JP2007167536A - Foot bath - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a foot bath using a natural convection system with the heat by an electric heater without using a pump, etc., for circulating foot-bath water, especially allowing a user to take both a foot bath for soaking right and left toes in foot-bath water in a bathtub and a steam bath for warming the toes and shins put in the bathtub with steam, as a foot bath for soaking right and left toes in foot-bath water stored in the bathtub whose top is open, instead of a conventional one structured to spout hot water from a water nozzle by an electric pump to the soles of feet, having a sterilization water tank in which silver ions are dissolved for reducing odors of feet and preventing the athlete's foot. <P>SOLUTION: The bathtub is divided right and left by a center partition, and a control part for controlling the electrification of the electric heater, a steam generating device and a sterilization device is stored in the center partition. The foot bath has a hot-water bath function part for circulating foot-bath water with the heat of the electric heater and a steam bath function part for feeding heated steam to the bathtub, and a switch operation part for selecting whether the hot-water bath function part and the steam bath function part should be selectively operated or simultaneously operated. A steam guide port is located higher than a prescribed level of foot-bath water in the bathtub. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a foot bath device in which the left and right foot tips are immersed in foot bath water stored in a bathtub having an upper surface opening, and more particularly to a foot bath device capable of both foot bathing in which foot feet are immersed in foot bath water and steam bathing with steam.

  As one of the foot baths that immerse the left and right feet in the foot bath water stored in the bathtub with the top opening, place ceramic on the stool-like footrest installed in the bathtub, put the foot on it, There is one which heats water for foot baths with a heater arranged at the bottom (see Patent Document 1). In addition, a heat insulating material is provided between the outer surface of the inner box forming the bathtub with the top opening and the outer frame, and an electric heater is attached to the outer surface of the inner box corresponding to the groove formed in the heat insulating material. There is a bubble generation type foot bath that heats water for bathing in a bathtub, feeds air from a blower into a floor covering submerged in the bathtub, and discharges air from a discharge hole formed in the floor covering (see Patent Document 2). ). The thing of this patent document 2 is guessed that the water for foot baths forcibly flows with the air sent from a blower.

In addition, there is a footbath with a mechanism that ejects hot water from the water discharge nozzle to the sole of the foot with an electric pump, and a sterilized water generation tank that elutes silver ions is installed in this to reduce foot odor and prevent athlete's foot There is a thing (refer patent document 3). The thing of patent document 3 is guessed that the footbath water forcibly flows by the water discharge by an electric pump while having a sterilization effect.
JP 2003-180724 A JP 2003-180790 A JP 2004-208746 A

  The present invention is a system that naturally convects by heating with an electric heater without using a pump or the like to circulate footbath water by a configuration different from these, and in particular, a footbath that immerses the left and right foottips in footbath water in a bathtub, Provided is a foot bath device capable of performing both a steam bath in which a foot tip placed in a bathtub and a calf are heated by steam. In this case, a configuration is provided in which both operations can be performed without hindrance even when steam bathing with steam is performed during foot bathing in which foot tips are immersed in foot bath water.

  The footbath of the first invention includes a bathtub main body formed with a bathtub having an upper surface opening for storing footbath water on the upper side and a storage part opened downward on the lower side. The middle partition is provided with a communication passage through which the foot bath water of the left and right foot bath portions communicates, and the front and rear portions of the left and right foot bath portions are respectively provided with foot bath water discharge ports and suction ports, and the storage The footbath water circulation pipe communicated with the footbath water discharge port and the suction port, an electric heater for heating the footbath water in the pipe, and a sterilization that adds a sterilizing action to the footbath water in the footbath water circulation pipe The footbath water circulation pipe is inclined with a front part higher than the rear part, a steam generator is housed in the partition, and steam is supplied to the left and right footbath parts on both sides of the front part of the partition. Erupting steam A control unit that controls energization of the electric heater, the steam generation device, and the sterilization device is housed in the partition; and a switch operation that controls the control unit on an upper surface of the partition The electric heater is energized to be controlled based on detection of the bath water temperature of the bathtub by the temperature detection unit, and the front walls of the left and right foot bath parts go upward to cover the steam guide port. Therefore, a cover part curved backward is formed, and the steam guide port is arranged higher than a prescribed level of foot bath water in the left and right foot bath parts.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the bathtub main body is made of ceramics, and includes a base on which the bathtub main body is placed so as to cover the storage portion, and the bottom of the left and right foot bath portions. The wall is inclined such that the upper surface and the lower surface are higher at the front than the rear, the footbath water circulation pipe is inclined along the bottom wall, the footbath water circulation pipe is inclined along the bottom wall, and the inclination A communication passage through which the footbath water of the left and right footbath units communicates at the lower part of the left and right footbath parts, and a heat transfer plate that heats the bottom walls of the left and right footbath parts widely by the heat generated by the electric heater. And a drainage part for draining the water for foot bathing of the bathtub is provided in the communication path, and a drainage tank is stored and supported so that it can be drawn out to the base so as to receive drainage from the drainage part. Characterized by .

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a footbath according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the switch operation unit causes the foot bath water of the left and right foot bath units to be bathed by heating the electric heater, and the steam generation. The steam bath state in which the apparatus is operated to send steam from the steam guide port to the left and right foot bath portions can be selected from a state in which the steam bath operates separately and a state in which the steam bath operates simultaneously.

