JP2005218586A - Leg bathing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a leg bathing apparatus which is easy for a user to put the legs in and out of a bath and is equipped with an opening and closing section having a low risk of spreading of spouted water to the outside of a container. <P>SOLUTION: The leg bathing apparatus includes a main body (2) to accommodate the legs of a user, a stool (5) which is formed in the main body 2 to mount the soles, water spouting means (40 and 71) to spout water to the legs accommodated in the main body, and a draining means to drain the water spouted by the above water spouting means from the above main body, wherein the above main body (2) has the opening and closing section (4) which enables the user to put the legs in and out of the bath and has a main part located at the side face of the above main body, in other words, the opening and closing section (4) of which not only the upper face is the entry when it is used. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a lower limb bathing apparatus, and more particularly, to a lower limb bathing apparatus including an opening / closing portion that allows easy insertion and removal of the lower limbs and less risk of ejected water to the outside of the container.

  In recent years, as people's interest in health has increased, attention has been paid to what is called a foot cleaning device or foot massage device that includes a container for storing a foot and a nozzle for discharging water toward the foot stored in the container. . The reason for this is that this type of hot water, which generates bubbles in the warm water stored in the container and soaks your feet in the warm water, can easily remove dirt from your feet just by removing socks. In addition to promoting blood circulation through use, it has a massage effect, so that recovery of foot fatigue, removal of swelling of the foot, beauty effect on the skin and the like can be expected.

  Since such foot cleaning devices or foot massage devices use hot water, they are usually installed in bathrooms, washrooms, etc., but such places have limited areas in general homes and are difficult to place. Sometimes. Then, what can be stored in the lower part of the washstand is increasing.

  However, since the conventional foot cleaning device or foot massage device has an opening for putting the foot in and out, the foot cleaning device or foot massage device can be inserted into the foot cleaning device from the state of sitting on the chair. After lifting and moving the foot over the opening, it is necessary to lower the foot into the container. Moreover, when putting out a leg | foot, naturally the operation | movement contrary to this is needed (for example, refer patent document 1). In particular, in the case where a nozzle is provided on the bottom surface of the container and water is discharged to the sole of the foot or water is discharged not only to the foot but also to the calf, the height of the container increases and the height of the knee increases.

  On the other hand, unlike the type in which warm water is stored in the container and the feet are placed in the container, the type that discharges the warm water scatters the discharged water or the water that rebounds upon hitting the foot, etc. It is necessary not to jump out and wet the surrounding floor. Therefore, various covers and sealing parts have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

However, none of the above-mentioned problems with putting in and out of the feet were examined at the same time.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-52688 (page 4, FIG. 1) JP-A-6-46965 (FIG. 1)

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a lower limb bathing apparatus including an opening / closing portion that allows easy insertion and removal of the lower limbs.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a lower limb bathing apparatus including an opening / closing part that is less likely to cause discharged water to jump out of the container.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the lower limb bathing apparatus according to the present invention enables a user to place a user's lower limb and a sole on the inside of the main body as described in claims 1 and 2. In a lower limb bathing apparatus comprising: a formed footrest, a water discharging means for discharging hot water toward a lower limb stored inside the main body, and a draining means for discharging hot water discharged from the water discharging means from the main body The main body is capable of inserting / removing the user's lower limb, and its main part is located on the side of the main body, or the main body is capable of inserting / removing the user's lower limb, and only the upper surface in the use state is provided. It has an opening / closing part that does not serve as an entrance.

  Next, in order to solve the above-described problem, the main part of the opening / closing part according to claim 3 is located on the side surface of the main body in the vicinity of the heel of the inserted lower limb. The bottom part of the opening / closing part is provided at a position higher than the uppermost surface of the hot water that can be discharged from the water discharging means and stay in the main body.

  And in order to solve the subject mentioned above, the opening-and-closing part which concerns on Claim 5 is provided with the urging means which urges | biases in the direction which closes this opening-and-closing part. More preferably, the urging means has an urging release mechanism for releasing the urging as described in claim 6, and more preferably, as described in claim 7. In addition, the bias release mechanism includes a foot switch that can be operated by the user with his / her foot.

  Furthermore, as described in claim 8, the urging means has an urging recovery mechanism for recovering the urging released by the urging release mechanism after a certain time, and closes the opening / closing part. It can be re-biased in the direction.

  Furthermore, in order to solve the above-described problem, the opening / closing part according to claim 9 has a speed reduction mechanism that reduces the moving speed in the closing direction. Alternatively, as described in claim 10, the opening / closing part has holding means for biasing in the direction of holding the closed state.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a driving mechanism for driving opening and closing of the opening / closing part and a signal for opening the opening / closing part to the driving mechanism by a user's operation. An opening switch, a lower limb detection means for detecting whether or not a user's lower limb exists at a predetermined position inside the main body, and a signal for closing the opening / closing section to the drive unit when the lower limb is detected by the detection means And a control unit for sending out the message.

  Furthermore, in order to solve the above-described problem, the water discharging means according to claim 12 includes an opening degree detecting means for detecting an opening / closing state of the opening / closing part, and a state in which the opening / closing part is opened by a certain amount or more by the opening degree detecting means. When it is detected that the water discharge is detected, the water discharge means is provided with a water stop means for stopping water discharge.

  As described above, according to the lower limb bathing apparatus according to the present invention, taking in and out of the lower limbs is facilitated.

  Further, the present invention has an effect that the discharged water is less likely to jump out of the container.

  A first embodiment of a lower limb bathing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the whole structure of the bathroom vanity provided with the lower limb bathing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the surface excluding the top surface and the bottom surface is referred to as a side surface. In particular, the side where the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 faces the user is viewed from the front, the side facing the wall behind the vanity is viewed from the back, and the user side. The right side is called the right side, and the left side when viewed from the user side is called the left side.

  FIG. 1 shows the overall structure of such a vanity table 201. As shown in the figure, the vanity table 201 is roughly divided into a vanity counter 202 including a vanity bowl 203 for washing hands and face and a countertop 204 that holds the vanity bowl 203 at a certain height. The lower limb bathing apparatus 1 is installed on the floor under the wash counter 202 and is used for washing and massaging the lower limbs.

  The wash counter 202 has both side plates 204a and 204a in the middle of the counter top 204 and the side plate suspended from the lower surface of the both sides 204a and 204a of the counter top 204 to the floor surface and the back surface of the counter top 204 and the counter top 204. It is fixed by a structure composed of connecting Mr. Yoko (not shown). Alternatively, it is held at a certain height by a bracket or the like fixed to the wall behind. Alternatively, a frame structure in which a beam horizontally provided on the lower surface of the counter top 204 and a column standing under the counter top 204 are rigidly joined may be formed, and thereby a structure that is supported independently from the wall may be employed.

  A faucet fitting 205 serving as cold water supply means and hot water supply means for the wash bowl 203 is provided near the rear wall surface of the wash counter 202. In the present embodiment, the faucet fitting 205 is provided as an independent type of an operation lever 206 for opening and closing the water supply and hot water supply valves and a wash water outlet 207 for discharging water into the wash bowl 20. A water supply pipe 208 for supplying cold water and a hot water supply pipe 209 for supplying hot water are joined and connected to the water outlet 207 for washing, and the operation lever 206 is operated. The water temperature and amount of hot water discharged are adjusted.

  A drain outlet 210 for discharging the used water is provided at the bottom of the wash bowl 203. A drain pipe 211 drawn into the building is connected to the drain port 210, and the water used in the wash bowl 203 is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 211. A trap 212 having a water sealing portion for preventing odor from the drain pipe from entering the room is formed between the drain outlet 210 of the drain pipe 211 and the floor surface. The drain pipe 211 including the drain port 210 and the trap 212 constitutes a drainage facility.

  In the present embodiment, the water supply pipe 208, the hot water supply pipe 209, and the drain pipe 211 are not usually visible to the user's eyes on the front surface (side facing the user) immediately below the wash bowl 203. A drooping wall 213 and a door 214 are provided. In addition, cabinets 215 that can store towels and the like are provided on both sides of the door 214. The lower limb bathing apparatus 1 provided at the lower part of the vanity table 201 is housed in the door 214, so that it is not normally visible.

  The lower limb bathing apparatus 1 directly uses the water to be used from a water supply pipe 208 and a hot water supply pipe 209 connected to the faucet fitting 205 via a branch water supply pipe 217 and a branch hot water supply pipe 218 that are branched at a branch portion 216. It is the structure to get. Thereby, it is possible to save the trouble of pumping hot water from a faucet in a bathroom or the like using a bucket or the like, carrying it to the lower limb bathing apparatus, and pouring it into the tank. The branching portion 216 is performed on the lower back side of the wash counter 202 where the water supply pipe 208 and the like are exposed. Therefore, even when a lower limb bathing device is added to an existing vanity, branching can be easily performed.

  Further, a device drain pipe 219 for draining water used in the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 is connected to the upstream side of the trap 212 of the drain pipe 210 connected to the vanity table 201 from the lower limb bathing apparatus 1. . Since this lower limb bathing apparatus 1 includes a drainage pump 90 as will be described later, it is possible to pump water to a place higher than the lower limb bathing apparatus 1. Thus, since it is connected to the upstream side of the trap 212, the trap 212 of the drain pipe 210 also serves as a trap for the apparatus drain pipe 219, and it is not necessary to provide a separate trap for the apparatus drain pipe 219. It is economical as well.

  A backflow prevention valve (not shown) is attached to the connecting portion 220 between the drainage pipe 210 and the apparatus drainage pipe 219 of the bathroom vanity table 201 so that the water used in the washing bowl 203 does not flow backward.

  The branch water supply pipe 217, the branch hot water supply pipe 218, and the apparatus drain pipe 219 are formed of a flexible hose having flexibility. Therefore, if the necessary length is provided, the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 can be freely moved while the branch water supply pipe 217 or the like is connected to the water supply pipe 208 or the like. It is also possible.

  The connecting portion 220 includes a lock mechanism for connecting the device drain pipe 219 so that the device drain pipe 219 cannot be pulled out, a lock release mechanism for releasing the lock by the lock mechanism, and the drain pipe 211 and the device drain pipe 219 when the lock release mechanism is operated. A one-touch joint having a water stop mechanism for preventing water leakage is provided. Therefore, the apparatus drain pipe 219 can be pulled out from the connection part 220 of the drain pipe 211, and the pulled-out end can be taken to, for example, a bathroom and drained there. In this case, if the drainage by the drainage pump 90 is allowed to work for a sufficient period of time to discharge the water remaining in the apparatus drainage pipe 219, the end of the lower limb bathing apparatus water distribution pipe 219 is set to a position lower than the height of the connection part 220. Even if it is lowered, no water remains inside, so it will not spill on the floor.

  In addition, the water used in the wash bowl does not overflow from the connection portion where the apparatus drain pipe 219 is pulled out by the water stop mechanism. This water stop mechanism may serve as the above-described backflow prevention valve.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 includes, on the upper surface, an opening 3 that forms a boundary between a portion housed inside the container body 2 and a portion opened to the outside of the lower limb of the user P. The opening and closing of the foot to and from the opening 3 is performed by opening and closing the opening / closing part 4 located on the front side of the container body 2. This opening / closing part is configured in an L-shape that is vertically inverted and formed by an opening / closing part upper surface 4a including substantially the front half of the opening 3 and an opening / closing part side surface 4b on the front side (see FIG. 3). The opening / closing part 4 is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft 4d provided horizontally in the lower part of the opening / closing part front surface 4a. The opening / closing part 4 rotates from a closed state with the rotating shaft 4d as a center of rotation. It is designed to rotate between the sides.

  When the opening / closing part 4 is opened, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the user P puts his / her foot inside the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 by sliding his / her foot from the front side of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 with almost no lifting of the knee. Can do. In this regard, in the case of a conventional lower limb bathing apparatus that does not include the opening / closing section 4, as shown in FIG. 2B, the legs cannot be stored in the lower limb bathing apparatus unless the knees are lifted high. In particular, when the lower limb bathing device is provided in the lower part of the bathroom vanity table 201, the knee hits against the wall 213, so that the knee cannot be lifted and cannot be put into practical use.

