Thermotherapy apparatus

Abstract

To provide a thermotherapy apparatus which can be used more simply than conventional ones.SOLUTION: A thermotherapy apparatus 1 comprises: a belt-like heat generator 5 which generates heat when power is supplied; and a case 4 which has a shape of a rectangular plate and houses the heat generator 5. A width of the case 4 is set to have a length which can be gripped by a user U.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermotherapy device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, thermotherapy devices have been known that are used to warm affected areas such as the neck and shoulders to relieve pain, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a disc-shaped thermotherapy device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 53-82588 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, it is assumed that a thermotherapy device is used by, for example, being sandwiched between the user's lower back and the bed while lying down on the bed, and therefore it is preferable that the thermotherapy device have a relatively flat shape.

[0005] On the other hand, it is also conceivable that a thermal treatment device may be applied to the neck or shoulders of a user in a sitting position. However, with a relatively large, disc-shaped thermal treatment device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, it is difficult for an elderly user in a sitting position to lift the device. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult for a user to apply the thermal treatment device to their own neck or shoulders in a sitting position.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a thermotherapy device that is easier to use than conventional devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is a thermal therapy device comprising a band-shaped heating element that generates heat when power is supplied, and a case in the shape of a thick rectangular plate that houses the heating element, the width of the case being set to a length that can be held by a user.

[0008] According to the present invention, the case of the thermotherapy device is a thick rectangular plate, so that it can be used, for example, by sandwiching it between the user's waist or other parts of the body and a bed. Furthermore, the width of the case is set to a length that can be grasped by the user, so that the user can grasp the case with one hand and lift the thermotherapy device. This allows the user to grasp the case with one hand while sitting, for example, and easily place the case on their neck, shoulder, etc.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, the case has a front surface and a back surface and is made of metal, and the heating element is disposed between the front surface and the back surface so that heat generated in the heating element is transmitted to the front surface and the back surface.

[0010] According to the present invention configured as described above, the heat generated in the heating element is transferred to both the front and back surfaces, making it possible to apply each of the two surfaces to different affected areas, allowing the thermotherapy device to be used by clamping it under the arm, on the arm, behind the knee, etc.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, the device further comprises a power supply line that is used to supply power to the heating element, a portion of which is housed within the case and another portion of which extends from one longitudinal end of the case to the outside of the case, and a grippable portion that is provided on the outer periphery of one longitudinal end portion of the case and has a lower thermal conductivity than the case, and the heating element is configured to be able to be heated to a temperature at which moxibustion can be performed.

[0012] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the gripped portion has a lower thermal conductivity than the case, so when a user is gripping the gripped portion, heat generated in the heating element is less likely to be transmitted to the user's hand via the gripped portion. This allows the user to grip the case without gloves, for example, when the heating element has reached a temperature suitable for moxibustion. Furthermore, because the power supply line extends from one longitudinal end of the case, which includes the gripped portion, to the outside of the case, the power supply line is less likely to get in the way when the user applies the thermal treatment device to the affected area while gripping the gripped portion. This makes the thermal treatment device easier to handle.

[0013] In the present invention, preferably, the device further includes a protective portion extending from a portion corresponding to one longitudinal end portion of the case toward the one longitudinal end side, and the protective portion is configured to protect the portion of the power supply line located outside the case on the other longitudinal end side.

[0014] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the other longitudinal end of the power supply line located outside the case is protected by the protective portion, thereby making it possible to prevent breakage or the like from occurring at the other longitudinal end.

[0015] In the present invention, preferably, the device further comprises a fabric cover, and the case is housed in the cover.

[0016] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the user grips the case via the cover, making it possible to prevent the heat generated in the heating element from being transferred to the user's hands.

[0017] In the present invention, preferably, the device further comprises an attachment having a base portion with a flat back surface, an attachment portion for detachably attaching the thermal treatment device to the back surface, and a handle portion provided on the front surface side of the base portion.

[0018] According to the present invention configured in this manner, for example, a user can grasp the handle with their own hand and apply the thermotherapy device attached to the base to their neck, shoulders, etc. This allows the area of the case that can be applied to the user's affected area to be larger than when the user holds the case. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the use time of the thermotherapy device while preventing the case from becoming too large. Also, for example, a person other than the user can grasp the handle with their own hand and apply the thermotherapy device attached to the base to the user's neck, shoulders, waist, etc. from behind the seated user.

