JP2009082436A - Bathtub apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bathtub apparatus capable of making a bather continuously exercise. <P>SOLUTION: In the bathtub apparatus 1, a pair of nozzles 3L and 3R are provided to the foot side face 2a of a bathtub 2. Also, inside a space between a back side face 2b and the wall panel 62 of a bathroom unit 60 on the outside of the bathtub 2, a pump 4 for generating a stream and a switching part 5 for alternately supplying the stream jetted from the pump 4 to the nozzles 3L and 3R are provided. A length between the foot side face 2a and the back side face 2b in the bathtub 2 is such that the nozzles 3L and 3R can be covered with the right and left soles m1 respectively when the bather M abuts the back m2 on the back side face 2b. Also, the switching part 5 is arranged between the nozzles 3L and 3R and the pump 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bathtub device, and more particularly, to a bathtub device that allows a bather to exercise.

  In recent years, the health-consciousness has increased, and there has been an increasing demand for health management through exercise such as fitness and exercise. There is also a desire to exercise easily while taking a bath.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for providing a step that can be stepped into a bathtub. A stepping load is applied to the step board by a spring, and the bather can exercise by stepping on the step board with one foot while sitting. However, a person who does not usually have exercise habits needs considerable will power to exercise. In particular, when taking a bath, it is difficult to exert the power of the will because it is in a relaxed mental state. For this reason, even if exercise equipment is installed in the bathtub, it is expected that the exercise will not last long.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a circulation bathtub in which a footrest portion is provided inside and a discharge port for ejecting a jet is provided in the footrest portion. Patent Document 2 describes that the bather can stimulate the bather's sole and perform massage by ejecting a jet from the discharge port in a state where the foot is placed on the footrest. Yes. However, this circulating bathtub is used by the bather with his / her feet on the footrest, and does not cause the bather to exercise.

JP 2003-236014 A JP 2005-287541 A

  The objective of this invention is providing the bathtub apparatus which can make a bather exercise continuously.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a bathtub, a pair of nozzles provided on the first inner surface of the bathtub and arranged in a horizontal direction, and a drive unit that is provided outside the bathtub and generates a water flow. A switching unit that is provided outside the bathtub and alternately supplies the water flow generated by the driving unit to the pair of nozzles, and the first inner side surface and the first inner side of the bathtub The length between the second inner surface facing the side surface is such that the bather covers the pair of nozzles with the right and left soles when his / her back makes contact with the second inner surface. The bathtub device is provided, characterized in that the switching unit is disposed between the pair of nozzles and the driving unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the bathtub apparatus which can make a bather exercise continuously can be implement | achieved.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a bathtub device according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the bathtub device 1 according to this embodiment is provided in a bathroom unit 60. The bathroom unit 60 is a box-shaped watertight unit in which a floor is constituted by a waterproof pan 61, a wall is constituted by a wall panel 62, and a ceiling is constituted by a ceiling panel (not shown). The bathtub device 1 is disposed on the waterproof pan 61.

  The bathtub device 1 is provided with a bathtub 2. The shape of the bathtub 2 is, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the inner side surface of one end portion in the longitudinal direction is a foot side surface 2a that the sole m1 faces when the bather M takes a bathing posture. The inner side surface of the other end is a back side surface 2b with which the back m2 of the bather M contacts. The foot side surface 2a and the back side surface 2b face each other across the bottom surface 2c.

  On the foot side surface 2 a of the bathtub 2, a left leg nozzle 3 </ b> L and a right leg nozzle 3 </ b> R (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “nozzle 3”) are provided. The nozzle 3 injects a water flow toward the inside of the bathtub 2, and the direction of this water flow is a direction from the foot side surface 2a to the back side surface 2b. The pair of nozzles 3 are arranged in the horizontal direction, and are arranged, for example, at positions symmetrical with respect to a center line extending in the vertical direction on the foot side surface 2a. In FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, the nozzles 3L and 3R are drawn so as to be shifted from each other. However, the nozzles 3L and 3R are actually arranged at the same height. The same applies to other sectional views described later.

  The length in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 2, that is, the length between the foot side surface 2 a and the back side surface 2 b in the bathtub 2 is determined when the bather M having a standard physique takes a bathing posture, ie, When the back m2 is brought into contact with the back side 2b of the bathtub 2 and the sole m1 is opposed to the foot side 2a, the nozzle 3 can be covered with the sole m1. That's it.

