3, the heating element 40 is configured to be in surface contact with the bottom surface portion 11a when housed in the housing portion 10. Specifically, the heating element 40 is configured to be in surface contact with the bottom surface portion 11a by being sandwiched between the bottom surface portion 11a and the pressing portion 12b when housed in the housing portion 10.

[0055] The heating element 40 has a shape and size capable of covering all the air inlet holes 30 when in surface contact with the bottom surface portion 11a. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the heating element 40 has a square shape in a plan view of the heating element 40. The planar shape of the heating element 40 is not particularly limited, and may have various known shapes, such as a circular shape and a polygonal shape other than a square shape.

[0056] The heating element 40 is configured to generate steam by contacting with the air flowing in from the air inlet 30. Specifically, the heating element 40 is configured to generate heat and water vapor by contacting with the air flowing in from the air inlet 30. That is, the heating element 40 according to this embodiment is configured to generate hot steam by an oxidation reaction of an oxidizable metal.

[0057] Possible forms of such a heating element 40 include, for example, a powder mixture (see, for example, the description in JP 2004-16753 A (Patent Application No. 2002-180501)), a sheet such as a paper-formed sheet (see, for example, the description in JP 2005-058744 A (Patent Application No. 2004-31360)), or a coated sheet in which a dispersion liquid or the like is applied to a substrate (see, for example, the description in JP 2013-146555 A (Patent Application No. 2012-279804)).

[0058] Here, the detailed structure of the heating element 40 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. As shown in Figure 8, when the heating element 40 is accommodated in the housing 10, it has a first sheet 41 located on the bottom surface 11a side, a second sheet 42 located on the lid 12 side, and a water vapor generating sheet 50 provided between the first sheet 41 and the second sheet 42, and is formed in a sheet shape having a laminated structure as a whole.

[0059] The first sheet 41 and the second sheet 42 are joined to each other at their peripheral edges, and are formed into a bag shape having an internal space as a whole. That is, in this embodiment, the water vapor generating sheet 50 is accommodated in the internal space formed between the first sheet 41 and the second sheet 42.

[0060] The first sheet 41 is breathable. From the viewpoint of efficiently releasing the water vapor generated from the water vapor generating sheet 50, the air permeability of the first sheet 41 is preferably 1000 sec / 100 mL or less, more preferably 500 sec / 100 mL or less, and even more preferably 100 sec / 100 mL or less. Note that a part of the first sheet 41 may be configured to be non-breathable.

[0061] The second sheet 42 is poorly breathable or non-breathable. From the viewpoint of efficiently releasing the water vapor generated from the water vapor generating sheet 50 from the first sheet 41 side, the air permeability of the second sheet 42 is preferably 50000 sec / 100 mL or more, more preferably 80000 sec / 100 mL or more, and even more preferably 100000 sec / 100 mL or more. Note that a part of the second sheet 42 may be configured to be breathable.

[0062] In this specification, "air permeability" refers to a value measured according to JIS P8117 (revised in 2009), and is the value at which 100 mL of air passes through a material at a constant pressure of 6.42 cm. 2 It is defined as the time it takes for air to pass through an area of ​​1000 mm. Therefore, a large air permeability value means that it takes a long time for air to pass through, i.e., air permeability is low. Conversely, a small air permeability value means that air permeability is high. Thus, the air permeability value and the air permeability show an inverse relationship. Air permeability can be measured with an Oken air permeability meter. In this specification, air permeability of less than 30,000 sec / 100 mL is defined as "air permeable", air permeability of 30,000 sec / 100 mL or more and less than 80,000 sec / 100 mL is defined as "poorly air permeable", and air permeability of 80,000 sec / 100 mL or more is defined as "non-air permeable".

[0063] The first sheet 41 is preferably, for example, a porous sheet made of a synthetic resin that has moisture permeability but no water permeability. Specifically, a film obtained by impregnating calcium carbonate or the like in polyethylene or polypropylene and stretching it can be used. When such a porous sheet is used, a nonwoven fabric can be laminated on the outer surface of the porous sheet to improve the texture of the first sheet 41. Examples of the nonwoven fabric include a needle-punched nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, and a spunbond nonwoven fabric.