[0019] In the present invention, preferably, the heating element is configured to be capable of raising its temperature to a temperature at which moxibustion can be performed, and the attachment has a lower thermal conductivity than the case.

[0020] According to the present invention configured in this way, since the attachment has a lower thermal conductivity than the case, when the user is holding the handle, the heat generated in the heating element is less likely to be transmitted to the user's hand via the attachment. This makes it possible for the user to use the thermotherapy device without wearing gloves, for example, when the heating element has reached a temperature at which moxibustion is possible.

[0021] In the present invention, preferably, the handle portion comprises a pair of opposing pillars, a connecting portion connecting the pair of pillars, and belt holes provided in the pair of pillars, and further comprises a belt that can be wrapped around the user's body when inserted into the belt holes.

[0022] According to the present invention configured in this way, for example, by wrapping the belt around the user's waist while the thermal treatment device is placed on the user's waist, the user does not need to hold the thermal treatment device with their hands, which allows them to do housework or read the newspaper while using the thermal treatment device.

[0023] In the present invention, preferably, the handle portion comprises a pair of opposing pillar portions, a connecting portion connecting the pair of pillar portions, and an engaging hole portion provided in the connecting portion, and further comprises a hook-shaped member having a base end portion that can be grasped by the user and a tip end portion that can engage with the engaging hole portion.

[0024] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the user can use the hook-shaped member to independently apply the thermal treatment device to affected areas such as the back that are difficult for the user to reach. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] It is possible to provide a thermotherapy device that is easier to use than conventional devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a thermotherapy device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a user is holding the thermotherapy device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a user is using a thermotherapy device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a user is using a thermotherapy device. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a thermotherapy device is attached to the attachment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a user is using a thermotherapy device with an attachment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a user is using a thermotherapy device with an attachment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a thermotherapy device and a belt are attached to the attachment. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a user is using the thermotherapy device with the attachment and the belt. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a thermotherapy device and a hook-shaped member are attached to the attachment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which a user is using a thermotherapy device with an attachment and a hook-shaped member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature.

[0028] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 shows a thermal treatment device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The thermal treatment device 1 is portable and is configured to be of a size and weight that allows a user U to hold it in his or her hand. The thermal treatment device 1 also includes a treatment device main body 2 and a power cord 3 with an on / off switch (not shown). The treatment device main body 2 includes a case 4 made of metal (for example, aluminum). The case 4 is in the shape of a thick rectangular plate. In this embodiment, the case 4 (treatment device main body 2) is housed in a cloth cover C. The cover C is bag-shaped, and the opening of the bag can be closed using a string (not shown) or the like.

[0029] Furthermore, the long side S1 of the case 4, i.e., the longitudinal dimension of the case 4, is set to a length (dimension) that roughly corresponds to the width of a person's waist, for example. Furthermore, the short side S2 of the case 4, i.e., the width dimension of the case 4, is set to a length that can be grasped by a user U (see FIG. 2) of the thermal treatment device 1. In FIG. 2, for example, the user U is shown grasping one longitudinal end portion (one longitudinal end portion) of the thermal treatment device 1 with his / her right hand RH.

[0030] In this embodiment, the long side S1 is set to 20 cm and the short side S2 is set to 4 cm. The long side S1 is preferably, for example, 10 cm to 30 cm, and more preferably 17 cm to 27 cm. The short side S2 is preferably, for example, 2 cm to 7 cm, and more preferably 3 cm to 6 cm. In this embodiment, the thickness of the case 4 is set to approximately 5 mm. The thickness of the case 4 is preferably 4 mm to 8 mm, and more preferably 5 mm to 7 mm.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, the case 4 includes a top plate 4a, a bottom plate 4b, a first side plate 4c, and a second side plate 4d. The case 4 is configured by connecting the top plate 4a, the bottom plate 4b, the first side plate 4c, and the second side plate 4d in a square shape. In other words, the cross section of the case 4 is substantially square. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the top plate 4a forms the front surface of the case 4, and the outer surface of the bottom plate 4b forms the back surface of the case 4.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, a substantially strip-shaped heating element 5 is housed in the case 4. The heating element 5 is housed in the case 4 in an orientation in which its extension direction (the longitudinal direction of the heating element 5) is substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the case 4. The heating element 5 has the property of generating heat, that is, its temperature rises, when power is supplied.