  In the 1st invention, since it can be properly used in the state of bathing with the foot bath water of the bathtub and the state of sending steam into the bathtub and steam bathing, and the hot water bath and steam bath can be performed simultaneously, It can be used properly according to your convenience. And since the steam guide port is placed higher than the prescribed level of foot bath water in the bathtub, even when performing hot water bath and steam bath at the same time, the foot bath water will not be scattered by the steam ejected from the steam guide port, You can have a safe foot bath. Also, since the footbath water is a system that naturally convects by heating with an electric heater, there is no need for a circulation pump or the like, and the footbath water circulation pipe heated by the electric heater is arranged so that the footbath water discharge port side becomes higher. Therefore, smooth circulation of footbath water in a fixed direction is performed, and stable circulation with respect to the tip of the footbath during footbath is obtained. Moreover, since the bath water circulation pipe, the electric heater, and the sterilization apparatus are arranged in the storage portion formed on the lower side of the bathtub, these can be protected from the foot bath water spilled from the bathtub. In addition, by partitioning the bathtub into left and right foot baths with a partition, the amount of foot bath water to be stored can be reduced, and the heating time of the foot bath water is shortened, resulting in an energy saving effect. In addition, the inside of the partition can be effectively used as a storage unit for the steam generator and the control unit, and the steam generated from the steam generator can be easily ejected from the steam guide ports corresponding to the front portions of the left and right foot bath parts. Simplified. And it becomes the form which is easy to perform switch operation in the state in foot bath by arrange | positioning a switch operation part on the upper surface of a partition.

In the second invention, in addition to the effect of the first invention, if the bathtub body is made of a synthetic resin, damage due to wiping occurs, impurities and water droplets are likely to remain in the scratch, and this also causes generation of wrinkles, In the present invention, the bathtub body is made of ceramic (ceramics), so that it is easy to wipe off without being damaged by wiping off the water drops after draining the footbath water, and can always be kept clean. In addition, by making the bathtub body made of ceramic (ceramics), it becomes easy to make a complicated shape of undercut, and the shape such as curving the front wall of the bathtub so as to cover the discharge port for foot bath water is also easy, The design will also improve and give a sense of luxury. In addition, since the front of the left and right foot baths has a high slope, the foot bath water circulation pipes are arranged along the slopes of the bottom walls of the left and right foot baths, making it easier to place the foot bath water circulation pipes in an inclined manner. Good convection of footbath water generated by heating of the electric heater can be obtained. And since the toes that are inserted into the footbath while sitting on a chair placed behind the footbath are stable when the toes are raised, the feet can be taken in an easy posture without forcing an unreasonable posture. At the same time, the flow of footbath water flowing out from the discharge port to the suction port can be made smooth. Then, a communicating path is formed by penetrating the partition at the lower slope of the bottom surface of the left and right foot bath parts, and the drainage part is located in this communicating path, so the bath water of the left and right foot bath parts concentrates on the communicating path. It is easier to drain water, and it is not necessary to provide drainage parts on the left and right foot bath parts respectively, the drainage structure is simplified, there is no possibility that the foot bather's sole touches the opening of this drainage part, and the foot bather feels uncomfortable Never give. In addition, since the temperature can be detected in the communication path, there is no need to provide a temperature detection unit for each of the left and right foot bath parts, the temperature detection structure is simplified, and the foot bather's soles may touch the temperature detection part. There is no discomfort for foot bathers.

  In the third invention, in addition to the effects of the first invention or the second invention, by operating a switch operation unit on the upper surface of the partition, a state where the bath is bathed with foot bath water, and heated steam is fed into the bathtub. It can be used properly depending on the state of steam bathing, and since it can be performed simultaneously with a hot water bath and a steam bath, it can be used properly according to preference and is convenient.

Footbath apparatus of the present invention includes a bath tank body forming a housing part which opens downwardly to the lower forms a bathtub top opening for storing the foot bath water to the upper, the tub foot bath portions of the left and right, respectively, by the middle partition The middle partition is provided with a communication passage through which the foot bath water of the left and right foot bath portions communicates, and the front and rear portions of the left and right foot bath portions are respectively provided with foot bath water discharge ports and suction ports, and the storage The footbath water circulation pipe communicated with the footbath water discharge port and the suction port, an electric heater for heating the footbath water in the pipe, and a sterilization that adds a sterilizing action to the footbath water in the footbath water circulation pipe The footbath water circulation pipe is inclined with a front part higher than the rear part, a steam generator is housed in the partition, and steam is supplied to the left and right footbath parts on both sides of the front part of the partition. Steam plan to erupt A control unit that controls energization of the electric heater, the steam generation device, and the sterilization device, and a switch operation unit that controls the control unit on an upper surface of the partition. The electric heater is energized to be controlled based on detection of the bath water temperature of the bathtub by a temperature detector, and the front walls of the left and right foot baths are rearward as they go upward to cover the steam guide port. A cover portion that is curved to the right is formed, and this steam port is arranged higher than the prescribed level of the foot bath water in the left and right foot bath portions, and an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described. 1 is a front perspective view of a footbath, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the footbath, FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the footbath, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the bathtub body portion of the footbath, and FIG. 6 is a longitudinal rear view of the footbath device, FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 4, FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 4 with the steam chamber lid opened, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the silver ion generator, FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the foot bath with the leg holder attached, and FIG. 12 is a state in which a steam bath is performed. FIG.

  In the figure, 1 is a foot bath of the present invention. The footbath 1 is a footbath in which the left and right feet are immersed in water for footbath stored in a bathtub with an upper opening, and a bathtub body 2 that forms a bathtub 5 with an upper opening on the upper side, and the bathtub body in a horizontal state The bathtub body 2 is made of ceramics (ceramics) to protect the bottom surface of the ceramics (ceramics) bathtub body 2 in order to provide high quality and excellent hygiene. When the foot bath 1 is installed on the floor of a room in the house, the base 3 is made of synthetic resin or wood so as not to damage the floor, but in the embodiment, the base made of synthetic resin is used. 3. By making the bathtub body 2 made of ceramic (ceramics) having a smooth surface, it can be kept hygienic by wiping off water droplets with a cloth or the like when the foot bath 1 is used. If it is made of synthetic resin, it is easy to cause damage due to this wiping, and dirt easily accumulates on this scratch, and it becomes easy to become unsanitary. However, by using ceramics (ceramics), such a fear is eliminated.