[0064] As the second sheet 42, for example, a sheet made of a single synthetic resin film or a sheet made of a laminate of multiple synthetic resin films is suitable. As long as the above-mentioned air permeability is satisfied, the second sheet 42 can have a nonwoven fabric or the like laminated on the outer surface to enhance the texture depending on the application. The nonwoven fabric can be selected from needle punched nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, spunbonded nonwoven fabric, etc., but a laminate film made of a polyethylene film and a pulp sheet is preferable. As long as the above-mentioned air permeability is satisfied, the second sheet 42 may be made of the same material as the first sheet 41 or a different material.

[0065] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the water vapor generating sheet 50 has a base material layer 51 located on the second sheet 42 side, a heat generating layer 52 located between the base material layer 51 and the first sheet 41, a first water absorbent layer 53 located between the heat generating layer 52 and the first sheet 41, and a water retention layer 54 located between the first water absorbent layer 53 and the first sheet 41, and is formed into a sheet-like shape having an overall laminated structure.

[0066] The base layer 51 is preferably made of a sheet that is poorly breathable or non-breathable from the viewpoint of efficiently releasing water vapor from the first sheet 41 side. For example, a synthetic resin film can be used as the base layer 51, and examples of the film include a polyethylene film and a polyethylene terephthalate film. The synthetic resin film may be a single layer or a laminate of multiple layers. A nonwoven fabric, paper, or film, or a laminate of two or more of these can be used.

[0067] The heat generating layer 52 contains an oxidizable metal, a carbon component, and water. Specifically, the heat generating layer 52 is a coated sheet on which a slurry-like heat generating composition containing an oxidizable metal, a carbon component, and water is applied. When the heat generating layer 52 comes into contact with oxygen flowing in from the air inlet hole 30, heat is generated by an oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal, which heats the water and generates water vapor (hot steam). In this way, water vapor (hot steam) can be obtained by a simple method.

[0068] The oxidizable metal contained in the heat generating layer 52 is a metal that generates heat by oxidation reaction, and can be selected from, for example, iron, aluminum, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. The oxidizable metal may be either a powder or a fiber. Among these, iron powder is preferred because of its excellent handling, safety, storage stability, and stability, and its low production cost. Examples of iron powder include reduced iron powder and atomized iron powder. The iron powder may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0069] The carbon component contained in the heat generating layer 52 has at least one of the functions of water retention, oxygen supply, and catalytic activity, and preferably has all three of these functions. As the carbon component, for example, one or more types selected from activated carbon, acetylene black, and graphite can be used. Among these, activated carbon is preferred because it easily adsorbs oxygen when wet and can keep the moisture content of the heat generating layer 52 constant. In addition, activated carbon has the advantage that the amount of water supported by the heat generating layer 52 can be easily controlled within a specific range.

[0070] Among activated carbons, at least one fine powder or small granule selected from coconut shell charcoal, wood powder charcoal, and peat charcoal is more preferable. Such activated carbons may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Wood powder charcoal is the most preferable because it can easily maintain the amount of water supported in the heat generating layer 52 within a specific range and provide a good heating and humidifying effect.

[0071] There is no particular limitation on the water contained in the heat generating layer 52. The water may be derived from an aqueous electrolyte solution (e.g., an aqueous solution of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, or the like), or water alone may be added to the heat generating layer 52.

[0072] The heat generating layer 52 may further include a reaction accelerator. By including a reaction accelerator, the oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal is more likely to continue. In addition, the oxidation reaction is accelerated by destroying the oxide film formed on the oxidizable metal during the oxidation reaction. The reaction accelerator is, for example, selected from the group consisting of sulfates and chlorides of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among them, at least one selected from various chlorides such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, ferrous chloride, ferric chloride, etc., or sodium sulfate is preferable in terms of excellent electrical conductivity and chemical stability and low production costs.