  Moreover, the pump apparatus 4 is provided in the bathtub apparatus 1 as a drive part which produces | generates a water flow. The suction port 4 s of the pump 4 communicates with the inside of the bathtub 2. Thereby, the pump 4 draws water out of the bathtub 2, produces | generates a water flow, and discharges it. Further, the bathtub device 1 is provided with a switching unit 5 that switches the flow path of the water flow generated by the pump 4 and alternately supplies the water flow to the pair of nozzles 3.

  The nozzle 3, the pump 4, and the switching unit 5 are arranged outside the bathtub 2 and in a space surrounded by the waterproof pan 61, the foot side surface 2 a of the bathtub 2, and the wall panel 62. And it sees from the bathtub 2, and is arranged in order of the nozzle 3, the switching part 5, and the pump 4. That is, the switching unit 5 is disposed between the pair of nozzles 3 and the pump 4.

  The magnitude of the water flow ejected from the nozzle 3 is such that when the bather M brings the back m2 into contact with the back side surface 2b and the sole m1 faces the nozzle 3, the bather M's ankle, knee and hip joints. Can be bent at the same time, for example, 80 to 300 liters / minute. In addition, when the magnitude | size of a water flow is less than 80 liter / min, a bather's sole m1 may not leave | separate from the nozzle 3, and when it exceeds 300 liter / min, water may overflow from the bathtub 2. . The preferred water flow size is 120 to 270 liters / minute, more preferably 150 to 250 liters / minute. In addition, the magnitude | size of this water flow is considerably larger than the magnitude | size of the water flow spouted for massage in the circulation type bathtub as shown in patent document 2. FIG.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
2A and 2B are schematic plan views illustrating the operation of the bathtub device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2A illustrates a case where a water flow is ejected from the left nozzle, and FIG. The case where a water flow is ejected from the right nozzle is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where water (hot water) W is put in the bathtub 2, the bather M enters the bathtub 2 and takes a bathing posture. That is, the bather M brings the buttocks into contact with the bottom surface 2c of the bathtub 2, brings the back m2 into contact with the back side surface 2b of the bathtub 2, and makes the sole m1 face the foot side surface 2a. The bather M arranges the left and right feet so as to cover the left nozzle 3L with the left sole m1 and the right nozzle 3R with the right sole m1, and the water flow ejected from the nozzle 3 is flown. Take the initial posture to capture with the soles of the feet. At this time, the bather M is in a relaxed state, and the ankle joint, knee joint and hip joint are weakened.

  And as shown to Fig.2 (a) and (b), the pump 4 and the switch part 5 are operated in this state. Thereby, the pump 4 draws water in the bathtub 2 from the suction port 4 s to generate a water flow, and supplies the water flow to the switching unit 5. And the switching part 5 switches a water channel with a fixed period, and supplies a water flow to nozzle 3L and 3R by turns. Thereby, a water flow is alternately injected from the left and right nozzles 3.

  When a water flow is ejected from the nozzle 3, this water flow presses the sole of the bather M. Thereby, the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint of the bather M are bent at the same time, and the foot moves toward the back side surface 2b. On the other hand, when the water flow is no longer ejected from the nozzle 3, the pressure that presses the sole of the foot disappears, so that the ankle joint, the knee joint, and the hip joint naturally stretch, and the foot moves toward the foot side surface 2a. At this time, the foot returns to the vicinity of the nozzle 3 by arbitrarily adjusting the position of the foot so that the bather covers the nozzle 3 with the sole of the foot. Therefore, the foot of the bather reciprocates along the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 2 by the nozzle 3 ejecting the water flow intermittently. This reciprocating motion is a motion that approximates a stepping motion that occurs during walking. Then, the right and left nozzles 3 alternately jet water flow, so that the bather's left and right feet can reciprocate in opposite phases, and the bather can perform a stepping motion that simulates walking.

Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the bather M can exercise the bather M by bending and stretching the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint of the bather M by intermittently ejecting the water flow from the nozzle 3. At this time, the right and left nozzles 3 alternately eject water flow, thereby allowing the bather M to perform a stepping exercise imitating walking. Also, the bather M loses the balance of posture by this exercise, so the whole body muscles work unconsciously to perform the compensation operation, but can also exercise.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, the bather M can be exercised. Since this exercise is a passive movement exercised from the outside and is not an automatic exercise performed according to the will of the bather, there are few parts depending on the will of the bather, and it tends to last for a long time. Further, since this exercise can be performed while taking a bathing posture, the bather can exercise in a relaxed state. As a result, it is easy to continue exercise. The “passive motion” refers to a motion performed by a person using an external force instead of his / her own muscular strength, and in this specification, it includes a compensation operation when the posture is lost as described above.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the length of the bathtub 2 in the longitudinal direction is long enough to cover the nozzle 3 with the sole when the bather M abuts the back against the back side surface 2b as described above. Therefore, compared with a normal bathroom unit, the distance between the bathtub 2 and the wall panel 62 can be taken large. Thereby, the nozzle 3, the pump 4, and the switching part 5 of the bathtub apparatus 1 can be accommodated in the space surrounded by the waterproof pan 61, the foot side surface 2a, and the wall panel 62. As a result, these facilities will not enter a washing place or the like and will not interfere with bathing, and the beauty in the bathroom will not be impaired.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the pump 4, the switching part 5, and the nozzle 3 are arranged in this order toward the bathtub 2, since this order corresponds with the path | route of a water flow, piping between these is connected. The layout can be short and linear. As a result, the pressure loss of the water flow flowing from the pump 4 to the nozzle 3 can be reduced, and a larger water flow can be obtained with a more compact facility. That is, in this embodiment, although the bather's foot is moved by the water flow, the flow rate of the water flow required for that is extremely large. In order to perform the stepping motion rhythmically, it is necessary to switch the water flow ejected from the left and right nozzles 3 at a good tempo, and the water flow ejected from each nozzle 3 needs to quickly reach the target flow rate. In the present embodiment, as described above, since the pump 4, the switching unit 5, and the nozzle 3 are linearly arranged, there is little pressure loss and a large flow rate can be obtained. In addition, the target flow rate can be reached quickly and the time from the start of injection to the target flow rate can be shortened, so the time lag is reduced and a rhythmic stepping motion can be realized.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the exercise effect is further improved by the thermal effect of bathing. Furthermore, since the temperature boundary layer around the bather is always destroyed by the water flow, the bather is easily warmed, and the exercise effect is further improved. As described above, by performing the above-described exercise in the bathtub, a higher exercise effect can be obtained as compared with the case of performing the exercise outside the bathtub.

Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.
In the present modification, the switching unit 5 and the nozzle 3 are disposed closest to each other, and only the pump 4 is disposed at a slightly separated location. The pump 4 is installed outside the bathroom unit 60, for example. Further, the pump 4, the switching unit 5, and the nozzle 3 are not strictly arranged linearly.

  The time from when the nozzle 3 starts jetting the water flow until it reaches the target flow rate is the state of the flow path from the switching section 5 to the nozzle 3 among the flow paths composed of the pump 4, the switching section 5 and the nozzle 3. Especially depends heavily. That is, even when the pump 4 is located at a position slightly away from the switching unit 5 and slightly off the straight line extending from the nozzle 3 to the switching unit 5, the switching unit 5 is sufficient. Therefore, if at least the flow path from the switching unit 5 to the nozzle 3 is short, a water flow is quickly supplied to the nozzle 3 when the switching unit 5 is switched, so that the target flow rate can be quickly achieved. Can be reached. For this reason, also in this modification, injection can be quickly switched between the left and right nozzles 3. In addition, by making the flow path from the switching unit 5 to the nozzle 3 linear, the target flow rate can be reached more quickly, and a more rhythmic stepping motion can be realized.

  In addition, the nozzle and the switching unit may be configured integrally. Thereby, since the flow path from the switching unit to the nozzle can be extremely shortened, the pressure loss can be further reduced and a more rhythmic movement can be realized. In this case, since the restriction of the arrangement position of the pump is reduced, it is easy to install the bathtub device according to this embodiment even in a relatively small bathroom unit such as a unit bath.

Next, a first specific example of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a bathtub device according to this example.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the bathtub device 11 according to this specific example, in addition to the configuration of the bathtub device 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment described above, the adjuster 6, the operation unit 7, and the speaker. 8 is provided. The adjuster 6 adjusts the exercise load given to the bather, and is composed of, for example, a relay circuit, a timer, and a sequencer. Specifically, the adjuster 6 adjusts the drive time of the pump 4 and the switching unit 5 and the switching cycle of the switching unit 5.