  And if this opening-and-closing part 4 is closed after foot storage, the water discharged toward the user's P inside will not leak outside from this part. Thereby, even if there is the wash counter 203 on the lower limb bathing apparatus 1, it is possible to store the foot without any obstacle.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 will be described. The container body 2 of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 is formed of a heat-resistant material such as a synthetic resin, and forms a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box having an opening / closing part 4 as shown in FIGS.

  The lower limb bathing apparatus 1 is roughly divided into a footrest 5 on which a user's foot can be placed, a hot water supply means for storing water used for bathing, and an interior of the container body 2. There are provided water discharge means for discharging hot water directed toward the lower limbs stored in the container, drainage means for discharging hot water discharged from the water discharge means from the container body 2 to the outside, and control means for controlling these means.

  FIG. 3 is an AA arrow view shown in FIG. 1, that is, a side view of the container body 2 as seen from the left side when the left side surface is cut away. A footrest base 5 is provided horizontally at a substantially central height of the container body 2, and a lower limb storage space Q capable of storing lower limbs is formed at an upper portion thereof, while the above-described water supply and hot water supply means is formed at a lower portion thereof. Water discharge means, drainage means, etc. are arranged.

  When the foot of the user P is placed at the approximate center of the footrest 5, a water collecting groove 6 that is lowered by one step over the substantially entire width of the container body 2 is formed in the vicinity of the arch. The toe side 5a and the heel side 5b of the footrest 5 are both provided with a slope that descends toward the water collecting groove 6, and the water poured into the footrest 5 is dropped into the water collecting groove 6. It is like that. On the bottom surface of the water collecting groove 6, two foot nozzles 40 for discharging water to the left and right foot soles, and water collection for collecting water that has flowed down from the footrest 5 in the middle into the water storage tank 26. A hole 27 is provided (see FIG. 11).

  Near the bottom of the container body 2 near the left side surface, an internal water supply pipe 20 is provided substantially horizontally, and its upstream end 20a protrudes from the container main body 2 and branches from a water supply pipe 208 of the building. Connected to. Since the upstream end portion 20a protrudes on the back side of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1, it is closest to the branch portion 216 between the water supply pipe 208 and the branch water supply pipe 217 and has good workability. In addition, the lower limb water bathing apparatus 1 can be installed on the right side or the left side with respect to the branching part 216 without dragging the branch water supply pipe 217 in the detour.

  Immediately behind the upstream end 20a projecting outside the internal water supply pipe 20, a water supply electromagnetic valve 22 constituting water supply means is provided, and the valve is opened by the instruction of the microcomputer 112 of the control means to send cold water. Or shut off the cold water delivery by closing the valve.

  An internal hot water supply pipe 21 is provided immediately above the internal water supply pipe 20, and its upstream end 21a protrudes from the container body 2 and is connected to a branched hot water supply pipe 218 branched from the hot water supply pipe 209 of the building. Since the upstream end 21a projects to the back side of the lower limb water bathing apparatus 1 like the internal water supply pipe 20, it is closest to the branching part 216 between the hot water supply pipe 209 and the branch hot water supply pipe 218 and has good workability. Further, the lower limb water bathing apparatus 1 can be installed on the right side or the left side with respect to the branch part 216 without dragging the branch hot water supply pipe in the circuitous direction.

  Immediately behind the upstream end 21a projecting to the outside of the internal hot water supply pipe 21, a hot water electromagnetic valve 23 constituting hot water supply means is provided, and the valve is opened by the instruction of the microcomputer 112 of the control means to send hot water. Or shut off the hot water delivery by closing the valve.

  The internal water supply pipe 20 and the internal hot water supply pipe 21 extend from the back side of the container body 2 to the front side, and then avoid the water storage tank 26 provided at the lower side of the heel side 5b of the footrest 5 to And rises upward at the center of the front side (see FIG. 4). And if it protrudes above the footrest stand 5, it will bend | fold to the water collecting groove 6 side, and the water supply exit 24 and the hot water supply exit 25 will be formed, respectively. The cold water and hot water discharged from the water supply outlet 24 and the hot water supply outlet 25 are collected in the water collecting groove 6 and supplied to the water storage tank 26 through the water collecting holes 27 provided in the bottom surface of the water collecting groove 6. . In this case, an outlet cover 28 is hung on the end of the pipe so that hot water is not applied to the foot of the user P placed on the footrest 5.

  A hot water supply thermistor 29 for detecting the water temperature in the pipe is installed inside the internal hot water supply pipe 21. If the temperature setting of the water heater is too high (for example, 65 degrees Celsius or more), the amount of water supply for lowering the water temperature to the temperature used for the lower limb water bath increases, which takes time. Conversely, if the temperature setting of the water heater is lower than the temperature used for the lower limb water bath, it cannot be raised to the set temperature. Therefore, in such a case, the hot water supply thermistor 29 performs error detection that prompts the user to change the temperature setting of the water heater.

  In the water storage tank 26, water discharged from the water storage tank 26 is discharged from a foot surface nozzle 71 and a foot nozzle 40 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “water discharge nozzle”), which will be described later, and poured into the footrest 5. In addition to the capacity to store enough water so that the cycle of returning to the water storage tank 26 is not interrupted, it has a capacity to store additional water or hot water to raise or lower the water temperature. A water storage thermistor 30 (not shown) for measuring the water temperature is provided inside.

  The water storage thermistor 30 detects the temperature of the water stored in the water storage tank 26 and transmits the information to the microcomputer 112 of the control means. Therefore, the water storage thermistor 30 is installed near the bottom of the water storage tank 26 and at a height lower than the lowest water level at which water can be discharged. The microcomputer 112 controls the water temperature in the water storage tank 26 to a set temperature by opening and closing the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 23 and the water supply electromagnetic valve 22 based on this information and adding cold water or hot water.

  The internal water supply pipe 20 including the water supply electromagnetic valve 22 according to the present embodiment, the internal hot water supply pipe 21 including the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 23, and the water storage tank 26 constitute a main part of the water supply and hot water supply means.

  Thus, the internal water supply pipe 20 and the internal hot water supply pipe 21 are not directly connected to the water storage tank 26. If the water in the water storage tank 26 may flow backward if it is directly connected, the water in the water storage tank 26 that is not suitable for drinking may flow into the water supply pipe 208 or the like. In order to prevent this, the edge is once cut.

  The left and right side surfaces of the container body 2 in the vicinity of the toe side 5a of the footrest 5 on which the arch is placed from the toes of both feet of the user P are waterproofed with transparent glass or transparent plastic, and emit light in a mutually opposed arrangement. An optical sensor including an element and a light receiving element is provided as the foot detection sensor 13. When there is no obstacle on the footrest 5, an optical path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is secured, the foot detection sensor 13 is turned on, and an ON signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 112 of the control means. When the user puts his / her foot on the footrest 5, it becomes an obstacle, the optical path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is blocked, the foot detecting sensor 13 is turned off, and an OFF signal is transmitted to the microcomputer 112. . Then, the microcomputer 112 performs control so that the water discharging means cannot discharge water while receiving the ON signal. Thereby, the malfunction which discharges water when there is no user's foot | leg can be prevented. The foot detection sensor 13 that detects the presence or absence of the foot is not limited to an optical sensor, and is housed in the footrest 5 and detects the pressure when the user's foot is placed on the footrest 5, for example. It may be a pressure sensor or the like.

  Further, in the vicinity of the intersection between the upper surface and the back surface of the container body 2, a foot table nozzle 71 in which a shaft 73 through which water sent from the water storage tank 26 is fed is passed between both side surfaces. The nozzle unit 74 for discharging water toward the front side of the foot of the user P (corresponding to the “foot sole” and including the toenails, the toes, and the insteps). Provided in place.

  Further, on the upper surface of the foot table nozzle 71 and the upper surface of the container body 2, an operation panel 130 is provided in the foot storage space Q for the user P to instruct the control means such as water supply / drainage and start / stop. It is provided in a watertight manner to prevent water droplets from entering. The operation panel 130 may be configured as a remote controller separated from the container body 2.

  FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line XX of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2, that is, a view in which the front surface of the container body 2 is cut away and viewed from the front side. The internal water supply pipe 20 and the internal hot water supply pipe 21 provided along the left side surface rise up to a position higher than the footrest 5 at the center of the front when the front water supply pipe 20 and the internal hot water supply pipe 21 are turned to the front side. Form and release cold water and hot water in the foot storage space Q.

  A float chamber 100 that is normally covered with a side cover 101 is provided outside the right side surface of the container body 2. The float chamber 100 communicates with the water storage tank 26 at the bottom thereof, and the water level in the float chamber 100 is always equal to the water level of the water storage tank 26. The float chamber 100 is provided with a lower water level switch 102, an upper water level switch 103, and an overflow sensor 104 (not shown). When the water level in the water storage tank 26 reaches a certain level, it is detected. A signal is transmitted to 112.

  On the upper back side of the foot storage space Q, a foot surface nozzle 71 having a nozzle unit 74 is spanned from the left side surface to the right side surface, and the foot surface nozzle driving unit attached to the back side of the float chamber 100 on the right side surface. 60 rotates this.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 1, that is, a side view of the container body 2 as seen from the right side when the right side surface is cut away. A water storage tank 26 is connected to the lower part of the heel side 5b of the footrest 5 and the water storage tank 26 is connected to the lower part of the toe side 5a via a pumping pipe 32. The stored water is pumped and connected to a water discharge nozzle. A circulation pump 31 is provided for feeding to the water discharge nozzle through the water discharge pipe 33.

  Further, on the back surface of the toe side 5 a of the footrest 5, the solenoid valves 22, 23 and the pump are provided on the basis of a signal from the water level switch 103, the water storage thermistor 30, or the like or an instruction from the user P via the operation panel 130. A control board 110 for transmitting a signal for driving 31 and 90 is attached in a watertight manner.

  FIG. 6 is a view taken from the direction of the arrow D-D shown in FIG. The water discharge pipe 33 for sending the water pumped up by the circulation pump 31 to the water discharge nozzle is connected to the water discharge pipe branching unit 34 provided at the center of the back of the footrest 5 at the bottom, where water is supplied to the foot nozzle 40. The foot surface water discharge pipe 41 and the foot surface water discharge pipe 72 that supply water to the foot surface nozzle 71 are branched.

  The water stored in the water storage tank 26 is pumped up by the circulation pump 31, discharged from the water discharge nozzle, and collected through the slope of the footrest 5 to the water storage tank 26. Thus, the circulation pump 31, the water discharge pipe 33, the foot sole nozzle 40, the foot surface nozzle 71, etc. which concern on this embodiment comprise the principal part of a water discharge means.

  Further, a drainage pump 90 for forcibly discharging the water stored in the water storage tank 26 to the outside is provided at a position between the circulation pump 31 and the water supply electromagnetic valve 22 and the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 23 in the vicinity of the left side surface. . Thereby, it becomes possible to drain to a position higher than the water storage tank 26, for example, to the upstream side of the trap 212 of the drain pipe 211 of the vanity table 201.

  Since the pumping port of the drainage pump 90 is provided at the lowest part of the water storage tank 26, all the water in the water storage tank 26 can be discharged. The drain port of the drain pump 90 is connected to the internal drain pipe, which is further connected to the apparatus drain pipe 219, and the drainage is discharged to the outside.

  Thus, the drainage pump 90 and the internal drainage pipe according to the present embodiment constitute drainage means.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the float chamber 100 on the outer side of the right side surface, that is, the EE arrow view shown in FIG. The float chamber 100 communicates with the water storage tank 26 at a lower portion thereof. Therefore, the water level of the water storage tank 26 and the water level of the float chamber 100 are at the same height.

  In the float chamber 100, two floats having different heights are floated. A lower water level switch 102 is located on the lower side, and an upper water level switch 103 is located on the higher side. The height of the sewage level switch 102 is set to a height at which a minimum amount of water necessary for circulation of discharged water is accumulated. In addition, the height of the water level switch 103 is set to a height that determines an upper limit water storage amount at the time of water storage temperature control described later.

