JP2007268193A - Bathtub device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bathtub device including function aiming at the functional recovery of a feeling receptor regarding the balance feeling and the nerve system by applying a stimulation by a vibration of a special pattern to the footpad. <P>SOLUTION: This bathtub device is equipped with vibration generating sections 100 and 300 for the front side, and vibration generating sections 200 and 400 for the rear side which transmit the vibration while respectively corresponding to the front and the rear of the footpad of a bather on a bathtub. The transmission state of the vibration is switched in such a manner that the intensity relationship of the vibration stimulation which is applied to the front and the rear of the footpad by each of the vibration generating sections for the front side and the vibration generating sections for the rear side may alternately be changed. Thus, the functional recovery of the feeling receptor regarding the balance feeling and the nerve system is aimed at. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bathtub apparatus having both a sensory receptor related to a sense of balance and a special function for recovering the function of the nervous system by giving a stimulus to a sole by vibration of a special pattern.

  2. Description of the Related Art A massage machine that is attached in a bathtub device and massages a sole by transmitting vibrations in the bathtub while bathing in the bathtub is conventionally known. As an example of such a massage machine, for example, a massage machine described in Patent Document 1 is disclosed.

  The massage machine described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a suction cup in which a vibration isolating rubber is integrated with a leg portion of the massage machine, and the massage machine itself is detachably fixed to a wall surface of a bathtub or the like by the suction cup. Is used in a state where it is submerged in hot water in the bathtub.

There is also known a bathing apparatus having a massage function for attaching a vibrator to the outside of the side wall of the bathtub and vibrating the side wall of the bathtub itself to transmit the vibration to the bather via the hot water in the bathtub (for example, patents). Reference 2).
JP 2001-79057 A (page 4, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-61860 (page 4, FIG. 1)

  However, in recent years, there has been a demand for a solution to a problem that can be solved by the bathtub device described in Patent Document 1 described above, that is, a problem that is different from the problem of giving the bather a relaxing effect by massaging the soles of the bather during bathing. Yes. This new issue is due to the fact that in recent years, the number of elderly people who have fallen due to falls and become bedridden or need nursing care has become a social issue, with the aim of improving the elderly's sense of balance and walking ability. It is a challenge to reduce such social problems.

  As seen in FIG. 32, as a factor for reducing the balance feeling and walking ability of such elderly people, physical strength generally decreases with aging, but in particular, the balance ability is rapidly reduced. Can be mentioned. The reason for this is thought to be a decrease in muscle mass and a corresponding decrease in muscle strength, but it is thought that this is mainly due to a decrease in function of sensory receptors and neural circuits connected to these muscles.

  And if the balance ability is lost, there is an increased risk of falling or falling asleep due to falling, so it is important to restore the balance ability. In recent years, strength training using training equipment installed in fitness clubs and the like has been actively conducted for the prevention of falls, but this strength training alone only helps to build strength and senses to control balance ability It is difficult to achieve a fundamental solution to the problem by activating receptors and the nervous system to achieve functional recovery.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a bathtub device that has a function to restore the function of a sensory receptor related to a sense of balance and a nervous system by giving a stimulus to a sole by vibration of a special pattern.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the bathtub device according to the present invention is
It consists of a bathtub device with a front vibration generating part and a rear vibration generating part that generate vibration corresponding to the front and back of the bather's sole, respectively, on the inner wall of the bathtub,
The transmission state of the vibration is switched so that the magnitude relation of the vibration stimulation applied to the front and back of the foot by each of the front vibration generation unit and the rear vibration generation unit is alternately changed.

  By using such a bathtub device, it is possible to give a stimulus to the sole by vibration in which the stimulus to the front and rear of the bather's sole alternately changes. That is, the difference in stimulation before and after the soles alternately acts before and after the soles. As a result, combined with the sensitivity of the nerves due to the thermal effect during bathing, it is possible to restore the sensory receptors related to the sense of balance and the functional recovery of the nervous system leading thereto.

  That is, it is possible to give a stimulus as a pseudo load to the sole by alternately giving the stimulus before and after the sole. This is because even when lying down like a bathing posture, it is possible to convey a pseudo load that causes the illusion of standing on the sole of the foot by vibration. I expect that. Furthermore, by alternately switching the magnitude of the stimulus back and forth, for example, the pressure distribution on the sole when standing is recognized that the posture is tilted forward when the front side is strong, and conversely, the stimulus on the back side Since it is recognized that the posture is inclined to the rear side when it is strong, it can be expected that the posture change will be illusioned by switching the magnitude relationship between the front and back stimuli similarly with a pseudo load. By giving such a pseudo load pattern, the recognition ability of the pressure distribution received on the sole is improved, and the recognition ability of the sensory receptor on the sole necessary for the sense of balance is enhanced. Furthermore, by switching the front and back stimulation from the sole and making the illusion of a change in posture, it is possible to promote information transmission to the neural circuit that recognizes the posture, and to enhance the facilitating property of the neural circuit.

  In addition, since buoyancy always acts on the bather in the bathtub, it is possible to block extra input due to gravity etc. to each sensory receptor and concentrate the nervous system only on the difference in stimulation that the foot sole receives alternately Therefore, it is possible to enhance the facilitation of the neural circuit related to the sense of balance by giving such a stimulus to the sole.

  In addition, since buoyancy always acts on the bather during bathing, the bather can take a bathing sensation close to a standing position, and only the stimulation based on the difference between the stimulations alternately received by the front and back of the foot It is possible to cause an illusion in the sensory receptors and the nervous system related to the balance sensation as in the position posture, thereby achieving functional recovery related to the sense of balance of the sensory receptors and the nervous system.

  In addition, when a stimulus is transmitted to the sole via vibration, the control of the vibration state is simplified, and the stimulation is easily transmitted to the sole. In addition, the vibration is transmitted not only to the body directly but also to the surroundings of the bather's foot using the hot water in the bathtub as a medium, so that the vibration is transmitted to wrap the foot and the massage effect is enhanced.

  In addition, it is thought that it is sufficiently possible to exert the above-mentioned action by applying a jet of warm water (blow) to the sole of the bather to give a special pattern vibration to the sole. However, since the sole is not a part of the body part that is particularly hard and sensibly sensitive, it can be said that it is preferable to apply vibration from the vibration generating part to the sole rather than such blow. That is, in order to give stimulation to the sole according to the blow, an appropriate large output is required to generate the blow, and the bathing apparatus itself is also enlarged, but if the vibration generator according to the present invention is used, a small vibrator Even so, vibrations can be efficiently transmitted only to the necessary areas before and after the soles.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus of Claim 2 of this invention is the bathtub apparatus of Claim 1,
It is characterized in that the switching time of the magnitude relation of vibration stimulation applied before and after the sole is changed.

  By changing the timing of the switching time, such as gradually increasing or shortening the switching time, or suddenly changing it, acclimatization to sensory receptors related to balance sensation and vibration stimulation of the nervous system is prevented.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus of Claim 3 of this invention is the bathtub apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2,
The alternating switching of vibration stimulation applied before and after the sole is characterized by changing at least one of vibration frequency and vibration intensity.

  By gradually or suddenly changing the vibration frequency or vibration intensity, the pressure distribution of the pseudo load corresponding to the actual standing state is generated on the sole, and the sensory receptors and the nervous system of the balance sensation are generated. Prevent acclimatization to vibration stimuli.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus of Claim 4 of this invention is a bathtub apparatus in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3,
The vibration generator is provided in two rows on the inner wall of the bathtub so as to correspond to the left and right feet of the bather, and vibration transmission from the front vibration generator to the front and rear of the sole is performed by the left and right front vibration generators. Simultaneously, the transmission of vibration from the rear vibration generating unit to the rear side of the sole is performed simultaneously by the left and right rear vibration generating units.