[0073] The heat generating layer 52 may further include a thickener. As the thickener, a substance that absorbs moisture to increase the viscosity or a substance that imparts thixotropy can be used. Specifically, polysaccharide-based thickeners such as alginates such as sodium alginate, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, locust bean gum, guar gum, gum arabic, carrageenan, agar, and xanthan gum; starch-based thickeners such as dextrin, pregelatinized starch, and processed starch; cellulose derivative-based thickeners such as carboxymethylcellulose, ethyl cellulose acetate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, and hydroxypropylcellulose; metal soap-based thickeners such as stearates; and mineral-based thickeners such as bentonite. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among them, polysaccharide-based thickeners are preferred because of their good coating performance and the ability to maintain the amount of water carried by the heat generating layer 52 within a specific range.

[0074] Furthermore, the heat generating layer 52 may contain surfactants, drugs, flocculants, colorants, paper strength agents, pH control agents (eg, tripotassium phosphate, etc.), bulking agents, and the like, as necessary.

[0075] The heat generating layer 52 having the above-mentioned configuration can be produced by applying a slurry-like heat generating composition prepared by blending specified components to the surface of the base material layer 51 (the surface on the first sheet 41 side) to form a composition layer, and then spraying sodium chloride or the like as a reaction accelerator.

[0076] The first water absorbing agent layer 53 contains a first water absorbing agent. Specifically, the first water absorbing agent layer 53 is a layer formed by scattering the first water absorbing agent on the heat generating layer 52. In this way, the first water absorbing agent layer 53 is laminated directly on the heat generating layer 52, which has the advantage of efficiently absorbing excess water in the heat generating layer 52 and maintaining an appropriate moisture content.

[0077] In this specification, the term "water absorbing agent" refers to a substance having a water retention capacity (water absorbing or removing action), and is selected from, for example, carbon components, fiber materials, and water absorbing powders. The water absorbing agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0078] The carbon component may be, for example, one or more selected from activated carbon, acetylene black, and graphite. These components have water retention, oxygen supply, and catalytic properties. Among them, activated carbon is preferred from the viewpoint of keeping the moisture in the heat generating layer 52 constant. Specific examples include fine powder or small granular coconut shell charcoal, wood powder charcoal, and beet charcoal, with wood powder charcoal being preferred.

[0079] As the fiber material, it is more preferable to use hydrophilic fibers, especially cellulose fibers. As the cellulose fibers, chemical fibers (synthetic fibers) and natural fibers can be used.

[0080] The water-absorbent powder may be one or more selected from the group consisting of vermiculite, sawdust, silica gel, pulp powder, and water-absorbent polymers.

[0081] The water-absorbing polymer may be a hydrophilic polymer having a cross-linked structure capable of absorbing and retaining 20 times or more of its own weight in liquid. The shape of the water-absorbing polymer may be any of a sphere, a block, a bunch of grapes, and a fiber. In this embodiment, the water-absorbing polymer is used as the first water-absorbing agent.

[0082] Examples of water-absorbent polymers include one or more selected from the group consisting of starch, crosslinked carboxylmethylated cellulose, polymers or copolymers of acrylic acid or alkali metal salts of acrylic acid, polyacrylic acid and its salts, and polyacrylate graft polymers. Among these, polymers or copolymers of acrylic acid or alkali metal salts of acrylic acid, polyacrylic acid and its salts, and polyacrylate graft polymers are preferred because they facilitate maintaining the amount of water supported within a specific range.

[0083] The first water absorbing agent layer 53 having the above-mentioned structure can be produced by spraying the first water absorbing agent on the surface of the heat generating layer 52 (the surface on the first sheet 41 side).

[0084] The water retention layer 54 has a first water absorbent sheet 54a laminated on the first water absorbent agent layer 53, a second water absorbent agent layer 54b laminated on the first water absorbent sheet 54a, and a second water absorbent sheet 54c laminated on the second water absorbent agent layer 54b. The water retention layer 54 is configured to absorb water from the heat generation layer 52 and the first water absorbent agent layer 53. This makes it possible to prevent the temperature of the heat generation layer 52 from decreasing due to excess water.

[0085] The first water absorbent sheet 54a is preferably a sheet of hydrophilic fibers, especially cellulose fibers. The cellulose fibers may be either chemical fibers (synthetic fibers) or natural fibers. The first water absorbent sheet 54a may contain a water absorbing agent. The second water absorbent layer 54b contains a second water absorbing agent. The second water absorbing agent may be the same as the first water absorbing agent described above. The second water absorbent sheet 54c may be the same as the first water absorbing sheet 54a.