  Moreover, the operation part 7 inputs information and a command with respect to the regulator 6 by a bather operating. The operation unit 7 is attached to the wall panel 62 of the bathroom unit 60, and is installed, for example, on the wall panel 62 that contacts the rim extending in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 2 or the wall panel 62 that contacts the foot side surface 2 a of the bathtub 2. For example, it is arrange | positioned in the area | region which the hand of the bather who took the bathing posture reaches. In addition, the speaker 8 confirms the result of the bather's operation of the operation unit 7 by voice, and appropriately guides the remaining exercise time and the like.

  In this specific example, in a state where water (hot water) W is stored in the bathtub 2, the bather M enters the bathtub 2 and takes a bathing posture. And by operating the operation part 7, while switching on the bathtub apparatus 11, an exercise | movement time and an exercise | movement period are set arbitrarily. A plurality of types of exercise modes may be set in advance, and the bather may select a favorite exercise mode. For example, when the bather selects a mode with a high exercise load, the regulator 6 generates a relatively short cycle and outputs it to the switching unit 5. Alternatively, the exercise time and the exercise cycle may be automatically set by the controller 6. For example, when the set temperature of hot water is 41 ° C., the controller 6 sets one set of exercise time to 15 minutes.

  When the exercise time and the exercise cycle are set in this way, the controller 6 activates the pump 4 and generates a signal of the set exercise cycle. During the set exercise time, the controller 5 Output. Thereby, the pump 4 draws water in the bathtub 2 from the suction port 4 s to generate a water flow, and supplies the water flow to the switching unit 5. And the switching part 5 switches a water channel with a fixed period, and supplies a water flow with respect to the nozzle 3 on either side alternately. As a result, water flows are alternately ejected from the left and right nozzles 3. When the exercise time has expired, the timer may automatically stop the pump 4 and the switching unit 5, and the speaker 8 may notify the bather by voice.

  Thus, according to this example, the exercise load can be arbitrarily set according to the preference of the bather. Configurations, operations, and effects other than those described above in this specific example are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

Next, a second specific example of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a bathtub device according to this example.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the bathtub device 12 according to this example, in addition to the configuration of the bathtub device 11 (see FIG. 3) according to the first example described above, a heart rate monitor is provided on the back side surface 2 b of the bathtub 2. 9 is provided. The heart rate monitor 9 is embedded in a region where the back m2 contacts when the bather M takes a bathing posture, and can measure the heart rate of the bather M. The heart rate monitor 9 then outputs the measurement result to the adjuster 6 and the operation unit 7. In this specific example, the speaker 8 may be installed outside the bathroom unit 60, for example, in another room in the residence where the bathroom unit 60 is installed.

  According to this specific example, the heart rate monitor 9 measures the heart rate during exercise of the bather M in real time, and the controller 6 adjusts the exercise cycle based on the measurement result. Thereby, according to a bather's state, exercise load can be set up optimal. For example, when the heart rate increases to a certain value or more, the drive cycle of the switching unit 5 is lowered, thereby reducing the exercise cycle and reducing the exercise load. Alternatively, by stopping the pump 4 or the switching unit 5, the jet of water flow is stopped and the exercise of the bather is stopped. At this time, a signal sound may be transmitted from the speaker 8 to notify a third party in another room of the bather's state.

  Thus, according to this example, by attaching the heart rate monitor 9 to the back side surface 2b of the bathtub 2, it is possible to exercise the bather comfortably and safely. Configurations, operations, and effects other than those described above in the present specific example are the same as those in the first specific example described above.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustrating the bathtub device according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the bathtub apparatus 21 which concerns on this embodiment, compared with the bathtub apparatus 1 (refer FIG. 1) which concerns on the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, the pump 4 and the switch part 5 are each two. Different points are provided. Each pump 4 supplies a water flow to one different switching unit 5, and each switching unit 5 supplies a water flow to both of the pair of nozzles 23. Each nozzle 23 is an integrated nozzle that joins and jets the water flows supplied from the two switching units 5.