  The effect of performing balance training is greater when vibration is transmitted simultaneously from the front vibrator and the rear vibrator to the left and right feet.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus of Claim 5 of this invention is the bathtub apparatus in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3,
The vibration generating part is provided in two rows on the inner wall of the bathtub so as to correspond to the left and right feet of the bather, and the vibration is transmitted from one of the left and right front vibration generating parts to the front and back of the foot and at the same time the left and right rear Transmitting vibration from one of the vibration generators to the rear side of the sole, and transmitting vibration from either of the left and right front vibration generators to the front of the sole, and at the same time of the left and right rear vibration generators It is characterized in that vibrations are alternately transmitted from either one to the rear side of the sole.

  By transmitting such vibrations to the front and back of the foot when performing walking training, it is possible to give a stimulus as if walking on the sole, and the effect of performing walking training is further increased.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus of Claim 6 of this invention is a bathtub apparatus in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3,
The vibration generators are provided in two rows on the inner wall of the bathtub so as to correspond to the left and right feet of the bather, from the rear vibration generator on the left or right side to the front vibration generator, followed by the left and right It is characterized in that the magnitude relationship of the stimulus that the vibration gives to the front and back of the foot is switched in the order from the rear vibration generating unit on the other side to the front vibration generating unit.

  By switching the magnitude relationship of the stimulus applied to the back and front of the foot in this order for each left and right foot, a pressure distribution of a normal walking pattern, that is, a pseudo load related to walking can be positively applied to the foot, Increases the sensitivity of baroreceptors, which are important for walking, and facilitates neural circuits during bathing. That is, by making the central nervous system recognize a normal walking pattern, the tempo of walking is learned during bathing so that correct walking can be performed.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention is
It consists of a bathtub device with vibration generating parts that transmit vibrations to the buttocks on the left and right soles of the bather, the outer part of the sole, and the inner part of the fingertips at the predetermined position on the inner wall of the bathtub,
Vibration generation part in the order of the heel of the left or right foot, the outer part of the sole, the inner part of the toe, followed by the heel part of the other foot, the outer part of the sole, and the inner part of the toe The feature is that the magnitude relationship of the stimulus received by the sole is switched.

  In adults, pressure distribution is generated on the soles during walking by distinguishing between heel contact and toe kicking. However, in elderly people, walking is like a foot, so pressure distribution does not occur on the soles during walking.

  However, by providing the vibration generating part so as to correspond to the sole contact area during actual walking in this way, the pressure distribution received during walking can be reproduced more faithfully, and the walking pattern close to reality during bathing Can be recognized by the central nerve and the neural circuit leading to it, and as a result, the walking pattern of the elderly can be brought closer to the walking pattern of the adult.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus of Claim 8 of this invention is a bathtub apparatus of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The bathtub is provided with sole positioning means for positioning the sole of the bather at a predetermined position on the inner wall of the bathtub.

  Since the foot positioning means is provided, the position of the foot can be determined reliably, and the vibration generated from the front vibration generating unit and the vibration generated from the rear vibration generating unit can be reliably applied before and after the sole, respectively. Can do. As a result, it is possible to effectively restore the function relating to sensory receptors and the sense of balance of the nervous system.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus of Claim 9 of this invention is the bathtub apparatus of Claim 8,
The sole positioning means is characterized by being above the bathtub bottom wall so that the bather's heel does not contact the bathtub bottom wall.

  By providing the sole positioning part in such a position, the lower limb muscles will be stretched all the time while the foot is placed on the sole positioning part, and the lower limb muscles will always be active during bathing and in a state closer to standing You can take a bath. That is, in the sitting position, the central nervous system that is active in the motored state is in a resting state, and even if the somatic sensation is given a vibration stimulus, the facilitating effect of the neural circuit on the balance sensation is not perfect, but in particular such a foot The central nervous system can be activated by applying a vibration stimulus while stretching the lower limb muscles during bathing by the positioning means of the bath. Can be carried out effectively.

Moreover, the bathtub apparatus of Claim 10 of this invention is a bathtub apparatus in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 9,
It is characterized in that there is provided a position adjusting means that makes it possible to adjust a position where at least one of the front vibration generating unit and the rear vibration generating unit transmits vibration to the bather's sole.

  Since the position of the vibrator can be changed so as to be in front of and behind the sole, stimulation by vibration can be reliably applied to the front and rear of the sole. It can also accommodate people with large or small legs.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bathtub apparatus having a function of restoring the function of the sensory receptor and the nervous system by applying a stimulus by vibration of a special pattern to the sole, more specifically, according to the present invention. By using the bathtub device, the sole can be stimulated by vibrations in which the stimulus to the front and rear of the bather's sole alternately changes in the bathtub. That is, the difference in stimulation before and after the soles alternately acts before and after the soles. As a result, combined with the sensitivity of the nerves due to the thermal effect during bathing, it is possible to restore the sensory receptors related to the sense of balance and the functional recovery of the nervous system leading thereto. In addition, since buoyancy always acts on the bather in the bathtub, it is possible to block extra input due to gravity etc. to each sensory receptor and concentrate the nervous system only on the difference in stimulation that the foot sole receives alternately Therefore, it becomes possible to enhance the facilitation of the neural circuit related to balance.

  Also, since buoyancy always acts on the bather during bathing, the bather can sensuously take a bathing posture, and the standing posture is as if only the difference in stimulation received alternately between the front and back of the foot. As described above, it is possible to cause an illusion in the sensory receptors and the nervous system related to the balance sensation, thereby achieving functional recovery related to the sense of balance between the sensory receptors and the nervous system.

  Hereinafter, the bathtub apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 1, the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a bathtub 10 and a sole positioning portion (see FIG. 2) 11 provided on an inner wall surface at one end of the bathtub 10 in the longitudinal direction. The front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 provided corresponding to the front and rear of the sole positioned by the sole positioning unit 11, and the vibration generating units 100, 200, 300, A control unit 50 is provided for controlling the vibrations of 400 vibrators (described later) to vibrate in a predetermined vibration pattern.

  Further, the control unit 50 is accommodated in a control box not shown in detail here, and the vibration control is appropriately performed through the control box when the bather operates an operation switch provided in a proper position of the bathtub 10. It has become.

  And the sole positioning part 11 of the bathtub apparatus 1 consists of the protrusion part 11a, 11b of the curved ridge with the curvature substantially corresponding to the outline of a bather's heel, respectively, as shown in FIG. Are provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction on the inner wall of the bathtub above a predetermined distance.

  The vibration generating units 100, 200, 300, and 400 are provided corresponding to the left and right protrusions 11a and 11b, respectively, and the left front vibration generating unit 100 includes a front vibrator and the left rear vibration. The generator 200 includes a rear vibrator, the right front vibration generator 300 includes a right front vibrator, and the right rear vibration generator 400 includes a rear vibrator. And the vibration which generate | occur | produces with the vibrator | oscillator for front, and the vibration which generate | occur | produces with the vibrator | oscillator for back are transmitted corresponding to front and back of the bather's sole positioned by projection part 11a, 11b, respectively. Here, the front of the sole refers to the finger and the base of the sole and the vicinity area thereof, and the rear of the sole refers to the buttocks of the sole and the vicinity area thereof. More specifically, it refers to each region that constitutes the pressure distribution during walking of a healthy adult on the front side and rear side of the sole.

