JP2006263253A - Blood circulation promoting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate adhesion of scale to a heater part in a steam generating tank in a simple constitution, heat a body partially by jetting steam and carbon dioxide to a hot bathtub and provide a high blood circulation promoting effect by affecting the carbon dioxide on the living body in a blood circulation promoting apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: This blood circulation promoting apparatus is provided with steam generating part 3 having a heater 31 heating water for evaporating it, and a carbon dioxide generating part 4 chemically reacting carbonate with agent composed of acid to generate carbon dioxide; and a steam generating tank 32 forming the steam generating part 3 and an agent reactor 42 forming the carbon dioxide generating part 4 are constituted of different tanks respectively. This constitution can increase the blood circulation promoting effect and eliminate the adhesion of the scale of the agent to the heater part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a blood circulation promoting device effective for promoting blood circulation and improving cooling by warming a part of the body.

  Conventionally, there is a sauna bath aimed at promoting blood circulation and improving coldness, but as a device that can warm up the body more easily, it improves blood circulation by heating hands and feet in hot water. There are foot baths and limb baths. In such an apparatus, since the clothes are used while being worn, the part of the body that is not heated is exposed, so that the user may feel the warmth of the hot water and the chills during use. Furthermore, the body range in which these can be heated is limited due to the amount of hot water, and in order to increase the heating effect, a large amount of hot water is required to widen the heated region. In this case, hot water preparation, hot water filling / discarding work becomes troublesome.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, a warm bath as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed as one that does not require a large amount of hot water. However, even in such a warm bath, there is a problem that the warm bath effect is desired to be further increased because the heat retaining effect is not sustained only by applying warm heat.

  In addition, it is known that by bathing in a carbonated spring, carbon dioxide is absorbed percutaneously to expand the capillaries and enhance the blood circulation promoting effect and the heat retaining effect. However, since bathing in carbonated springs is a whole body bathing, it is necessary to supply a large amount of carbon dioxide gas.

  Further, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, as a carbon dioxide gas generating means, a carbon dioxide gas cylinder, an apparatus for collecting and separating carbon dioxide from exhaust gas from a combustor, or carbon dioxide in air is separated by a carbon dioxide selective permeable membrane. Devices for concentrating are known. When the carbon dioxide gas cylinder is used, handling of the high-pressure vessel is troublesome, and all the others have a complicated configuration and the apparatus becomes large.

Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 3, there is known an apparatus that generates a carbon dioxide gas by causing a chemical reaction (endothermic reaction) of an agent composed of a carbonate and an acid in a tank having a heater.
JP 2003-310699 A JP 2002-282316 A JP 2002-143867 A

  By the way, the applicant of the present invention generates a carbon dioxide gas as shown in Patent Document 3 because the steam bath as shown in Patent Document 1 has a heater in the steam generating tank. We investigated the implementation of a blood circulation promoting device that also serves as a reaction tank. In this case, an agent composed of carbonate and acid is put into the steam generation tank. However, according to this method, there arises a problem that the scale of the agent adheres to the heater portion or the like in the steam generation tank, and the heating capacity of the heater is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a blood circulation promoting device that has a simple configuration, does not adhere to a scale in a heater part in a steam generation tank, and can realize a high blood circulation promoting effect. To do.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, blood circulation promotion in which steam vaporized water and carbon dioxide are blown into a hot tub into which a part of the body is inserted to partially warm the body and carbon dioxide acts on the living body. An apparatus comprising: a steam generating section having a heater for heating and vaporizing water; and a carbon dioxide generating section for generating a carbon dioxide gas by chemically reacting an agent composed of a carbonate and an acid. The tank for forming the section (hereinafter referred to as the steam generation tank) and the tank for forming the carbon dioxide generating section (hereinafter referred to as the agent reaction tank) are composed of separate tanks, respectively, and the steam generation tank and the agent reaction tank Are in contact with each other.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the blood circulation promoting device according to the first aspect, a contact portion between the steam generation tank and the agent reaction tank is a good heat conductor.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the blood circulation promoting device according to the first aspect, the steam flow path from the steam generating tank branches and flows into the agent reaction tank.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the blood circulation promoting device according to the third aspect, the apparatus has a valve for controlling the inflow of the steam after the flow path of the steam is branched.