  Specifically, in the bathtub apparatus 21, pumps 4a and 4b and switching units 5a and 5b are provided. The pumps 4 a and 4 b are disposed along the width direction (short direction) of the bathtub 2, and the switching units 5 a and 5 b are also disposed along the width direction of the bathtub 2. The pump 4a is connected to the switching unit 5a by a water pipe, and the switching unit 5a is connected to both the left leg nozzle 23L and the right leg nozzle 23R. The pump 4b is connected to the switching unit 5b, and the switching unit 5b is also connected to both the nozzles 23L and 23R. The nozzle 23L joins the water flow supplied from the switching unit 5a and the water flow supplied from the switching unit 5b, and injects the water flow toward the inside of the bathtub 2. Further, the nozzle 23R also joins the water flow supplied from the switching unit 5a and the water flow supplied from the switching unit 5b, and injects the water flow toward the inside of the bathtub 2.

  Moreover, in the bathtub apparatus 21, the control part 22 which controls operation | movement of the two switch parts 5a and 5b is provided. The control unit 22 is formed by, for example, a sequencer, a relay circuit, and a timer. The control unit 22 is electrically connected to at least the switching units 5a and 5b.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
The bathtub device 21 according to the present embodiment can operate in at least two operation modes. That is, there are a synchronous mode in which the switching units 5a and 5b are switched at the same time and a step mode in which the timings are switched with each other.

First, the synchronization mode will be described.
6 (a) to 6 (d) are graphs illustrating the operation of the synchronous mode of the bathtub apparatus according to the present embodiment with time on the horizontal axis, and the vertical axis in (a) is the one of the switching units. The vertical axis of (b) represents the switching state of the other switching unit, the vertical axis of (c) represents the theoretical value of the ejection amount of the right leg nozzle, and the vertical axis of (d) represents the switching state. An actual measurement value of the ejection amount is represented.
In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the switching state in which the water flow is supplied to the left leg nozzle 23L is indicated by “L”, and the switching in which the water flow is supplied to the right leg nozzle 23R. The state is indicated by “R”. The same applies to FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIGS. 10A to 10C described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the synchronous mode, the control unit 22 switches the water channels of the switching units 5a and 5b simultaneously with the pumps 4a and 4b being operated. Hereinafter, this operation will be described in detail.
First, in a certain time t _1, both of the switching unit 5a and 5b, the water flow supplied from a pump 4a and 4b, respectively, assumed to be supplied to the nozzle 23L for the left leg. At this time, the water flow supplied from the pump 4a to the switching unit 5a and the water flow supplied from the pump 4b to the switching unit 5b are both supplied to the nozzle 23L, merged at the nozzle 23L, and injected. On the other hand, no water flow is ejected from the right leg nozzle 23R.

At time t _2, the waterways of the switching unit 5a and 5b, and the pump 4 and the nozzle 23R is switched simultaneously so as to communicate. Thus, at time t ₃ after the time t _2, the both water supplied to the switching unit 5b from the feed water flow and pump 4b to the switching unit 5a from pump 4a is supplied to the nozzle 23R, the nozzle 23R Merged and injected.

Then, at time t _4, the water passage switching unit 5a and 5b, switched at the same time so that each pump 4 and the nozzle 23L is communicated again. Thus, at time t ₅ after time t _4, both the water flow supplied to the switching unit 5b from the water flow supplied to the switching unit 5a from pump 4a and a pump 4b is supplied to the nozzle 23L, it is merged Be injected.
Then, by repeating the above-described operation, a water flow is alternately ejected from the left and right nozzles 23 as in the first embodiment described above.

Next, the step mode will be described.
7 (a) to (d) are graphs illustrating the operation of the stage mode of the bathtub apparatus taking time on the horizontal axis, and the vertical axis of (a) represents the switching state of one switching unit, The vertical axis of (b) represents the switching state of the other switching unit, the vertical axis of (c) represents the theoretical value of the ejection amount of the right leg nozzle, and the vertical axis of (d) the actual measurement of this ejection amount. Represents a value.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the step mode, the control unit 22 switches the water channels of the switching units 5a and 5b while shifting the timings with the pumps 4a and 4b being operated. Hereinafter, this operation will be described in detail. First, the state at time t ₁ is assumed to be the same as the state at time t ₁ in the synchronous mode described above.

