JP2004208748A - Lower limb water bathing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily remove dirt and various germs on and between toes and to surely remove them. <P>SOLUTION: A lower limb water bathing device 1 is provided with a foot placing base 2 where the feet are placed, a main body 3 surrounding the foot placing base 2 and covering a lower limb part to be a water bathing object, a water discharge nozzle group 4 for showering hot and cold water to the feet on the foot placing base 2 from a foot tip side to the toes inside the main body, and a water supply mechanism 5 for supplying the hot and cold water to the water discharge nozzle group 4. The water discharge nozzle group 4 discharges the hot and cold water in the direction of parts between the toes placed on the foot placing base 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a lower limb bathing device for bathing water in a lower limb.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a sole water pressure massager for injecting water into the sole to massage the sole and a shower apparatus for thermal treatment for realizing thermal treatment by ejecting hot water to the affected part of the lower limb have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents) 1, Patent Document 2).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-3-114949
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-11-197204
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described conventional apparatus focuses only on water discharge to the soles and the affected part of the lower limb, and does not focus on hot water flying to the toes. In particular, in the conventional device, the space between the toes (hereinafter, between the toes) is a crotch-shaped space where dirt and various germs easily accumulate. Could not deal with the removal of dirt and germs. In addition, the space between the toes is difficult to reach, and in order to remove dirt and germs between the toes, it is necessary to take an unreasonable posture such as leaning forward or raising the feet. Continuing the removal operation in such a posture was particularly difficult for infants and the elderly.
[0005]
In addition, since the toes are the limbs of the lower limbs, blood circulation tends to deteriorate in winter or in cold regions. In particular, when a woman has a chilly constitution, which is common in adult women, wearing boots or high heels that press the toes tends to cause blood circulation disorders due to tightening of the toes. The conventional device described above does not adequately deal with such a problem.
[0006]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to simplify and surely remove dirt and germs between toes and between fingers, and to provide a medical treatment for toe blood circulation disorders.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
In order to solve at least a part of the above problems, the lower limb bathing device of the present invention is:
A lower limb bather for bathing the lower limb with water,
A footrest on which the foot rests,
A body surrounding the footrest and covering a lower limb portion to be bathed,
Inside the main body, a toe nozzle for pouring hot water from the toe side on the foot placed on the footrest,
Having a water supply mechanism for supplying hot water to the toe nozzle,
The toe nozzle directs water at a region including at least one of the toes or between toes.
Is the gist.
[0008]
In the lower limb bathing device configured as described above, the toe nozzle pours hot water from the toe side of the foot placed on the footrest inside the main body covering the lower limb portion. This toe nozzle directs hot water toward a region including at least one of the toes or between the toes. For this reason, it is possible to directly apply hot water to at least one of the toes or between the toes included in the area just by placing the foot on the footrest. Therefore, the toes and the space between the toes can be reliably washed without taking an unreasonable posture. And if hot water directly hits between toes or fingers, it can be expected that the stimulation will promote blood circulation of the toes.
[0009]
It is also preferable that the footrest is capable of guiding the placement position of the foot so that the toes are located at substantially the same position regardless of the size of the foot on which the foot is placed. This makes it possible to directly apply hot water between the toes and the fingers included in the above-mentioned region without changing the water spraying points by the toe nozzles according to the size of the toes. Corresponding toes and cleaning between fingers can be realized with a simple structure.
[0010]
In doing so, it is more convenient to provide a convex portion protruding from the upper surface of the footrest so that the convex portion enters the crotch of the toe.
[0011]
In addition, if the toe nozzle is provided on the convex portion that enters the crotch of the foot, hot water can be poured between the fingers from the toe nozzle more reliably.
[0012]
Toe nozzles are provided so that hot and cold water from the toe nozzles may flow into the above-described region (that is, the position of the toes and the position between the toes included therein) corresponding to the size of the foot placed on the footrest. It is also desirable to have a configuration provided with an adjusting means for adjusting the water flow from the water. In this way, since the water spray point by the toe nozzle is adjusted according to the foot size, it is possible to realize washing of the toes and between the fingers corresponding to various foot sizes.
[0013]
Range specifying means for specifying the mounting range of the foot on the footrest, and the above-mentioned area of the foot placed based on the mounting range specified by the range specifying means (that is, the toe included in the area) Position determining means for determining a position or an inter-finger position). The adjusting means directs the above-mentioned area (toe position or inter-finger position) determined by the position determining means to the position from the toe nozzle. Means for adjusting the water flow from the toe nozzle so that the hot water flows. In this way, the above-mentioned area (toe position or inter-finger position) of the foot placed on the footrest is determined based on the placement range of the foot on the footrest. Therefore, hot and cold water can be reliably flown to the toes and between the toes of feet of various foot sizes.
[0014]
It is also desirable that the footrest is provided with a unique portion placement portion on which the unique portion of the foot is placed. With this configuration, it is possible to specify the placement range of the foot on the footrest with reference to the unique location placement portion, and it is easy to determine the above-described region of the foot (toe position or inter-finger position).
[0015]
The toe nozzle may be configured to fly hot water on at least one of the plurality of toes or the plurality of toes placed on the footrest, or to move the plurality of toes without moving the placed foot. This is preferable in that it is possible to clean between fingers.
[0016]
The toe nozzle may be detachable. By doing so, the toe nozzles can be replaced as appropriate, so that maintenance can be improved and individual toe nozzles can be handled.
[0017]
If the water supply mechanism has water pressure adjusting means for adjusting the water pressure of the hot water flowing from the toe nozzle, it is possible to change the water pressure of the hot water depending on the state of the toes and between the fingers. ,preferable.