  An electrode 105 is provided opposite to the upper end of the lower water level switch 102 and the float chamber 100 top plate lower surface 100a immediately above the lower water level float. The basic configuration of the upper water level switch 103 is the same, but the water level when contacting the chamber side electrode 105 is set higher than that of the lower water level switch 102.

  When water is supplied from the water supply pipe 208 and the hot water supply pipe 209 and the water level in the water storage tank 26 rises to a certain level, the sewage level switch 102 first contacts the electrode 105 on the float chamber 100 side and transmits a signal to the microcomputer 112. To do. When the water level further rises, the upper water level switch 103 comes into contact with the electrode 105 on the float chamber 100 side and transmits a signal to the microcomputer 112. On the contrary, when the water level falls below this height, the upper water level switch 103 is first separated from the room side electrode 105 and stops signal transmission to the microcomputer 112. Further, when the water level drops until the lower water level switch 102 is disconnected from the room side electrode 105, the signal sent from the lower water level switch 102 to the microcomputer 112 is also stopped.

  Thus, since the water level is measured not in the water storage tank 26 but in the float chamber 100 provided separately, for example, when water is supplied or hot water is supplied, or the discharged water returns to the water storage tank 26 from the water collecting hole 27. Even if the water surface in the water storage tank 26 undulates due to the water force of time, the error due to the influence can be minimized.

  The float chamber 100 is further provided with an overflow sensor 104 (not shown). This overflow sensor 104 is installed at a limit height at which water overflows from the water storage tank 26 and detects that water overflows from the water storage tank 26. For example, when a failure occurs while the solenoid valve is open, it is necessary to detect even if the power switch 12 is OFF and to control the drain pump 90, so the water level of the water storage tank 26 is detected using an electrode switch.

  These water level switch, overflow sensor 104, thermistor, control board 110, and operation panel 130 of this embodiment constitute a control unit.

  A foot surface nozzle drive unit 60 that rotates the rotation shaft (shaft 73) of the foot surface nozzle 71 described above is attached to the right side surface outside.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment as viewed from above, and the upper surface includes a rear-side fixing part 7 and a front-side opening / closing part 4. On the back side, an operation panel 130 for the user P to operate the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 is provided.

  Two substantially semicircular cut portions 8 are provided at the ends of the fixing portion 7 and the opening / closing portion 4 facing each other, and these are opposed to each other so that the user inserts the lower limb. Opening 3 is formed.

  In order to prevent water droplets discharged from the gap formed between the lower leg of the inserted user P and the opening 3 from splashing to the outside around the substantially circumference of the opening 3, The seal member 9 is attached so as to be edged in a shape that narrows the opening 3 toward the inside of the container body 2. The seal member 9 is formed of a flexible material such as rubber or sponge so that the seal member 9 is pushed and spread when the user inserts the lower limb and is in close contact with the inserted lower limb. In consideration of the touch and the like, a wet suit material used at the time of diving is suitable.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the seal member 9 may be provided only on the fixed portion 7 side so as to bulge toward the open / close portion 4 side, or both the fixed portion 7 side and the open / close portion 4 side. You may provide in the semicircle of the cutting part 8. FIG.

  In addition, the float chamber 100 and the foot surface nozzle driving unit 60 described above are provided on the right side surface. These are always covered with a side cover 101.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing part 4 for facilitating the insertion and removal of the lower limb is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft 4d provided in the horizontal direction on the front side surface, and from the closed state with the rotating shaft 4d as the center of rotation. The container body 2 under the opening / closing part 4 is rotated in a direction to open to the front side.

  The rotary shaft 4d that pivotally supports the opening / closing portion 4 uses a hinge type auto hinge 10 having a coil spring or a hydraulic damper inside and having a self-closing function (see FIG. 10). Thereby, since the opening / closing part 4 is automatically closed, water is discharged while the opening / closing part 4 is open, and water droplets are prevented from being scattered outside. In particular, in the case of an auto hinge provided with a self-closing mechanism by a hydraulic damper, it can be adjusted so as to close slowly, so that the leg accommodated in the opening 3 is not impacted. Furthermore, since the rotating shaft 4d is provided above the footrest 5, water does not leak from the joint between the opening / closing part 4 and the side surface of the container body 2 below it. The auto hinge 10 constitutes an urging recovery mechanism according to the present invention.

  Moreover, as shown also in FIG. 3 showing the left side surface of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1, on the left and right side surfaces of the container main body 2, each of the end portions where the fixing portion 7 of the container main body 2 contacts the opening / closing portion 4 Magnet catches 11 are provided opposite to each other. Thereby, closing of the opening / closing part 4 becomes more reliable. A power switch 12 for supplying power to the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 is provided above the left side rear side (see FIG. 10).

  The structure of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 is as described above. Next, the water discharge nozzle will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 11, the water discharge nozzle is provided at the top of the toe side 5a of the footrest 5 and a foot surface nozzle 71 that discharges water while rotating from the user's toes toward the ankle, There is a foot nozzle 40 that is provided in the water collecting groove 6 in the middle of the footrest 5 and discharges water while swinging in the direction of the right and left soles of the user P.

  In the foot table nozzle 71, 3 to 4 nozzle units 74 are skewered at predetermined positions of a shaft 73 that is formed in a hollow cylinder inside and also serves as a foot surface water discharge pipe 72. It is provided in the shape. In addition, a foot surface nozzle drive unit 60 that rotates the foot surface nozzle is connected to one end of the foot surface nozzle 71. The nozzle units 74 are attached in parallel to each other at the same phase position on the shaft 73.

  The foot table nozzle drive unit 60 that drives the foot table nozzle 71 includes a move motor 61 that rotates the foot table nozzle. The move motor 61 is built in the gear chassis 62 and reduces the rotational speed of the motor. The shaft 73 is connected via a reduction gear group (not shown) and a cam 63. In the vicinity of the cam 63, two limit switches 64 and 65 for detecting the rotational position of the foot table nozzle 71 are provided as shown in FIG.

  The cam 63 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft 73 and turns on or off the limit switches 64 and 65 alternately. The reduction gear group decelerates the rotational driving force applied from the moving motor 61 via the gear in the input stage to a predetermined rotational speed and transmits it to the gear in the output stage. The two-phase stepping motor 15 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed in the forward and reverse directions under the control of the control unit, and transmits the rotational driving force to the gear in the input stage.

  The limit switches 64 and 65 are configured to output an electric signal indicating the current angle of the rotating shaft to the microcomputer 112 of the control board 110 when being turned on. FIG. 12 shows the position of the cam 63 in a state in which the foot surface nozzle 71 is at the highest angle (a state in which the foot table nozzle 71 is directed near the ankle of the user P). In this state, the limit switch 64 is ON and the limit switch is turned on. 65 is OFF. When the cam 63 rotates in the direction of the arrow from this position, the position of the cam 63 becomes the position in which the foot surface nozzle 71 is at the lowest angle (a state in which it is directed near the toes of the user), and the limit switch 64 is turned off. The limit switch 65 is turned on.

  As described above, when the limit switch 64 is turned ON, the rotation of the motor 61 for movement is reversed from the ankle direction to the toe direction, and water discharge from the foot surface nozzle 71 is blocked. When the limit switch 65 is turned on from this state, the rotation of the moving motor 61 is reversed from the toe direction to the ankle direction, and the water discharge blocking of the foot surface nozzle 71 is released. Thereby, the foot surface nozzle 71 repeats the operation | movement which discharges water only at the time of rotation to the ankle direction from the toe of the user P.

  In this case, the water discharge of the foot surface nozzle 71 may be controlled not to be linked with ON / OFF of the limit switch but to discharge water in any direction from the toe to the ankle and from the ankle to the toe. Alternatively, the foot table nozzle 71 is continuously rotated only in a certain direction, for example, the direction from the limit switch 65 to the limit switch 64, regardless of whether the limit switch is turned on or off. A configuration may be adopted in which water is discharged by the nozzle 71 and the water discharge is blocked when the limit switch 64 is turned ON, and water is discharged only when the foot surface nozzle 71 is directed from the toes to the ankles.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the nozzle unit 74 has a unit main body 75 having water ports 75 a and 75 a opened on both side surfaces, and a nozzle pipe 76 connected to the lower portion of the unit main body 75. An electromagnetic coil 77 is provided in the unit main body 75, and a movable iron core 78 that moves up and down by turning the electromagnetic coil 77 on and off is inserted into the electromagnetic coil 77. A valve element 79 is attached to the tip of the movable iron core 78. A valve seat 80 that is formed and contacts the valve body 79 without a gap is provided at the tip of the nozzle pipe 76 connected to the lower portion of the unit body 75, and the spring 12 that presses the valve body 79 against the valve seat 80 is movable. It is extrapolated to the iron core 78.

  In addition, a lid member 82 for holding the electromagnetic coil 77 is provided on the upper portion of the unit main body 75 and an electric circuit (not shown) is connected. A shaft 73 is connected to the water ports 75a and 75a opened in the unit main body 75.

  When a water discharge signal is transmitted from the microcomputer 112 of the control board 110, the electromagnetic coil 77 is energized, and the movable iron core 78 moves upward by the action of the electromagnetic coil 77, thereby opening the valve body 79 and the valve seat 80. Water is ejected from an injection hole 83 formed in the center of the valve seat 80. Further, when a stop signal is transmitted from the microcomputer 112, the electromagnetic coil 77 is turned off to stop water discharge.

  While the foot surface nozzle 71 is electrically controlled to rotate, the foot nozzle 40 rotates with the water pressure from the water discharge pipe 33. FIG. 14A is a lateral cross-sectional view of the sole nozzle 40 suitable for the swirling flow from the water discharge pipe 33, and FIG. 14B is a view taken along the line GG in FIG.

  As shown in the drawing, the sole nozzle 40 includes a swirl chamber 404 formed in a cylindrical shape as an inflow chamber into which water flows, and the swirl chamber 404 is supplied with water through a water passage 402 and a swirl chamber inflow passage 403. Supply. The swirl chamber inflow passage 403 is a nozzle pipe, has a water passage cross-sectional area smaller than that of the water passage 402, and is connected to the swirl chamber eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the swirl chamber 404. Therefore, the water from the swirl chamber inflow passage 403 flows into the swirl chamber 404 from the tangential direction, and generates a swirl flow that swirls as indicated by arrows in the figure. In this case, since the water flow cross-sectional area of the swirl chamber inflow passage 403 is smaller than the water flow passage 402, the flow velocity of the water flowing into the swirl chamber 404 can be increased.

  A water discharge body 410 is incorporated in the swirl chamber 404. The water discharge body 410 includes a small-diameter cylindrical water discharge portion 410 a provided with a water discharge port 411 for discharging water, and a large-diameter cylindrical force receiving portion 412 continuous to the water discharge portion. The force receiving portion 412 is located in the swirl chamber 404, receives various forces described later from the swirl flow, and is involved in the swing revolving drive described later of the water spouting body 410. The force receiving portion 412 includes a water supply pipe 413 penetrating in the lateral direction, and guides water in the swirl chamber 404 to the water discharge port 411 from the water supply pipe 413. The water supply pipe 413 is opened crossing the force receiving portion 412 in a cross shape, and the sum total of the passage cross-sectional areas of the water supply pipe 413 is wider than the water outlet 411. Therefore, when water is guided from the water supply pipe 413 to the water outlet 411, the water is rectified depending on the size of the area, so that the water discharged from the water outlet 411 is stabilized.

  The water discharge body 410 is inserted and supported in a state where the water discharge portion 410 a is inscribed in a seal portion 416 provided at the upper opening of the swirl chamber 404, and the force receiving portion 412 is suspended substantially at the center in the swirl chamber 404. I am letting. Therefore, when water flows into the swirl chamber 404 from the swirl chamber inflow path 403, this water causes a swirl flow around the force receiving portion 412 along the inner peripheral wall surface of the swirl chamber 404.

  For example, the outer diameter of the force receiving portion 412 can be about 40% of the inner diameter of the cylindrical swirl chamber 404. Further, the outer diameter of the force receiving portion 412 can be about 35 to 80%, preferably about 40 to 70% of the inner diameter of the swirl chamber 404.