At time _{t 2, the} waterways of the switching unit 5a, the pump 4a and the nozzle 23R is switched so as to communicate. At this time, the water channel of the switching unit 5b is not switched. Thereby, a water flow is supplied to the nozzle 23R from the switching unit 5a, and a water flow is supplied to the nozzle 23L from the switching unit 5b, and the amount of ejection of each water flow is half of the maximum amount of ejection. That is, when compared with the time t _1, the ejection amount of the nozzle 23L is decreased, ejection amount of the nozzle 23R is increased.

Next, at time t ₃ when has elapsed time T from the time t _2, the waterways of the switching unit 5b, a pump 4b and the nozzle 23R is switched so as to communicate. At this time, the water channel of the switching unit 5a is not switched. Thus, at time t ₄ after time t _3, the water flow from both of the switching unit 5a and 5b in the nozzle 23R is supplied, the ejection amount of the nozzle 23R reaches the maximum ejection amount.

Then, at time _{t 5,} the water passage switching unit 5a, the pump 4a and the nozzle 23L is switched so as to communicate. At this time, the water channel of the switching unit 5b is not switched. Thereby, a water flow is supplied to the nozzle 23L from the switching unit 5a, and a water flow is supplied to the nozzle 23R from the switching unit 5b, and the amount of ejection of each water flow is half of the maximum amount of ejection. That is, when compared with the time t _4, the ejection amount of the nozzle 23L is increased, the ejection amount of the nozzle 23R is reduced.

Then, at time t ₆ has elapsed by the time T from the time t _5, the water passage switching unit 5b, a pump 4b and the nozzle 23L is switched so as to communicate. At this time, the water channel of the switching unit 5a is not switched. Thereby, a water flow is supplied to the nozzle 23L from both the switching parts 5a and 5b, and the ejection amount of the nozzle 23L reaches the maximum ejection amount. On the other hand, the ejection amount of the nozzle 23R becomes zero. In other words, it returns to the state of time _{t 1.}

  In this way, by changing the timing at which the water flow supplied from each pump 4 is supplied to each nozzle 23 between the switching unit 5a and the switching unit 5b, the injection amount of each nozzle 23 is stepwise. Can be changed. In practice, since the injection amount of each nozzle changes continuously, as shown in FIG. 7 (d), a water pressure that continuously increases and decreases with a certain time width is applied to the sole of the bather. Can do. As a result, the water pressure applied to the bather's sole can be gently changed.

Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.
According to this embodiment, by providing two pumps, the size of each pump can be reduced, and the distance between the foot side surface 2a of the bathtub 2 and the wall panel 62 can be shortened. Thereby, the space enclosed by the waterproof pan 61, the foot side surface 2a, and the wall panel 62, and accommodating the pump 4 etc. can be made small and the limited space in a bathtub unit can be utilized effectively.

  Further, by providing two switching units 5 and providing the control unit 22, at least two operation modes can be selected. At this time, if it is set as the synchronous mode which switches the two switch parts 5 simultaneously, the water flow change similar to the case where only one pump is provided is realizable.

Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the effect when the operation mode is the step mode will be described in detail.
FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating the movement of the legs from when the heel has landed to kicking the ground with the tiptoe when a person walks, and FIG. 8B is the moment when the heel has landed. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a load applied to the sole at the moment when the center of gravity of the body is positioned just above the foot and the moment when the toe kicks the ground with the toe, and (c) is a time taken on the horizontal axis and perpendicular to the vertical axis. FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the change in the stepping force applied in the direction perpendicular to the sole when walking with the stepping force in the direction.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, in the process of kicking from the toe after the pedestrian's leg 71 has landed on the ground 72 from the heel and the entire sole contacted the ground 72, FIG. As shown in b), the direction and magnitude of the load F applied to the legs 71 change little by little. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8C, the temporal profile of the vertical component of the load F has a substantially trapezoidal shape having two maximum values. That is, the load applied to the sole gradually increases after the heel starts to land and takes the first maximum value, and then decreases once and then increases again when kicking off with the toe to reach the second maximum value. Then gradually decrease. Note that the time represented on the horizontal axis in FIG. 8C is a relative value based on one cycle from when the heel strikes to kicking off with the toe.