[0086] The water retention layer 54 having the above-mentioned configuration can be produced by spraying a second water absorbent agent on the surface (the surface facing the first sheet 41) of the first water absorbent sheet 54a to form a second water absorbent agent layer 54b, and then laminating the second water absorbent sheet 54c on the second water absorbent agent layer 54b.

[0087] [How to use the massage tool] Next, a method of using the massage tool 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Before using the massage tool 1, the heating element 40 is stored in a sealed state in an oxygen-blocking bag (not shown).

[0088] When using the massage tool 1, the user first removes the lid portion 12 from the housing portion 11. Next, the user opens the oxygen barrier bag to remove the heating element 40, and attaches the lid portion 12 to the housing portion 11 with the removed heating element 40 in surface contact with the bottom portion 11a of the housing portion 11, thereby housing the heating element 40 in the housing space 13. At this time, the heating element 40 is sandwiched between the bottom portion 11a of the housing portion 11 and the pressing portion 12b of the lid portion 12.

[0089] Heat generating element 40 accommodated in accommodation space 13 comes into contact with air flowing in from air inlet hole 30, and generates water vapor (hot steam) by an oxidation reaction of the oxidizable metal contained in heat generating layer 52. The water vapor generated from heat generating element 40 passes through flow path 22 of protrusion 20 and is released from steam release hole 21 of protrusion 20.

[0090] After the heating element 40 is accommodated in the accommodation space 13, the user can perform a massage by holding the gripping portion 14 and clamping the gripping portion 15 and pressing the protrusions 20 against a part of the body, or by rocking the massage tool 1 while pressing it against a part of the body, as shown in Fig. 10. In Fig. 10, the part of the user's body is shown as area HA.

[0091] In particular, in the massage tool 1 according to this embodiment, water vapor is released from the steam release holes 21 of the protrusion 20, allowing a part of the user's body to be warmed while being massaged, thereby enhancing the massage effect.

[0092] [Advantages of the massage tool according to this embodiment] Thus, the massage tool 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing portion 10 having an accommodating space 13 capable of accommodating a heating element 40, a plurality of protrusions 20 erected on the housing portion 10, and an air inlet hole 30 for allowing air to flow into the accommodating space 13, the protrusions 20 having a steam discharge hole 21 formed at the tip of the protrusions 20 and a flow path 22 connecting the steam discharge hole 21 with the accommodating space 13 of the housing portion 10, and the air inlet hole 30 is formed between the plurality of protrusions 20.

[0093] According to the massage device 1 having such a configuration, it is possible to perform a massage while warming a part of the user's body, which has the advantage of improving the massage effect.

[0094] The massage tool 1 according to this embodiment further includes a heating element 40 housed in the housing 10, and the heating element 40 is configured to generate steam by contacting with air flowing in from the air inlet 30, and the protrusions 20 are configured to release the steam generated from the heating element 40. The massage tool 1 having such a configuration has the advantage that it is possible to perform a massage while warming a part of the user's body, thereby enhancing the massage effect.

[0095] Furthermore, in the massage tool 1 according to this embodiment, the surface of the housing part 10 on which the protrusions 20 are erected is formed into a curved surface that curves toward the protruding direction of the protrusions 20. According to the massage tool 1 having such a configuration, when the massage tool 1 is swung, the bottom surface part 11a does not interfere with the body of the user, so that the protrusions 20 can be sufficiently pressed against a part of the body of the user, which is advantageous in that the massage effect can be enhanced.

[0096] Furthermore, in the massage tool 1 according to this embodiment, the protrusion 20 has a cylindrical large diameter protrusion 23 extending in the protruding direction of the protrusion 20 from the surface of the housing part 10 on which the protrusion 20 is erected, and a small diameter protrusion 24 extending in the protruding direction of the protrusion 20 from the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23, and the steam release hole 21 is formed in the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23. The massage tool 1 having such a configuration has the advantage that the small diameter protrusion 24 can improve the sensation of stimulation to the user's body, thereby enhancing the massage effect.