  Hereinafter, each component of the bathtub apparatus mentioned above is demonstrated in detail. In the case of the present embodiment, a bathtub 10 having a general shape and material is used for the bathtub, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a total of four openings are formed on the side wall at one end in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 10. A portion 10a (see FIG. 3) is formed. These openings 10a are provided at positions corresponding to the front and rear of the left and right soles, respectively, when the bather takes a natural posture and puts the left and right soles against the side wall in a state slightly separated from the bathtub bottom wall. It has been.

  Then, the structure of the vibration generation parts 100-400 is demonstrated. Since each vibration generating unit has the same configuration, the configuration of the left front vibration generating unit 100 will be typically described based on the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the vibration generating unit 100 penetrates the bathtub wall portion through the vibrator 110 attached to the outside of the opening portion 10a formed in the wall portion of the bathtub 10 and the opening portion 10a. And a vibration-proof waterproof member 120 that prevents the vibration from being transmitted to the bathtub wall and prevents the hot water in the bathtub from leaking out of the bathtub through the opening 10a. Yes. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the vibration transmitting body 130 includes a vibration receiving portion 131 that receives vibration from the vibrator 110 and a vibration transmitting portion 135 that transmits the vibration from the vibration receiving portion 131 into the bathtub. It is composed of In addition, each vibrator 110 is connected to a control box not shown in detail here, and the vibration is appropriately controlled via the control box by a bather operating an operation switch provided in a proper position of the bathtub 10. It has become.

  The vibrator 110 has a disk shape, is concentric with each opening 10a of the bathtub, and is attached to the outer wall side of one end in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 10 via a vibration transmitting body 130. The vibrator 110 includes a transducer that generates a frequency of 10 Hz to 200 Hz. In addition, it is not limited to using a transducer as the vibrator | oscillator 110, You may use the vibration motor etc. which generate | occur | produce the frequency of 10 Hz-200 Hz said that a human will react.

  The transducer referred to here is an electro-mechanical vibration converter, in which a magnetic gap is formed by a yoke provided with magnetic poles, and a coil wound around a coil frame is arranged in the gap, and the yoke is placed inside the case. The structure is supported by a damper. When an electric signal is transmitted to the coil, the yoke and the case cause a relative displacement due to a magnetic interference effect generated between the magnetic force generated in the coil and the magnetic force of the magnetic pole, so that vibration is generated. .

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the anti-vibration waterproofing member 120 is attached between the vibration transmission body 130 and the bathtub 10 via a vibration spacer 140, and the vibration of the vibrator 110 is received by the vibration transmission body 130. The vibration is transmitted only to the vibration transmission unit 135 via the force unit 131 and the vibration spacer 140. The anti-vibration waterproofing member 120 is made of a material having excellent elasticity and anti-vibration properties such as silicon, for example, and as shown in FIG. A cylindrical body shape having a reduced diameter portion 123 and a through hole 124 in the longitudinal direction is formed. One flange 121 is in contact with the surrounding inner wall of the bathtub opening via a second rib 121b described later, and the other flange 122 is an outer peripheral wall of the bathtub opening via a third rib 122c described later. To come in contact with. Further, the outer diameter of the reduced diameter portion 123 substantially coincides with the inner diameter of the opening 10a, and the inner diameter thereof substantially coincides with the outer diameter of a vibration receiving portion 131 of the vibration transmitting body 130 described later.

  A first rib 121a and a second rib 121b for anti-vibration waterproofing are formed on both sides of one flange portion 121 of the anti-vibration waterproofing member 120 so as to surround the through hole 124 of the anti-vibration waterproofing member 120, respectively. . Further, a third rib 122c and a fourth rib 122d for vibration proofing and waterproofing are formed on both sides of the other flange portion 122 so as to surround the through hole 124 of the vibration proofing waterproofing member 120, respectively.

  By having such ribs 121a, 121b, 122c, and 122d, when a vibration transmitting body 130 described later is inserted into the through hole 124 of the vibration-proof waterproof member 120 and the vibrator 110 is attached, The first rib 121a provides anti-vibration waterproofing between the vibration transmitting part 135 of the vibration transmitting body 130 and the anti-vibration waterproof member 120, and the second rib 121b is provided between the anti-vibration waterproof member 120 and the inner wall of the bathtub. The third rib 122c of the anti-vibration waterproofing member 120 provides anti-vibration waterproofing between the anti-vibration waterproofing member 120 and the outer wall of the bathtub, and the fourth anti-vibration waterproofing member 120 The rib 122d is designed to provide anti-vibration waterproofing between the anti-vibration waterproofing member 120 and the vibrator 110.

  In addition, since the anti-vibration waterproofing member 120 is made of a material having excellent elasticity such as an elastomer, it can be easily attached to the opening 10 a on the bathtub side wall when attached to the bathtub 10.

  Further, one flange 121 of the vibration-proof and waterproof member 120 is sandwiched between the vibration transmitting portion 135 of the vibration transmitting body 130 and the inner wall of the bathtub, and the other flange 122 is provided on the end face of the vibration receiving portion of the vibration transmitting body 130. It is sandwiched between the fixed vibrator 110 and the outer wall of the bathtub.

  In the above-described embodiment, the vibration-proof and waterproof member is integrally formed. However, although not shown in detail here, the same effect can be achieved even if the vibration-proof member and the waterproof member are configured separately. It goes without saying that it can be done.

  In addition, the vibration transmitting body 130 inserted into the vibration-proof and waterproof member 120 has the vibration-side end surface of the vibration receiving portion 131 that receives vibration from the vibration element 110 located outside the bathtub 10 and the body of the bather. The vibration transmission part 130 which transmits a vibration to bathtub water is attached to the opening part 10a of the bathtub wall part so that it may be located inside the bathtub 10. As shown in FIG.

  The vibration transmission body 130 is made of a material having excellent strength, moldability, and vibration transmission characteristics, such as ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene) resin, and the outer shape is a so-called mushroom shape. The portion 131 is configured, and the enlarged diameter portion forms an umbrella-shaped vibration transmitting portion 135. And the vibration receiving part 131 is inserted in the vibration-proof waterproofing member from the inner wall of the bathtub of the opening 10a, and the vibrator side end face 131a of the vibration receiving part 131 is connected to the vibrator 110 with a strong adhesive. Instead of this adhesive, an internal thread portion is formed on the vibrator side end surface 131a of the vibration receiving portion 131, and is screwed with an external thread portion protruding from the vibration surface of the vibrator 110 so that both are coupled. Also good.

  On the other hand, the base end side surface of the vibration transmission portion 135 whose diameter has been increased is in contact with the first rib 121 a of the vibration-proof and waterproof member 120. In addition, the magnitude | size of the vibration transmission part 135 has a magnitude | size which the diameter contacts the front side or back side of a bather's right and left sole separately. That is, by making the area of the region exposed to the bathtub of the vibration transmitting unit 135 larger than the area of the region facing the vibrator side of the vibration receiving unit 131, the vibration receiving unit 131 collects vibrations and vibrates. The directivity toward the transmission unit 135 is imparted to reduce the vibration transmitted to the bathtub 10, and the vibration of the vibrator 110 is efficiently transmitted to a desired body part of the bather.

  In addition, the vibration spacer 140 is made of a material having excellent strength, moldability, and vibration transmission properties such as ABS, and has almost the same size as the vibration surface 110a of the vibrator 110 as shown in FIGS. And a through-hole 141 for receiving the vibration receiving portion 131 of the vibration transmitting body 130. In addition, a spacer mounting hole 142 that matches the mounting hole of the vibrator 110 is formed around the vibration spacer 140, and is coupled integrally with the vibrator 110 via a mounting screw 119 of the vibrator 110.