  In this embodiment, by setting the operation mode to the step mode, the water pressure applied to the sole of the bather can be gently changed as shown in FIG. Thereby, the profile close | similar to the trapezoidal load profile shown in FIG.8 (c) is realizable. As a result, the bather can be subjected to a change in water pressure that is close to a change in the load applied to the soles during walking, and can be exercised while giving a feeling closer to walking. Other configurations, operations, and effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view illustrating the bathtub device according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the bathtub apparatus 31 which concerns on this embodiment, the pump 4 and the switch part 5 are each provided three. Then, a water flow is supplied from one pump 4 to one switching unit 5, and this water flow is supplied to both of the pair of nozzles 33. Each nozzle 33 is an integrated nozzle that joins and jets the water flows supplied from the three switching units 5.

  Specifically, in the bathtub apparatus 21, pumps 4a to 4c and switching units 5a to 5c are provided. The pumps 4 a to 4 c are arranged along the width direction of the bathtub 2, and the switching units 5 a to 5 c are also arranged along the width direction of the bathtub 2. The pump 4a is connected to the switching unit 5a, the pump 4b is connected to the switching unit 5b, and the pump 4c is connected to the switching unit 5c. The switching units 5a to 5c are connected to both the nozzles 33L and 33R, respectively. And the nozzle 33L joins the water flow supplied from the switching parts 5a-5c, respectively, and injects. The nozzle 33R also joins and jets the water flows respectively supplied from the switching units 5a to 5c.

  Furthermore, in the bathtub apparatus 31, the control part 32 which controls operation | movement of the three switch parts 5a-5c is provided. The control unit 32 is formed by, for example, a sequencer, a relay circuit, a timer, and the like. The control unit 32 is electrically connected to at least the switching units 5a to 5c.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
FIGS. 10A to 10E are graphs illustrating the operation of the stage mode of the bathtub apparatus with the horizontal axis taking time, and the vertical axis of (a) represents the switching state of the first switching unit. The vertical axis of (b) represents the switching state of the second switching unit, the vertical axis of (c) represents the switching state of the third switching unit, and the vertical axis of (d) represents the right leg nozzle. The theoretical value of the ejection amount is represented, and the vertical axis of (e) represents the actual measurement value of the ejection amount.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the bathtub apparatus 31, the control part 32 switches the water channel of the switching parts 5a-5c mutually offset timing, in the state which act | operated pump 4a-4c. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, after the water channel of the switching unit 5a is connected to the nozzle 33L, the water channel of the switching unit 5b is connected to the nozzle 33L, and then the water channel of the switching unit 5c is connected to the nozzle. Connect to 33L. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the water channel of the switching unit 5a is connected to the nozzle 33R, and then the water channel of the switching unit 5b is connected to the nozzle 33R, and then the water channel of the switching unit 5c is connected to the nozzle 33R. Thereby, the amount of water supplied to each nozzle 33 increases or decreases stepwise by the same operation as that of the second embodiment described above.

Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.
According to this embodiment, by providing three pumps, the size of each pump can be made smaller than in the second embodiment described above, and the space for storing the pump 4 and the like can be made smaller. be able to. Thereby, the limited space in the bathtub unit can be used more effectively.

  In addition, by switching the water channel between the three switching units 5a to 5c with the timing being shifted from each other, the amount of water flow ejected from each nozzle is more gently compared with the second embodiment described above. It can be changed, and a pressure change closer to walking can be given to the sole of the bather. In addition, if the three switching parts 5 are switched simultaneously, it is possible to implement | achieve the water flow change similar to the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment. Configurations, operations, and effects other than those described above in the present embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment described above. Note that four or more pumps 4 and four switching units 5 may be provided. Further, the number of pumps 4 and the number of switching units 5 are not necessarily equal. For example, even if only one pump 4 is provided and a plurality of switching units 5 are provided, a plurality of operation modes can be selected as described above. On the other hand, even if a plurality of pumps 4 are provided and only one switching unit 5 is provided, the effect of saving space can be obtained.

  While the features of the present invention have been described above with reference to the embodiments and specific examples thereof, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and specific examples. That is, a person skilled in the art makes additions, omissions, or design changes to the components according to any of the embodiments and specific examples described above and the bathtub apparatus according to any of the embodiments and specific examples. As long as it has the gist of the present invention, it is included in the scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments and specific examples, an example in which a pair of nozzles is provided has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of nozzles may be provided. For example, a water flow may be sprayed on the heel and toe of each foot. Moreover, in each above-mentioned embodiment and specific example, although the shape of the bathtub was a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the present invention is not limited to this, the bather covers the nozzle with the sole, What is necessary is just to make a bathing attitude | position by making a back contact | abut to the inner surface facing the provided inner surface.