[0033] In this embodiment, a PTC heater is used as the heating element 5. The PTC heater is supplied with 100V AC current from a commercial power source, which is converted to 12V DC current using a converter (not shown). Furthermore, a PTC heater has the characteristic that its electrical resistance increases as its temperature rises, but decreases as its temperature drops. By utilizing this characteristic, the temperature of the PTC heater can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 40°C to 100°C) simply by supplying power from the commercial power source to the PTC heater. As an example, the predetermined temperature of the PTC heater is set to a temperature (e.g., 70°C) at which moxibustion can be performed.

[0034] The heating element 5 is disposed between the top plate 4a and the bottom plate 4b in the thickness direction of the case 4. The heating element 5 is in contact with the top plate 4a and the bottom plate 4b, so that the heat generated by the heating element 5 is transferred to the top plate 4a and the bottom plate 4b.

[0035] Furthermore, one end of the power cord 3 is connected to one longitudinal end of the heating element 5. A portion of the power cord 3 is housed inside the case 4, and the remaining portion is exposed to the outside of the case 4 from one longitudinal end of the case 4. In other words, the other portion of the power cord 3 extends from one longitudinal end of the case 4 to the outside of the case 4. The other end of the power cord 3 is provided with an attachment plug (not shown), which can be inserted into a commercial power outlet (not shown). When the attachment plug is inserted into the outlet, power is supplied to the heating element 5 via the power cord 3, causing the heating element 5 to generate heat and raise its temperature to a preset temperature. Thereafter, the temperature of the heating element 5 is maintained at the predetermined temperature due to the characteristics of the PTC heater described above.

[0036] 1, a gripped portion 6 is provided on the outer periphery of one longitudinal end portion of the case 4. The gripped portion 6 is made of a material (such as a resin material, rubber material, or wood) that has a lower thermal conductivity than the case 4.

[0037] The gripped portion 6 further includes a protective portion 6a extending from a portion of the gripped portion 6 corresponding to one longitudinal end of the case 4 toward that end in the longitudinal direction. The protective portion 6a is provided on the outer periphery of the portion of the power cord 3 located outside the case 4 on the other longitudinal end side. This allows the protective portion 6a to protect the power cord 3 from breakage or other damage caused by, for example, an impact being applied to the other longitudinal end side of the power cord 3. In this embodiment, the protective portion 6a is configured so that its width decreases toward one longitudinal end. Note that, although the protective portion 6a is configured integrally with the gripped portion 6 in this embodiment, the protective portion 6a and the gripped portion 6 may be configured as separate bodies.

[0038] Next, a usage mode of the thermal treatment device 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 shows a state in which a user U uses the thermal treatment device 1 (case 4) by holding it under his / her left armpit. In this embodiment, the heat generated in the heat generating element 5 is transferred, causing the temperatures of the top plate 4a and bottom plate 4b of the case 4 of the treatment device main body 2 to rise to approximately the predetermined temperature of the heat generating element 5. As a result, the heat of the top plate 4a is transferred to the affected area of the user U (the area on the torso side of the left arm in the example of Fig. 4) via the cover C, and the heat of the bottom plate 4b is transferred to the affected area of the user U (the area on the torso side of the left arm in the example of Fig. 4) via the cover C. Therefore, the two affected areas can be warmed simultaneously using two surfaces of the thermal treatment device 1 (case 4) (the outer surface of the top plate 4a and the outer surface of the bottom plate 4b).

[0039] 5 shows a state in which a user U is lying on his / her back (lying down) on a bed B, with the thermotherapy device 1 placed between the user U's waist and the upper surface of the bed B, between the user U's shoulder blades and the upper surface of the bed B, between the back of the user U's head and neck and the upper surface of the bed B, between the user U's buttocks and the upper surface of the bed B, between the soles of the user U's feet and the upper surface of the bed B, on the user U's abdomen, and behind the knees of the user U. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the heat generated in the heating element 5 is transferred to the user U's waist and the like, thereby warming the waist and the like.