  The seal portion 416 that supports the water discharger 410 as described above is formed of an elastic body such as an O-ring or a seal ring, and the water discharge port 411 faces the outside of the swirl chamber 404 as illustrated. The water discharger 410 is supported. In addition, since the seal portion 416 is an elastic body, the force receiving portion 412 can be inclined in each direction in the swirl chamber 404 while supporting the water discharge body 410, and the force receiving portion 412 is inclined. It is possible to swing in the posture. In addition, since the seal portion 416 is an elastic body, the water discharge body 410 is conically shaped with the water discharge body 410 itself rotating around the central axis within the swirl chamber 404 and the support portion by the seal portion 416 as a vertex. Revolutions that rotate can be performed freely. These rotations and revolutions are caused by the force receiving portion 412 and the swirl flow described above.

  The upper wall of the swirl chamber 404 is a tapered guide portion 415 having a small diameter on the water discharge portion 410a side of the water discharge body 410 as shown in the figure. The taper guide portion 415 regulates the maximum inclination angle of the force receiving portion 412 and, consequently, the water discharge body 410.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, a control board 110 is provided on the back surface of the footrest 5 on the toe side while being shielded from hot water or the like. On the control board 110, electronic components of a control circuit that plays a central role in controlling the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 are mounted.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the control board 110 includes a microcomputer 112, and this program is given by giving the microcomputer 112 a program that describes a procedure for executing processing related to driving and control of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1. A part of means for realizing the drive / control is functionally realized. Such a program is stored in advance in a memory (not shown) of the microcomputer 112.

  In the control circuit, various circuits as peripheral circuits and interfaces of the microcomputer 112 are mounted on the same control board 110. This circuit includes A / D converters 113 and 114, detection circuits 115 and 116, and drive circuits 117 to 121. These various circuits are electrically connected to various detection means and driving means in the lower limb bathing apparatus 1, receive and convert signals detected by the detection means, send them to the microcomputer 112, and process the microcomputer 112. The control signal output by is received and converted and output to the driving means.

  More specifically, a hot water supply thermistor 29 is provided inside the internal hot water supply pipe 21 as detection means for detecting the hot water supply temperature, and a detection signal from the hot water supply thermistor 29 is sent to the A / D converter 113. It is done.

  Further, a sewage level switch 102 as a lower limit level sensor is provided at a predetermined position in the float chamber 100, and a detection signal of the sewage level switch 102 is directly sent to the microcomputer 112. Further, an upper water level switch 103 serving as an upper limit level sensor is provided at a position slightly below the upper limit of the float chamber 100 and above the lower water level switch 102, and detection means for the upper water level switch 103 is provided. Is sent directly to the microcomputer 112. An overflow sensor 104 that detects an overflow of the water storage tank 26 is attached to a predetermined position near the top of the water storage tank 26, and a detection signal of the overflow sensor 104 is sent to the detection circuit 115 as a reference signal. This overflow sensor 104 uses an electrode switch that is connected (ON) when water reaches the position of the sensor because detection accuracy is particularly required.

  In the water storage tank 26, a water storage thermistor 30 is attached below the above-described sewage level switch 102, and a detection signal of the water storage thermistor 30 is sent to the A / D converter 114.

  Further, limit switches 64 and 65 are provided in the foot surface nozzle drive unit 60, and ON / OFF signals of these limit switches 64 and 65 are sent directly to the microcomputer 112.

  On the other hand, the drive circuits 117 to 121 that receive a control command from the microcomputer 112 output the drive signals to the circulation pump 31, the drainage pump 90, the water supply electromagnetic valve 22, the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 23, and the foot surface nozzle drive unit 60, respectively. It has become. The drive circuit 121 that controls the foot surface nozzle drive unit 60 controls the rotation of the move motor 61 and also controls the electrical connection to the electromagnetic coil 77 of the nozzle unit 74.

  A foot detection sensor 13 is installed on both side surfaces of the container body 2 in the vicinity of the toe side 5a, and a detection signal of the foot detection sensor 13 is directly sent to the microcomputer 112.

  Further, an operation panel 130 is connected to the control board 110, whereby operation information for the operation panel 130 performed by the user P is transmitted to the microcomputer 112. As shown in FIG. 16, the operation panel 130 includes a “water supply / drainage” button 131 for instructing water supply to the water storage tank 26 and water drainage from the water storage tank 26, and storage of water at a desired temperature. Is provided with a “Foot OK” LED 132 to notify that the image has been completed. Thereby, the user P can instruct the start preparation of the lower limbs bathing and cleanup after the end, and can confirm that there is no concern about burns due to hot water supply even if the user puts his / her feet in the container body 2.

  The operation panel 130 includes a “start / stop” button 133 that operates the circulation pump 31 to instruct the start of water discharge and stops the circulation pump 31 to instruct the end of water discharge. Thereby, the user can instruct | indicate the start and completion | finish of a lower limb water bath.

  The operation panel 130 also has an “additional hot water on / off” button 134 for instructing an increase in the water temperature that has dropped during use, an additional hot water LED 135 for informing that the hot water is operating, and a desired hot water temperature. A “hot water temperature selection” button 136, and a hot water temperature selection LED group 137 for displaying whether the hot water temperature is water, lukewarm, or hot water are also provided. Thereby, the user can enjoy a lower limb water bath at favorite temperature, and can maintain the temperature. “Water” means that only water is supplied without heating. In the case of “slimming”, a water temperature of about 36 to 38 degrees Celsius is set. In the case of “hot”, about Celsius. A water temperature of 42 to 44 degrees is set.

  Further, on the operation panel 130, a “move on / off” button 138 for instructing start / end of the rotation of the foot table nozzle 71, a move on / off LED 139 for indicating that the move mode is selected, and the nozzle A “nozzle selection” button 140 for selecting the water discharge intensity and a nozzle selection LED group 141 for displaying whether the set water discharge pressure intensity is strong, weak, or fluctuation. Thereby, the user can enjoy lower limb massage of favorite strength, and can prevent habituation.

  The lower limb bathing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.

(Water supply preparation process)
When the user P turns on the power to use the lower limb bathing apparatus 1, first, it is necessary to set the temperature of the water to be used. This is because when the user P presses the “hot water temperature selection” button 136 of the operation panel 130 one after another, an instruction is sent to the microcomputer 112, and “water” by water supply from an unheated water supply pipe, 36 degrees Celsius to 38 degrees Celsius. It is possible to toggle between “warmth” heated to about 40 ° C. and “atsume” heated to about 40 ° C. to 44 ° C., and in the state selected in the hot water temperature selection LED group 137 LED lights up. If the “hot water temperature selection” button 136 is not pressed after the power is turned on, the hot water temperature at the previous setting stored in the microcomputer 112 is maintained.

  When the “water supply / drainage” button 131 is pressed, the microcomputer 112 is first used in the water supply preparation process, that is, used for the lower limb bathing in the water storage tank 26 and remains in the water storage tank 26 without being completely drained. Drain any residual water that may have.

  Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17, the microcomputer 112 attempts to read a signal from the “water supply / drainage” button 131 of the operation panel 130, and when the “water supply / drainage” button 131 is pressed (step S <b> 101). In order to indicate that the water supply process is in progress, the “Foot OK” LED 132 is slowly blinked (step S102), and the timer count formed by the software timer is reset (step S103).

Here, the microcomputer 112 reads the ON / OFF signal of the sewage level switch 102 (step S104). When the sewage level switch 102 is ON, the drain pump 90 is driven and the timer starts counting (step S105). Then, when receiving a signal from the timer telling that a time (t _x seconds) in which the drainage pump 90 can discharge the amount of water stored in the water storage tank 26 when the water level is lower than the sewage level has passed (step _x ). S106), the drain pump 90 is stopped (step S107).

  Thereafter, the timer is reset again (step S103), and ON / OFF of the sewage level switch 102 is read again (step S104). As a result, if it is ON, the processing of steps S105 to S107 is repeated until it is OFF, and if it is OFF, the processing proceeds to steps S108 to S110 that perform the same processing as steps S105 to S107. At this stage, the remaining water in the water storage tank 26 is completely discharged, so the preparation process is terminated here and the process proceeds to the next step.

  If the process is normally completed last time, the sewage level sensor is normally OFF, and the above-described process is completed once, and the process does not take a long time. Thereby, even if the water at the time of last use remains without being drained, it is completely drained, and it is possible to enjoy the lower limb bathing with new clean water.

(Water supply and hot water treatment)
When the preparation process is completed and the remaining water in the water storage tank 26 is completely discharged, the microcomputer 112 processes a process of storing water used for the lower limb water bath set in a desired state in the water storage tank 26. To do. If “water” is selected by the “hot water temperature selection” button 136 of the operation panel 130, it is sufficient to supply water. However, if it is selected to use hot water regardless of “slimming” or “hot water”, hot water is supplied. It is necessary to ensure the set temperature by performing only hot water supply and water supply.

  Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, the microcomputer 112 reads whether or not the hot water temperature selection button 136 has selected “water” (step S201). If “water” is selected here, an ON signal is sent to the water supply electromagnetic valve 22 to open the water supply electromagnetic valve 22 and start water supply (step S202). When an ON signal is received from the sewage level switch 102 of the float chamber 100, an OFF signal is sent to the water supply electromagnetic valve 22 to close the electromagnetic valve (step S204). In this state, since the amount of water required for the lower limb bathing has been secured, the “foot insertion OK” LED 132 is changed from the slow blinking state to the lighting state in order to inform the user that the lower limb bathing can be started (step S205). The water supply process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is read that the “hot water temperature selection” button 136 is set to “warm” or “hot”, the set temperature (T ₀ ) is selected from either one as shown in the flowchart of FIG. At the same time, the timer is reset (step S211). And in order to obtain the water temperature of preset temperature, it starts from hot water supply first. For this reason, the microcomputer 112 sends an ON signal to the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 23 to open the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 23 to start hot water supply and to start counting by the timer (step S212).

  In this case, if the set temperature of the water heater itself that supplies hot water to the hot water pipe 209 is lower than the desired temperature for the lower limb water bath, the set temperature of the lower limb water bath cannot be obtained forever. If it is higher than the set temperature of the lower limb bath (for example, 90 degrees Celsius), the amount of water to be added increases until a temperature suitable for the lower limb bath is obtained, and a long time is required. Therefore, the hot water supply temperature from the hot water heater is measured by a hot water supply thermistor 29 provided in the internal hot water supply pipe 21, and an alarm is issued in the above case. At this time, it is considered that a time lag occurs until the temperature of the hot water supply from the water heater settles constant.

  For this purpose, first, a hot water supply thermistor 29 provided in the internal hot water supply pipe 21 detects the hot water supply temperature. This detection is also possible with the water storage thermistor 30 in the water storage tank 26. However, if the water storage thermistor 30 breaks down, there is a risk of burns if there is a foot stored in the storage space Q. A hot water supply thermistor 29 is provided to ensure safety.

That is, when a predetermined time ( _ty seconds) has elapsed from the start of counting by the timer (step S213), the microcomputer 112 acquires the temperature (T ° C.) detected by the hot water supply thermistor 29 (step S214), and this is bathed in the lower limbs. the set temperature _{(T 0} ° C.) and a predetermined keep water heater maximum temperature _{(T 1} ° C., for example 50 degrees Celsius) compared to (step S215).

  If the current water temperature T ° C is within the above range (step S201: Yes), the hot water supply is continued. If not within the range, the “Foot OK” LED 132 is rapidly blinked to generate an alarm. Then, an OFF signal is sent to the hot water solenoid valve 23 so as not to continue the hot water supply, and the hot water solenoid valve 23 is closed (step S216). Thereby, inefficient and useless hot water supply is interrupted, and water resources and time can be saved. Note that this alarm may cause the “foot OK” LED 132 to blink rapidly or separately, for example, to emit a beep sound.