It is typical sectional drawing which illustrates the bathtub apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (b) is a schematic plan view which illustrates operation | movement of the bathtub apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (a) shows the case where a water flow is ejected from the left nozzle, (b) The case where a water flow is ejected from the right nozzle is shown. It is typical sectional drawing which illustrates the bathtub apparatus which concerns on the 1st specific example of 1st Embodiment. It is typical sectional drawing which illustrates the bathtub apparatus which concerns on the 2nd specific example of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view which illustrates the bathtub apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A) thru | or (d) are graphs which illustrate the operation | movement of the synchronous mode of the bathtub apparatus which concerns on this embodiment taking time on a horizontal axis, and the vertical axis | shaft of (a) is the switching state of one switching part. The vertical axis of (b) represents the switching state of the other switching unit, the vertical axis of (c) represents the theoretical value of the ejection amount of the right leg nozzle, and the vertical axis of (d) represents this ejection. Represents the actual value of the quantity. (A) thru | or (d) are graphs which illustrate operation | movement of the step mode of a bathtub apparatus, taking time on a horizontal axis, The vertical axis | shaft of (a) represents the switching state of one switching part, (b The vertical axis of () represents the switching state of the other switching unit, the vertical axis of (c) represents the theoretical value of the ejection amount of the right leg nozzle, and the vertical axis of (d) represents the actual value of this ejection amount. To express. (A) is a figure which illustrates the operation | movement of the leg part from when a heel lands until it kicks the ground with a toe when a person walks, (b) It is a figure which illustrates the load applied to the sole at the moment when the center of gravity of the foot is located just above the foot and the moment when the toe kicks the ground, and (c) shows time on the horizontal axis and the vertical direction on the vertical axis. It is a graph which illustrates the change of the stepping force applied to a foot perpendicular direction at the time of walking, taking a stepping force. It is a schematic plan view which illustrates the bathtub apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A) thru | or (e) are graphs which illustrate the operation | movement of the step mode of a bathtub apparatus, taking time on a horizontal axis, The vertical axis | shaft of (a) represents the switching state of a 1st switching part, ( The vertical axis of b) represents the switching state of the second switching unit, the vertical axis of (c) represents the switching state of the third switching unit, and the vertical axis of (d) represents the ejection amount of the right leg nozzle. The vertical axis of (e) represents the actual value of the ejection amount.

Explanation of symbols

1, 11, 12, 21, 31 Bathtub device, 2 Bathtub, 2a Foot side, 2b Back side, 2c Bottom, 3, 3L, 3R, 23, 23L, 23R Nozzle 4, 4a, 4b, 4c Pump, 4s Inhalation Mouth, 5, 5a, 5b, 5c Switching unit, 6 Controller, 7 Operation unit, 8 Speaker, 9 Heart rate monitor, 22, 32 Control unit, 60 Bathroom unit, 61 Waterproof pan, 62 Wall panel, F load, M Bathing Person, m1 sole, m2 back, W water

Claims (4)

A bathtub,
A pair of nozzles provided on the first inner surface of the bathtub and arranged in a horizontal direction;
A drive unit provided outside the bathtub and generating a water flow;
A switching unit that is provided outside the bathtub and alternately supplies the water flow generated by the driving unit to the pair of nozzles;
With
The length between the first inner surface of the bathtub and the second inner surface facing the first inner surface is such that the bather makes his / her back abut against the second inner surface. In addition, the length that can cover the pair of nozzles with the left and right soles,
The said switch part is arrange | positioned between the said pair of nozzle and the said drive part, The bathtub apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.   The bathtub device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the drive units are provided. A plurality of the switching units are provided,
Each of the switching units supplies a water flow to both of the pair of nozzles,
3. The bathtub device according to claim 1, wherein each of the nozzles joins and jets the water flow supplied from the plurality of switching units.   The bathtub apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a timing at which a water flow is supplied to the nozzles is made different between the plurality of switching units.

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