[0018]
Spraying hot water so that the toe nozzle scans the region from the toe side to the instep side is also desirable in that a wide range of washing including the toes and between the toes can be performed.
[0019]
It is also preferable to provide a changing means for changing the flying water directed between the toes from the toe nozzle to the flying water directed to the toes. This makes it possible to change the target of flying from between the toes to the toes, such as claws, and to enhance the convenience of the lower limb bathing device.
[0020]
Before the hot water reaches the toe nozzle, the hot water may be provided with a hot-water functional watering means for converting the hot water into functional water having a property desired for water flying between fingers or water to the toes. In this case, the functional water can be spouted from the toe nozzle, and the lower limb bathing device can be used for multiple purposes.
[0021]
The hot and cold water functionalizing means may be a means for converting the hot and cold water into the functional water by mixing the functional water having the above properties into the hot and cold water.
[0022]
It is also desirable to provide a switching means for switching between functional water and non-functional water, since hot water with different properties can be used continuously.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a state of spouting hot and cold water in the lower limb bathing apparatus 1.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, the lower limb bathing device 1 includes a footrest 2 on which a foot is placed, a main body 3 surrounding the footrest 2 and covering a lower limb portion to be bathed, and a footrest 3 inside the main body. The foot has a water discharge nozzle group 4 for pouring hot water from the toe side toward the toes, and a water supply mechanism 5 for supplying hot water to the water discharge nozzle group 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the water discharge nozzle group 4 discharges hot and cold water in a direction between the toes placed on the footrest 3.
[0025]
Here, the hot and cold water discharge mechanism will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the individual water discharge nozzles constituting the water discharge nozzle group 4 and the operation thereof.
As shown in the drawing, the water discharge nozzle 10 includes an inflow chamber 12 into which hot and cold water flows into a nozzle block 11, and a nozzle body 14 is incorporated in the inflow chamber so as to take an inclined posture. The nozzle body 14 guides the hot water flowing into the inflow chamber 12 from its side surface into the inside, and discharges the hot water from a water discharging hole 15 formed at the tip end with a bottom.
[0026]
When hot water flows into the inflow chamber 12 from the eccentric flow path as indicated by an arrow in the figure, a swirling flow is generated in the inflow chamber 12. This swirling flow exerts a force to swirl the nozzle body 14 located in the inflow chamber 12. The nozzle body 14 is inserted and supported with a slight play at the tip end thereof in the opening 16 and adopts the inclined posture as described above. Therefore, the nozzle body 14 pivots around the position supported by the opening 16 in the inclined posture. By the way, the tip side of the nozzle body 14 is also guided by the guide portion 18 in the inflow chamber 12. The guide portion 18 is a bored hole of an elliptical shape, and comes into contact with the outer wall of the tip of the nozzle body 14 in the inclined posture. The nozzle body 14 tries to rotate in the inclined posture due to the swirling flow described above, but its movement is limited at a contact point X between the tip of the nozzle body and the inner wall of the guide portion. Since the contact point X moves along the guide part-shaped ellipse, the nozzle body 14 moves (turns) the nozzle tip opening along an elliptical trajectory that follows the guide part-shaped ellipse. Hot water is spouted from the spout 15. Therefore, the hot and cold water spouted from the nozzle body 14 while turning incline will land in a substantially elliptical shape.
[0027]
The above-described water discharge nozzle 10 has an engagement protrusion 11a and an engagement recess 11b on the left and right end surfaces in FIG. 3, and can be connected to the left and right, and constitutes the water discharge nozzle group 4 shown in FIG. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, the water discharge nozzle group 4 discharges water from each water discharge nozzle 10 in a direction between the toes, and causes the water to flow between the fingers in an elliptical shape. That is, the landing area P has an elliptical shape as illustrated.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1, the footrest 2 is erected from the bottom of the main body 3 by legs. The legs of the footrest 2 have openings and cutouts so that water (hot water) can easily enter from the periphery of the platform to the area below the platform. The upper surface plate of the footrest 2 is a perforated plate having a plurality of rows of through holes 22 so that hot water can easily be dropped from the upper surface of the footrest to the lower part of the footrest (see FIG. 2). The footrest 2 is configured to be detachable from the bottom surface of the main body in preparation for breakage or replacement of the stand.
[0029]
The main body 3 is provided with a drainage opening 31 on its bottom surface, assuming that the lower limb bathing device 1 is used in an environment where floor drainage is possible, such as a bathroom or outdoors, and drains hot water from inside the main body to the outside. In this case, the bottom surface of the main body 3 is formed so as to be inclined toward the drainage opening 31 so that the drainage from the drainage opening 31 is efficiently generated, and the main body 3 is lifted by the legs at each corner of the bottom surface. Have been. In an environment where floor drainage is impossible such as a living room, a drainage hose or the like can be connected to the drainage opening 31.
[0030]
The upper surface of the main body 3 is an opening for taking in and out the lower limb, and the opening has flexible opening / closing lids 32 and 33 surrounding the periphery of the lower limb. At the time of use, the lids 32 and 33 are lifted as shown in the figure to insert the lower limb into the body, or the lids 32 and 33 are pushed in to insert the lower limb and the foot is placed on the footrest 2. In the present embodiment, the entire surface 34 of the main body 3 is made transparent in a substantially upper half area thereof in order to enhance the visibility when the lower limbs are inserted and removed. When the lids 32 and 33 are translucent, the lower and upper limbs can be easily taken in and out together with the fact that the entire surface 34 is transparent. In addition, the state of water discharge can be visually recognized.