[0040] As described above, according to this embodiment, since the case 4 of the thermal treatment device 1 is in the shape of a thick rectangular plate, it is possible to use the device by sandwiching the case 4 of the thermal treatment device 1 between the user U's waist or the like and the bed B. Furthermore, since the width of the case 4 is set to a length that can be grasped by the user U, the user U can grasp the case 4 with one hand and lift the thermal treatment device 1. This allows the user U to grasp the case 4 with one hand while sitting, for example, and easily apply the case 4 to their neck, shoulders, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, since the heat generated in the heat generating element 5 is transferred to the top plate 4a and the bottom plate 4b, the two surfaces of the top plate 4a and the bottom plate 4b can be applied to different affected areas, allowing the thermotherapy device 1 to be used by being held under the arm, on the arm, behind the knee, etc.

[0042] Furthermore, because the gripped portion 6 has a lower thermal conductivity than the case 4, when the user U is gripping the gripped portion 6, the heat generated in the heating element 5 is less likely to be transmitted to the user's hand via the gripped portion 6. This allows the user U to grip the case without gloves, for example, when the heating element 5 has been heated to a temperature at which moxibustion is possible. Furthermore, because the power cord 3 extends from one longitudinal end of the case on which the gripped portion 6 is provided to the outside of the case 4, the power cord 3 is less likely to get in the way when the user U applies the thermal treatment device 1 to their affected area while gripping the gripped portion 6. This makes the thermal treatment device 1 easier to handle.

[0043] Furthermore, the other longitudinal end of the power cord 3 located outside the case 4 is protected by the protective portion 6a, thereby preventing breakage or the like from occurring at the other longitudinal end.

[0044] Furthermore, since the user U grips the case via the cover C, the heat generated in the heating element 5 is less likely to be transmitted to the user U's hands.

[0045] In this embodiment, the case 4 has four corners when viewed in the thickness direction, but the case 4 may have a shape that does not have the four corners (for example, a shape in which the corners are rounded).

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the case 4 is made of metal (for example, aluminum), but the case 4 may be made of a material other than metal (for example, resin) as long as it is possible to transfer the heat generated by the heating element 5 to the affected area of the user U.

[0047] Although not provided in this embodiment, the case 4 may be wrapped with tape (not shown) (for example, metal foil tape such as aluminum tape), wrapped in cloth, or held with gloves. Furthermore, the case 4 may be housed in another case (not shown) for use, or the tape may be wrapped around the case 4 and another plate member (not shown) with the other plate member (not shown) attached to the outside of the case 4. The other plate member (not shown) may have one or more other through holes (not shown) penetrating through its thickness.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of one type of cloth cover C has been described, but multiple types of cloth covers (not shown) with different thicknesses may be prepared and used depending on the purpose of the thermotherapy device 1. For example, an ultra-thin cover (not shown), a thin cover (not shown), and a thick cover (not shown) may be prepared, and the ultra-thin cover (not shown) may be used when performing moxibustion, the thin cover (not shown) may be used when it is desired to warm the affected area at a relatively high temperature, and the thick cover (not shown) may be used when it is desired to warm the affected area at a relatively low temperature.

