JP2010000170A - Bathtub apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bathtub apparatus allowing a bather to continuously exercise. <P>SOLUTION: The bathtub apparatus includes a bathtub, a first bathtub wall surface which is arranged in the bathtub and on which the bather can put his back, a second bathtub wall surface arranged opposed to the first bathtub wall surface, a foot resting section arranged on the second bathtub wall surface, a water discharging section which is arranged in the foot resting section and discharges jet flow, and a control section for controlling the jet flow discharged from the water discharging section, wherein the control section makes it possible to separate the sole of foot apart from the foot resting section by changing to a state that the jet flow is discharge when bringing the sole of the foot into contact with the foot resting section in the state that the jet flow is not discharged, and the contact with and separate from the foot rest section of the sole of the foot can be alternately repeated by the change of the water discharge of the jet flow. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,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, interest in health and relaxation has been increasing. In general household bathtubs, products having a water bath function are widely deployed. The main purpose of the water bath products is to massage the bather with water, recover from fatigue, and heal.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for generating a uniform flow that directly and continuously hits in one direction and applying a uniform flow to a bather in a state where it can be completely weakened to stimulate the body surface. Yes.
Further, Patent Document 2 describes that the discharge amount and discharge pressure of flowing water are controlled by making it possible to change the rotation speed of the flowing water circulation pump instead of a uniform flow.

Moreover, as a partial massage, Patent Document 3 discloses a circulation type bathtub in which a footrest portion is provided inside the bathtub and a discharge port for ejecting a jet is provided in the footrest portion.

On the other hand, there is also a proposal to exercise in the bathtub. Patent Document 4 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.
JP-A-2-1272 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-16568 JP 2005-287541 A JP 2003-236014 A

As described above, in the water bathing in a general household bathtub, massages for bathers by the water flow are mainstream, and few are aimed at strengthening muscle strength. In addition, a technique for providing a stepping platform that can be stepped into a bathtub requires considerable willingness to exercise for a person who does not have exercise habits. 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. In addition, there is a problem that it is troublesome to attach / remove exercise equipment.
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 first bathtub wall surface provided in the bathtub and capable of being backrested, a second bathtub wall surface provided facing the first bathtub wall surface, and the second Provided on the bathtub wall surface, and a control unit for controlling the jet discharged from the spouting unit, and the control unit discharges the jet from a state where the jet is not discharging water. There is provided a bathtub device characterized in that it is a control unit that can bend a foot by changing to a state where it is in motion and promote a bending and stretching motion of the foot by changing the amount of water discharged from the jet. The

  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.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a bathtub device according to this embodiment.

  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 surface of the one end part of a longitudinal direction becomes the 1st bathtub wall surface 2a which the bather M hold | maintains a bathing posture and can be backrested by the bather's back m1. Moreover, in the bathtub longitudinal direction, the 2nd bathtub wall surface 2b is provided facing the 1st bathtub wall surface 2a, and is a wall surface which the bather's M sole m2 contacts. The first bathtub wall surface 2a and the second bathtub wall surface 2b are in contact with the bottom surface 2c.

  The length in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 2, that is, the length between the second bathtub wall surface 2 b and the first bathtub wall surface 2 a in the bathtub 2 is when the bather M having a standard physique takes a bathing posture. When the back m1 is applied to the first bathtub wall surface 2a of the bathtub 2 and the sole m2 is opposed to the second bathtub wall surface 2b, the length is such that the water discharger 3 can be covered with the sole m2. It is. Moreover, in a collar part, it is made to contact the bottom face 2c of the bathtub 2. FIG.

  The second bathtub wall surface 2b of the bathtub 2 is provided with a footrest portion 2eL with which the left sole of the bather M abuts and a footrest portion 2eR with which the right sole abuts (hereinafter collectively referred to as “footrest portion 2e”). Also called). Further, the footrests 2eL and 2eR include a left leg water discharger 3L and a right leg water discharger 3R (hereinafter collectively referred to as “water discharger 3”).

  The water discharger 3 is connected to a drive unit 4 that enables water to be alternately discharged from both legs centered on the sole of the bather M. The direction of the jet is a direction from the second bathtub wall surface 2b toward the first bathtub wall surface 2a. The pair of water dischargers 3 are arranged in the horizontal direction, and are disposed at a target position with respect to a center line extending in the vertical direction on the second bathtub wall surface, for example.