  The base 3 is made of a synthetic resin because it is easy to place a ceramic body (ceramics) bathtub body 2 and to store a flat drainage tank 4 as described later. This is because it is easy to consider. The base 3 is integrally formed with a rising wall 3B at the peripheral edge of the flat plate portion 3A, and a flat drainage tank 4 is placed on the substrate portion 3A so as to be freely drawn out, and a rear wall portion of the rising wall 3B. An opening 3C for retractably storing the drainage tank 4 is formed, and a handle 4A of the drainage tank 4 faces the opening 3C. Moreover, the lower surface peripheral part of the bathtub main body 2 is mounted in the standing wall 3B, and the footbath machine 1 comes to maintain a horizontal installation state in that state.

  The bathtub main body 2 forms a bathtub 5 having an upper surface opening for storing footbath water on the upper side, and forms a storage portion 6 that opens downwardly surrounded by a wall on the lower side of the bathtub 5. The storage unit 6 is covered with the base 3 in a state of being placed on the base 3. The bathtub body 2 is provided with a communication path 8 through which the bathtub 5 is divided into left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B by a partition 7 and the rear water of the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B communicates with the rear part of the partition 7, The front and rear portions of the left and right foot baths 5A and 5B are respectively provided with foot bath water discharge ports 9 and suction ports 10. The distance between the discharge port 9 and the suction port 10 is larger than the standard size from the foot pad to the toe of the foot bather so that it is difficult to touch the foot bather's sole inserted into the left and right foot bath parts 5A, 5B. It is a slightly larger dimension and is 250 mm to 270 mm. As a result, most people do not touch the discharge port 9 and the suction port 10. The suction port 10 is formed at a position close to the rear ends of the left and right foot baths 5A and 5B. In order to prevent the feeling of strangeness even if the foot bathers touch the soles, the left and right foot baths 5A and 5B are formed. The opening is at a position slightly lower than the bottom surface or at the same level. On the other hand, since the discharge port 9 slightly protrudes from the bottom surfaces of the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B, the discharge port 9 is provided on the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B so that the feet of the foot bather are difficult to contact the discharge port 9. The discharge port 9 is open toward the tip of the left and right foot baths 5A and 5B so that the heated foot bath water is not discharged toward the foot of the foot bather. For this reason, the discomfort by the footbath water sent out from the discharge outlet 9 hitting a foot bather's foot directly is prevented. Since each discharge port 9 opens in a highly inclined state toward the distal end direction, there is a possibility that the footbath water flows backward. In order to prevent this, the discharge port 9 is provided with a valve mechanism including a ball valve 9C that retracts by its own weight and abuts against the valve seat 9D to close the discharge port 9 substantially. As a result, the ball valve 9C moves forward by the water pressure of the heated footbath water, moves away from the valve seat 9D, and substantially opens the discharge port 9. When there is backflow water, the ball valve 9C The valve mechanism which contacts the seat 9D and operates to substantially close the discharge port 9 is configured.

  The storage 6 stores a footbath water circulation pipe 12 communicating with the footbath water discharge port 9 and the suction port 10, and an electric heater 13 for heating the footbath water in the pipe 12. Further, the bottom wall 11 of the bathtub 5, that is, the bottom walls 11 of the left and right foot baths 5A and 5B, is such that the upper surface and the lower surface are higher at the front (foot bather's toe side) than at the rear (foot bather's heel side). It is inclined substantially linearly. This facilitates foot bathing while sitting on a chair arranged behind the foot bath 1 and smoothes the flow of foot bath water flowing out from the discharge port 9 to the suction port 10. The inclination angle is selected in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees from the horizontal level where the footbath 1 is installed horizontally, but is approximately 15 degrees from the horizontal level. It is a preferable thing which can maintain the posture which is easy to bathe. Along with this, the storage portion 6 is formed in a state where the bottom wall 11 is an upper surface and the front portion is recessed deeper upward than the rear portion. A foot bath water circulation pipe 12 is inclined along the bottom wall 11 so that the discharge port 9 side is higher than the suction port 10 side. Therefore, the footbath water circulation pipe 12 and the electric heater 13 are arranged in a substantially straight line so that the front part is higher than the rear part along the inclination of the bottom wall 11, and the footbath water in the pipe 12 by the electric heater 13 is arranged. It is a mechanism in which foot bath water circulates to the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B by heating.

  The discharge port 9 and the suction port 10 may be holes 9A and 10A themselves formed in the front and rear portions of the bottom walls 11 of the left and right foot bath portions 5A and 5B, respectively, but in the embodiment, the holes 9A and 10A, respectively. It is formed with a front portion 12B and a rear portion 12A of the pipe 12 fitted into the. The portion of the pipe 12 heated by the electric heater 13 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, but the suction port 10 and the discharge port 9 are provided to prevent local heating of the bathtub body 2 and to the bathtub body 2. Considering ease of attachment, the pipes 12A and 12B made of heat-resistant synthetic resin can be obtained. In particular, since the discharge port 9 has a high temperature, a sleeve 9B formed of silicon rubber or the like is interposed between the pipe 12B and the hole 9A for heat insulation. A filter 10B is attached to the suction port 10 so that dust and the like do not enter.

  The electric heater 13 heats the bottom wall 11 together with the foot bath water in the pipe 12. For this reason, the pipe 12 is heated below the electric heater 13 and the bottom wall 11 is heated above the electric heater 13, and the coldness when the sole of the foot bather touches the bottom wall 11. The feeling is eliminated. In order to effectively heat the bottom wall 11 and in consideration of electrical insulation, the electric heater 13 uses a rod-like sheathed heater, and the upper and lower sides of the sheathed heater 13 have left and right foot bath portions of the bathtub 5. A flat metal heat transfer plate 15 is attached to the lower surface of the bottom wall 11 in a heat conducting state so as to heat the bottom wall 11 of 5A and 5B along the soles of the person taking a foot bath long and wide in the front-rear direction. ing. In order to effectively heat the pipe 12 with the electric heater 13, the electric heater 13 and the pipe 12 are integrated with a heat conducting material 14 such as aluminum, and the heat transfer plate 15 is integrally formed with the heat conducting material 14. Thus, the heater unit 17 is configured. Accordingly, the assembly process is simplified by attaching the heater unit 17 to the bathtub body 2 as compared with the case where the electric heater 13, the pipe 12, and the heat transfer plate 15 are separate from each other.