[0097] Furthermore, in the massage tool 1 according to this embodiment, the large diameter protrusion 23 is formed so that the diameter decreases toward the tip end surface. The massage tool 1 having such a configuration has the advantage of improving the sensation of stimulation to the user's body and enhancing the massage effect.

[0098] In the massage tool 1 according to this embodiment, the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23 is formed into a curved surface that curves in the opposite direction to the protruding direction of the protrusion 20. The massage tool 1 having such a configuration has the advantage that the steam emitted from the steam emission hole 21 remains between the user's skin and the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23, thereby making it possible to sustain the thermal effect.

[0099] [Variations] The massage tool according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention.

[0100] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the large diameter protrusion 23 is described as being formed with a diameter that decreases toward the tip surface, but this is not limited to this, and the diameter of the large diameter protrusion 23 may not decrease toward the tip surface.

[0101] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23 is described as being formed in a curved shape that curves in the direction opposite to the protruding direction of the protrusion 20, but this is not limited to this, and the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion 23 may be formed in a flat shape.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the protrusions 20 and the air inlet holes 30 are arranged so as to be symmetrical about the first virtual line VL1 and the second virtual line VL2, but the present invention is not limited to this and they may be arranged at any positions. For example, the protrusions 20 and the air inlet holes 30 may be arranged radially.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the cover 12 has been described as having the blocking portion 12a and the pressing portion 12b, but in addition to this, a motor may be included. That is, a motor may be accommodated in the accommodation space 13 of the housing 10. By accommodating a motor in the accommodation space 13, the massage tool 1 vibrates, which has the advantage that the user does not need to rock the massage tool 1 and can perform massage easily. Another advantage is that the variation in the release of steam from each protrusion 20 can be suppressed.

[0104] It is apparent from the claims that the above modifications are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1, 1': Massage tool 10, 10': Housing section 11: Storage section 11a: Bottom part 11b: Peripheral part 12: Lid 12a: Occlusion 12b: Clamp 13: Containment space 14: Grip part 15, 15': Handle 20:Protrusion 21: Steam release hole 22: Flow path 23: Large diameter protrusion 24: Small diameter protrusion 30: Air inlet 40: Heating element 41: First sheet 42: Second sheet 50: Steam generating sheet 51: Base material layer 52: Heating layer 53: First water absorbent layer 54: Water retention layer 54a: First absorbent sheet 54b: second water absorbent layer 54c: Second absorbent sheet

Claims

1. a housing portion having an accommodation space capable of accommodating a heating element; A plurality of protrusions provided on the housing portion; an air inlet hole for introducing air into the storage space; Equipped with the protrusion has a steam discharge hole formed at a tip end of the protrusion, and a flow path that communicates the steam discharge hole with the storage space of the housing portion, The air inlet holes are formed between the plurality of protrusions. Massage tool.

2. Further comprising a heating element accommodated in the housing portion, The heating element is configured to generate steam by contacting with air flowing in through the air inlet, The protrusion is configured to emit steam generated from the heating element. The massage tool according to claim 1.

3. The surface of the housing on which the protrusion is provided is formed into a curved surface that is curved in the protruding direction of the protrusion. The massage tool according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The length from the tip to the base of the protrusion is 2 mm or more. The massage tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In each of the plurality of protrusions, the total area of ​​the steam release holes is 8 mm ２ More than 15mm ２ is less than or equal to The massage tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The protrusion is a cylindrical large diameter protrusion extending from a surface of the housing on which the protrusion is provided in a protruding direction of the protrusion; a small diameter protrusion extending from a tip end surface of the large diameter protrusion in a protruding direction of the protrusion; It has The steam release hole is formed in the tip surface of the large diameter protrusion. The massage tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The large diameter protrusion is formed so that its diameter decreases toward the tip surface. The massage tool according to claim 6.

8. The tip surface of the large diameter protrusion is formed into a curved surface that is curved in the opposite direction to the protruding direction of the protrusion. The massage tool according to claim 6 or 7.

9. When the surface of the housing part on which the protrusion is provided is viewed from the storage space side, the sum of the projected areas of the flow paths is 0.7 to 5 relative to the sum of the projected areas of the air inlet holes. The massage tool according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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