  The vibrator 110 and the vibration receiving portion 131 of the vibration transmitting body 130 are coupled to each other with an adhesive or a screw having the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment. It is transmitted to the vibration receiving portion 131 of the vibration transmitting body 130 via. That is, by attaching the vibration receiving portion 131 of the vibration transmitting body 130 to the vibration spacer 140, the vibration of the vibrator 110 is transmitted to the vibration receiving portion 131 via the vibration spacer 140 in addition to the end face of the vibration receiving portion 131. It is supposed to be.

  That is, by providing such a vibration spacer 140, vibration generated from the vibrator 110 is not only on the vibrator-side surface provided in the vibration receiving portion 131 of the vibration transmitting body 130 but also on the same level as the vibrator 110. The vibration spacer 140 having an area can be reliably transmitted to the vibration transmission unit 135 via the vibration receiving unit 131, and the vibration transmission efficiency to the vibration transmission unit 135 can be further increased. Further, even if a gap is generated between the end face of the vibration receiving portion 131 and the vibration surface of the vibrator 110, the vibration of the vibrator 110 can be reliably transmitted to the vibration receiving portion 131 via the vibration spacer 140. It becomes possible.

  On the other hand, a control box (not shown) includes a pulse generator that transmits pulses having a predetermined cycle to the vibration generators 100 to 400, and a controller that controls the vibration generators 100 to 400 with a desired vibration frequency or amplitude. 50 to vibrate the vibrators of the vibration generating units 100 to 400 via an external AC power source connected to the pulse generator or a DC power source such as a battery disposed in or around the bathtub device. It has become.

  Moreover, although not shown in figure here, the bathtub apparatus 1 is a power switch for operating each vibration generation part 100-400, and the adjustment which adjusts the period and magnitude | size of the vibration which each vibration generation part 100-400 generate | occur | produces. There is a knob. Instead of providing such a power switch or adjustment knob in the bathtub device itself, it can be operated via an operation remote control that can be operated while the user holds it in the hand or a remote control provided on the wall of the bathroom. Also good.

  Further, the control unit 50 according to the present embodiment is configured to alternately switch the strength of vibration generated by the front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the strength of vibration generated by the rear vibration generating units 200 and 400. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the front vibration generating units 100 and 300 are turned on and the rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 are turned off and the front vibration generating unit 100, every predetermined number of seconds. 300 off and rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 are alternately turned on, and vibrations are alternately transmitted from the front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 to the front and back of the sole. The difference in stimulation received between the front and back of the foot from the alternately transmitted vibration is alternately changed before and after the back of the foot.

  Then, the actual usage method and effect | action of the bathtub apparatus 1 which has such a structure are demonstrated. First, the bather immerses in the hot water in the bathtub and places the sole on the sole positioning portion 11 (positions). At this time, the left and right front vibration generators 100 and 300 are aligned with the front side of the sole by simply applying the left and right foot heels to the protrusions 11a and 11b shown in FIG. , 400 can be matched to the back side of the sole.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 50 alternately turns on and off the front vibration generation units 100 and 300 and the rear vibration generation units 200 and 400. In the present embodiment, for example, it is conceivable to turn on / off the front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 every 3 seconds, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this time.

  The left and right front vibration generators 100, 300 and the left and right rear vibration generators 200, 400 are alternately turned on and off in this manner, so that the left and right front vibration generators 100, 300 and the left and right rear vibration generators are turned on and off. Vibrations are alternately transmitted before and after the bather's soles every 200 to 400 seconds. As a result, the bather alternately receives stimulation from vibrations transmitted to the front side of the foot and the back side of the foot every 3 seconds.

  The bather seems to be standing while taking a bath due to the alternating stimulation of vibrations from the vibration generating parts 100 to 400 in the front and back of the foot and the buoyancy acting on the whole body of the bather in the bathtub. A pseudo load can be received before and after the sole of the foot, and it is possible to perform a balance sense improvement training as described below even though the bathing is in progress.

  Subsequently, the reason why the applicant has obtained the knowledge that the balance feeling is improved by alternately receiving stimuli before and after the sole during bathing, which is a characteristic part of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 33, the balance ability takes in external information through sensory organs (vestibular system, vision, somatic sensation), integrates information in the central nervous circuit, and finally optimizes the body posture. It is a collective term for a series of functions that drive muscles to keep them. Here, the functions of somatic sensations can be classified into two types: deep receptors and skin receptors. Here, the deep receptor detects movements of muscle tension such as muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs and reacts to them to keep the muscle tension even. On the other hand, with regard to the skin receptor, a patina body for detecting the pressure of the sole is greatly related. Regarding the balance ability, it is known that the balance is maintained particularly by calculating the pressure difference of the sole that occurs when the body tilts forward and backward.

  Thus, the baroreceptor on the sole is greatly related to the balance ability. And it is said that elderly people become less sensitive to this baroreceptor, and it is difficult to recognize exactly what state their posture is.

  Next, the baroreceptor on the sole will be described in more detail. The sole baroreceptor is very sensitive in terms of balance ability. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, when a vibration stimulus is applied to the sole by four methods of the front part, the rear part, the right part, and the left foot, the baroreceptor responds to the vibration stimulus. When a vibration stimulus is applied only to the front part of the foot (the thumb ball), the sensory receptor has the illusion that the center of gravity is tilted to the front. In order to detect the inclination and to stabilize the posture, feedback is given so that the body falls down unconsciously later. Similarly, when a stimulus is applied to the rear, right foot, and left foot, a tilt is detected for each stimulus, and a reaction is shown in which negative feedback is given to the vibration stimulus.

  Further, when considering the center-of-gravity sway in the standing posture of a person, as shown in FIG. 35, the ankle joint fulcrum observed from the sagittal plane rather than the side sway of two fulcrums composed of both feet observed from the frontal plane as shown in FIG. The ankle joint is a uniaxial hinge joint, and it hardly moves to the side of the ankle joint due to its structure and mainly has the functions of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. ing.

  Therefore, considering training for the purpose of functional recovery of sensory receptors associated with balance ability and activation of the nervous system, from these standing fulcrum and ankle joint characteristics, FIG. 35 (a) and FIG. 35 (b) As shown in Fig. 3, when a stimulus that induces an activity in the longitudinal direction (front and back) observed from the sagittal plane is given, the fluctuation is increased, so that the effect of training is considered to be increased. In addition, the fact that the center of gravity moves much in the front-rear direction makes the center of gravity easy to collapse, and thus there is a high risk of falling, and the ability to recognize the pressure distribution in the front-rear direction is important.

  Therefore, in order to prevent falls and associated fractures, pay attention to the pressure receptors on the soles of the feet, and alternately vary the difference between the stimuli that the front and back of the foot receives from vibration during bathing to give a pressure distribution. Thus, the present applicant has thought that it is possible to maintain and improve the sense of balance by improving the function of the baroreceptor and enhancing the facilitation of the nervous system that conveys the response.