  Further, in order not to overheat the bottom wall 11 with the heat transfer plate 15, a heat transfer adjustment plate 16 made of a heat insulating material such as silicon rubber is provided between the heat transfer plate 15 and the bottom wall 11. A heat transfer adjusting plate 16 is attached to the upper surface of the heat transfer plate 15 so as to intervene, thereby preventing the bottom wall 11 made of ceramics (ceramics) from being overheated and preventing the bottom wall 11 from being damaged. The appropriate temperature can be felt by the soles of the feet. The pipe 12, the electric heater 13, and the heat transfer plate 15 are arranged in the storage unit 6, and the pipe 12, the electric heater 13, and the heat transfer plate 15 are integrated in advance to form the heater unit 17. For example, the assembly process is simplified by attaching the heater unit 17 to the bathtub body 2. The heater unit 17 can also include a heat transfer adjusting plate 16. The heater unit 17 is connected to the suction port 10 and the discharge port 9 via heat-resistant synthetic resin pipes 12A and 12B, and the left and right ends are formed in the support holes 6A formed in the left and right walls of the storage unit 6. By the support member 19 formed with the spring material inserted, it attaches to the bathtub main body 2 in the state supported from the lower side. For this reason, the heat transfer plate 15 is in a pressing state toward the bottom wall 11.

  In order to keep the footbath water hygienic, a metal ion generator 18 is provided as one of the sterilizers 18 in the middle of one pipe 12 for sterilization of the footbath water. The metal ion generator 18 is provided with a stainless steel electrode 18A on the electrical minus side in a synthetic resin container 18E, and a metal electrode 18B for eluting the metal ions on the electrical plus side. 18C is connected to the pipe 12 of the heater unit 17, and the inlet side 18C of footbath water is connected to the pipe 12B. A typical example of the metal ion generator 18 is a silver ion generator 18. In this case, an electrode 18A made of stainless steel is electrically provided on the negative side, and a silver electrode 18B is electrically provided on the positive side. . The sterilization apparatus 18 may be other than this.

  As described above, the drainage tank 4 is housed and supported in the base 3 so as to be freely drawn out. The rear part of the footbath water circulation pipe 12 or the rear part of the bathtub 5 is used for draining the footbath water of the bathtub 5. A drainage unit 20 is provided. The drain tank 4 can be pulled out from the front, rear, left, or right of the base 3. However, as shown in the figure, by storing the drain tank 4 so that it can be pulled out rearwardly, the appearance design of the footbath 1 is improved. It will be easy to use. As described above, the bathtub 5 is divided into the left and right foot bath portions 5A and 5B by the partition 7, and the communication passage 8 is formed in the rear portion of the middle partition 7 to communicate the foot bath water of the left and right foot bath portions 5A and 5B. . Since the communication path 8 is located at the lowest part of the bathtub 5, by forming the drainage part 20 so as to open and communicate with the communication path 8, the footbath water of the left and right footbath parts 5A and 5B can be drained well. Since the drainage part 20 does not open to the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B and the soles of the person taking a foot bath do not touch the drain part 20, the person taking a foot bath does not feel uncomfortable. And by forming the drainage part 20 in this communicating path 8, a drainage part is not formed in each of the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B, and the configuration of the drainage part 20 is simplified. The drainage part 20 is provided with a cock 21 exposed on the rear side of the foot bath 1, and the drainage hole 20 </ b> A formed in the drainage passage of the drainage part 20 is opened and closed by rotating the cock 21. The drainage tank 4 is provided with a drainage receiving port 4B so as to receive footbath water drained from the drainage hole 20A, and the drainage tank 4 is stored in a regular position of the base 3 and is directly below the drainage hole 20A. The drainage outlet 4B corresponds. By rotating the cock 21 in this state and opening the drain hole 20A, the foot bath water of the left and right foot bath portions 5A, 5B can be drained from the communication passage 8 to the drain tank 4. The drainage tank 4 has a capacity sufficient to receive the amount of footbath water contained in the left and right footbath portions 5A and 5B. For this reason, as will be described later, when about 1 liter of footbath water is contained in each of the left and right footbath parts 5A and 5B, the drainage tank 4 has a capacity of about 2 liters in order to receive this amount. Therefore, it is sufficient to drain every foot bath.

  A cover portion 29 is formed on the front wall of the bathtub body 2 so as to cover the front portions of the left and right foot bath portions 5A and 5B, and a discharge port 9 provided at the front end portion of the foot bath portions 5A and 5B Covered with a cover 29. For this reason, as will be described later, even if the electric heater 13 is energized in the preheating mode and the footbath water in the pipe 12 is heated to the boiling state, and the hot footbath water is ejected from the discharge port 9, the cover 29 Therefore, the foot bath water does not spill from the foot bath portions 5A and 5B, and even if the foot tip is moved during the foot bath, the foot bath water does not spill. The cover 29 is a part that can also be used as a footrest on which a foot is placed when the foottip is wiped off with a towel or the like when the foot bath is over.

  The bathtub body 2 is provided with a transport handle 44 at a stable position where the center of gravity of the bathtub body 2 can be balanced so that the bathtub body 2 can be easily carried. The transport handle 44 is attached so as to cross the left and right cover portions 29 at the portion where the middle portion of the cover portion 29 formed on the upper surface of the front portion of the bathtub body 2 is recessed forward. By lifting the carrying handle 44, the bathtub body 2 can be separated from the base 3 and transported while the drainage tank 4 remains on the base 3.