[0031]
The water discharge nozzle group 4 described above is mounted on the main body 3 as follows.
As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 3 includes two rails 40 on the back surface (inside of the main body) of the entire surface portion 34, and the spout nozzle group 4 engages the legs 41 with the rails. Thereby, the water discharge nozzle group 4 slides along the rail 40 as shown by the arrow A in FIG. This slide locus follows the rail locus.
[0032]
An opening 42 along the rail is provided between the rails 40 on the entire surface 34, and the water discharge nozzle group 4 has an engagement shaft 43 inserted into the opening 42. A lock mechanism 44 for fixing the water discharge nozzle group 4 is mounted on the engagement shaft 43. The lock mechanism 44 fixes the engagement shaft 43 to the cap 46 after pulling up the engagement shaft 43 by a rotation operation of the handle 45. As a result, the water discharge nozzle group 4 is drawn toward the entire surface portion 34 and is fixed at an arbitrary position on the track of the rail 40. Since the handle 45 and the cap 46 are detachable from the engagement shaft 43, the water discharge nozzle group 4 can be detached at a position off the rail 40.
[0033]
The water supply mechanism 5 is connected to a primary water supply source (not shown) (for example, a hot water pipe from a water heater or a water pipe), and supplies hot water from the water supply source to each of the water discharge nozzles 10 of the water discharge nozzle group 4. . FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a water supply system / control system of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1.
[0034]
As shown, when the remote controller 51 is turned ON / OFF, an operation signal is sent to the control device 50. Control device 50 receives the signal and drives and controls water supply mechanism 5. For example, the control device 50 controls the valve opening of the water supply mechanism 5 to discharge water from the water discharge nozzle group 4 by an ON operation, and closes the water supply mechanism 5 to stop the water discharge by an OFF operation. In this case, the water supply mechanism 5 may be provided with a flow control function to supply the hot water to the water discharge nozzle group 4 while controlling the flow rate. In this way, the water force of the hot water spout from the spout nozzle group 4 can be variously changed.
[0035]
Water discharge / water stoppage from the water discharge nozzle group 4 can also be performed as follows. That is, for example, an ON / OFF switch may be provided on the entire surface 34 of the main body 3 so that the control device 50 performs water supply / water stoppage via the water supply mechanism 5 as described above. Further, a sole sensor mechanism composed of a pressure sensor is provided on the lower surface of the upper surface plate of the footrest 2, and the control device 50 operates as described above by using a sensor signal (foot-mounted signal) from the sensor mechanism as a trigger. In addition, water supply and water stoppage can be performed via the water supply mechanism 5. In this case, it is preferable to make the sole sensor mechanism watertight by a method such as resin molding. In the case of the control device 50, if it is installed inside the main body 3, it is preferable that the watertight installation is similarly achieved. However, if the control device 50 is installed and installed in the outer surface of the main body 3, such watertightness is reduced. Not required.
[0036]
The lower limb bathing apparatus 1 described above discharges hot and cold water from the water discharge nozzle group 4 with respect to the foot placed on the footrest 2 with the main body 3 covering the foot. In addition, at the time of this water discharging, hot water is directed from each of the water discharging nozzles 10 of the water discharging nozzle group 4 to the space between the toes from the tip of the foot placed on the footrest 2 toward the toes. Spout water. For this reason, hot water can be applied directly between the toes just by placing the foot on the footrest 2. Therefore, according to the lower limb bathing device 1 of the present embodiment, the space between the toes can be reliably washed without taking an unreasonable posture.
[0037]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, since the landing shape of the hot water spouted from each of the water spouting nozzles 10 is substantially elliptical, the space between the toes, including the crotch portion, can be applied to the hot water. Therefore, the cleaning property between the fingers is improved. In addition, the massage effect between the toes by the bathing water can promote blood circulation of the toes, and can reduce the feeling of coldness of the toes.
[0038]
In the present embodiment, the lower limb that has entered the main body 3 is surrounded by the upper and lower lids 32 and 33 almost without gaps. Therefore, hot and cold water can be spouted from the spout nozzle group 4 inside the substantially closed main body 3. For this reason, it is unlikely that hot and cold water would be inadvertently scattered around the apparatus. In addition, since the drainage from the drainage opening 31 is performed from the inside of the main body in parallel with the hot and cold water spouting, the hot and cold water is not left unintentionally in the main body.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the water discharge nozzle group 4 is configured to be connected to the water discharge nozzle 10, and the water discharge nozzle group 4 is made removable. Therefore, not only individual replacement and maintenance of the water discharge nozzle 10 but also replacement and maintenance of the entire water discharge nozzle group 4 can be easily performed. In order to prepare for such replacement and maintenance, in the present embodiment, a quick connector 48 (see FIG. 2) is provided in the water supply conduit from the water supply mechanism 5 to the water discharge nozzle group 4 so that the pipe can be freely attached and detached.
[0040]
The interval between the water discharge nozzles in the water discharge nozzle group 4 can be adjusted by the width of the nozzle block 11 of the water discharge nozzle 10. Therefore, if the nozzle block 11 is prepared with various width dimensions and the water discharge nozzles 10 having appropriate dimensions are connected in series, versatility is enhanced. For example, when the installation location of this device is a beauty salon or the like and the user is almost limited to a woman, the interval between the water discharge nozzles in the water discharge nozzle group 4 is narrowed according to the state of the toes of the woman. I can do it. Conversely, when the user is almost limited to men, the water discharge nozzles 10 of a large block width can be used to widen the water discharge nozzle interval of the water discharge nozzle group 4.