In FIG. 1, for convenience of illustration, the footrests 2eL and 2eR and the water dischargers 3L and 3R are drawn while being shifted from each other, but actually the footrests 2eL and 2eR and the water dischargers 3L and 3R are drawn. Are arranged at the same height. The same applies to other sectional views described later.
And as shown in FIG. 2, the footrest part 2e is formed in the state which included the water discharging part 3. FIG.

  The bathtub device 1 is provided with a drive unit 4 that generates a water flow. The drive unit 4 is a device that includes a pump and a switching valve. The suction port 4 s of the drive unit 4 is communicated with the inside of the bathtub 2. Thereby, the drive 4 draws water out of the bathtub 2, and produces | generates a water flow.

  Furthermore, the drive unit 4 provided in the bathtub device 1 adjusts the amount of water flow from “a state where the jet is not discharged” to “a state where the jet is discharged” from the water discharge unit 3. At that time, the water amount adjustment of the water flow by the drive unit 4 is performed by control from the control unit 5 connected to the drive unit 4.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  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 m1 into contact with the first bathtub wall surface 2a of the bathtub 2, and makes the sole m2 face the second bathtub wall surface 2b. Then, the bather M brings the sole m2 into contact with the soles m2 so as to cover the footrests 2eL and 2eR and the water dischargers 3L and 3R. At that time, an initial posture is taken in which the water flow discharged from the water discharger 3 is captured by the sole m2.

  At this time, the bather M is in a relaxed state, but resists buoyancy in the legs (foot soles), buttocks, and trunk (back) so that the body is not submerged in hot water due to the action of buoyancy. The muscle group around the support point performs micromuscular activity. However, since the activities of these muscle groups are minute and performed unconsciously, the bather can easily hold the above-described bathing posture as in the case of normal bathing. Furthermore, the bather M is disturbed by the buoyancy action applied to the bather himself, and the bather performs a compensation operation to unconsciously work the muscles of the whole body to stabilize the posture. Muscles are active when doing.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation of the bathtub apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, and shows a case where water flows alternately from the left leg water discharger 3L and the right leg water discharger 3R.
First, the drive part 4 and the control part 5 are operated. Thereby, the drive part 4 draws up the water in the bathtub 2 from the inlet 4s, and produces | generates a water flow. The amount of water in the jet generated by the drive unit 4 is adjusted by the drive unit 4 in response to a command from the control unit 5. The control unit 5 indicates that the amount of water from the drive unit 4 is adjusted by controlling the water discharge unit 3 from “a state where water is not discharged” to “a state where water is discharged”.

  And the control part 5 controls the drive part 4 to discharge a jet from the water discharging parts 3L and 3R right and left. The left and right alternate water discharge is discharged from the water discharger 3L at a certain time t1, and is discharged from the water discharger 3L at time t2 and is discharged at the same time as t1 at time t3. On the other hand, in the water discharge part 3R, it will be in the state which does not discharge water in t1 time, and will be in the state in which water is discharged in t2 time next.

  Then, when the water discharger 3L is in a state of discharging the jet at time t1, the ankle joint, knee joint and hip joint of the bather M are bent, and the left foot is separated from the second bathtub wall surface 2b. It moves toward the first bathtub wall surface 2a.

  FIGS. 4A to 4E are graphs illustrating the amount of water discharged from the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment and the separation and contact of the feet, taking time on the horizontal axis. The vertical axis of (b) represents the amount of water discharged from the water discharger 3R, the vertical axis of (b) represents the amount of water discharged from the water discharger 3R, and the vertical axis of (c) represents the foot L against the footrest 2eL. Represents the state of contact or separation. The vertical axis of (d) represents a state in which the foot R is in contact with or separated from the footrest 2eR. The vertical axis | shaft of (e) represents the theoretical value of the total water discharge amount discharged from both water discharge parts.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, at a certain time t1, the water discharger 3L shows a state of water discharge, and the foot L of the bather M is separated from the footrest 2eL by the water discharged from the water discharger 3L. It becomes a state to do. On the other hand, the water discharger 3R is in a state where water is not discharged, and the foot R of the bather M is in contact with the footrest 2eR.