  A control unit 30 that controls energization of the electric heater 13 and the metal ion generator 18 is housed in the partition 7, and a switch operation unit 31 that operates a switch of the control unit 30 is disposed on the upper surface of the partition 7. Has been. The switch operation part 31 is provided with a switch part 31A for ON / OFF control of the power source of the footbath 1. The electric heater 13 and the metal ion generator 18 are ON / OFF controlled by the ON / OFF of the switch part 31A. The switch operation unit 31 is provided with an LED display unit 31C that is in a predetermined light emission state when the switch unit 31A is ON. Note that the switch portion 31A and the LED display portion 31C are both waterproof-coated so that moisture does not enter from the top surface.

  The specified water level (specified level) for foot bath water stored in the foot bath parts 5A and 5B before the foot bather puts the foot tips in the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B is L1, and in this case, the discharge port 9 is located from the specified water level L1. In the exposed state, the foot bath water in the pipe 12 heated by the electric heater 13 is discharged from the discharge port 9 and circulated to the foot bath portions 5A and 5B. And the standard water level of the footbath water in the state in which the foot tip was put into the right and left footbath parts 5A and 5B is L2. In this state, the insteps of the toes inserted in the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B are submerged in the foot bath water, and the discharge port 9 is submerged in the foot bath water. The heated footbath water is discharged forward from the discharge port 9, so that the footbath water heated by the foot bather in the left and right footbaths 5A and 5B is not directly applied to the footbath, which is safe.

  In the rear wall of the bathtub body 2, the foot bather 5A, 5B has an upper center portion of the rear wall so that the foot bather corresponds to the calf part with the feet inserted in the left and right foot baths 5A, 5B. A guide portion 33 that is inclined rearward and curved rearward is formed. As a normal posture, the foot bather can insert his / her foot into the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B while sitting on the chair from the rear position of the bathtub body 2, and in that case, he / she applies a heel to the guide part 33 The foot tips can be inserted into the left and right foot bath portions 5A and 5B, thereby preventing the foot bath water accumulated in the left and right foot bath portions 5A and 5B from scattering. The foot can be easily held by placing the calf against the guide portion 33 in a state where the sole of the inserted foot is placed on the oblique bottom wall 11, so that the foot bath can be performed in a relaxed state. In addition, when taking out the foot from the left and right foot baths 5A, 5B after the foot bath is finished, it is easy to wipe off the water drops on the foot with a towel or the like with the ankle part or the heel part applied to the guide part 33, Water droplets can be prevented from scattering at that time. The guide portion 33 may have a shape curved backward while inclining the rear wall of the bathtub body 2 obliquely upward, but the guide portion 33 is located above the rear wall of the bathtub body 2 in order to enhance such an effect. It is formed in the state extended to.

  In the case of starting a foot bath with a hot water bath, that is, a foot bath water, first, the foot bath water is put into the left and right foot bath portions 5A, 5B to a specified water level (specified level) L1. In this case, the amount of foot bath water is about 1 liter in each of the left and right foot bath portions 5A and 5B, and is about 2 liters in total. In order to facilitate this water supply, by setting the capacity of the drain tank 4 to about 2 liters, if about 2 liters of foot bath water placed in the drain tank 4 is poured into one of the left and right foot bath parts 5A, 5B, About 1 liter of footbath water enters each of the left and right footbaths 5A and 5B. In this state, when the switch unit 31A is manually turned on, the control unit 30 operates to turn on the electric heater 13 and the metal ion generator 18, and the LED display unit 31C enters a predetermined light emission state. When the electric heater 13 is turned on, the electric heater 13 generates heat, heating the foot bath water in the pipe 12 and heating the bottom wall 11. This initial heating is a preheating mode in which the footbath water in the pipe 12 is heated to about the boiling temperature, and hot footbath water flows out from the discharge port 9 along the bottom wall 11 and the rear part of the footbath parts 5A and 5B. The water is mixed with the foot bath water of the left and right foot baths 5A and 5B while flowing down toward the water, and is sucked in from the suction port 10 and is again heated in the pipe 12. Along with the heating of the bottom wall 11, the temperature decrease of the foot bath water of the left and right foot bath portions 5A, 5B is suppressed. Since the metal ion generator 14 is turned on as the electric heater 13 is turned on, the minus side electrode 18A and the plus side electrode 18B are energized, and the metal ions (silver ions in the embodiment) are eluted into the foot bath water. The sterilizing action of water is obtained, and the effect is also obtained for athlete's foot.

  In the communication part 8, a temperature detection part 45 (for example, a thermistor) for detecting the temperature of the foot bath water of the bathtub 5, that is, the foot bath water of the foot bath parts 5A and 5B is provided. In this way, when the foot bath water of the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B is heated and reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 40 ° C. to 45 ° C.), the temperature detecting unit 45 detects the temperature and the control unit 30 operates. Then, the energization to the electric heater 13 is controlled so as to end the preliminary heating mode and reduce the amount of heat generated by the electric heater 13. This state is a heat retention mode which is a normal heating mode. If the LED display portion 31C has different emission colors in the preheating mode and the heat retention mode, the operation state of the footbath 1 can be easily identified. For this reason, for example, the LED display unit 31C can be easily identified if it is in a red light emission state in the preheating mode and a green light emission state in the heat retention mode.

  In order to start foot bathing in the heat retention mode, the water level for foot bathing is approximately L2 with the foot tips placed in the left and right foot bath portions 5A and 5B. In this state, the instep side of the toes inserted in the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B is submerged in the foot bath water, and the discharge port 9 is submerged in the foot bath water. Since the heated footbath water is discharged forward from the discharge port 9, the heated footbath water is not directly discharged to the foot bather's foot, and there is no unpleasant feeling. In this way, the effect of foot bathing in the heat retention mode can be obtained. The duration of this foot bath is generally 10 minutes to 15 minutes, although there are individual differences. If the temperature falls during the foot bath, the control unit 30 operates by the detection of the temperature detection unit 45 and controls the electric heater 13 so as to increase the amount of heat generated, and within a predetermined temperature range (for example, 40 ° C. to 45 ° C.). It is controlled to become. The standard time for a hot water bath is about 10 to 15 minutes, which makes the body warm and feels comfortable.