[0049] Although the present embodiment describes an example of a bag-shaped cloth cover C, a curtain-shaped cloth cover (not shown) may also be used. The curtain-shaped cover (not shown) has a cylindrical portion at one end capable of housing the entire case 4, and a band-shaped portion extending from the cylindrical portion toward the other end, the band-shaped portion having a width corresponding to the longitudinal dimension of the case 4. The curtain-shaped cover (not shown) is thin, for example, and can be used in a first state in which the entire case 4 is housed in the cylindrical portion (a state in which the band-shaped portion is not wrapped around the cylindrical portion), and a second state in which the band-shaped portion is wrapped around the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion housing the entire case 4. The second state is used when it is desired to warm the affected area at a relatively lower temperature than in the first state. In the second state, the more times the band-shaped portion is wrapped around the cylindrical portion, the lower the temperature at which the affected area can be heated. Therefore, by switching between the first state and the second state and adjusting the number of times that the band-shaped portion is wrapped around the cylindrical portion in the second state, the user U can warm the affected area at a temperature that is optimal for the user U. Note that the above-mentioned cylindrical portion and band-shaped portion are not essential, and the temperature at which the affected area is heated may be adjusted by adjusting the number of times that a cloth cover (not shown) is wrapped around the case 4.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating element 5 is in contact with the top plate portion 4a and the bottom plate portion 4b of the case 4, but as long as it is possible to transfer the heat generated in the heating element 5 to the top plate portion 4a and the bottom plate portion 4b, another member (e.g., a metal member, a resin member, etc.) may be interposed between the top plate portion 4a and the bottom plate portion 4b and the heating element 5, or the heating element 5 may be in contact with the first side plate portion 4c and the second side plate portion 4d, so that the heat generated in the heating element 5 is transferred to the top plate portion 4a and the bottom plate portion 4b via the first side plate portion 4c and the second side plate portion 4d.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a PTC heater has been used as an example of the heating element 5, but means other than a PTC heater (for example, a silicon rubber heater, a silicon belt heater, a silicon cord heater, a space heater, a tape heater, a film heater, a ribbon heater, a planar heater, a cartridge heater, a cord heater, etc.) may be used as long as it functions as a heat generating means that generates heat when power is supplied.

[0052] Furthermore, the temperature of the heating element 5 may be adjusted using a power controller (not shown) provided on the power cord 3.

[0053] In addition, an on / off timer (not shown) provided on the power cord 3 may be used to start supplying power to the heating element 5 after the time set in the on / off timer (not shown) has elapsed, or to stop supplying power to the heating element 5 after the set time has elapsed.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the heating element 5 receives power from a commercial power source via the power cord 3, but by providing a battery (not shown), power may be supplied from the battery to the heating element 5. In this case, the thermotherapy device 1 can be used even in a situation where there is no outlet (not shown).

[0055] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 4 of this embodiment, the user U uses the thermal treatment device 1 by holding it under his left armpit, but the thermal treatment device 1 may also be used by holding it on the arm, behind the knee, between the fingers, etc.

[0056] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 5 of this embodiment, the thermal treatment device 1 is placed between the user U's waist and the top surface of bed B when the user U is lying face up on bed B, but the thermal treatment device 1 may also be placed between the user U's neck and the top surface of bed B, between the user U's back (e.g., shoulder blades) and the top surface of bed B, between the soles of the user U's feet and the top surface of bed B, or on the user U's abdomen.

[0057] Furthermore, the use of the thermal treatment device 1 of the present embodiment 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned examples. For example, the thermal treatment device 1 may be used by being applied to an acupressure point or the like, or the user U may use the thermal treatment device 1 while standing.

[0058] <Embodiment 2> In the second embodiment of the present invention, the description will be centered on an attachment 10 that can be used when using the thermal treatment device 1. The thermal treatment device 1 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] 6, the attachment 10 includes a base portion 11 and a handle portion 12. In this embodiment, the attachment 10 is made of wood, which has a lower thermal conductivity than the case 4.

[0060] The base portion 11 is a rectangular plate having a predetermined thickness and includes a front surface 11a, a flat back surface 11b, a first side surface 11c, a second side surface 11d, a third side surface 11e, and a fourth side surface 11f.

[0061] A handle portion 12 is integrally provided on the surface 11a of the base portion 11, extending from the surface 11a to one side in the thickness direction of the base portion 11.

[0062] The handle portion 12 includes a pair of pillar portions 12a provided on one longitudinal side and the other longitudinal side of the surface 11a of the base portion 11, respectively, facing each other in the longitudinal direction, and a connecting portion 12b that connects the pair of pillar portions 12a and can be grasped by a user U. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 12b extends in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 11 so as to connect the ends of the pair of pillar portions 12a on one side in the thickness direction of the base portion 11. The handle portion 12 has an inverted U-shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base portion 11, i.e., when viewed from one side in the width direction of the base portion 11, and both ends of the handle portion 12 (the ends of each pillar portion 12a on the other side in the thickness direction of the base portion 11) are connected to the surface 11a of the base portion 11.