When the hot water supply temperature of the water heater is within an appropriate range, the hot water supply is continued and the water level in the water storage tank 26 rises to the height of the sewage level switch 102. Here, when the microcomputer 112 receives the ON signal from the sewage level switch 102 (step S221), the microcomputer 112 sends an OFF signal to the hot water solenoid valve 23 to temporarily close the hot water solenoid valve 23 (step S222). Then, information on the temperature detected by the water storage thermistor 30 in the water storage tank 26 is read (step S223), and if it is equal to the set temperature T ₀ ° C. Since the amount of water necessary for bathing is also secured, the “foot ok” LED 132 is changed from the slowly blinking state to the lit state to inform the user P that the lower limb bathing can be started (step S205), and the water supply process is performed. finish.

On the other hand, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, when the current water temperature is lower than the set temperature (No in step S231), the microcomputer 112 sends an ON signal to the hot water solenoid valve 23 to reopen the solenoid valve. Then, hot water supply is resumed (step S232). Thereafter, the microcomputer 112 continues to receive the temperature information from the water storage thermistor 30 (step S233), and if the water temperature in the water storage tank 26 becomes equal to the set temperature T ₀ ° C or rises within the allowable range of the set temperature (step (S234: Yes), an OFF signal is sent to the hot water solenoid valve 23 to stop hot water supply (step S235). In this state, since the amount of water necessary for the lower limb bathing is secured, in order to inform the user P that the lower limb bathing can be started, the “foot insertion OK” LED 132 is changed from the slowly blinking state to the lighting state (step S236), the water supply process is terminated.

However, if the water level rises to near the full capacity of the water storage tank 26 without rising to the set temperature T ₀ ° C, the upper water level switch 103 is turned on to prevent the microcomputer 112 from turning above the water level that hinders circulation. This information is transmitted (step S241). Receiving this information, the microcomputer 112 sends an OFF signal to the hot water solenoid valve 23 to close the solenoid valve, stop hot water supply (step S242), and issue an instruction to the drain pump 90 to store the water in the water storage tank 26. Water is discharged (step S243).

  Then, the water level in the water storage tank 26 decreases until the sewage level switch 102 is turned OFF, and when the microcomputer 112 receives an OFF signal from the sewage level switch 102 (step S244), the microcomputer 112 stops the drainage of the drainage pump 90. An instruction is sent (step S245), and the process returns to the process of sending hot water by sending an ON signal to the hot water solenoid valve 23 (step S232). Then, by repeating the processes in steps S232 to S245, the water temperature in the water storage tank 26 is gradually brought closer to the set temperature.

Conversely, when the current water temperature is higher than the set temperature (step S231, Yes in FIG. 19), the microcomputer 112 causes the water supply electromagnetic valve 22 to remain closed with the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 23 closed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, an ON signal is sent to open the electromagnetic valve, and water supply is started (step S252). Thereafter, the microcomputer 112 continues to receive temperature information from the water storage thermistor 30 (step S253), and if the water temperature in the water storage tank 26 becomes equal to the set temperature T ₀ ° C or falls within the allowable range of the set temperature (step (S254: Yes), an OFF signal is sent to the water supply solenoid valve 22 to stop water supply (step S255). In this state, since the amount of water necessary for the lower limb bathing is secured, in order to inform the user P that the lower limb bathing can be started, the “foot insertion OK” LED 132 is changed from the slowly blinking state to the lighting state (step S256), the water supply process is terminated.

However, when the water level rises to near the full capacity of the water storage tank 26 without rising to the set temperature T ₀ ° C, the upper water level switch is used to prevent the amount of water from exceeding the amount of water discharged and hindering circulation. 103 is turned ON, and this information is transmitted to the microcomputer 112 (step S261). Receiving this information, the microcomputer 112 sends an OFF signal to the water supply electromagnetic valve 22 to close the electromagnetic valve, stop the water supply (step S262), and issue an instruction to the drain pump 90 to store the water in the water storage tank 26. Water is discharged (step S263).

Then, the water level in the water storage tank 26 decreases until the sewage level switch 102 is turned OFF, and when the microcomputer 112 receives an OFF signal from the sewage level switch 102 (step S264), the microcomputer 112 stops the drainage of the drainage pump 90. An instruction is sent (step S265), and the process returns to the process of sending water by sending an ON signal to the water supply electromagnetic valve 22 (step S252). Then, by repeating the processes in steps S532 to S265, the water temperature in the water storage tank 26 is gradually brought closer to the set temperature T ₀ ° C.

As described above, when enjoying the lower limb bathing using warm water, first, after supplying only hot water, if the sewage level switch 102 detects that water has accumulated up to the sewage level in the water storage tank 26, the water storage thermistor the water temperature was measured by 30, by comparing the level of the set temperature T ₀ ° C. and the temperature T ° C., equal temperature T ° C. is the set temperature T ₀ ° C. Exit hot water, continuing the hot water a low, high If hot water is finished, water supply is started. When the water temperature T ° C. is not equal to the set temperature T ₀ ° C., or reaches the set temperature T ₀ ° C., until the water level above the water tank 26 by the upper water level switch 103 before reaching the set temperature T ₀ ° C. Water When it is detected that water has accumulated, water supply or hot water supply is stopped, and when it is detected by the upper water level switch 103 that water has accumulated to the upper water level in the water storage tank 26 before reaching the set temperature T ₀ ° C, When the water in the water storage tank 26 is discharged by the drain pump 90 and, as a result, it is detected by the sewage level switch 102 that the water level in the water storage tank 26 has reached the sewage level, the drainage by the drain pump 90 is stopped. . By repeating the above process until the temperature of the supplied water becomes equal to the set temperature T ₀ ° C., it becomes possible to obtain a desired water temperature.

(Water discharge treatment)
In this way, when the “Foot OK” LED 132 is turned on and it is informed that the water supply is completed, the container main body 2 can be used here without having to worry about burning by the supplied hot water in order to enjoy the lower limb water bath. You can put your feet inside.

  In order to insert a foot, the user puts his hand on the upper part of the opening / closing part 4 and pulls it toward the front side, and opens the opening / closing part 4 by rotating it around the auto hinge 10 so that the opening / closing part 4 no longer exists. Insert your feet from the top of the front. Then, the ankle is brought into contact with the opening 3 cut into a substantially semicircular shape on the fixed portion 7 side.

  Then, the opened opening / closing part 4 starts to close by the restoring force of the coil spring of the auto hinge 10 or the hydraulic mechanism of the damper. At this time, the auto hinge 10 having the hydraulic damper mechanism can be adjusted so as to close slowly, and the leg is not pinched between the opening / closing part 4 and the fixing part 7, and the user P is injured. There is no fear.

  In addition, when the opening / closing part 4 is completely closed, the ankle is inserted so as to spread the splash-proof sealing material 9 provided around the opening 3, so that the seal around the ankle is almost the entire circumference. It will be in close contact with the material 9, and water discharged from between the opening 3 and the ankle will not leak to the outside. Furthermore, since the magnet catch 11 is attached to the end portions of both side surfaces where the fixed portion 7 and the opening / closing portion 4 abut, the force in the direction in which the opening / closing portion 4 closes works and does not open easily. Therefore, water does not leak to the outside from between the fixed portion 7 and the opening / closing portion 4.

  When the user P presses the “start / stop” button 133 on the operation panel 130 in this state, the microcomputer 112 operates the circulation pump 31 according to this instruction. Thereby, the water in the water storage tank 26 is pumped up to the water discharge pipe, and when reaching the water discharge pipe branching unit 34, it is branched into the sole water discharge pipe 41 and the foot surface water discharge pipe 72 and discharged from the respective water discharge nozzles.

  When the foot is stored in the container body 2, the light path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element provided on both sides of the container body 2 and immediately above the footrest 5 is blocked by the presence of the foot in the middle of the light path. Is done. The OFF signal from the leg detection sensor 14 is transmitted to the microcomputer 112, the operation lock of the circulation pump 31 is released, and the operation becomes possible for the first time. Therefore, even when the “start / stop” button 133 is accidentally pressed when the foot is not stored, it is possible to prevent water discharge due to a malfunction.

  The state of water discharge and its behavior in the foot nozzle 40 where water discharge has been started in this way will be described. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the behavior of the force receiving portion 412 after water flows into the swirl chamber 404 and the state of the force applied to the force receiving portion 412 over time. In the same figure, the flow rate at the communicating portion of the swirl chamber inflow passage 403 is Uin, the flow rate at the peripheral wall portion 404a on the extension line of the opening of the swirl chamber inflow passage 403 is Ua, and the flow velocity at the peripheral wall portion 404b facing the relevant portion is Ub, lift acting on the force receiving portion 412 is represented as FL, and drag is represented as FD.

  As can be seen from these operational relationships, the force receiving portion 412 swings and revolves in an inclined posture according to the swirling flow of water in the swirl chamber 404.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state of water discharge obtained by the force receiving portion 412 taking such a behavior. As shown in the figure, when the water discharger 410 swings and revolves, the water discharge port 411 revolves while changing the water discharge direction along with the swinging revolution of the water discharger 410. Therefore, the water discharge port 411 discharges water while drawing a trajectory expanded spirally, and as a result, conical revolution water discharge is realized. Therefore, the water discharge trajectory can be a conical revolving water discharge trajectory having a much larger trajectory than the trajectory of the water discharge port 411, and water can be discharged over a wide range.

  Therefore, according to the foot nozzle 40, conical revolving water can be realized without driving the nozzle itself by a motor or the like, and water can be landed over a wide range. By changing the water landing point over a wide range, acclimatization is prevented and a high massage effect is obtained.

  In this embodiment, the rotation of the sole nozzle 40 is mechanically driven by a water flow, and thus automatically and continuously during a period of water discharge. It is also possible to configure so that the stop can be selected.

  Next, the operation of the foot table nozzle 71 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the user P first presses the “start / stop” button 133 on the operation panel 130 after the water supply is completed (step S301), the microcomputer 112 directs the foot table nozzle 71 to the initial position, for example, the lowermost end. In other words, the foot table nozzle 71 is moved to a position where the foot table nozzle 71 is directed to the toe of the user P (step S302), and the circulation pump 31 is operated (step S303).

  At the same time, the microcomputer 112 reads a move mode program for controlling the operation of the foot table nozzle 71 from the memory of the control unit (step S304). The move mode is set to ON when the “start / stop” button 133 is pressed, so if the “move on / off” button 138 on the operation panel 130 is pressed (step S305: Yes). The move motor 61 is instructed to stop the rotation of the foot surface nozzle 71 and the move on / off LED 139 is turned off (step S306). If it is not pressed (step S305: No), the move motor 61 is turned off. The foot table nozzle 71 is driven and the move on / off LED 139 is turned on (step S307).

  By this move, the foot surface nozzle 71 moves the water discharge destination with the rotation of the shaft 73 while discharging water in accordance with an instruction of the program. For example, when moving the direction of water discharge from the toes to the ankle, water discharge is continued, and when the shaft 73 reaches the position where the limit switch 64 is turned on (step S308), the direction of rotation of the shaft 73 is changed, The electromagnetic coil 77 is turned off to stop water discharge (step S309). Therefore, since the injection hole 83 in the nozzle unit 74 is closed while the shaft 73 rotates from the ankle side to the toe side, water is not discharged. When the shaft 73 reaches a position where the limit switch 65 is turned on (step S310), the direction of rotation is changed, the electromagnetic coil 77 in the nozzle unit 74 is turned on, the injection hole 83 is opened, and water discharge is started. (Step S311). The foot surface nozzle 71 repeats this operation. By this operation, massage is performed from the far side to the near side from the heart along the veins and lymph glands, and habituation is also prevented by moving the position to receive water discharge.

  It is possible to make this operation different by changing the program stored in the memory. For example, it is possible to continue water discharge while rotating from the ankle side to the toe side, stop at a specific position, and after voting water intensively for a certain period of time, A program for instructing to resume motion may be installed. It is also possible to select from a plurality of programs.

  Moreover, it is also possible to change the strength of water discharge according to the preference of the user P. This is because when the user P presses the “nozzle selection” button 140 on the operation panel 130 one after another, an instruction is sent to the microcomputer 112, “soft” feel “weak”, strong stimulus “strong”, strength change “Random” that repeats the above at random can be toggled, and the LED selected from the “nozzle selection” LED group 141 is lit. If “random” is selected here, habituation can be prevented. Or it is also possible to change the intensity of water discharge periodically.