  Therefore, the present invention performs lymphatic massage by transmitting vibrations simultaneously before and after the sole of the foot, or by spraying warm water in one direction from the tip of the sole toward the heel, as in a conventional bathtub vibration transmission massager. It is essentially different from the hot water jet massager in the bathtub that is achieved, the effect that these conventional vibration vibration massager in the bathtub and hot water jet massager in the bathtub do not have, that is, the pressure distribution can be recognized in the front-rear direction By alternately changing the state of stimulation before and after the sole, a pseudo load equivalent to the standing state is alternately applied before and after the sole, and the sensory receptor function recovery and neural circuit (feedback) with balance ability It is possible to activate the mechanism). Also, when the balance is lost, the pressure distribution on the sole changes instantaneously, but the present invention can alternately vibrate, so that the pressure distribution can be switched instantaneously. It is also possible to create a state in which the timing of front / rear switching is overlapped, and it is possible to reproduce a state in which pressure is simultaneously applied to the front and back of the foot for a moment when the balance moves back and forth. In this way, various controls such as overlap and instantaneous switching can be performed by switching the vibrations before and after, and balance training can be made more effective by reproducing a state closer to reality.

  As is apparent from the above description, the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes the sole positioning portion 11 at a height slightly away from the bottom wall on the inner wall at one end in the longitudinal direction of the inner wall of the bathtub. In addition, left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 corresponding to the front and rear of the sole positioned by the sole positioning unit 11 are provided, respectively. The vibration generators 100 and 300 and the rear vibration generators 200 and 400 are controlled in a predetermined pattern, and vibrations are alternately transmitted from the front vibration generators 100 and 300 and the rear vibration generators 200 and 400 to the front and back of the foot. By doing so, stimuli of different sizes are given alternately before and after the sole, thereby improving the balance feeling of the bather.

  Especially for elderly people, for example, they may fall accidentally when riding a bus or when the road surface freezes, resulting in serious injury. ), It is possible to improve the balance sensation naturally without having the consciousness of performing the balance sensation training by carrying out such a balance sensation training together with daily bathing. The benefits are great because they can.

  In addition, the knee and ankle joints do not need to support weight during training, as in the case of balance training in a standing position. Sense improvement training can be performed every day without difficulty.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the vibration stimulation pattern applied from each vibrator to the sole includes the front vibration generating unit 100 (B in FIG. 6) corresponding to the front side of the left foot sole and the rear side of the right foot sole. The rear vibration generating unit 400 (C in FIG. 6) corresponding to 1 vibrates simultaneously, and the rear vibration generating unit 200 (A in FIG. 6) corresponding to the rear side of the left foot and the front side of the right foot sole. The vibrations of the respective vibrators may be individually controlled by the control unit 50 so that the corresponding front vibration generation unit 300 (D in FIG. 6) vibrates at the same time alternately every predetermined time. By appropriately selecting the vibration pattern shown in FIG. 5 and the vibration pattern shown in FIG. 6, the bather can be prevented from getting bored with the vibration pattern for the bathing apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the sole positioning unit is a sole positioning unit 12 having protrusions 12 a and 12 b that abut against the fingertip of the bather's foot above the front vibration generating units 100 and 300. There may be.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the sole positioning part 13 of the form which provided the projection parts 13a and 13b in the position corresponding to the arch of a right and left foot may be sufficient. By providing such a sole positioning portion 13, as shown in FIG. 9, the arch is pressed by the sole positioning portion 13 simultaneously with the positioning of the sole and the balance sense and walking ability, which are the main objects of the present invention, are achieved. In addition to the improvement, a massage effect can be given to the bather.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the foot side positioning protrusions 14a to 14d corresponding to the both sides of the left and right soles are connected to the front vibration generating portions 100 and 300 on the inner wall of the bathtub and the rear vibration generation. The sole positioning part 14 may be provided between the parts 200 and 400. By providing such sole side positioning protrusions 14a to 14d, the position and orientation of the bather's sole can be positioned in an optimal state with respect to the vibration generating units 100 to 400 as shown in FIG. In addition, vibrations can be transmitted from the front vibration generation units 100 and 300 and the rear vibration generation units 200 and 400 to appropriate places before and after the sole of the bather.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 12, the sole positioning part 15 of the form made into the foot-shaped recessed part 15a, 15b corresponding to the bather's right and left sole shape may be sufficient. By forming the sole positioning part 15 with such recesses 15 a and 15 b, the bather does not accidentally hit the toe positioning part 15. In this case, instead of providing a recess on the inner wall of the bathtub, a seal corresponding to the foot shape of the bather may be applied to form the sole positioning portion.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a bathtub 20 having a lower limb placing step 21 that raises only a certain height from the buttocks of the bather is used only in the lower limb of the bather. The front vibration generators 100 and 300 and the rear vibration generators 200 and 400 may be provided on the inner wall of the bathtub so as to correspond to the front and back of the foot of the foot. 14 is a diagram showing the schematic bathtub apparatus of FIG. 13 more specifically, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state where a bather actually takes a bath in the bathtub shown in FIG. is there.

  In this case, the lower limb placing step portion 21 also serves as a sole positioning portion. Therefore, when the bather puts the lower limb on the lower limb placing step portion 21, the sole touches the vibration generating portions 100 to 400. The sole can be positioned like this. In addition, by providing such a lower limb loading step portion 21, it maintains a state close to a standing position (a standing posture) without overdoing the lower limbs of the bather, so training for improving balance sensation while relaxing It is easy to use, especially for elderly people with weak legs and bathers with impaired legs.

  Further, in this case, since the soles are naturally positioned on the respective vibration generating units 100 to 400 simply by placing the lower limbs on the lower limb mounting step portion 21, the sole positioning unit is placed on the inner wall of the bathtub near the vibration generating unit. There is no need to provide special protrusions or recesses.

  Then, the bathtub apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In addition, since the basic structure of the bathtub apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is the same as that of FIG. 1 except the control pattern of the control part 50, description about a common structure is abbreviate | omitted. In addition, FIG. 16 shows the area | region before and behind the sole which receives a stimulus with the bathtub apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment, and it turns out that it is the same as that of the case of 1st Embodiment shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the bathtub apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment is characterized by the on / off pattern of the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 by the control unit 50. Have.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the on and off times of the left and right front vibration generators 100 and 300 (upper stage in the figure) and the on and off times of the left and right rear vibration generators 200 and 400 are shown. (Lower part in the figure) changes according to the elapsed bathing time.

  In FIG. 16, both the on time and the off time of the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 are increased in accordance with the elapsed bathing time. However, unlike this, both the on time and the off time of the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 that are originally set to be long are shortened according to the elapsed bathing time. Anyway. In other words, the ON and OFF times of the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 can be repeatedly increased and decreased as appropriate according to the elapsed bathing time. It ’s fine.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, the on and off times of the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 always change irregularly according to the bathing elapsed time. Anyway.

  The control unit 50 controls the on / off of the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 in such a control pattern, thereby acclimatizing the bather's stimulus (same stimulus). It is possible to prevent the user from becoming accustomed to the stimulation by continuing to receive the training and not becoming training for improving the sense of balance.

  In both the first embodiment and the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 50 has left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400. It is also possible to provide a time during which vibrations are not transmitted at all after both are turned off for a certain time.

  Occurrence of such vibration-free state from time to time resets the bather's nerve transmission circuit so that when it is stimulated again, a new stimulus is efficiently transmitted to the nerve transmission circuit. Can increase the effectiveness of training.

  Then, the bathtub apparatus concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. The bathtub device 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is related to the bathtub device 2 according to the second embodiment, and the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 by the control unit 50 and the left and right rear use. The on / off pattern of the vibration generators 200 and 400 is characteristic. Therefore, the basic configuration common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1, and thus description of the common configuration is omitted.