[0041]
In the present embodiment, the position of the water discharge nozzle group 4 can be arbitrarily adjusted on the track of the rail 40 by the lock mechanism 44. For this reason, the user can change the water landing area P by himself / herself by adjusting the position of the water discharge nozzle group 4, and can also make the water flow to the finger position that suits his / her preference.
[0042]
Next, a modified example will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a footrest 20 of a modified example, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a main part of the footrest 20 in a sectional view.
[0043]
As shown in the figure, the footrest 20 has a toe recess 21 at one upper end. The toe recess 21 is formed in accordance with an adult toe calculated from statistical values. Therefore, for example, when an adult puts his / her foot on the footrest 20 or slightly moves the foot on the footrest 20, the toes are guided by the toe recesses 21 and the respective toe recesses 21 are guided. Get into it.
[0044]
According to the footrest 20 of this modified example, there are the following advantages.
By such guidance of the toes, the positions of the toes on the footrest 20 can be made to be substantially the same regardless of the size of the foot. For this reason, even if the position of the water discharge nozzle group 4, specifically, the front and rear position with respect to the footrest 20 is not adjusted and changed according to the foot size, the distance between the water discharge nozzle group 4 and the place between the fingers of the user is almost equal. Can be the same. Therefore, even if the nozzle group position is not adjusted according to the foot size, the landing area P (see FIG. 2) of the spouted hot water from the water discharge nozzle group 4 can be set between the toes, and directly between the toes. It can be washed with hot water. In addition, in order to perform cleaning between toes corresponding to various foot sizes as described above, it is only necessary to use the footrest 20 having the toe recess 21, so that the configuration can be simplified and the nozzle drive can be performed. Such control is not required, which is simple.
[0045]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the lower limb bathing device 100 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state of hot water spouting in the lower limb bathing device 100. The second embodiment is characterized in that hot and cold water is applied to the position between the fingers according to the foot size.
[0046]
As shown in the drawing, the lower limb bathing apparatus 100 is similar to the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 in that the lower limb bathing apparatus 100 is provided with a main body 3 and a water discharge nozzle group 4 and the like. The footrest 2 has a heel recess 23 for guiding the heel, which is a unique part of the foot. Therefore, if the user of the apparatus places his / her foot on the footrest 2 or slightly moves the foot on the footrest 2, the heel is guided by the heel recess 23 and enters the heel recess 23. become. In this case, since the heel position is determined, the toe position moves forward and backward on the footrest 2 according to the foot size, as shown in FIG.
[0047]
The lower limb bathing device 100 has the slider mechanism 60 incorporated in the entire surface portion 34 so that hot water can be applied to the landing area P between the fingers as shown in FIG. 2 even when the positions of the toes are different. The slider mechanism 60 is configured to adjust the position of the water discharge nozzle group 4 by using both the forward and backward movement of the water discharge nozzle group 4 with respect to the toe and the vertical movement of the water discharge nozzle group 4 in the oblique direction. Note that such a tilting operation can be easily realized using, for example, an xy table or the like.
[0048]
Next, the operation of the nozzle group and the state of water discharge in the present embodiment will be described.
Prior to use of the apparatus, the user sets and inputs his / her foot size using the size switch 52 of the remote controller 51, for example, three levels of large, medium and small, and a foot size numerical value by a switch operation. Since the remote controller 51 transmits a control signal corresponding to the set foot size to the control device 50, the control device 50 calculates the position between the fingers on the footrest 2. At this time, since the heel position is determined as described with reference to FIG. 8, the control device 50 obtains the position between the fingers from the heel position from the input foot size. In the present embodiment, in order to simplify the configuration and simplify device control, the interval between the toes (the pitch of the water landing area P in FIG. 2) is substantially the same regardless of the foot size. This is a treatment by fixing the pitch of the water discharge nozzles 10 in the water discharge nozzle group 4.
[0049]
Since the interval between the inter-finger positions may change depending on the size of the foot, the following may be used. In this case, first, the inter-finger position is correlated with the foot size, stored in a memory of the control device 50 in a map form, and the inter-finger position is read from the memory based on the input foot size. On the other hand, in the device configuration, a slider mechanism or the like that adjusts the position of each water discharge nozzle in the water discharge nozzle group 4 is incorporated so that the pitch of the water discharge nozzles 10 in the water discharge nozzle group 4 can be changed. In this way, by adjusting the nozzle pitch so as to match the position between the fingers corresponding to the foot size, more specifically, to the interval, the respective finger positions (the water landing area P in FIG. 2) corresponding to the foot size are adjusted. The water discharge nozzle 10 can be directed.
[0050]
When the control device 50 obtains the inter-finger position as described above, the control device 50 drives the water discharge nozzle group 4 with respect to the toe on the footrest 2. In this nozzle group drive, even if the foot size changes and the foot position on the footrest 2 changes, the water discharge area 10 shown in FIG. To be able to land. Hereinafter, the nozzle group driving and hot and cold water spouting will be described on the assumption that the foot having the large foot size shown in FIG. 8 becomes the foot having the small foot size.
[0051]
The control device 50 sequentially or simultaneously executes the diagonal movement operation of the water discharge nozzle group 4 indicated by the arrow B1 in the figure and the forward operation indicated by the arrow B2 in the figure by the slider mechanism 60. As a result, the water discharge nozzle group 4 approaches the toe of the small foot-sized toe, and moves each of the water discharge nozzles 10 to the position between the fingers of the small toe (water landing area P in FIG. 2). Point. That is, the facing relationship of the water discharge nozzle group 4 with respect to the foot when the foot size is large is also reproduced for the foot with small foot size. After performing the nozzle group drive in this manner, the control device 50 discharges hot water from the water discharge nozzle group 4 via the water supply mechanism 5 through the operation of the ON switch as described above.