  In addition, the water discharge for the right foot and the water discharge for the left foot are controlled separately, for example, the strength of the water discharge and the water landing point are different on the left and right, or the water is discharged alternately on the left and right legs at regular intervals. Or you may. Spitting water in this way is also effective in preventing habituation.

  The foot table nozzle 71 continues such an operation until the “start / stop” button 133 is pressed again by the user P (step S308: No). During this time, when the user presses the “move on / off” button 138 (step S305), the microcomputer 112 stops the motor 61 for movement (step S306), so that the user P can perform massage with water discharge at a desired position. Can continue intensively.

  When the user P presses the “start / stop” button 133 (step S308: Yes), the microcomputer 112 stops the circulation pump 31 and terminates water discharge. The end of the water discharge may be configured to automatically end after a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the water discharge regardless of a user instruction.

(Water temperature maintenance treatment)
If the massage by water discharge is continued in this way, the water temperature of the hot water stored in the water storage tank 26 is lowered with time. Therefore, a method for maintaining the temperature of the hot water will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In this case as well, in principle, the process is the same as that when the hot water supply temperature is lower than the set temperature during hot water supply. Hereinafter, this process is referred to as “addition hot water” process.

  However, at this time, there is a possibility that water at a higher water level has accumulated in the water storage tank 26 than when the sewage level switch 102 is turned on. This is not a good idea from an energy and time point of view. Moreover, since the user's P leg is accommodated in the container main body 2, it must be noted that hot water from the hot water supply pipe 209 is not applied to the user P's leg.

  Therefore, when the user P feels that the temperature of the water discharge has decreased, the microcomputer 112 gives an instruction given by pressing the “addition hot water on / off” button 134 on the operation panel 130 as shown in FIG. (Step S401), first, the “Additional hot water” LED 135 is turned on (Step S407), and the user P is also visually notified that the additional water for raising the water temperature has been started. At the same time, an OFF signal is sent to the circulation pump 31 to stop the operation (step S408). Thereby, since water is not discharged from the water discharge nozzle, the foot of the user P does not get burned by the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 208.

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 112 sends an ON signal to the drainage pump 90 to start discharging water in the water storage tank 26 (step S409). As a result, when the water level in the water storage tank 26 is lowered, the sewage level switch 102 is turned OFF, and the microcomputer 112 receives this signal (step S410), an OFF signal is sent to the drain pump 90 to drain the water. Stop (step S411). With the processes so far, the preparation process for the added hot water is completed.

  The processing of the following hot water is substantially the same as the case where there is hot water lower than the set temperature in the hot water supply processing. However, “Additional OK” KED 132 is turned on during hot water supply, whereas “Additional hot water” LED is turned on in addition water.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 26, the microcomputer 112 sends an ON signal to the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 23 to reopen the electromagnetic valve and resume hot water supply (step S432). Thereafter, the microcomputer 112 continues to receive the temperature information from the water storage thermistor 30 (step S433), and if the water temperature in the water storage tank 26 becomes equal to the set temperature or rises to within the allowable range of the set temperature (step S434: Yes). ), An OFF signal is sent to the hot water solenoid valve 23 to stop the hot water supply (step S435). In this state, since the amount of water required for the lower limb bathing is secured, the “addition hot water” LED 135 is turned off to notify the user that the lower limb bathing can be started (step S436), and the additional hot water processing is terminated.

  However, if the water level rises without rising to the set temperature, the water level switch 103 is turned on to transmit the information to the microcomputer 112 in order to prevent the amount of water from exceeding the amount of water discharged (step S441). Receiving this information, the microcomputer 112 sends an OFF signal to the hot water solenoid valve 23 to close the solenoid valve and stop the hot water supply (step S442), and issues an instruction to the drain pump 90 to store the water in the water storage tank 26. Water is discharged (step S443).

  Then, the water level in the water storage tank 26 decreases until the sewage level switch 102 is turned OFF, and when the microcomputer 112 receives an OFF signal from the sewage level switch 102 (step S444), the microcomputer 112 stops the drainage of the drainage pump 90. While sending an instruction (step S445), the process returns to the process of sending hot water by sending an ON signal to the hot water solenoid valve 23 (step S432). Then, by repeating the processes in steps S432 to S445, the water temperature in the water storage tank 26 is gradually brought closer to the set temperature. In this state, since the amount of water necessary for the lower limb bathing is also secured, the “foot OK” LED is changed from the slowly blinking state to the lit state in order to inform the user that the lower limb bathing can be started (step S436). , And finish the hot water treatment.

  In addition, instead of waiting for an instruction from the user P, additional hot water may be automatically started when a certain time has elapsed from the completion of hot water supply. A flowchart in this case is shown in FIG. In the above example, when the hot water supply is completed, the “Foot OK” LED 132 is changed from slow blinking to lighting (see FIG. 20). In this example, in addition to this, the timer is reset (step S402), and the count is immediately started (step S403). When a predetermined time has elapsed (step S404), the “additional hot water” LED 135 is turned on to start the additional hot water (step S407). Since the subsequent processing is the same as when waiting for an instruction from the user P, description thereof will be omitted.

  Further, after the start of use, the hot water may be started if the temperature of the hot water to be used falls below a set temperature by a certain level. The flowchart in this case is shown in FIG. In this case, the water storage thermistor 30 constantly monitors the water temperature in the water storage tank 26 (step S405), and if the temperature of the hot water falls below a set temperature (step S406), the microcomputer 112 turns on the “additional hot water” LED 135. (Step S407). Since the subsequent processing is the same as when waiting for a user's instruction, description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, when the water temperature falls while using the lower limb bathing apparatus 1, the water discharge is stopped first, the water in the water tank 26 is drained by the drain pump 90, and the water in the water tank 26 is drained by the sewage level switch 102. When it is detected that the water level has dropped to the sewage level, drainage is stopped, and hot water supply from the hot water supply pipe 208 is started. Then, it reaches the set temperature T ₀ ° C., to stop the hot water when the hot water is accumulated until the water level above the water storage tank 26 is detected by the upper water level switch 103 before reaching the set temperature T ₀ ° C., the set temperature When the water level switch 103 detects that water has accumulated up to the upper water level in the water tank 26 before reaching T ₀ ° C, the hot water in the water tank 26 is drained. When it is detected by the sewage level switch 102 that the sewage level has been reached, the drainage by the drainage pump 90 is stopped, and the circulation pump 31 is operated to resume water discharge. Thus, by repeating these steps until the temperature of the water held in the water storage tank 26 becomes equal to the set temperature T ₀ ° C., the warm hot water temperature can be raised to the set temperature.

  In this way, a part of the cooled hot water is excluded and replaced with hot water instead, so that, for example, power consumption is lower than that of constantly heating with a heating element or heating means. Less power can be saved. Further, since there is no heating element or heating means, there is no risk of contact with these and causing burns. Furthermore, if such additional hot water is repeated several times, a part of the used water is exchanged each time, so that it is more hygienic than when the same water is merely circulated.

  When the lower limb massage is completed in this way, the user P opens the opening / closing part 4 and extracts the foot from the container body 2. As a result, the light path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element provided on both side surfaces of the container body 2 and immediately above the footrest 5 is connected again with no obstacle in the middle of the light path. This ON signal of the foot detection sensor 13 is transmitted to the microcomputer 112, and the operation of the circulation pump 31 is locked, and it is possible to prevent water discharge from being started due to a malfunction such as the “start / stop” button 133 being erroneously pressed.

  Then, when the user P presses the “water supply / drainage” button 131, the microcomputer 112 instructs the drainage pump 90 to discharge the water in the water storage tank 26 to the outside via the drainage pipe. The operation of the drain pump 90 is continued for a time longer than the time when the water in the water storage tank 26 can be drained so that no water remains in the apparatus drain pipe 219. Thereby, even if a one-touch coupling is removed from the connection part 220 of the drain pipe 211, water does not spill out from the apparatus drain pipe 219. Finally, turn off the power to finish all operations.

  Next, a second embodiment of the lower limb bathing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The lower limb bathing apparatus 1A of this embodiment is: i) changing the flow path of one pump by switching valves, and having both the role of the circulation pump 31 and the role of the drainage pump 90; ii) the foot table nozzle 71 Basically the same as in the first embodiment in that each of the nozzle units 74 is made non-parallel, and iii) the opening / closing of the opening / closing portion 4 is detected as an electric type using a motor. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing an electrical system of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1A according to the present embodiment and a path for water discharge. As shown in FIG. 29, the lower limb bathing apparatus 1A according to this embodiment differs from the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 15 in place of the circulation pump 30 and the drainage pump 90. One circulation / drainage pump 42 is provided, and the water stored in the water storage tank 26 is pumped through the pumping pipe 32. The water discharged from the circulation / drainage pump 42 is distributed to the water discharge pipe 33 and the internal drainage pipe 92 according to the purpose in the circulation / drainage branch unit 44.

  Accordingly, a drive circuit 122 is provided on the control board 110 in place of the drive circuits 117 and 118 for the circulation pump 30 and the drain pump 90, receives a control command from the microcomputer 112, and sends the drive signal to the circulation / drain pump 42. To output.

  In addition, an optical sensor composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element is provided as an opening / closing detection sensor 14 at a position where the opening / closing part 4 and the fixing part 7 face each other, and an ON / OFF signal from the opening / closing detection sensor 14 is directly transmitted to the microcomputer 112. Sent to.

  Further, the rotating shaft 4d of the opening / closing part 4 is provided with an opening / closing motor 15 instead of the auto hinge 10 in the first embodiment, and a drive circuit 123 provided on the control board 110 receives a control command from the microcomputer 112. The drive signal is received and output to the opening / closing motor 15.

(Water supply / drainage treatment)
FIG. 30 is a block diagram schematically showing a part of the configuration of the water supply / drainage according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a circulation / drainage pump 42 that circulates water in the container main body 2 for discharging water and discharges used water to the outside is provided. The circulation / drainage pump 42 is connected to the water storage tank 26 via a pumping pipe 32 on the pumping side, and a single circulation / drainage pipe 43 is connected to the draining side. This circulation / drainage pipe 43 is provided with a circulation / drainage branching unit 44 that branches into two branches, one outlet is connected to the water discharge pipe 33 connected to the water discharge nozzle, and the other outlet is for draining to the outside. Connected to the internal drain pipe 92.

  A circulation electromagnetic valve 38 that is opened when the water in the water storage tank 26 is circulated in the container body 2 is provided at the outlet of the circulation / drainage branch unit 44 on the water discharge pipe 33 side. A drain electromagnetic valve 39 that is opened when the water in the water storage tank 26 is discharged is provided. Both electromagnetic valves 38 and 39 are controlled by an instruction from the microcomputer 112 so that when one is open, the other is closed.

  As in the case of the first embodiment, a water discharge pipe branching unit 34 is provided downstream of the circulation electromagnetic valve 38 and branches into a sole water discharge pipe 41 and a foot surface water discharge pipe 71.

  Here, a configuration in which only the drainage electromagnetic valve 39 is provided without the circulation electromagnetic valve 38 and the water path is switched between the drainage direction and the water discharge direction by opening and closing the drainage electromagnetic valve 39 is also conceivable. That is, when the water is sent in the water discharge direction, the drain electromagnetic valve 39 is closed so as not to flow out in the drain direction, and when the water is drained, the drain electromagnetic valve 39 is opened. However, in this configuration, even when the drain electromagnetic valve 39 is opened, the pressure loss in the water discharge direction is large, and a considerable amount may flow out in the water discharge direction.

  In the water supply / drainage preparation process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 31, unlike the case of the first embodiment, if the “foot OK” LED 132 is blinked (step S102), before the timer is reset (step S103). Then, an ON signal is sent to the drain electromagnetic valve 39 to be in the open state, and an OFF signal is sent to the circulation electromagnetic valve 38 to be in the closed state (step S102 ′). As a result, the circulation / drainage pump 42 functions as the drainage pump 90 and can perform subsequent processing.