  The specific on / off patterns of the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 of the bathtub apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment are shown in FIG. At a predetermined time after the start, the left and right front vibration generators 100 and 300 are in the on state, and vibrations having a strength (amplitude) of about level 3 are transmitted from the front vibration generators 100 and 300, and the left and right rear vibration generators are transmitted. 200 and 400 are transmitted from the rear vibration generators 200 and 400 with a vibration level of about level 1 in a slightly off state. At a predetermined time thereafter, the intensity is inverted, and the intensity of the vibration transmitted from the left and right rear vibration generators 100 and 300 is greater than the intensity of the vibration transmitted from the left and right front vibration generators 100 and 300. Further, in a predetermined time thereafter, the vibration of level 5 is transmitted from the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300, and the vibration is not transmitted from the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400.

  In this way, vibrations having different strengths depending on the elapsed bathing time are transmitted from the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400, thereby receiving from the vibration generating units 100 to 400. Stimulation changes alternately before and after the sole of the foot, and acclimatization to the stimulation can be prevented.

  Then, the bathtub apparatus concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 20, the bathtub apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention uses a predetermined frequency of about 20 Hz to 100 Hz for vibration transmitted from the vibration generating units 100 to 400, for example. It is designed to stimulate the soles of the feet. The left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 are always made different from each other by changing the frequency of vibration transmitted from the left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the frequency of vibration transmitted from the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400. The intensity of the stimulus from the vibration received by the bather's sole before and after the bather and the intensity of the stimulus from the vibration received by the back of the bather's foot from the left and right rear vibration generators 200 and 400 are alternately changed. Yes. This also exhibits an effect equivalent to the effect described above. In other words, in the bathtub, the stimulus to the front and back of the bather's foot alternately can be stimulated by the vibration, coupled with the sensitivity of the nerves due to the thermal effect during bathing, The sensory receptors related to the sense of balance and the functional recovery of the nervous system leading to this can be achieved.

  Then, the bathtub apparatus concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 21, the bathtub device 5 according to the fifth embodiment includes a sole positioning portion 11 provided on the inner wall at one end in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 10, and left and right front vibration generating portions 100, 300 and left and right rear vibration generators 200, 400. The sole positioning part 11 is provided to some extent above the bottom of the bathtub, and when the bather puts the sole on the sole positioning part 11, the knee joint is kept bent more than the above-described embodiment. The left and right front vibration generating units 100 and 300 and the left and right rear vibration generating units 200 and 400 are positioned on the front and back of the sole, respectively. Since other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 1, the corresponding reference numerals are assigned and detailed description is omitted.

  In this embodiment, by having the sole positioning part 15 and the vibration generating parts 100 to 400 at positions relatively far from the bottom wall of the bathtub inner wall, each vibration generating part in a state where the lower limb of the bather is considerably bent. The magnitude of the stimulus that the bather receives before and after the sole of the foot is alternately switched by the vibration transmitted from 100 to 400, and such a special pattern of stimulus when the bather is closer to the standing position, that is, the standing state Thus, the sense of balance can be improved more than in the above-described embodiment even when the bathing time is the same.

  In other words, by providing the sole positioning part at such a position, the lower limb muscles are stretched while the foot is placed on the sole positioning part, and the lower limb muscles are always activated during bathing to stand in a more upright position. You can take a bath in a close state. That is, in the sitting position, the central nervous system that is active in the motored state is in a resting state, and even if the somatic sensation is given a vibration stimulus, the facilitating effect of the neural circuit on the balance sensation is not perfect, but in particular such a foot The central nervous system can be activated by applying a vibration stimulus while stretching the lower limb muscles during bathing by the positioning means of the bath. Can be carried out effectively.

  Then, the bathtub apparatus concerning the 6th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In describing the bathtub device 6 according to the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the relationship between the impact force and time received by the forefoot during walking of the elderly and adults, and the impact and time received by the buttocks. And the relationship between the impact force applied to the entire sole and time.

References relating to FIG. 22 and the description related thereto are as follows.
Authors: Ryuta Tomita, Katsuo Inoue, Shuta Kawamata Title: Examination of floor finish structure from the viewpoint of walking characteristics and walking feelings of elderly and adults Architectural Institute of Japan Environmental Studies No. 569, 7-14, 2003 Issued in July As can be seen from Fig. 22, adults first receive a large impact force on the buttocks for a short time during one-step walking, and the front foot receives a large impact for a short time when the foot kicks back. I understand that On the other hand, elderly people receive a small impact force on the entire sole during walking for a long time and become walking like a so-called foot, which is different from walking with a sharpness like an adult I understand. That is, while an adult is walking, the heel contact and the toe kick are clearly performed, but the elderly person walks like a foot so that no pressure distribution occurs. In this way, elderly people can no longer feel the pressure distribution of their soles in their daily lives, and the tempo of walking has deteriorated. Therefore, when the bather is an elderly person, a pattern of a pseudo load resembling the walking pattern of an adult is added to the left and right soles in a specific order, and this pattern is applied to the elderly's central nervous system and the neural circuit leading to it. The applicant considered that it is possible to train an adult to walk in a walking pattern that is similar to an adult's walking pattern.

  More specifically, a pressure distribution is generated on the sole during walking, and pressure is applied in the order of the heel of one foot, the toe, the heel of the other foot, and the toe. A signal input from the pressure distribution to the central nerve via a neural circuit is considered as one information source for measuring the timing of walking. On the other hand, when actually walking, the central nervous system is equipped with a pattern generator that indicates the walking timing, whereby walking is performed with a good tempo. At this time, the pressure applied to the sole differs between adults and elderly people.

  Therefore, by switching the magnitude relationship of the stimulus applied to the front and back of the foot in this order, the pressure distribution of the normal walking pattern, that is, the pseudo load related to walking can be positively applied to the sole. It is possible to improve the sensitivity of baroreceptors important for walking and enhance the facilitation of neural circuit during bathing, make the central nervous system recognize the normal walking pattern, and remember the walking tempo while bathing, and correct walking It can be so.

  In order to achieve this, a special pattern of vibration is transmitted to the front and back of the sole, that is, from the back of the sole to the front of the sole, and then from the back of the other foot to the front of the sole. The present applicant has realized that the walking pattern of the elderly can be brought closer to the walking pattern of the adult by transmitting vibrations in order. And I thought that it would be possible to help fall prevention and the like during the walking of the elderly by bringing the walking pattern of the elderly closer to that of the adult.

  In addition, the left foot plan view of FIG. 23 individually shows a region on which the vibration transmitted from each of the vibration generating units 200 to 400 shown in FIG. Moreover, the timing chart of FIG. 23 is a timing chart which shows the magnitude | size of the vibration which hits a bather's right and left sole before and after a bath use for every foot sole area | region of FIG. As can be seen from these drawings, the control unit 50 of the bathtub device according to the present embodiment has one foot rear side (the heel part and FIG. 23A) to the front side (the toe side and FIG. 23B), Subsequently, the left and right sides of the vibration generating units 100, 200, 300, and 400 corresponding to each other in the order from the back side of the other sole (the heel portion and C in FIG. 23) to the front side (the toe side and D in FIG. 23). Vibrations are sequentially transmitted to the front and rear areas A to D of the soles at regular intervals.

  Thereafter, vibration is repeatedly transmitted from each vibrator so as to correspond to the continuous walking form of the user in this order.

  Normal walking does not end with one step or two, but continues. Therefore, by repeatedly giving a pseudo walking pattern by vibration transmission, it is possible to reproduce walking that is close to normal and effectively perform walking training.

  By transmitting vibration in this way, the actual load that an adult receives on the sole during walking can be applied to the sole of the elderly bather as a simulated load with vibration stimulation, Nevertheless, it is possible to reinvigorate the bather's central nervous system and the neurotransmission circuit leading to it as if it were an adult, and to train the actual walking pattern closer to that of the adult.