According to the invention of claim 1, by supplying carbon dioxide together with steam in a state where a body part such as a hand or a foot is inserted into the hot tub, the body part can be heated by steam. In addition, the “bore effect (transfer of oxygen from hemoglobin to tissue)” due to percutaneous absorption of carbon dioxide gas can enhance the blood circulation promoting effect, and the scale adheres to the heater in the steam generation tank. There is no.
Moreover, since the heat generated from the heater of the steam generation tank is transferred to the agent reaction tank and the agent reaction solution is heated, the agent reaction is promoted.
According to the invention of claim 2, since the amount of heat transfer is increased and the agent reaction solution is further heated, the agent reaction is further promoted.
According to the invention of claim 3, heat can be supplied to the reaction solution with a simple structure, the carbon dioxide gas generation reaction can be promoted, and there are no restrictions on the installation positions of the steam generation tank and the agent reaction tank.
According to invention of Claim 4, excessive steam inflow to an agent reaction tank can be suppressed, and the flow volume of the steam to a hot tub can be increased by that much.

  Hereinafter, a blood circulation promoting device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic configuration of a blood circulation promoting device according to the present embodiment. The blood circulation promoting device 1 includes a part of a user's body, here a foot tub (hot tub) 2 having an insertion port for inserting a foot F, a steam generating unit 3 for supplying steam into the foot tub 2, and a foot. It is comprised from the carbon dioxide gas production | generation part 4 which supplies a carbon dioxide gas in the bathtub 2. FIG. The steam generation unit 3 includes a steam generation tank 32 provided with a heater 31 for heating and vaporizing water, a water supply port 33, and a steam ejection port 34 to the foot tub 2.

  The carbon dioxide generation unit 4 includes an agent reaction tank 42 that chemically reacts an agent composed of carbonate and acid to generate carbon dioxide, an agent supply port 43, and a carbon dioxide ejection port 44. Moreover, although not shown in figure, the heater control part which controls operation | movement of the heater 31, a power supply, etc. are provided. In addition, although the blood circulation promotion apparatus for feet is described here, the warming portion may be a hand or a half body as long as it is a part of the body, and is not limited to the feet.

  Various embodiments of the steam generation unit 3 and the carbon dioxide generation unit 4 in the blood circulation promotion device 1 will be described below. Although the footbath 2 is not shown, it is equivalent to that shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies hereinafter).

  FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the steam generation tank 32 and the agent reaction tank 42 are installed so as to be in contact with each other, and the tank contact portion 5 between the tanks is made of aluminum which is a good heat conductor. The carbon dioxide generation unit 4 includes a water supply port 45, a water tank 46, a valve 47 that controls the inflow of water from the water tank 46 to the agent reaction tank 42, and a valve control unit that controls the opening and closing of the valve 47. (Not shown). The agent supply port 43 is not shown. The water tank 46 is installed on the agent reaction tank 42.

  In such a blood circulation promoting device, when promoting blood circulation of a foot as a part of the body, first, as a preparation, an agent is put into the agent reaction tank 42 from the agent supply port 43, and then from the water supply ports 33 and 45. A predetermined amount of water is put into each of the steam generation tank 32 and the water tank 46. As a form of the agent used here, it is desirable that both carbonate and acid are powdery or granular. Then, the user inserts the foot into the foot tub 2. Then, the user operates the control unit of the heater 31 of the steam generation unit 3 and the control unit of the valve 47 of the carbon dioxide generation unit 4.

  As a result, the steam generator 3 operates the heater 31, and the water supplied to the steam generating tank 32 is heated and evaporated by the heater 31 to become steam, which flows into the foot bath 2 through the steam outlet 34. To do. Further, in the carbon dioxide generation unit 4, the valve 47 is opened, and water in the water tank 46 is poured into the agent reaction tank 42. Since a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the water tank 46 in advance, the predetermined amount of water is poured into the agent reaction tank 42 by flowing the entire amount. Therefore, the agent starts a chemical reaction in the agent reaction tank 42, and the generated carbon dioxide gas flows into the foot bath 2 through the carbon dioxide gas outlet 44. Further, a part of the heat of the heater 31 is transmitted to the agent reaction tank 42 through the tank contact portion 5, and the agent reaction solution is heated. In the foot tub 2, carbon dioxide gas dissolves in the steam, and the steam adheres to the foot and promotes blood circulation of the foot.