  In addition, since water is not discharged from the water discharge nozzle in the water supply / hot water supply process, the state of the electromagnetic solenoid valve 39 open and the circulation electromagnetic valve 38 closed is maintained, and the circulation / drainage pump 42 continues to function as the drainage pump 90. Therefore, the water and hot water supply process of this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  Subsequently, at the stage of starting water discharge, unlike the case of the first embodiment, when the “start / stop” button 133 is pressed (step S301), as shown in the flowchart of FIG. An OFF signal is sent to the closed state, and an ON signal is sent to the circulating solenoid valve 38 to open it (step S301 ′). As a result, the circulation / drainage pump 42 functions as the circulation pump 31 and can perform subsequent processing.

  Further, in the case of the addition hot water that returns the warm water to the set water temperature by the addition hot water, the “addition hot water” LED 135 is turned on as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In step S407), when the circulation / drainage pump 42 is stopped (step S408), an OFF signal is sent to the circulation electromagnetic valve 38 to be in a closed state, and an ON signal is sent to the drainage electromagnetic valve 39 to be in an open state. There is a need (step S408 ′). As a result, the circulation / drainage pump 42 functions as the drainage pump 90 and can subsequently perform the subsequent processing (step S409).

  Furthermore, in order to return from the added hot water to the water discharge mode, as shown in FIG. 34, the circulation / drainage pump 42 is made to function as the circulation pump 31 by switching between opening and closing of the drainage solenoid valve 39 and the circulation solenoid valve 38 (step S436 '). Then, in order to end the water discharge and discharge the water in the water storage tank 26 to the outside, the circulation / drainage pump 42 functions as the drainage pump 90 by switching between opening and closing of the drainage electromagnetic valve 39 and the circulation electromagnetic valve 38.

  In this way, by switching the circulation path and the drainage path with the solenoid valve and configuring the drainage pump 90 and the circulation pump 31 to be combined with a single pump, the container body 2 can be reduced in size, and the bottom of the bathroom vanity. It becomes easier to store the foot and to insert the foot into the container body 2.

(The pointing destination of the foot surface nozzle 71 is made non-parallel)
FIG. 35 shows an outline of a transverse section of the foot table nozzle 71 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, each nozzle unit 74 of the foot table nozzle 71 is located between the back side of the left and right feet and between muscles connected to each toe (medically, the long thumb extensor and long finger extensor). Oriented.

  These muscles are narrowed as they go from the toes to the ankles. On the other hand, the distance from the foot surface nozzle 71 to the foot is the shortest on the toes, and becomes longer toward the ankle. Therefore, when the nozzle unit 74 is arranged in this way, the distance between the landing points of the discharged water is also wide on the toe side and narrow on the ankle side. As the muscles go from the toes to the ankles, it is possible to follow the interval becoming narrower. In this manner, by directing the pointing destination of each nozzle unit 74 not in parallel but in a direction along the direction of the long thumb extensor and the long finger extensor, massage along the lymph flow can be performed.

  Further, the crotch of the finger from the big toe to the little toe has an acupuncture point called “Yawakaze” R, and massaging it is said to be effective for cooling, fatigue and swelling. Therefore, if the program for the move mode is stopped for about several seconds at the water discharge start position on the limit switch 95 side and then moved to the limit switch 94 on the opposite side while continuing water discharge, a massage that prevents habituation. In addition to the massage along the lymph gland, there is an effect that acupoint massage can be performed.

(Electric opening and closing)
As shown in FIG. 29, the opening / closing part 4 of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1A according to this embodiment includes an opening / closing motor 15, and the shaft part that pivotally supports the opening / closing part 4 is controlled to be electrically controlled. It has become. Further, an optical sensor composed of a light emitting element and a light receiving element is provided as an opening / closing detection sensor 14 at a position where the opening / closing part 4 and the fixing part 7 face each other. When the opening / closing part 4 is closed, the opening / closing sensor 14 is connected to the optical path and is turned on, and sends a closing signal to the microcomputer 112. On the other hand, in the open state, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are not in a positional relationship where they face each other, and the optical path is cut off and turned off. At this time, the open / close detection sensor 14 sends an open signal to the microcomputer 112.

  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 36, the user P pushes an “open” button provided on the operation panel 130a (not shown) to send his / her instruction when putting his / her foot into the container body 2. Receiving the microcomputer 112 (step S501), sends an ON signal to the open / close motor 15 to rotate the open / close motor 15 and open the open / close unit 4 (step S502). When the user's foot is stored in the container main body 2 in this state, the same optical path of the foot detection sensor 13 as described in the first embodiment is blocked.

  Receiving the OFF signal from the foot detection sensor 13 (step S503), the microcomputer 112 sends an inversion instruction to the opening / closing motor 15 (step S504). By this signal, the opening / closing part 4 is automatically closed. Then, when the opening / closing part 4 is opened, the light emitting element and the light receiving element cannot be opposed to each other due to the angle relationship, and the optical path of the opening / closing detection sensor 15 whose optical path is blocked is connected, and the microcomputer 112 is turned on. A signal is transmitted (step S505), and the microcomputer 112 that has received this signal releases the lock of water discharge (step S506). As a result, the circulation pump 31 can be driven for the first time, so that the water discharge is started with the opening / closing part 4 being opened, and water droplets are prevented from scattering outside the container body 2.

  Similarly, when the opening / closing part 4 is opened due to some kind of impact or the like during water discharge, the optical path of the open / close detection sensor 15 is blocked and an OFF signal is sent to the microcomputer 112. Lock. Thereby, water discharge is continued while the opening / closing part 4 is open, and water droplets are prevented from splashing outside the container body 2.

  Hereinafter, several modifications will be described with respect to the opening / closing part 4 of the lower limb bathing apparatus according to the present invention. The lower limb bathing apparatus according to these modified examples is fundamentally different from that in the first embodiment in that the mechanism or shape of the opening / closing part 4 for storing the foot in the container body 2 is different, and other configurations are as follows. This is substantially the same as in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  In the first modification, as shown in FIG. 37 (a), a normal hinge 151 having no self-closing function is used for the shaft portion that pivotally supports the opening / closing portion 4, while one of the container main body 2 or Coil springs 150 are attached to both side surfaces, and the coil spring 150 biases the opening / closing part 4 in the closing direction.

  A protrusion 152 is provided on the side surface of the fixing portion 7 and the opening / closing portion 4 of the container body 2, and the end of the coil spring 151 on the fixing portion 7 side is held by the protrusion 152 on the fixing portion 7 side. The end part on the side of the part 4 is detachably hooked on the protrusion 152 on the opening / closing part 4 side. In addition, the opening / closing part 4 is provided with a stopper (not shown) so as not to open more than a certain angle in order to prevent the opening / closing part 4 from colliding with the surface of the container body 2 positioned below the opening / closing part 4. Yes.

  In addition, an optical sensor composed of an issuing element and a light receiving element is provided as an opening / closing detection sensor 14 at an end portion (regardless of an upper surface or a side surface) where the fixing portion 7 and the opening / closing portion 4 abut. When the opening / closing part 4 is closed, the opening / closing detection sensor 14 is connected to the optical path and is turned on, and sends a closing signal to the microcomputer 112. On the other hand, in the open state, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are not in a positional relationship where they face each other, and the optical path is cut off and turned off. At this time, the open / close detection sensor 14 sends an open signal to the microcomputer 112.

  The user P can place his / her feet in the container body 2 by pulling the upper part of the opening / closing part 4 backward. Thereafter, when the hand is released from the opening / closing part 4, the opening / closing part 4 automatically returns to the closed state by the restoring force of the coil spring 150.

  Apart from performing such normal massage, for example, when the inside of the container body 2 is to be cleaned, it may be desired to keep the opening / closing part 4 open. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 37 (b), if the end of the coil spring 150 latched by the projection 152 on the opening / closing portion 4 side is removed from the projection, the biasing in the closing direction is released and the opening is opened. The state can be maintained.

  In this case, the open / close detection sensor 14 continues to send an OFF signal to the microcomputer 112, and the microcomputer 112 receiving this signal sends an instruction to the circulation pump 31 to lock the water discharge. Therefore, the pump operates in this open state, and water is not scattered outside.

  Further, since the bias release is simply the end of the coil spring 150 separated from the protrusion 152, it is easy to recover the bias force.

  In this modification, an example in which the coil spring 150 is manually and mechanically removed is shown, but a configuration in which this removal is performed electromagnetically is also possible.

  As shown in FIG. 38A, the second modification is obtained by adding an urging release mechanism 153 for removing the coil spring 150 to the first modification. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first modification, and the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  The bias release mechanism 153 includes a foot switch 153a for the user P to step on with his / her foot, a lever 153b whose one end of the flat plate is positioned below the foot switch 153a, and pivotally supported in the center, and a lever 153b. And a push-up bar 153c for removing the end of the coil spring 150 on the opening / closing part 4 side from the protrusion 152 on the opening / closing part 4 side.

  When the user P depresses the foot switch 153a, as shown in FIG. 38 (b), one end of the lever 153b positioned below is pushed down, whereby the rotation shaft at the center of the flat plate rotates, and the other of the lever 153b. The edge is pushed up. With this operation, the push-up bar 153 c is pushed up, and the coil spring 150 is removed from the protrusion 152. Thereby, the urging | biasing to the closing direction of the opening / closing part 4 is cancelled | released, and an open state is hold | maintained.

  According to this modified example, the coil spring 150 can be removed without having to bend the body forward and extend the hand to the end of the coil spring 150, and can be operated by a foot, and the open state can be easily maintained. .

  In the third modification, as shown in FIG. 39A, the bias is released by removing one end of the coil spring 150 from the protrusion, whereas the first modification opens the opening / closing part 4 once opened. The bias is released by inserting the support rod 154. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  The support rod 154 includes a first rod 154a having a concave portion 154c at one end, and the other end rotatably attached to the opening / closing portion 4, a convex portion 154d at one end, and the other end at the fixing portion 7. And a second rod 154b attached rotatably. The opening / closing portion 4 is provided with a rotation stopper 154e that supports the first rod 154a so that the first rod 154a does not rotate and hang down.

  In a state where the opening / closing part 4 is closed, the second bar 154b is placed in such a manner that the convex part 154d is placed on the first bar 154a provided on the rotation stopper 154e. When the opening / closing part 4 opens from this state, the convex part 154d of the second bar 154b slides on the first bar 154a toward the concave part 154c. Finally, as shown in FIG. 39 (b), the convex portion 154d fits into the concave portion 154c and cannot move any further. At this time, the first rod 154a and the second rod 153b form a straight line, and the first rod 154a is supported from below by the rotation stopper 154e. Absent. Thereby, the urging | biasing to the closing direction of the opening / closing part 4 is cancelled | released, and an open state is hold | maintained. On the other hand, the biasing can be restored easily by lifting the second bar 154b by hand.

  The fourth modification serves the same function as the automatic return hinge in the opening / closing part 4 of the lower limb bathing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, and, as shown in FIG. A damper 155 is provided instead of the support rod of the modified example. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the third embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  According to this modified example, as shown in FIG. 40 (b), the opening / closing part 4 can be opened until the damper 155 is fully extended, but the open state cannot be maintained there, and the opening / closing part 4 is slowly closed. Therefore, it is not suitable for a scene where the open state needs to continue for a certain period of time or longer, such as cleaning. However, since it closes slowly by the damper 155, even if the foot is housed in the container body 2, it does not hit the foot rapidly and give an impact, and there is no fear of being injured by being pinched by the opening / closing part 4.

  Finally, as a fifth modified example, several modified examples of the lower limb bathing apparatus or its opening / closing part are shown.

  FIG. 41A shows an example in which the shaft portion that pivotally supports the opening / closing portion is provided on the left and right side surfaces instead of the front side, and the opening / closing portion opens and closes so as to swing around this shaft portion. In this case, the middle part that partitions the left and right openings for projecting the legs of the user P from the inside of the container body is connected so as not to be able to be opened and closed by hitting the legs of the user P when opening and closing. It is formed in a shape or a rectangular parallelepiped. A splash preventing seal member is also attached around the opening so that the discharged water does not scatter to the outside.