[0052]
According to the lower limb bathing apparatus 100 described above, the hot water from the water discharge nozzles 10 of the water discharge nozzle group 4 spreads over the landing area P at a position between the fingers corresponding to the size of the foot placed on the footrest 2. Can be landed. Therefore, the water landing area P of each of the water discharge nozzles 10 can be set at the position between the fingers according to the size of the foot, and the space between the toes can be reliably washed even with various foot sizes.
[0053]
Further, in this embodiment, the heel position in the footrest 2 is fixed by the heel recess 23, and the foot size of the user is set. Therefore, as described above, the inter-finger position can be easily determined, and then hot water can be made to land on the water landing area P at each inter-finger position.
[0054]
The lower limb bathing device 100 can be modified as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 8, a resin-molded sole sensor 61 is installed on the lower surface of the upper surface plate of the footrest 2. The sole sensor 61 is configured by arranging pressure detecting elements in a matrix, and outputs a pressing signal on the sole of the toe pad and the base of the toe. The control device 50 specifies the actual placement range near the toe of the foot placed on the footrest 2 based on this signal, and directly calculates the inter-finger position based on this. Then, based on the calculation result, the water discharge nozzle group 4 is driven as described above, and hot water is discharged from the water discharge nozzles 10 to the respective landing areas P. For this reason, according to this modification, regardless of the size of the user's foot and the position of the foot on the footrest 2, the water discharge nozzle group 4 applies hot or cold water to the water landing area P in a direction between the fingers. Can water.
[0055]
Further, in the above embodiment, the slider mechanism 60 moves the water discharge nozzle group 4 obliquely and back and forth, but may be modified as follows. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a modified example in which a nozzle drive method is used instead of the slider mechanism 60.
[0056]
In this modification, a tilt mechanism 62 is provided on the entire surface 34 of the main body 3 so that the inclination of the water discharge nozzle group 4 with respect to the footrest 2 is changed. When the position between the fingers is obtained according to the foot size or the sensor signal from the sole sensor 61 as described above, the control device 50 controls the driving of the tilt mechanism 62 in accordance with the position, and controls the water discharge nozzle group 4. The inclination is changed and controlled as follows.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 9, if the foot size is large, the toes are located on the front side (left side in FIG. 9), and the position between the fingers is determined accordingly. If the foot size is small, the position between the fingers shifts to the right. Even if the position between the fingers is shifted, the control device 50 discharges hot water by changing the degree of inclination (about the tilt) of the water discharge nozzle group 4 according to the foot size. Therefore, according to this modification as well, regardless of the size of the user's foot and the position of the foot on the footrest 2, hot water can be applied to the landing area P from the water discharge nozzle group 4 in a direction between the fingers. .
[0058]
Next, another modified example will be sequentially described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a modified example in which the range of landing from the water discharge nozzle group 4 is enlarged by the swing drive of the water discharge nozzle group 4, and FIG. 11 is an explanation showing an example of a swing mechanism for causing the nozzle to swing. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a modified example in which the landing area is enlarged by the nozzle slide, and FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing an example of the nozzle slider mechanism.
[0059]
The modification shown in FIG. 10 has a swing slider mechanism 70. The swing slider mechanism 70 converts the reciprocating motion into a swing motion of the water discharge nozzle group 4 while converting the rotary motion into a reciprocating linear motion. In order to cause such motion conversion, the swing slider mechanism 70 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 11, for example.
[0060]
The swing slider mechanism 70 shown in FIG. 11 has a hydraulic drive configuration, and includes a gear unit 71 and a hydraulic drive unit 72. The hydraulic drive unit 72 rotates the water wheel 77 with hot water flowing through a water supply pipe 76 to the water supply mechanism 5, and transmits the rotation of the water wheel to the gear unit 71. The gear portion 71 reciprocates the shaft 74 of the crank 73 along the shaft guide 75 while performing rotation adjustment based on the gear ratio. This shaft reciprocation is made to reciprocate the nozzle support shaft 79 via the motion converter 78, and the water discharge nozzle group 4 repeats the swing motion as shown in the figure. An example of the device configuration of the motion converter 78 is a rack and pinion mechanism.
[0061]
In this modified example, the spout nozzle group 4 repeats the swinging motion as shown in FIG. 10 while performing hot water spouting. Therefore, the spouting nozzle group 4 scans an area extending from between the toes to the instep side of the foot. Let it land. Therefore, it is possible to clean a wide area including between the toes, which is preferable. Although the swing motion of the water discharge nozzle group 4 is performed by the hydraulically driven swing slider mechanism 70, a power driven device such as a motor can be used. In addition, the tilt mechanism 62 described with reference to FIG. 9 may be configured to be able to repeat the swing motion of the water discharge nozzle group 4.
[0062]
In the modification shown in FIG. 12, the range of water landing from the water discharge nozzle group 4 is expanded toward the instep of the foot by reciprocating the water discharge nozzle group 4 by the nozzle slider mechanism 80. As shown in FIG. 13, the nozzle slider mechanism 80 drives the motor 81 to rotate, converts the rotation to reciprocation of the shaft 74 via the crank 73, and reciprocates the water discharge nozzle group 4 via the shaft. . Even in this modified example, hot water can be applied by scanning an area extending from between the toes to the instep side, and a wide range including the between the toes can be washed, which is preferable. . It should be noted that the nozzle slider mechanism 80 may be of a hydraulic drive type, similarly to the swing slider mechanism 70.