  In the present embodiment, since the agent solution does not touch the heater 31, problems such as scale generation at the heater 31 portion do not occur. In addition, by using a powder or granular agent, it is easier to dissolve than a tablet-shaped agent, and a rapid carbon dioxide gas generating reaction can be obtained. Furthermore, since a part of heat by the heater 31 of the steam generation tank 32 is transmitted to the agent reaction tank 42 via the tank contact portion 5 and the reaction solution is heated, an effect of promoting the agent reaction is obtained.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment. In the present embodiment, an agent reaction tank 42 is installed at a position below the steam generation tank 32, and a water supply pipe 48 that connects these two tanks 32, 42, and water supply is controlled in the middle of the water supply pipe 48. And a control unit (not shown) for controlling opening and closing of the valve 47, and a water temperature detection unit 35 for detecting the water temperature in the steam generating tank 32. Further, when the valve 47 is opened, water is fed by a difference in height, so that the water surface of the steam generating tank 32 is lowered to a height where the water feeding pipe 48 is attached. From this, the amount of water to be fed can be determined by the mounting height of the water feeding tube 48. For example, the water feeding tube 48 is installed at a position where a predetermined amount of 50 mL is fed to the agent reaction tank 42.

  In this blood circulation promoting device, when promoting blood circulation of the foot, first, as preparation, an agent is introduced from the agent supply port into the agent reaction tank 42, and a predetermined amount of water is introduced from the water supply port 33 into the steam generation tank 32. The user inserts the foot into the foot tub 2. Then, the control unit of the heater 31 of the steam generation unit 3 is operated. As a result, the heater 31 is operated in the steam generating unit 32 and preheats the water in the steam generating tank 32 to a predetermined temperature such as 40 ° C., for example. When the water temperature detection unit 35 detects the arrival of a predetermined temperature, the control unit of the valve 47 and the control unit of the heater 31 of the steam generation unit 3 operate. At this time, in the carbon dioxide generation unit 4, the valve 47 is opened, and a predetermined amount of hot water is poured from the steam generation tank 32 into the agent reaction tank 42 through the water supply pipe 48. In the agent reaction tank 42, the agent starts a chemical reaction, and the generated carbon dioxide gas flows into the foot bath 2 through the carbon dioxide gas outlet 44.

  Further, in the steam generating unit 3, the water in the steam generating tank 32 is heated by the heater 31 to evaporate to become steam, and flows into the foot bath 2 through the steam outlet 34. The effect of promoting blood circulation in the foot tub 2 is equivalent to that described above.

  In the present embodiment, since the heated water is held in the water and sent to the agent reaction solution, heat is efficiently supplied even if the steam generation tank 32 and the agent reaction tank 42 are installed at separate locations. be able to.

  Next, FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment. In the present embodiment, a water supply pipe 48 connecting the steam generation tank 32 and the agent reaction tank 42, a pump 49 for controlling water supply in the middle of the water supply pipe 48, and pump control for controlling the operation of the pump 49. Part (not shown).

  In this blood circulation promoting device, when promoting blood circulation of the foot, first, as a preparation, an agent is put into the agent reaction tank 42 and a predetermined amount of water is put into the steam generating tank 32 from the water supply port 33. Then, the user inserts the foot into the foot tub 2. Then, the control unit of the heater 31 of the steam generation unit 3 is operated. As a result, the heater 31 is operated in the steam generating unit 32 and preheats the water in the steam generating tank 32 to a predetermined temperature such as 40 ° C., for example. When the water temperature detection unit 35 detects the arrival of a predetermined temperature, the pump control unit of the pump 49 and the control unit of the heater 31 of the steam generation unit 3 operate. At this time, in the carbon dioxide generating unit 4, the pump 49 is operated and water is poured from the steam generating tank 32 into the agent reaction tank 42 through the water supply pipe 48. At this time, the water supply from the steam generating tank 32 is controlled so that a predetermined amount is sent by adjusting the flow rate or operating time of the pump 49. In the agent reaction tank 42, the agent starts a chemical reaction, and the generated carbon dioxide gas flows into the foot bath through the carbon dioxide gas outlet.