  Furthermore, in t2 time, the water flow from the water discharging part 3L will be in the state which does not discharge water, and the foot L of the bather M will be in the state contact | abutted with respect to the footrest part 2eL. And the water discharging part 3R will be in the state which discharges water, and the bather's M foot | leg R will be in the state which spaces apart with respect to the footrest part 2eR. In this way, the left and right legs repeat contact and separation with the footrests 2eL and 2eR alternately according to the water discharge state from the water discharger 3.

  For example, the water discharge time t1 to t4 of the jet is set to about 2 seconds. However, when training the balance ability, t1 to t4 are preferably set to about 3 to 6 seconds. Moreover, when making it closer to walking operation, it is good to make t1-t4 into about 1-2 second.

Further, at the time t2 shown in FIG. 4, the water volume of the water discharger 3L is decreased, while the water volume of the water discharger 3R is increased. The change in the amount of water will be described below using a switching valve included in the drive unit 4 as an example. The flow path opening area of the switching valve connected to the water discharger 3L closes and the amount of water discharged decreases, while the flow path opening area of the switching valve connected to the water discharger 3R opens and the water volume increases. By switching the switching valve in response to a switching command from the control unit to the driving unit, alternate water discharge can be performed by the water discharge units 3L and 3R. However, it can also be realized by arranging a pump in the drive unit 4 and by a control command from the control unit 5.

  At time t4 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the drive unit 4 that has received a command from the control unit 5 discharges a jet from the right foot water discharge unit 3R, so that the leg of the bather bends and the foot R moves away from the footrest 2eR toward the first bathtub wall surface 2a. As described above, by repeating the above-described water discharge state in the left and right water discharge units 3L and 3R, the bather performs bending and stretching exercises on the left and right legs alternately by the jet state in which water is alternately discharged from the water discharge units 3L and 3R.

  FIG. 5 shows actions / states that the bather M can take depending on the water discharge state described above. As shown in FIG. 5A, the leg portion of the bather M is in a state in which the leg portion is extended, that is, the foot sole abuts on the footrest portion 2e when water is not discharged. And when the water discharging part 3 will be in the state which spouts a jet like FIG.5 (b), the bather's M ankle joint, a knee joint, and a hip joint will bend, and a foot part will separate from the footrest part 2e. It moves toward the first bathtub wall surface 2a.

  Furthermore, since the jet that creates the bent state generates a flow field so as to wrap the foot, force acts so that the foot does not come off the jet. The same phenomenon is a phenomenon in which the ping-pong ball stays at the center of the jet when it is placed on the fountain. As a result, the bather can bend and stretch the legs efficiently by the jet.

  Therefore, the water dischargers 3L and 3R alternately take the state of not discharging the jet and the state of water discharge, so that the left and right foot portions of the bather are separated from the state of contact with the footrest portions 2eL and 2eR. Repeat state. That is, the foot m2 of the bather M will reciprocate alternately along the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 2. As a result, the legs are bent and extended alternately left and right. Therefore, the apparatus of the present invention allows the bather to perform an underwater walking exercise that simulates walking.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4 (e), the jets discharged from the water dischargers 3L and 3R are such that the flow rates discharged from the water dischargers 3L and 3R are constant by the action of the drive unit 4. Adjusted to. Thereby, a jet flow is output from the water discharger 3 without reducing the total amount of water generated by the drive unit 4. Thereby, the load applied to the drive unit 4 can be reduced.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the muscle activity caused by the passive bending and stretching movement will be specifically described. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating muscle groups that are activated by the passive movement caused by the water flow, and shows the positions of the muscle groups shown in FIG. (B) shows the amount of muscle activity on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis, indicating that different muscles in the leg are active depending on the water discharge state. By shifting to a state in which the jet is discharged at time S1, the anterior tibial muscle M5 starts to be active rather than the flexion of the leg. This result means that the muscle activity is occurring in a state where the foot is separated from the second bathtub wall surface and is moving to the first bathtub wall surface.

  Then, in the next time S2, the state is changed from the state where the jet discharges water to the state where water does not discharge. Accordingly, the foot portion of the bather M moves to the second bathtub wall surface 2b and comes into contact with the footrest portion 2e including the water discharge portion 3 in S3 time. FIG. 6B shows that the hamstrings (biceps femoris, etc.) are activated when the foot of the bather M comes into contact with the footrest 2 e including the water discharger 3. Thus, the bending and stretching movements of the legs that occur with the jet flow enhance the exercise effect by using different muscle groups.