[0063]
Next, a modified example for performing the toe-to-finger washing of the bathing water (washing) to the inter-finger position and the bathing water (washing) to the toes themselves by the hot water spouting from the water spouting nozzle group 4. explain. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first modified example of toe / finger cleaning, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second modified example of toe / finger cleaning.
[0064]
The modification shown in FIG. 14 has foot regulation plates 25 on the left and right of the footrest 2 in the figure. The foot restricting plate 25 protrudes from the upper surface of the table, and restricts the mounting range of the foot in the left-right direction. In this modification, if the foot is placed substantially at the center of the left and right foot regulating plates 25, hot water is applied from each of the water discharge nozzles 10 of the water discharge nozzle group 4 in a direction between the fingers as described above. Allows water to wash between fingers. If the user shifts the foot until it contacts one foot regulation plate 25, for example, the left foot regulation plate 25, each of the water discharge nozzles 10 of the water discharge nozzle group 4 is directed to the other toes except the little finger. Water can be applied to these toes to wash the toes themselves. When the foot is shifted to the right foot regulation plate 25, hot water is applied to other toes except the thumb, and the toes themselves can be washed. Therefore, not only the toes themselves, but also the toenails can be soaked in hot water. In addition, such toe washing can be performed simply by shifting the foot to the position regulated by the left and right foot regulating plates 25, which is simple and convenient.
[0065]
In the modification shown in FIG. 15, the water discharge nozzle group 4 is configured by connecting five water discharge nozzles 10 in a row. In this way, if the foot is placed on the footrest 2 so that the foot is in contact with the right foot regulation plate 25, as shown, each of the water discharge nozzles 10 of the water discharge nozzle group 4 is directed between the fingers. Then, hot water is applied between the fingers to wash the fingers. On the other hand, if the foot is displaced until it comes into contact with the left foot regulation plate 25, the five water discharge nozzles 10 of the water discharge nozzle group 4 are directed toward each toe, and the hot water is applied to each toe, Can clean the toes themselves. Therefore, according to this modification as well, it is possible to simplify the washing between the toes and the washing of the toes themselves and to improve the convenience.
[0066]
The above-described inter-finger cleaning and toe cleaning can also be performed as follows. For this purpose, the water discharge nozzle group 4 is configured to slide in the left and right directions in FIGS. 14 and 15 by a slider mechanism similar to the slider mechanism 60 described above. In this case, for example, the water discharge nozzle group 4 may be moved left and right in accordance with the operation of the toe cleaning switch and the inter-finger cleaning switch provided on the remote controller 51, and the hot and cold water may be discharged thereon. In this way, the above-described inter-finger washing and toe washing can be selectively used without moving the foot with the footrest 2.
[0067]
Next, a description will be given of a modified example in which hot water is discharged after giving various properties to hot and cold water discharged between fingers. Such properties include, for example, a medicinal effect against a skin disease between fingers typified by athlete's foot, disinfection and disinfection, as well as moisturizing and aroma of the skin. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modification in which hot water is functionalized and then water is discharged.
[0068]
As shown in the drawing, this modification has a functional water tank 90 that stores functional water having the above-described properties on the entire surface 34 of the main body 3. The functional water tank 90 is detachably attached to the entire surface portion 34, so that the stored functional water can be replenished or the functional water can be exchanged.
[0069]
A water supply pipe 91 from the functional water tank 90 merges with a hot and cold water supply pipe 92 at a water supply valve 93. The water supply valve 93 has a function of merging the functional water of the functional water tank 90 with the hot water from the hot and cold water supply pipe 92 and guiding the same to the water discharge nozzle group 4, and a hot and cold water supply function of guiding only the hot water from the hot water supply pipe 92. , And these two functions are switched according to a control signal from the control device 50.
[0070]
In this modification, when the functional water switch 53 of the remote controller 51 is operated, the control device 50 switches the water supply valve 93 so that the functional water merging function can be exhibited. Thereby, the water discharge nozzle group 4 discharges the hot and cold water that has been made into functional water by merging the functional water from each of the water discharge nozzles 10. For example, when the combined functional water has a medicinal effect against skin diseases such as athlete's foot, the water discharge nozzle group 4 can discharge such functional water having a medicinal effect at the position between the fingers to improve disease symptoms such as athlete's foot. be able to. In addition, by stopping the function water switch 53, the water supply valve 93 is switched to the hot and cold water supply function, and the water discharge can be continued following the above-described function water discharge. This is preferable because the functional water that has been discharged can be washed away with hot water.
[0071]
In this case, in order to store the pedicia removing liquid in the functional water tank 90 and remove the pedicia with the present apparatus, the following method may be used. First, the illustrated slider mechanism 60 is configured to move the water discharge nozzle group 4 in the front and back directions on the paper. Then, in accordance with the operation of the functional water switch 53, switching between inter-finger / toe cleaning and switching to the functional water merging function of the water supply valve 93 may be performed as described above. This makes it possible to easily remove pedichia by the functional water spout having the pedicia removal function and the subsequent hot and cold water spouting.
[0072]
Next, a description will be given of a modification of functional water conversion of hot water. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a modification of the hot water functional water conversion.
As shown in the figure, in this modification, a hot / water supply pipe 92 reaching the water discharge nozzle group 4 is provided with a functional water generator 94 capable of continuously generating functional water, and this is bypassed from a switching valve 95 by a bypass pipe 96. The functional water generator 94 includes, for example, a device provided with silver electrodes facing each other and generating hot water containing silver ions by applying a voltage between the electrodes. The silver ion water is used for sterilization and deodorization. Demonstrate function.