[0063] Each of the pillars 12a has a first hole 12c. Two of the first hole 12c overlap in the longitudinal direction of the base 11.

[0064] The connecting portion 12b is provided with a second hole 12d that penetrates through the base portion 11 in the thickness direction. The second hole 12d is provided in a substantially central portion of the connecting portion 12b in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 11. The second hole 12d has a substantially circular hole shape when viewed from one side in the thickness direction of the base portion 11.

[0065] Furthermore, a pair of third holes 11g extending in the width direction of the base portion 11 are provided in portions of the base portion 11 corresponding to each of the pillar portions 12a. The two third holes 11g are provided at a predetermined distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 11. One end of each third hole 11g opens to the second side surface 11d and the other end opens to the fourth side surface 11f. Here, there is a concern that the provision of the third holes 11g may reduce the strength of the base portion 11. However, in this embodiment, the third holes 11g are provided in portions corresponding to the pillar portions 12a, so that the pillar portions 12a function as reinforcing members.

[0066] A fixing string 13 is inserted through each third hole 11g. In this embodiment, the center portion of each fixing string 13 is inserted into the third hole 11g, while the remaining portions of each fixing string 13 (portions on both sides of the center portion) are exposed to the outside through the third hole 11g.

[0067] Next, a usage mode of the thermotherapy device 1 using the attachment 10 will be described.

[0068] First, the thermotherapy device 1 is set on the back surface 11b of the attachment 10, that is, the base part 11 and the case 4 are overlapped so that the top plate part 4a or the bottom plate part 4b of the case 4 contacts the back surface 11b of the attachment 10, and then the fixing strings 13 are wrapped around and tied around the case 4 of the thermotherapy device 1, thereby fixing the thermotherapy device 1 to the attachment 10 (see FIG. 7). In other words, the thermotherapy device 1 is detachably attached to the attachment 10 by the fixing strings 13.

[0069] 8 shows a usage state using the attachment 10. In this usage state, the user U holds the connecting portion 12b (handle portion 12) of the attachment 10 with the left hand LH, and places the thermotherapy device 1 attached to the attachment 10 on the user U's own left shoulder.

[0070] 9 shows a usage mode using the attachment 10. In this usage mode, a person A other than the user U (for example, a family member of the user U) holds the connecting part 12b (handle part 12) with their own hand, and applies the thermotherapy device 1 attached to the attachment 10 to the waist of the user U, for example, from behind the user U who is sitting.

[0071] 10 and 11 show a usage state using the attachment 10 and the belt 14. As shown in Fig. 10 and 11, the belt 14 includes a substantially belt-shaped belt body 14a and a fixture 14b. Fig. 11 shows a usage state in which the belt body 14a is inserted through the two first hole portions 12c, the thermotherapy device 1 is placed on the waist of a user U, and the belt 14 is wrapped around the trunk (body) of the user U.

[0072] 12 and 13 show a usage mode using the attachment 10 and the hook-shaped member 15. As shown in FIG. 12, the hook-shaped member 15 has an overall shape that is generally hook-shaped. The hook-shaped member 15 has a generally cylindrical base end 15a that can be gripped by a user U, and a main body 15b that has a smaller diameter than the base end 15a and extends in a hook-like shape from the base end 15a. The tip end 15c of the main body 15b can be inserted into the second hole 12d of the attachment 10 to engage with the second hole 12d. FIG. 13 shows a usage mode in which the thermotherapy device 1 attached to the attachment 10 is placed on the back of the user U, with the user U gripping the base end 15a of the hook-shaped member 15.

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, for example, the user U can grasp the handle portion 12 with his / her own hand and apply the thermotherapy device 1 attached to the base portion 11 to the neck, shoulders, etc. This allows the area of the case 4 that can be applied to the affected area of the user U to be larger than when the user U grasps the case 4. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the use time of the thermotherapy device 1 while preventing the case 4 from becoming larger. Also, for example, a person other than the user U can grasp the handle portion 12 with his / her own hand and apply the thermotherapy device 1 attached to the base portion 11 to the neck, shoulders, waist, etc. of the user U from behind the seated user U. Furthermore, for example, a person other than the user U can grasp the handle portion 12 with his / her own hand and apply the thermotherapy device 1 attached to the base portion 11 to the neck, shoulders, waist, etc. of the user U from above the user U who is lying face down.