  The anterior tibial muscle M4 illustrated in FIG. 6 is a muscle provided in the lower leg in a human body segment. The function of the anterior tibial muscle M5 is known as a muscle that works for clearance between the ground and the foot during walking. Therefore, the exercise that activates the anterior tibial muscle M5 means an exercise that contributes to prevention of falls.

  Similarly, the hamstring M5 illustrated in FIG. 6 is a muscle group provided in a thigh in a human body segment. Hamstrings are a group of muscles composed of the biceps femoris M5, the semi-membranous muscle, the semi-tendon-like muscle, and the greater adductor muscle. The function of the biceps femoris M5 is known as a muscle that mainly generates kicking force and propulsive force during walking. Therefore, the exercise | movement which stimulates a hamstring means the exercise | movement which can contribute to maintenance of walking speed and improvement of a walking function.

  The amount of water that bends the foot discharged from the water discharger 3 is such that when the bather M brings the back m1 into contact with the first bathtub wall surface 2a and the sole m2 faces the water discharger 3, the foot of the bather M The amount that can flex the joint, knee joint, and hip joint 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 m2 may not leave | separate from the water discharge part 3, and when it exceeds 300 liter / min, water may overflow from the bathtub 2. is there.

  When the amount of water discharged exceeds 110 liters / minute, the leg movement distance becomes 140 mm or more due to the pressure of the jet of water discharged, and it is confirmed that the user feels a sense of movement by bending and stretching movements due to the water flow. Has been. In addition, it has been confirmed that, when the number of monitor people exceeds 35 and 110 liters / minute is exceeded, the feet move 140 mm or more due to water discharge and feel a sense of movement.

  Furthermore, in order to obtain a high exercise effect that is effective in bending and stretching exercises, it is better to exercise with a water flow of about 150 liters / minute. More preferably, exercise by a water flow of about 180 liters / minute is effective. In addition, the magnitude | size of this water flow is considerably larger than the magnitude | size of the water flow ejected for massages in the circulation type bathtub intended for general household bathtubs.

  As described above, by increasing the flow rate of the jet, the force for pressing the sole is increased and the movable range of the bending / extending motion is widened. Along with this increase in jet flow, it is possible to effectively promote the function of walking by stimulating more effectively the sensory organs provided on the soles and the tendon organs provided on the legs.

  Moreover, it is preferable to use the hot water temperature discharged in a 36-41 degreeC band. For example, at 36 to 38 ° C. when the temperature is close to body temperature and the heat load is low, the amount of water bending is increased by increasing the amount of water discharged and increasing the amount of rotation of bending and stretching, or by increasing the period of water discharge. By increasing the exercise intensity, it becomes possible to provide an effective exercise to the bather.

  On the other hand, when seeking sufficient exercise in a relatively short time, set the hot water temperature higher (for example, 39-41 ° C.), and the synergistic effect of the heat and the exercise effect, compared to when the hot water temperature is set lower, Energy is consumed in a short time, and effective exercise can be performed in a short time.

The effect of heat and the effect of exercise will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 shows the respiratory quotient showing the fat combustion efficiency on the vertical axis, the elapsed time on the horizontal axis, and a value comparing the respiratory quotient when performing rapid walking and passive movement by water flow. .
The conditions were compared by breathing quotient in the case of walking on the land at a speed of about 4.3 km / h and underwater aeration according to the present invention in which the water flow was 39 degrees and the water flow was about 180 liters / minute. As a result, it is shown that underwater walking using the device according to the present invention has entered a region where a high fat burning effect is obtained in a faster time zone than walking on land. The above results show that this device produces a high exercise effect by the synergistic effect of heat and exercise.

The effect of this embodiment will be described.
Thus, according to this embodiment, the bather M can be exercised. This movement is a passive movement that is given externally. When taking a bathing posture in a general bathtub, in fact, the bathing posture that the user can take unconsciously causes micromuscular activity to keep the posture against buoyancy. In a state in which the minute muscle activity is induced, the bather receives the jet flow alternately from the water discharge portions 3L and 3R. As a result, the bather M performs underwater walking exercise by a jet. And the muscle with which the trunk part which supports a leg muscle group and a leg part is equipped can be activated.