[0073]
In this modification, when the functional water switch 53 is operated, the control device 50 controls the switching valve 95 to switch the pipeline to the functional water generator 94 side, passes through the functional water generator 94, and controls the silver. The ionized hot water is discharged from the nozzle group 4. Therefore, since the silver ion water lands on the water landing area P (see FIG. 2) at the position between the fingers, which is a diseased part such as athlete's foot, the symptoms of such a disease can be alleviated. Moreover, since silver ion water is continuously generated and discharged, silver ion water can be landed for a longer period of time as compared with the functional water tank 90 having a limited storage amount, which is preferable for alleviating symptoms. If the switching valve 95 is switched to the side of the bypass pipe 96, the silver ion water can be washed out.
[0074]
Next, a description will be given of a modified example for diversifying the water discharge condition. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a modified example for diversifying water discharge.
[0075]
As shown in the drawing, in this modification, the water supply mechanism 5 is configured such that the water flow / water pressure is pulsated or moved up and down, and the water supply to the water discharge nozzle group 4 is performed. Hot water supply is possible. In order to supply such water, the water supply mechanism 5 may have a built-in plunger pump or an intermittent valve mechanism for the flow path, or a built-in flow rate adjustment mechanism. Then, for example, the above-described water supply may be switched according to the operation state of the water supply switch 54 of the remote controller 51. This makes it possible to diversify the state of the bathing water at the position between the fingers, such as landing with a pulsating flow, landing with a large flow rate (high water force) or small flow rate (low water force). In the modification of FIG. 18, the water discharge nozzle group 4 can be moved back and forth with respect to the toe via the drive control of the motor 55.
[0076]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be carried out in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. is there.
[0077]
For example, in the above embodiment, the position of the water discharge nozzle group 4 is changed according to the foot size (see FIGS. 8 and 9), but the water discharge water force of the hot water from the water discharge nozzle group 4 is changed according to the foot size. You can also do so. In other words, if the water force changes, the arrival position of the spouting water also changes, and this fact can be used to change the landing position of the hot water in accordance with the foot size.
[0078]
Further, in the above-described embodiment and the modified example, the hot water is directly supplied to the water supply mechanism 5 from the water heater, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a so-called instantaneous heater may be built in the water supply mechanism 5 so that the water on the primary side is heated by the water supply mechanism 5 and then supplied to the water discharge nozzle group 4.
[0079]
Further, in addition to discharging hot and cold water in a direction between fingers, it may be configured to direct hot water in a toe, for example, a toenail.
[0080]
Further, the water discharge nozzles 10 constituting the water discharge nozzle group 4 are configured such that the nozzle body 14 in the inclined posture moves along an elliptical locus and discharges water in an elliptical shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the guide portion 18 for regulating the movement of the nozzle body 14 may be formed as a circular bore, and the nozzle body 14 in the inclined posture may be moved along an arc locus to discharge water in a circular shape. . Further, instead of the water discharge nozzle 10 having the nozzle body 14 that causes such movement, it is possible to discharge water from a fixed nozzle tip.
[0081]
In addition, the following can be performed so that the toe position or the inter-finger position on the footrest 2 is substantially the same regardless of the size of the foot. FIG. 19 is an explanatory view for explaining a modified example for making the toes or the positions between the fingers substantially the same irrespective of the size of the feet, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the modification which simplified the water discharge to an intermediate position.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 19, the footrest 120 of the modification has a convex portion 121 on the upper surface. The convex portions 121 are installed so as to be inserted between the toes, and when the user moves the foot placed on the footrest 2 toward these convex portions, the respective convex portions 121 Get in between your toes without difficulty. In other words, these protrusions 121 open adjacent toes, and make the toe position and the inter-finger position substantially the same regardless of the size of the foot. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to easily and reliably promote the circulation of the toes through the massage effect of the bathing water, as well as to improve the cleaning performance by bathing the bathing water in the reliable inter-finger position. it can.
[0083]
As shown in FIG. 20, in this modified example, each of the projections 121 has a water discharge nozzle 10. With this arrangement, the finger-to-finger position can be set to be substantially the same regardless of the foot size, and the hot water can be directly bathed at the finger-to-finger position. Note that, instead of the water discharge nozzle 10 having the nozzle body 14, a nozzle structure having only an opening in the inflow chamber 12 or a nozzle structure for discharging hot water directly from a pipe line can be used.
[0084]
Further, the following modifications are also possible.
First, the water discharge nozzle 10 is made to be substantially elliptical so that water can be discharged over a wide range. For example, the guide portion 18 shown in FIG. 3 is formed as an elliptical boring hole having a long axis, and a region where water is discharged from the nozzle body 14 is formed into a more oval shape. Under such circumstances, the water landing area of the oval shape includes a plurality of toes (preferably, five toes), or a plurality of toes (preferably, between four toes). The water discharge nozzle 10 is arranged so as to include the water discharge nozzle. In this way, hot water can be applied to a plurality of toes or a plurality of places between fingers. In this case, the water discharge nozzles 10 may be used alone or in a plurality. In the latter case, it is only necessary that the sum of the water landing areas of all the water discharge nozzles 10 extends between a plurality of toes and a plurality of fingers.
[0085]
In order to achieve such landing, the following can be performed.
The water discharge nozzle 10 is driven to scan as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, and the scanning range extends between a plurality of toes and a plurality of fingers. Even in this case, the water discharge nozzles 10 may be used alone or in a plurality, and in the latter case, a combination of the water landing areas of all the water discharge nozzles 10 to be scanned and driven may be a plurality of toes or a plurality of water discharge nozzles. What is necessary is just to be able to reach between the fingers of the place.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a lower limb bathing device 1 according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing how water is discharged from the lower limb bathing device 1;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining individual water discharge nozzles constituting a water discharge nozzle group 4 and the operation thereof.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing a water supply system / control system of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1.