  Subsequently, a modification of the sixth embodiment using the above-described knowledge of the present applicant will be described. As shown in FIG. 24, the bathtub apparatus according to the modification of this embodiment has areas A, B, C, and D for the left foot bather's heel, foot side part, thumb base, and thumb, respectively. E, F, G, and H of each region of the person's heel, foot side, thumb base, and thumb, and the vibration generators 611 to 614, 615 to 618 corresponding to the respective regions are detailed here. Although not shown, it is provided corresponding to a sole positioning part (not shown) of the inner wall of the bathtub. Note that the other components shown in FIG. 24 are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, so that corresponding reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted. Moreover, FIG. 25 is a figure which shows each area | region of the sole which a pressure distribution produces at the time of actual walking corresponding to FIG.

  In this modification, on / off of each vibration generating unit is sequentially switched through the control of the control unit 50, and vibrations are transmitted to the soles in order of the respective vibration generating units 611 to 614, 615 to 618. The stimulus received by the sole changes in the order of each area from A to H as shown in FIG.

  More specifically, in the case of this modification, as shown in FIG. 26, the left foot heel (A in FIGS. 24 and 26), the outer side (B in FIGS. 24 and 26), the base of the thumb (see FIG. 26). 24 and FIG. 26C), thumb (D in FIG. 24 and FIG. 26) in order of vibration is transmitted from each vibrator 611-614, then the right foot heel (E in FIG. 24 and FIG. 26), the outside Vibration is transmitted from each of the vibration generators 615 to 618 in the order of the part (F in FIGS. 24 and 26), the base of the thumb (G in FIGS. 24 and 26), and the thumb (H in FIGS. 24 and 26). In this order, the soles are stimulated.

  Thereafter, vibration is repeatedly transmitted from each vibrator so as to correspond to the continuous walking form of the user in this order.

  Normal walking does not end with one step or two, but continues. Therefore, by repeatedly giving a pseudo walking pattern by vibration transmission, it is possible to reproduce walking that is close to normal and effectively perform walking training.

  This makes it possible to apply a simulated load that approximates the actual walking pattern of an adult with a so-called tilt using the side of the sole of the foot while walking to the sole of the elderly during bathing. It is possible to train an adult's gait pattern into the nerve during bathing and to approach the adult's gait pattern during actual walking.

  Subsequently, a modification of the vibration generating unit of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof will be described. In addition, about the structure equivalent to embodiment mentioned above and its modification, a corresponding code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The vibration generator 700 according to this modification is characterized in that the vibration receiving portion 731 of the vibration transmitting body 730 is formed to protrude from the center of the vibration transmitting portion 735 as shown in FIG. Yes. FIG. 28 shows a bathtub provided with a vibration transmitting portion according to this modification.

  Since the vibration receiving portion 731 of the vibration transmitting body 730 is formed so as to be eccentric with respect to the vibration transmitting portion 735, the vibration transmitting body 730 is rotated around the vibration receiving portion as shown in FIG. Thus, the position where the vibration transmitting body 730 vibrates in the bathtub can be adjusted as appropriate. In this modification, the vibrator 710 and the vibration spacer 740 are fastened by a fastening means (not shown) such as a screw, and the vibration surface of the vibrator 710 and the end face of the vibration receiving portion are made of an adhesive or a screw. Since the vibration receiving portion 731 is turned from the inside of the bathtub by the bather, the vibrator 710 and the vibration spacer 740 outside the bathtub are also turned integrally therewith except for the vibration-proof and waterproof member 720. It has become. (See FIG. 29, Compare upper and lower vibrators).

  Thus, the position where the vibration transmission body 730 vibrates in the bathtub can be appropriately adjusted by the vibration transmission portion 735 turning around the position deviated from the center. Thereby, the usability of the bathtub device can be improved by changing the position of the vibration transmitting body 730 according to the physique and posture of the bather and the size of the foot.

  As mentioned above, although the bathtub apparatus demonstrated was a type with which the vibrator of the vibration generating part was attached to the outside of a bathtub, as shown in bathtub apparatus 7 concerning a 7th embodiment of Drawing 30, a bather's foot The base plate 901 includes the vibrators 910 to 940 corresponding to the front and rear sides, and the vibration generating unit 900 including the attachment plate 902 for attaching to the bathtub on the back surface can be detachably attached to a proper place on the peripheral wall of the bathtub. good. Accordingly, the vibration device can be appropriately attached to the peripheral wall of the bathtub so as to maintain a desired posture only when the bather is required, and the usability of the bathtub device is improved.

  That is, by using such a bathing device, it can be easily attached to or removed from an existing bathtub. For example, only those who need to use this bathing device in the family can place this bathing device in the bathtub. The other person can remove this bathing device and secure a sufficient bathing space in the bathtub.

  As described above, by using the bathtub device according to the present invention, it is possible to give stimulation to the front and back of the foot by vibration in which the magnitude of the stimulus to the front and back of the bather alternately changes in the bathtub. Combined with the sensitivity of the nerves due to the thermal effect, the sensory receptors related to balance and the functional recovery of the nervous system can be achieved. In addition, since buoyancy acts on the bather in the bathtub, extraneous input due to gravity, etc. to each sensory receptor can be blocked, and the nervous system can be concentrated only on the stimulus received from the sole of the foot, promoting the neural circuit It becomes possible to increase the faculty.

  In addition, since buoyancy always acts during bathing, bathers can take a bathing posture that is close to standing, and the sensation of the sensory receptors and nervous system is as if they were standing only by stimulation from the soles of the feet. Thus, functional recovery of sensory receptors and nervous system can be achieved.

  In addition, by switching the magnitude relationship of the stimulus applied to the front and back of the foot in order, the pressure distribution of a normal gait pattern can be simulated in the back of the foot, which is an important baroreceptor for walking. In addition to improving the sensitivity of the neural network and enhancing the facilitation of the neural circuit during bathing, the normal nervous pattern is recognized by the central nervous system, and the walking tempo is learned during bathing so that correct walking can be performed.