[0074] Furthermore, because the attachment 10 has a lower thermal conductivity than the case 4, when the user U is holding the handle 12, the heat generated in the heating element 5 is less likely to be transmitted to the user U's hand via the attachment 10. This allows the user U to use the thermotherapy device 1 without wearing gloves, for example, when the heating element 5 is heated to a temperature at which moxibustion is possible.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, by wrapping the belt 14 around the waist of the user U while the thermal treatment device 1 is placed around the waist of the user U, the user U does not need to hold the thermal treatment device 1 with his or her hands. This allows the user U to do housework or read the newspaper while using the thermal treatment device 1.

[0076] Furthermore, by using the hook-shaped member 15, the user U can apply the thermotherapy device 1 to an affected area, such as the back, which is difficult for the user U to reach by himself or herself.

[0077] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the fixing string 13 is used as the fixing part, but as long as it is possible to fix the thermotherapy device 1 to the attachment 10, means other than the fixing string (for example, a hook-and-loop fastener) may be used.

[0078] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which the attachment 10 is made of wood has been described, but the attachment 10 may be made of a material other than wood (such as resin or metal). Furthermore, the attachment 10 may have the same thermal conductivity as the case 4, or may have a higher thermal conductivity than the case 4. [Industrial Applicability]

[0079] The present invention is suitable for use in a thermotherapy device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Heat therapy device 3 Power cord (power supply line) 4 cases 4a Top plate (surface) 4b Bottom plate part (back part) 5 Heating element 6 Grasped part 6a Protective part 10 Attachments 11 Base 12 Handle 12a Pillar 12b Liaison Department 12c First hole (belt hole) 12d 2nd hole (engaging hole) 13 Fixing string (mounting part) 14 Belt 15 Hook-shaped member U user

Claims

1. A thermal therapy device, a strip-shaped heating element that generates heat when power is supplied; a case having a rectangular plate shape with a certain thickness and accommodating the heating element; The width of the case is set to a length that can be held by a user.

2. The thermotherapy device according to claim 1, the case has a front surface and a back surface and is made of metal; The heat generating element is disposed between the front surface and the rear surface so that heat generated in the heat generating element is transmitted to the front surface and the rear surface.

3. The thermotherapy device according to claim 1 or 2, a power supply line used to supply power to the heating element, a portion of which is housed within the case and another portion of which extends from one longitudinal end of the case to the outside of the case; a gripped portion provided on an outer periphery of one longitudinal end portion of the case and having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the case; The heating element is configured to be able to heat up to a temperature at which moxibustion can be performed.

4. The thermotherapy device according to claim 3, a protective portion provided so as to extend from a portion corresponding to one end portion of the case in the longitudinal direction toward the one end side in the longitudinal direction, The protective portion is configured to protect a portion of the power supply line located outside the case at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

5. The thermotherapy device according to claim 1, Further provided with a fabric cover, The case is a thermotherapy device housed in the cover.

6. The thermotherapy device according to claim 1, The thermal treatment device further comprises an attachment having a base portion with a flat back surface, a mounting portion for detachably mounting the thermal treatment device to the back surface, and a handle portion provided on the front surface side of the base portion.

7. The thermotherapy device according to claim 6, The heating element is configured to be able to heat up to a temperature at which moxibustion can be performed, The attachment has a lower thermal conductivity than the case.

8. The thermotherapy device according to claim 6, The handle portion includes a pair of opposing pillar portions, a connecting portion connecting the pair of pillar portions, and belt holes provided in the pair of pillar portions, The thermotherapy device further comprises a belt that can be wrapped around the user's body while being inserted into the belt holes.

9. The thermotherapy device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, The handle portion includes a pair of opposing pillar portions, a connecting portion connecting the pair of pillar portions, and an engagement hole portion provided in the connecting portion, The thermotherapy device further comprises a hook-shaped member having a base end portion that can be gripped by the user and a tip end portion that can be engaged with the engagement hole portion.

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