  When the hot water bath is finished, the control unit 30 is operated by the manual OFF operation of the switch unit 31A to turn off the electric heater 13 and the metal ion generator 18, and the LED display unit 31C is in a light emission stop state or a switch. The light emission state of another color indicating the OFF state of the part 31A is obtained. Then, by rotating the cock 21, the drain hole 20A formed in the drain passage of the drain section 20 can be opened, and the foot bath water of the left and right foot bath sections 5A, 5B can be drained from the communication path 8 to the drain tank 4. . The footbath water collected in the drain tank 4 can be discarded by pulling the drain tank 4 to the rear of the base 3.

  The footbath 1 includes a bathtub body 2, a base 3 on which the bathtub body is placed, and a drain tank 4. The foot bath spills during foot bath, and a foot is placed on the cover 29 after the foot bath is finished. In order to prevent the floor portion on which the footbath 1 is installed from getting wet due to spilling of footbath water when wiping off, etc., a drain pan 46 having a plane area larger than the plane seat of the bathtub body 2 or the base 3 is provided. It is provided and the base 3 can be placed on this. The drain pan 46 is formed with ribs 47 that divide the inner bottom portion surrounded by the wall 46 </ b> A surrounding the peripheral portion into a plurality of regions 50, and the base 3 is placed on the ribs 47. The rib 47 is formed with a communication passage 48 at an appropriate position so that the respective regions 50 communicate with each other.

  For this reason, the footbath water spilled from the bathtub body 2 is received by the drain pan 46 and enters each region 50, and the footbath water entering the region 50 flows to the adjacent region 50 through the communication path 48. The foot bath water level in each region 50 decreases. With such a configuration, when the foot bath 1 is moved or when the drain pan 46 is lifted, it is possible to prevent the accumulated foot bath water from shaking to the left and right and falling down. The drain pan 46 can be made of synthetic resin. However, when the drain pan 46 is made of cocoon material, the warm footbath water spills, so that a scent peculiar to heel is emitted and a healing effect is obtained. Since the transport handles 49 are provided on the left and right sides of the drain pan 46, the drain pan 46 can be lifted and transported while the base 3 on which the bathtub body 2 is placed is placed, and the drain pan 46 alone can be transported.

  If the bathtub body 2 is made of a synthetic resin, it is easy to cause scratches due to wiping, and dirt easily accumulates on the scratches, making it unsanitary. However, as described above, the bathtub body 2 is made of ceramics (ceramics). As a result, such a fear disappears. In addition, it becomes easier to make an undercut shape as compared with the synthetic resin, and it is easy to form portions such as the cover portion 29 and the communication portion 8. In addition, a high-class feeling can be obtained by the color and gloss of the surface. Moreover, since the weight increases, the stability in the installed state increases, and a sense of stability can be obtained even if the foot tip is moved during the foot bath. In addition, electrical insulation of electrical components arranged in the lower storage 6 and the partition 7 can be easily obtained.

  Blue light emitting LEDs with ultraviolet rays are provided at the tip of the foot baths 5A and 5B, and this light passes through the foot bath water of the foot baths 5A and 5B to disinfect the foot bath water and remove the foot tips during the foot bath. Do fungus. Moreover, a clean feeling can be given by reflecting this light irregularly and making the foot bath water of the foot bath portions 5A and 5B appear blue.

  The foot bath 1 of the present invention has a function of performing steam bathing with steam. For this reason, a storage chamber 23 for storing the water vapor generating device 22 is formed in the front portion of the partition 7. The storage chamber 23 is stored in the storage chamber 23 so that the water vapor generator 22 can be taken out to the front side of the foot bath 1, and the front opening 23A of the storage chamber 23 is sealed by a steam chamber lid 24 that can be opened and closed upward. The water vapor generation device 22 includes a metal water vapor generation container 26, a planar electric heater 25 that heats the water vapor generation container 26 from the lower surface, and a vapor guide lid 27 that covers the upper surface opening of the water vapor generation container 26. A steam outlet 22 </ b> A is formed in the upper part of the steam guide lid 27. The electric heater 25 may be integrally formed on the bottom surface of the water vapor generating container 26, or may be provided in the storage chamber 23 separately from the water vapor generating container 26.

  With such a configuration, by energizing the electric heater 25 with the steam chamber lid 24 closed, the water in the steam generating container 26 boils, and the steam fills the storage chamber 23 from the steam outlet 22A. From two steam guide ports 28 formed on the left and right side surfaces of the partition 7 so as to face the front portions of the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B, the jets are ejected to the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B. The front wall of the bathtub body 2 forms a cover portion 29 so as to cover the front portions of the left and right foot bath portions 5A and 5B, and steam guides to the front portions of the foot bath portions 5A and 5B covered with the cover portion 29. Since the mouth 28 corresponds, the steam ejected from the steam generator 22 blows out from the steam guide port 28 to the front portions of the foot bath portions 5A and 5B, and forms a flow backward therefrom.

  In the present invention, in order to improve the warming of the feet by the steam ejected from the steam guide port 28, that is, the steam bath, the left and right foot calves of the foot bather and the lower portions (leg portions) are steamed. A leg holder 40 is provided so as to be enveloped by steam ejected from the guide port 28. The leg holder 40 includes flexible cylindrical cover portions 41A and 41B that cover the calf portions of the left and right legs of the foot bather, and a cover base portion 42 that is detachably combined with the upper surface of the bathtub body 2 so as to cover the upper surface opening of the bathtub 5. It has. In the state where the lower end openings of the cylindrical cover portions 41A and 41B are left, the cover base portion 42 is integrated around them by sewing or bonding. The cylindrical cover portions 41A and 41B are formed in a size that covers the calves of the left and right feet of the foot bather and the lower portion thereof with a sufficient margin, and have heat resistance and waterproofness such as polyester. It is made of a sheet-like synthetic resin having flexibility. The cover base 42 is made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polycarbonate and maintains a certain shape, and the portion of the cover base 42 that is in close contact with the opening edge of the bathtub 5 is made of a soft synthetic resin material. The portion is in close contact with the opening edge of the bathtub 5 and is configured to easily prevent steam leakage. Since the opening edge of the bathtub 5 around the handle 44 is bent forward, in order to make it easier to cover this portion, the illustrated cover base 42 has an opening edge of the handle 44 and the surrounding bathtub 5. It is set as the structure provided with bellows part 42A so that a part may be covered. In order to prevent steam from escaping from the upper ends of the cylindrical cover portions 41A and 41B with the feet of the foot bather inserted into the cylindrical cover portions 41A and 41B, the upper ends of the cylindrical cover portions 41A and 41B are A binding band 43 is provided.