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a footrest 20 of a modified example.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section of a main part of the footrest 20;
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a lower limb bathing device 100 according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of hot water spouting in the lower limb bathing device 100.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a modification in which a nozzle driving method is used instead of the slider mechanism 60.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example in which the range of landing from the water discharge nozzle group 4 is expanded by swinging the water discharge nozzle group 4;
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a swing mechanism that causes the nozzle to swing.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example in which the landing range is enlarged by a nozzle slide.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a nozzle slider mechanism.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first modified example of toe-to-finger cleaning.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second modification of toe-to-finger cleaning.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modification in which hot water is functionalized and then discharged.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a modified example of hot water functional water conversion.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a modification for diversifying water discharge.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example in which the toes or the positions between the fingers are located at substantially the same position regardless of the size of the foot.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example in which water discharge to the inter-finger position is simplified with the toes or inter-finger positions being substantially the same.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Lower limb bather
2 ... foot rest
3 ... body
4 ... Water spout nozzle group
5. Water supply mechanism
10 ... water discharge nozzle
11 ... Nozzle block
11a ... engaging projection
11b: engagement recess
12 ... Inflow chamber
14 ... Nozzle body
15 ... Water spout
16 ... Opening
18… Guide part
20 ... Footrest
21 ... Toe recess
22 ... Through-hole
23 ... Heel recess
25 ... foot regulation plate
31 ... drainage opening
32 Opening / closing lid
34 ... whole surface
40 ... Rail
41 ... Legs
42 ... Opening
43 ... engaging shaft
44… Lock mechanism
45 ... handle
46 ... Cap
48… Quick connector
50 ... Control device
51 Remote controller
52 Size switch
53 ... Functional water switch
54: Water supply selector switch
55 ... motor
60 ... Slider mechanism
61 ... Sole sensor
62 ... Tilt mechanism
70 ... Swing slider mechanism
71 ... Gear part
72 ... hydraulic drive
73 ... crank
74 ... shaft
75 ... Shaft guide
76 ... water supply pipe
77 ... Water wheel
78 ... Motion converter
79 ... Nozzle support shaft
80 ... Nozzle slider mechanism
81 ... Motor
90 ... Functional water tank
91 ... water supply pipe
92… Hot water supply pipe
93 ... Water supply valve
94… Functional water generator
95 ... Switching valve
96 ... bypass pipe
100 ... lower limb bathing device
120 ... Footrest
121 ... convex part
P ... landing area

Claims (15)

A lower limb bather for bathing the lower limb with hot water,
A footrest on which the foot rests,
A body surrounding the footrest and covering a lower limb portion to be bathed,
Inside the main body, a toe nozzle for pouring hot water from the toe side on the foot placed on the footrest,
Having a water supply mechanism for supplying hot water to the toe nozzle,
The lower limb bathing device, wherein the toe nozzle is configured to direct hot water in a region including at least one of the toes and between toes. The lower limb bathing device according to claim 1,
A lower limb bathing device, wherein the footrest is capable of guiding the foot placement position so that the toes are located at substantially the same position regardless of the foot size of the foot to be placed. The lower limb bathing device according to claim 2,
The lower limb bathing device, wherein the footrest has a projection protruding from the upper surface of the footrest so as to enter the crotch of a toe. The lower limb bather according to claim 3,
The lower limb bathing device, wherein the footrest includes the toe nozzle at the convex portion, and the toe nozzle directs water between the fingers to blow hot water. The lower limb bathing device according to claim 1,
A lower limb comprising adjusting means for adjusting the water flow from the toe nozzle so that the hot water from the toe nozzle flows into the area corresponding to the foot size of the foot placed on the footrest. Bathing equipment. The lower limb bathing device according to claim 5,
Range specifying means for specifying a mounting range of the foot on the footrest,
Position determining means for determining the area of the foot placed based on the mounting range specified by the range specifying means,
The lower limb bathing device is a means for adjusting the water flow from the toe nozzle so that the hot water from the toe nozzle waters while pointing in the area determined by the position determination means. . The lower limb bathing device according to claim 6,
The lower limb bathing device, wherein the footrest includes a unique portion placement portion on which the unique portion of the foot is placed. The lower limb bathing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The lower limb bathing device, wherein the toe nozzle sprays hot water on at least one of a plurality of toes or a plurality of toes of the foot placed on the footrest. The lower limb bathing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The lower limb bathing device, wherein the toe nozzle is detachable. The lower limb bathing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The lower limb bathing device, wherein the water supply mechanism includes a water force adjusting unit that adjusts a water force of hot water flowing from the toe nozzle. The lower limb bathing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The lower limb bathing device, wherein the toe nozzle blows the hot water so as to scan an area extending from the side of the toe to the side of the back of the foot. The lower limb bathing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A lower limb bathing device, comprising: changing means for changing the flying water directed between the toes from the toe nozzle to the flying water directed to the toes. The lower limb bathing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
By the time the hot water reaches the toe nozzle, the hot water is provided with hot water functional watering means for making functional water having properties desired for water flying between the fingers or water flying to the toes, Lower limb bather. The lower limb bathing device according to claim 13,
The lower limb bathing device, wherein the hot water functional watering means is a means for converting the hot water into the functional water by mixing the functional water having the property into the hot water. The lower limb bathing device according to claim 14,
A lower limb bather comprising a switching means for switching between functionalized water and non-functionalized water.

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