  Thus, even if the opening / closing part is configured to open to the left and right, the front side is also opened, so that the user can put the foot into the container body from the heel side without lifting the knee high. In addition, since the clues of the opening / closing part are not on the calf side of the user but on both sides, even when pulling out the foot in the case of manual opening / closing type, it is not necessary to turn the hand to the calf side, and the opening / closing operation is performed in an easy posture be able to.

  In particular, in the example shown in FIG. 41A, the opening 3 corresponding to the entrance of the lower limb is formed not only on the upper surface of the container body 2 but also on the front side (side surface on the user P side). Therefore, it can be used with the knees slightly stretched, and the height of the knees will be lowered accordingly, and it will be easier to put in and out the feet.

  FIG. 41 (b) is provided with a double door opening / closing part. In this case, the shaft portion that pivotally supports the opening / closing portion 4 is provided in the heel direction. Thus, the opening / closing method of the opening / closing part is not limited to the horizontal axis rotation method.

  FIG. 41 (c) is an example in which the opening / closing part is formed in a double door sliding door system in an oval cylindrical container body. Thus, the shape of the lower limb bathing apparatus main body does not necessarily need to be a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes and do not limit the scope of the invention. Accordingly, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced by equivalents thereof, but these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  For example, if the drainage means is specialized for use in a bathroom or the like, the drainage means can be run down without providing a forced drainage means such as the drainage pump 90, and the cost can be reduced. .

  Further, since it is not necessary to raise the legs in this way, it is possible to increase the height of the container. Therefore, it is possible to provide a device for enjoying water bathing and massage not only to the feet but also to the knees.

The front view which shows the outline | summary of the bathroom vanity provided with the lower limb bathing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The side view explaining the state of the leg water bath in the vanity shown in FIG. The AA arrow directional view of the leg bathing apparatus shown by FIG.

The top view which shows an upper water discharging part and an opening-and-closing part.
The BB arrow directional view of the lower limb bathing apparatus shown by FIG. CC arrow view of the lower limb bathing apparatus shown in FIG. DD arrow view of the lower limb bathing apparatus shown in FIG. The EE arrow directional view of the leg bathing apparatus shown by FIG. The top view of the leg water bathing device concerning this embodiment. The front view of the leg bathing device concerning this embodiment. The left view of the lower limb bathing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment (a part is included in the FF arrow shown by FIG. 8). The top view which shows a foot surface nozzle and a sole nozzle. Explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the cam of a foot table nozzle drive part, and a limit switch. Sectional drawing explaining one nozzle unit which comprises a foot table nozzle. (A) is a foot nozzle horizontal cross-sectional view suitable for swirl flow, (b) is a GG arrow view in (a). The block diagram which shows the path | route for an electrical system | strain and water discharge. The figure which shows the external appearance of an operation part. The schematic flowchart which shows the process of the water supply preparation performed by the microcomputer of a lower limb bathing apparatus. The schematic flowchart which shows the water supply process performed by the microcomputer of a lower limb bathing apparatus, when a "hot water temperature selection" button is set to "water". The general | schematic flowchart which shows the hot_water | molten_metal supply process performed by the microcomputer of a lower-limbs bathing apparatus when there is hot water supply according to preset temperature when the "hot water temperature selection" button is set to other than "water". The general | schematic flowchart which shows the hot_water | molten_metal supply process performed by the microcomputer of a lower extremity bathing apparatus when there exists hot water supply lower than preset temperature when the "hot water temperature selection" button is set to other than "water". The general | schematic flowchart which shows the hot_water | molten_metal supply process performed by the microcomputer of a lower-limbs bathing apparatus when there exists hot water supply higher than preset temperature when the "hot water temperature selection" button is set to other than "water". The figure explaining the behavior of a sole nozzle. The figure explaining the mode of the water discharge of a sole nozzle. The schematic flowchart which shows the water discharge process of the foot surface nozzle performed by the microcomputer of a leg bathing apparatus. The schematic flowchart which shows the preparation process of the addition hot water performed by the microcomputer of a lower limb bathing apparatus. The schematic flowchart which shows the process of the addition hot water performed by the microcomputer of a lower limb bathing apparatus. The schematic flowchart which shows the modification of the preparation process of the addition hot water performed by the microcomputer of a lower limb bathing apparatus. The schematic flowchart which shows the 2nd modification of the preparation process of the addition hot water performed by the microcomputer of a lower limb bathing apparatus. The block diagram which shows the path | route for the electrical system | strain and water discharge of the lower extremity bathing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure explaining the pipe line switching of a circulation / drainage pump. The schematic flowchart which shows the process of the water supply preparation performed by the microcomputer of the leg bathing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic flowchart which shows the water discharge process of the foot table nozzle performed by the microcomputer of the lower limbs bathing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic flowchart which shows the preparation process of the addition hot water performed by the microcomputer of the leg bathing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic flowchart which shows the process of the addition hot water performed by the microcomputer of the lower limb bathing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the directivity direction of each nozzle unit of the foot surface nozzle which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic flowchart which shows the opening / closing process of the opening / closing part performed by the microcomputer of the lower limbs bathing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the 1st modification of the opening-and-closing mechanism of the lower limbs bathing device concerning the present invention, (a) shows the state where the opening-and-closing part closed, and (b) shows the state where the energizing function was canceled. Figure. It is a figure explaining the 2nd modification of the opening / closing mechanism of the lower limbs bathing apparatus which concerns on this invention, (a) is a figure which shows the state which the opening / closing part closed, (b) shows the state which canceled the urging | biasing function. Figure. It is a figure explaining the 3rd modification of the opening-and-closing mechanism of the lower limbs bathing device concerning the present invention, (a) shows the state where the opening-and-closing part closed, and (b) shows the state where the energizing function was canceled. Figure. It is a figure explaining the 4th modification of the opening-and-closing mechanism of the lower limbs bathing device concerning the present invention, (a) shows the state where the opening-and-closing part closed, and (b) shows the state where the energizing function was canceled. Figure. It is a figure explaining the 5th modification of the opening-and-closing mechanism of the lower limbs bathing device concerning the present invention, (a) is a system in which an opening-and-closing part swings to the left and right, (b) is a double door opening system, (c) is The figure which shows a sliding door system.

Explanation of symbols

1,1A Lower extremity bathing device 2 Container body 3 Opening 4 Opening / closing part 4a Opening / closing part upper surface 4b Opening / closing part front 4d Rotating shaft 5 Foot rest 5a Toe side 5b Reed side 6 Water collecting groove 7 Fixing part 8 Cutting part 9 ) Seal member 10 Auto hinge 11 Magnet catch 12 Power switch 13 Foot detection sensor 14 Open / close detection sensor 15 Opening / closing motor 20 Internal water supply pipe 21 Internal hot water supply pipes 20a, 21a Upstream end 22 Water supply solenoid valve 23 Hot water supply solenoid valve 24 Water supply Outlet 25 hot water supply outlet 26 water storage tank 27 water collecting hole 28 outlet cover 29 hot water thermistor 30 water storage thermistor 31 circulation pump 32 pumping pipe 33 water discharge pipe 34 water discharge pipe branching unit 38 circulation solenoid valve 39 drainage solenoid valve 40 sole nozzle 41 foot sole discharge Water pipe 42 Circulation / drainage pump 43 Circulation / drainage pipe 44 Circulation / drainage branch unit 402 Water passage 403 Rotation Chamber inflow path 404 Swirling chamber 410 Water discharge body 410a Water discharge part 411 Water discharge port 412 Power receiving part 413 Water supply pipe line 415 Taper guide part 416 Seal member 60 Foot surface nozzle drive part 61 Motor 62 for movement Gear chassis 63 Cam 64, 65 Limit switch 71 Foot surface nozzle 72 Foot surface water discharge pipe 73 Shaft 74 Nozzle unit 75 Unit main body 75a Water port 76 Nozzle pipe 77 Electromagnetic coil 78 Movable iron core 79 Valve body 81 Valve seat 81 Coil spring 82 Lid member 83 Injection hole 90 Drain pump 91 Pumping port 92 Internal drain pipe 100 Float chamber 100a Top plate lower surface 101 Side cover 102 Sewage level switch 103 Upper water level switch 104 Overflow sensor 105 Electrode 110 Control board 112 Microcomputer 113, 114 A / D converters 115, 116 Detection circuits 117-123 Drive Road-to-130 operation panel 131 "water supply / drainage" button 132 "foot Put OK" LED
133 “Start / Stop” button 134 “Additional hot water on / off” button 135 “Additional hot water” LED
136 “Select Hot Water Temperature” Button 137 “Select Hot Water Temperature” LED Group 138 “Move On / Off” Button 139 “Select Nozzle” Button 140 “Nozzle Select” LED Group 150 Coil Spring 151 Hinge 152 Projection 153 Foot Switch 153a Footplate 153b Insulator 153c Push-up bar 154 Protruding bar 154a First bar 154b Second bar 154c Concave 154d Convex 154e Rotation stopper 155 Damper 201 Washing vanity 202 Washing counter 203 Washing bowl 204 Counter top 204a Side part 205 Faucet fitting 206 Operation lever 207 Washing water outlet 208 Water supply pipe 209 Hot water supply pipe 210 Drain outlet 211 Drain pipe 212 Trap 213 Hanging wall 214 Door 215 Cabinet 216 Branching part 217 Branching water supply pipe 218 Branching hot water supply pipe 219 Apparatus drainage pipe 220 Connection part P User Q Lower limb storage space R

Claims (12)

A main body for storing a user's lower limb, a footrest formed so that a sole can be placed inside the main body, a water discharge means for discharging hot water toward the lower limb stored in the main body, and the water discharge In the lower limb bathing apparatus comprising drainage means for discharging hot water discharged from the means from the main body, the main body has an opening / closing part in which a user's lower limb can be inserted and removed and its main part is located on a side surface of the main body Lower limb bathing device characterized by that. A main body for storing a user's lower limb, a footrest formed so that a sole can be placed inside the main body, a water discharge means for discharging hot water toward the lower limb stored in the main body, and the water discharge In the lower limb bathing apparatus provided with drainage means for discharging hot water discharged from the means from the main body, the main body has an opening / closing part that allows the user's lower limbs to be inserted and removed and does not use only the upper surface in the use state as an entrance. Lower limb bathing device characterized by. The lower limb bathing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a main part of the opening / closing part is located on a side surface of the main body in the vicinity of the heel of the inserted lower limb. The lower limb according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a bottom portion of the opening / closing portion is provided at a position higher than an uppermost surface of hot water that is discharged from the water discharging means and can stay in the main body. Water bath equipment. The lower limb bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening / closing part includes an urging means for urging the opening / closing part in a direction to close the opening / closing part. The lower limb bathing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the urging unit includes an urging release mechanism that releases the urging. The lower limb bathing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the bias release mechanism includes a foot switch that can be operated by a user with a foot. The urging means has an urging recovery mechanism that recovers the urging force released by the urging releasing mechanism after a certain time, and is configured to be urged again in a direction to close the opening / closing part. The lower limb bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 and 7. The lower limb bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the opening / closing section includes a speed reduction mechanism that reduces the moving speed in the closing direction. The lower limb bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the opening / closing part includes holding means for urging the opening / closing part in a direction for holding the closed state. The opening / closing part includes a driving mechanism for driving opening / closing of the opening / closing part, an opening switch for sending the opening / closing part opening signal to the driving mechanism by a user's operation, and a user's lower limb at a predetermined position inside the main body. A lower limb detecting means for detecting whether or not a lower limb is present, and a control section for sending an opening / closing section closing signal to the driving section when the lower limb is detected by the detecting means. The lower limb bathing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10. The water discharge means stops the water discharge to the water discharge means when the opening degree detection means for detecting the opening / closing state of the opening / closing part and the opening degree detection means detects that the opening / closing part is opened more than a certain level. The lower limb bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a water stopping means for causing the water to stop.

Images