  In addition, by applying a jet of warm water (blow) to the sole of the bather to give a special pattern of vibration to the sole, it is also sufficient to exhibit the same effects as the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof. It seems possible. However, since the sole is not a part of the body part that is particularly hard and sensibly sensitive, it can be said that it is preferable to apply vibration from the vibration generating part to the sole rather than such blow. That is, in order to give stimulation to the sole according to the blow, an appropriate large output is required to generate the blow, and the bathing apparatus itself is also enlarged, but if the vibration generator according to the present invention is used, a small vibrator Even so, vibrations can be efficiently transmitted only to the necessary areas before and after the soles.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the bathtub apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention with a bather. It is sectional drawing which cuts and shows the bathtub part of the bathtub apparatus shown in FIG. 1 along the longitudinal direction. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnects and shows the vibration generation part of the bathtub apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in the diameter direction with the cross section of the bathtub side wall. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the vibration generation part of the bathtub apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the cross section of a bathtub side wall. The positional relationship between the vibration generating part of the bathtub apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and the sole of the bather and the intensity of vibration transmitted from the front vibration generating part and the rear vibration generating part of the bathtub apparatus shown in FIG. It is a timing chart shown along the elapsed time from the start of use. It is a timing chart which shows the modification of the vibration pattern shown in FIG. It is a partial cross section figure of the bathtub which shows the modification of the sole positioning part of the bathtub apparatus shown in FIG. It is a partial cross section figure of the bathtub which shows the modification of the sole positioning part different from FIG. It is a partial cross section figure of the bathtub which shows the state where the bather applied the foot to the sole positioning part shown in FIG. It is a partial cross section figure of the bathtub which shows the modification of the sole positioning part different from FIG.7 and FIG.8. It is a partial cross section figure of the bathtub which shows the state where the bather applied the foot to the sole positioning part shown in FIG. It is a partial cross section figure of a bathtub which shows the modification of the sole positioning part different from Drawing 7 thru / or Drawing 10. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the modification of the bathtub apparatus provided with the leg mounting part in the bathtub of the bathtub apparatus shown in FIG. It is longitudinal direction sectional drawing of the bathtub which showed more specifically the bathtub used for the modification shown in FIG. It is longitudinal direction sectional drawing of the bathtub which the state where the bather was actually bathing in the bathtub shown in FIG. In addition to showing the positional relationship between the vibration generating part of the bathtub device according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the sole of the bather, the intensity of vibration transmitted from the front vibration generating part and the rear vibration generating part of the bathtub device It is a timing chart which shows along with the elapsed time from an apparatus use start. It is a timing chart which shows the intensity of the vibration transmitted from the vibration generating part for the front and the vibration generating part for the back of the bathtub device concerning the modification of a 2nd embodiment shown in Drawing 16 along with the lapsed time from apparatus use start. is there. It is a timing chart which shows the vibration pattern of the bathtub apparatus concerning the further modification of the 1st and 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the intensity of the vibration transmitted from the vibration generating part for the front and the vibration generating part for the back of the bathtub device concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention along the elapsed time from the start of use of the device. It is a timing chart which shows the frequency of the vibration transmitted from the vibration generating part for the front and the vibration generating part for the back of the bathtub device concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention along with the lapsed time from apparatus use start. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the bathtub apparatus concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention with a bather. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the impact force and time which a forefoot part receives at the time of walking of an elderly person and an adult, the relationship between the impact and time which a buttocks receives, and the relationship between the impact force and time which the whole sole receives. It is a timing chart which shows the vibration which hits a bather's right and left sole before and after a bathing device concerning a 6th embodiment of the present invention for every area of a sole. It is a figure explaining the walking pattern of an elderly person and an adult in relation to each area | region of a sole in relation to the bathtub apparatus concerning the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the walking pattern of an elderly person and an adult in relation to each area | region of a sole in relation to the bathtub apparatus concerning 6th Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the vibration which hits a bather's right and left sole front side, a side, and a back side for every area shown in FIG. 24 regarding the bathtub apparatus concerning the modification of 6th Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows only a vibration transmission body among the modifications of the vibration generation part shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the vibration generation part concerning the modification shown in FIG. 27 with the cross section of a bathtub. It is sectional drawing of the state which attached the vibration generation part shown corresponding to FIG. 28 to the bathtub wall surface. It is a perspective view which shows the state which attached the vibration generation part concerning the 7th Embodiment of this invention to the bathtub wall surface with the cross section of a bathtub. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the bather bathed in the bathtub apparatus of FIG. 30 with the cross section of the bathtub. It is a figure which shows the change accompanying aging of a muscular strength and balance power. It is a figure explaining the factor of a balance feeling. It is a figure explaining posture control by baroreceptor stimulation. It is explanatory drawing of the gravity center fluctuation in a person's standing posture, The figure (FIG. 35 (a)) explaining the force which acts on a frontal surface, a sagittal surface, and a horizontal surface of a standing person, and the figure explaining a gravity center fluctuation range ( FIG. 35 (b)).

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Bathtub apparatus 10 Bathtub 10a Opening part 11 Foot positioning part 11a, 11b Projection part 12 Foot positioning part 12a, 12b Projection part 13 Foot positioning part 13a, 13b Projection part 14 sole positioning portions 14a to 14d sole side positioning projections 15 sole positioning portions 15a and 15b recessed portions 20 bathtubs 21 lower limb mounting step portions 50 control unit 100 front vibration generating unit 110 vibrator 110a vibrating surface 119 mounting screw 120 Vibration-proof and waterproof member 121 Flange 121a First rib 121b Second rib 122 Flange 122c Third rib 122d Fourth rib 123 Reduced diameter portion 124 Through hole 130 Vibration transmitting member 131 Vibration receiving portion 131a Vibrator side end surface 135 Vibration Transmitter 140 Vibration Spacer 140a Abutment Surface 141 Through Hole 14 Spacer mounting hole 400 Rear vibration generating unit 300 Front vibration generating unit 400 Rear vibration generating unit 611-614, 615-618 Vibration generating unit 700 Vibration generating unit 710 Vibrator 720 Anti-vibration waterproofing member 730 Vibration transmitting body 731 Vibration receiver Force part 735 Vibration transmission part 740 Vibration spacer 900 Vibration generation part 901 Base plate 902 Attachment suction plate 910 to 940 Vibrator

Claims (10)

It consists of a bathtub device equipped with a front vibration generating part and a rear vibration generating part that generate vibration corresponding to the front and rear of the bather's sole,
A bathtub apparatus, wherein the transmission state of vibration is switched so that the magnitude relation of the vibration stimulus applied to the front and back of the foot by each of the front vibration generation unit and the rear vibration generation unit is alternately changed.   The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a switching time of a magnitude relation of vibration stimulation applied before and after the sole is changed.   The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the alternating switching of the vibration stimulus applied before and after the sole is performed by changing at least one of a vibration frequency and a vibration intensity. .   The vibration generator is provided in two rows on the inner wall of the bathtub so as to correspond to the left and right feet of the bather, and vibration transmission from the front vibration generator to the front and rear of the sole is performed by the left and right front vibration generators. The transmission of vibration from the rear vibration generator to the rear side of the sole is performed simultaneously by the left and right rear vibration generators. The bathtub apparatus in any one.   The vibration generating part is provided in two rows on the inner wall of the bathtub so as to correspond to the left and right feet of the bather, and the vibration is transmitted from one of the left and right front vibration generating parts to the front side of the foot and at the same time the left and right rear Transmitting vibration from one of the vibration generators to the rear side of the sole, and transmitting vibration from either of the left and right front vibration generators to the front of the sole, and at the same time of the left and right rear vibration generators The bathtub apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein vibration is alternately transmitted from either one to the rear side of the sole.   The vibration generators are provided in two rows on the inner wall of the bathtub so as to correspond to the left and right feet of the bather, from the rear vibration generator on the left or right side to the front vibration generator, followed by the left and right 4. The magnitude relationship of the stimulus that vibration gives to the front and back of the foot is switched in the order from the rear vibration generating unit on the other side to the front vibration generating unit. The bathtub apparatus in any one. It consists of a bathtub device with vibration generating parts that transmit vibrations to the buttocks on the left and right soles of the bather, the outer part of the sole, and the inner part of the fingertips at the predetermined position on the inner wall of the bathtub,
Vibration generation part in the order of the heel part of one of the left and right feet, the outer part of the sole, the inner part of the toe, followed by the heel part of the other foot, the outer part of the sole, and the inner part of the toe The bathtub apparatus characterized by switching the magnitude relationship of the stimulation which a sole receives from.   The bathtub apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bathtub includes foot positioning means for positioning a sole of a bather at a predetermined position on an inner wall of the bathtub.   The bathtub apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the sole positioning means is located above the bottom wall of the bathtub so that the bather's heel does not contact the bottom wall of the bathtub. The position adjustment means which makes it possible to adjust the position which at least any one of the said front vibration generation part or the rear vibration generation part transmits a vibration to a bather's sole is characterized by the above-mentioned. Item 10. The bathtub apparatus according to any one of Items 9.

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