  Since the steam generator 22 can open the steam chamber lid 24 and take out the steam guide lid 27 in front of the foot bath 1, the water can be injected into the steam generating container 26 by rain dew or the like by this removal. . The steam generator 22 is configured to seal the upper surface opening of the steam generating container 26 with a steam guide lid 27 that does not form the steam outlet 22A, instead of the above-described mechanism of exiting from the steam outlet 22A and filling the storage chamber 23. The steam filling the steam guide lid 27 may be guided to the steam guide port 28 by a pipe, and from there, the steam may be ejected to the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B. If this latter system is used, the storage chamber 23 is not filled with water vapor, so it is safe to open the vapor chamber lid 24. In the latter method, a water supply port into the water vapor generating container 26 may be formed in the steam guide lid 27, and the supply port may be closed by an opening / closing stopper.

  In the partition 7, a control unit 30 that controls energization of the electric heater 13, the metal ion generator 18, and the water vapor generator 22 in a state of being partitioned by the storage chamber 23 and the wall is stored. On the upper surface, a switch operation unit 31 that operates a switch of the control unit 30 is arranged. The switch operation part 31 is provided with a switch part 31A for ON / OFF control of the power source of the footbath 1 and a control switch part 31B for the water vapor generating device 22, and the electric heater 13 and the metal are turned on and off by the switch part 31A. The ion generator 18 is ON / OFF controlled. The switch operation unit 31 is provided with an LED display unit 31C that enters a predetermined light emission state when the switch unit 31A is ON, and an LED display unit 31D that enters a predetermined light emission state when the switch unit 31B is ON. The switch unit 31B has an ON-OFF switch function and a switch function for setting the temperature of steam by the electric heater 25 of the water vapor generating device 22, and these two functions may be achieved by a slide switch, It may be achieved by a separate switch unit.

  In the case where only the steam bath is performed in the foot bath 1, a predetermined amount of water (in the embodiment, a full glass, about 180 to 200 milliliters) is put into the steam generating container 26, and the steam guide lid 27 is set. The vapor chamber lid 24 is closed. And in the state which attached the cover base 42 of the leg holder 40 to the upper surface of the bathtub main body 2, both legs are inserted in cylindrical cover part 41A, 41B, and the upper end of cylindrical cover part 41A, 41B is tied up with the band 43. FIG. In this state, when the switch unit 31B is turned on, the electric heater 25 of the water vapor generating device 22 is turned on and energized, the water in the water vapor generating container 26 boils, and the water vapor passes through the water vapor outlet 22A into the storage chamber 23. The water vapor is ejected from the steam guide port 28 toward the front portions of the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B. The water vapor goes around the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B and enters the cylindrical cover parts 41A and 41B to heat up the calf parts of both legs. The electric heater 25 is energized and controlled by the operation of the control unit 30 based on the detection of the steam temperature detection unit, and is maintained in a predetermined temperature range set by the switch unit 31B. In the embodiment, any temperature in the range of 43 ° C. to 48 ° C. can be selected by the switch unit 31B. For example, when 43 ° C. is selected, the temperature is controlled in the range of 43 ° C. ± 1 ° C. If the steam bath is performed for about 15 minutes, the whole body is warmed and the effect of relaxing the stiff shoulders can be expected. The LED display unit 31D that enters a predetermined light emission state when the switch unit 31B is ON can also be configured such that the emission color gradually becomes warm as the temperature selected by the switch unit 31B increases.

  In the present invention, steam bathing with steam can be performed simultaneously with the above hot water bath. In this case, it is considered that there is no problem even if the hot water bath and the steam bath are performed simultaneously. That is, the steam guide port 28 is at a position sufficiently higher than the prescribed water level L2 for footbath water in a state in which the feet are put in the left and right footbath portions 5A and 5B. As described above, a predetermined amount of foot bath water is placed in the left and right foot bath portions 5A, 5B, and a predetermined amount of water is placed in the steam generator 22 to close the steam chamber lid 24. When the switch unit 31A is turned on, the electric heater 13 and the metal ion generator 18 are turned on, and the warming mode is entered through the preheating mode, so that the hot water bath can be started. In this state, the leg holder 40 is attached to the upper surface of the bathtub body 2, both feet are inserted into the cylindrical cover portions 41A and 41B, the feet are placed on the bottom surfaces of the left and right foot bath portions 5A and 5B, and the cylindrical cover portions 41A and 41B. The upper end of the band is tied with a band 43. When the switch 31B is turned on, the electric heater 25 of the water vapor generating device 22 is turned on and energized, the water in the water vapor generating container 26 boils, and the water vapor fills the storage chamber 23 from the water vapor outlet 22A. Then, water vapor is ejected from the steam guide port 28 toward the front portions of the left and right foot bath parts 5A and 5B. As a result, the left and right foot baths 5A and 5B are bathed in the foot bath water as described above, and the portions covered with the upper cylindrical cover portions 41A and 41B from the foot bath water are steamed with steam. It is done.