  Further, in the steam generating unit 3, the water in the steam generating tank 32 is heated by the heater 31 to evaporate to become steam, and flows into the foot bath 2 through the steam outlet 34. The effect of promoting blood circulation in the foot tub 2 is equivalent to that described above.

  In this embodiment, since water is supplied by the pump 49, the installation positions of the steam generation tank 32 and the agent reaction tank 42 are not restricted and can be freely arranged.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, a branch flow path 61 for branching a part of the steam into the generated steam flow path 6 and introducing it into the agent reaction tank 42, and a valve for controlling the flow of steam in the flow path 61 62, a valve control unit (not shown) for controlling the valve 62, and a temperature detection unit 64 in the agent reaction tank 42.

  This blood circulation promoting device is used in the same manner as in the first embodiment, but the following points are different. At the start of use, the valve 62 is closed, but when the temperature detection unit 64 detects that the temperature of the reaction solution in the agent reaction tank 42 has become a predetermined temperature such as 10 ° C. or less, the valve operation unit operates to operate the valve. 62 opens, and steam flows into the agent reaction tank 42. Thereby, an agent reaction solution is heated. When the temperature detection unit 64 detects that the temperature of the reaction solution has become equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the valve 62 is closed by the operation of the valve operation unit, and the flow of steam into the agent reaction tank 42 is stopped. According to the present embodiment, heat for promoting the reaction of the agent can be transmitted with a simple structure.

  Next, FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the carbon dioxide generating unit 4 includes a water supply port 45, a water tank 46, a valve 47 that controls the inflow of water from the water tank 46 to the agent reaction tank 42, and the agent reaction tank 42. The provided stirring blade 7, a motor unit 71 that moves the stirring blade 7, a valve control unit (not shown) that controls opening and closing of the valve 47, a motor control unit that controls the motor unit 71, and a timer unit (not shown) And. The water tank 46 is installed on the agent reaction tank 42.

  This blood circulation promoting device is used in the same manner as in the first embodiment. However, when the valve control unit and the timer unit are operated, for example, the motor control unit operates after 10 seconds, and the motor 71 is operated and stirred. The blade 7 rotates to stir the agent reaction solution. According to this method, dissolution and mixing of the agent are promoted, and therefore, the carbon dioxide gas generation reaction is promoted.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire blood circulation promoting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The schematic of the steam production | generation part and carbon dioxide production | generation part of 1st Example in the blood circulation promotion apparatus. The schematic of the steam production | generation part and carbon dioxide production | generation part of 2nd Example in the blood circulation promotion apparatus. The schematic of the steam production | generation part and carbon dioxide production | generation part of 3rd Example in the blood circulation promotion apparatus. The schematic of the steam production | generation part and carbon dioxide production | generation part of 4th Example in the blood circulation promotion apparatus. The schematic of the steam production | generation part and carbon dioxide production | generation part of 5th Example in the blood circulation promotion apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Blood circulation promotion device 2 Foot tub (hot tub)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Steam production | generation part 31 Heater 32 Steam generation tank 35 Water temperature detection part 4 Carbon dioxide production part 42 Agent reaction tank 47 Valve 48 Water supply pipe 49 Pump 5 Tank contact part 6 Steam flow path 61 Branch flow path 62 Valve

Claims (4)

A blood circulation promoting device that heats steam and carbon dioxide gas in a hot tub into which a part of the body is inserted, partially heats the body and acts on the living body with carbon dioxide gas,
A steam generator having a heater for heating and vaporizing water;
A carbon dioxide generation unit that generates carbon dioxide by chemically reacting an agent composed of carbonate and acid,
A tank for forming the steam generation section (hereinafter referred to as a steam generation tank) and a tank for forming the carbon dioxide generation section (hereinafter referred to as an agent reaction tank) are composed of separate tanks, and the steam generation tank and the agent A blood circulation promoting device characterized by being in contact with a reaction tank.   The blood circulation promoting device according to claim 1, wherein a contact portion between the steam generation tank and the agent reaction tank is a good thermal conductor.   The blood circulation promoting device according to claim 1, wherein a steam flow path from the steam generation tank is branched and flows into the agent reaction tank.   The blood circulation promoting device according to claim 3, further comprising a valve for controlling the inflow of steam after the steam flow path is branched.

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