  Thus, even when performing hot water bathing and steam bathing simultaneously, the steam guide port 28 is sufficiently above the prescribed water level L2 for foot bath water in the state where the foot tips are put in the left and right foot bath parts 5A, 5B. Because of the high position, the foot bath water is not scattered by the steam ejected from the steam guide port 28. And since the steam guide port 28 corresponds to the front part of the foot bath parts 5A and 5B covered with the cover part 29, the water vapor spouted from the water vapor generator 22 is guided by the cover part 29, and the cylindrical cover part. The foot part covered with the leg holder 40 can be warmed well by being guided to the part covered with 41A and 41B and convection inside the part covered with the leg holder 40. FIG. 12 shows a state in which a bath 61 and a steam bath are simultaneously or separately performed in the foot bath 1 while sitting on the chair 61. With the plug 62 at the end of the power cord inserted into a 100-volt commercial power supply, the above-described hot water bath and steam bath can be performed by the switch operation of the switch operation unit. On the left and right sides of the foot bath 1, foot wiping mats 60, 60 when the foot bath is finished are placed.

  When the foot bath is finished, it is convenient to dry it with a dryer instead of wiping the tip of the foot with a towel or the like after the foot bath. In order to achieve this, a dryer 55 is accommodated in the partition 7, and warm air outlets 56 through which the warm air from the dryer 55 blows open at both left and right sides of the partition 7 covered by the cover portion 29. ing. Thus, in the state where the foot bath is finished and the foot bath water is drained, the dryer 55 is operated by turning on the dryer switch provided in a part of the switch operation portion 31 on the upper surface of the partition 7, and the hot air blowing port 56 The feet can be dried in the left and right foot baths 5A and 5B by the hot air blown out. Along with this drying, the foot baths 5A and 5B can be dried, so that the water droplets in the foot baths 5A and 5B can be easily wiped off or can be omitted.

  By selecting the shape and color of the bathtub main body 2, various foot baths can be provided to the market. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in the above embodiment, and can be applied to various types of foot baths. In the technical scope of the present invention, various forms are included.

It is a front perspective view of the foot bath device concerning the present invention. Example 1 It is a disassembled perspective view of the footbath according to the present invention. Example 1 It is a back perspective view of a foot bath device concerning the present invention. Example 1 It is a top view of the bathtub main-body part of the foot bath which concerns on this invention. Example 1 It is a bottom perspective view of the bathtub body concerning the present invention. Example 1 It is a vertical rear view of the footbath according to the present invention. Example 1 It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. Example 1 It is BB sectional drawing of FIG. 4 in the state which opened the steam chamber cover. Example 1 It is the vertical side view which cut | disconnected the footbath concerning this invention in the partition part. Example 1 It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the silver ion generator which concerns on this invention. Example 1 It is a front perspective view of the foot bath with the leg holder attached. Example 1 It is a figure which shows the state which performs a steam bath with the foot bath device of this invention. Example 1

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Foot bath 2 ... Bath body 3 ... Base 4 ... Drainage tank 4B ... Drain outlet 5 ... Bathtub 5A, 5B ..Left and right foot bath 6 ... Storage 7 ... Partition 8 ... Communication passage 9 ... Discharge port 10 ... Suction port 11 ... Bathtub bottom wall 12 .... Water circulation pipe for foot bath 13 .... Electric heater 14 .... Heat conduction material 15 .... Heat transfer plate 16 .... Heat transfer adjustment plate 17 .... · Heater unit 18 ··· Metal ion generator 19 ··· Heater unit support member 20 · · · Drainage portion 20A · · · Drain hole 21 · · · Cock 22 · · · Steam generator 28 · · · ... Steam guide port 29 ... Cover part 30 ... Control part 31 ... Switch operation part 31C ... LED Indicator 33 ··· Guide portion 40 ··· Leg holder 41A, 41B · · · Cylindrical cover portion 42 ··· Cover base portion 46 ··· Drain pan 47 ··· Rib 48 ··· Continuous Passage 50 .... Division area

Claims (3)

A bathtub body having an upper surface opening for storing footbath water on the upper side and a storage part opened downward on the lower side is provided, and the bathtub is divided into left and right foot bath parts by a partition, respectively. The left and right foot baths have communication passages that communicate with each other, the left and right foot baths have front and rear foot discharge water intakes and suction ports, respectively, and the storage unit has the foot bath water discharge. A footbath water circulation pipe communicating with the outlet and the suction port, an electric heater for heating the footbath water in the pipe, and a sterilization device for adding a sterilization action to the footbath water in the footbath water circulation pipe, the footbath water circulation The pipe has a front portion that is inclined higher than the rear portion, a steam generator is housed in the partition, and steam guide ports for jetting steam to the left and right foot bath portions are provided on both sides of the front portion of the partition, Inside The cut, the control unit for controlling the energization of the electric heater and the steam generating device and the sterilization apparatus is housed, the switch operation unit to control the control unit is disposed on the upper surface in said partition,
Energization of the electric heater is controlled based on detection of the water temperature for foot bathing of the bathtub by a temperature detection unit, and the front walls of the left and right foot bathing units curve backward as they go upward so as to cover the steam guide port The footbath is characterized in that a cover part is formed and the steam guide port is disposed above a prescribed level of footbath water in the left and right footbath parts.   The bathtub body is made of ceramic, and includes a base on which the bathtub body is placed so as to cover the storage part, and the bottom walls of the left and right foot bath parts have an upper surface and a lower surface that are inclined with a front part higher than a rear part, The footbath water circulation pipe is inclined along the bottom wall, the footbath water circulation pipe is inclined along the bottom wall, and penetrates the partition at the lower part of the slope, and the left and right footbath parts A communication passage through which water for the foot bath communicates is provided, a heat transfer plate is provided for heating the bottom walls of the left and right foot bath portions widely by heat generated by the electric heater, and the temperature detection portion and the foot bath of the bathtub are provided in the communication passage. The footbath according to claim 1, wherein a drainage part for draining irrigation water is provided, and a drainage tank is housed and supported so as to be freely drawn out to the base so as to receive drainage from the drainage part.   A hot water bath state in which the foot operation water of the left and right foot bath portions is bathed by heating of the electric heater by the switch operation portion, and the steam generator is operated to supply steam from the steam guide port to the left and right foot bath portions. The footbath device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the steam bath state fed into the state can be selected from a state in which the steam bath operates separately from a state in which the steam bath operates separately.

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