  Furthermore, the bather M disturbs the balance of the bathing posture by the jet of water discharged from the water discharger 3 and the buoyancy action applied to the bather himself, whereas the bather unconsciously works the muscles of the whole body. Compensation is performed to stabilize the posture. This also makes it possible to exercise the whole body. For this reason, there are few parts depending on the willpower of a bather, and it becomes possible to provide the exercise | movement which is easy to last long by this apparatus. In addition, since this exercise can be performed while taking a bathing posture, it is easy to shift from normal bathing to exercise, and it is an exercise that can be performed without difficulty in lifestyle habits. As a result, it is easy to continue exercise.

  35 people experienced the above movement. As a result, underwater walking during bathing should be performed without difficulty by the water flow from the bathing posture. And if you continue walking underwater, you will feel a sense of movement and a feeling of muscle use. After getting out of the bath, my feet are warm. It has been confirmed that the experience is experiencing the effects of exercise, such as feeling more exercise than jogging. Furthermore, I felt that the sweating action was promoted in less than 5 minutes, and I also felt that it was suitable for the diet effect and would be a metabolic measure.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the jet of water flows from the left leg water discharger 3L and the right leg water discharger 3R to the bather's sole alternately left and right, the bather adds to the flexion and extension of the leg. It will cause a swivel movement around the pelvis. As a result, it has been confirmed that in addition to the exercise effect on the muscle groups around the legs, the exercise effect on the rectus abdominis, abdominal oblique muscles, the back muscle group, and the like can be obtained. In this way, by performing the above-described exercise in the bathtub, it becomes an exercise not only for the legs but also for a wide range of the body, and the bather can obtain an effective exercise.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the bather has a different feeling of exercise from bending and stretching exercises according to the amount of water discharged from the water discharge portions 3L and 3R of both feet. The solid line L shown in FIG. 8 represents the relationship between the distance that the legs move away from the second bathtub wall surface by the jet and the flow rate of the discharged water when the bather has bent and stretched by the jet from the spout 3. ing.

  As shown by the solid line L, there is a correlation between the movement distance of the foot and the flow rate of the water discharge, and the leg movement amount increases as the water discharge amount increases. The movement distance of the foot part moves away from the wall surface of the second bathtub, and the movement of the foot part starts and the bending and stretching movement can be performed from about 80 liters / minute. In order for the bather to perform more effective exercise, the amount of water discharged should be 110 liters / minute.

  In this embodiment, the moving distance of the foot is about 140 mm. In order to obtain even more effective exercise, the bather selects a water discharge rate of 180 liters / minute and adjusts the amount of water to 200 liters / minute to obtain even higher effective exercises. May be. Experiments have shown that the distance of movement of the leg at that time is about 250 mm to 300 mm.

  In addition, the footrest part 2e may be provided with the convex part 2f which protrudes compared with the 2nd bathtub wall surface 2b so that it may illustrate in FIG. 9 and FIG. The distance L from which the convex portion 2f protrudes is preferably 5 mm from the second bathtub wall surface 2b. More preferably, it is 10 mm. Alternatively, at least one concave groove 2g is provided in the footrest 2e. As described above, the footrest part 2e includes the convex part 2f or the concave groove 2g, so that the sole m2 of the bather M is in contact with the water discharge part 3 and the footrest part 2e. A space is created between the two bathtub wall surfaces 2b.

  It is made between the sole m2 and the second bathtub wall surface 2b by the convex part 2f and the concave groove 2g. When the amount of water is adjusted by the space from a state where the jet is not discharged to a state where water is discharged, the amount of discharged water passes through the space formed by the convex portion 2f or the concave groove 2g, so that the jet flows into the sole of the foot. Suppress the negative pressure applied to m2 (force to be pulled into the second bathtub wall surface). Therefore, the bather can perform contact and separation more smoothly in a state where the jet is not discharged and a state where the jet is discharged.

  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 button of the control part 4, the execution time of the exercise | movement of the bathtub apparatus 1 and the period of bending / extending exercise | movement are set arbitrarily. Note that a plurality of types of exercise modes may be set in the control unit 5 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 control unit 5 outputs to the drive unit 4 a control for switching the amount of water so that the timer discharges water in a relatively short cycle and does not discharge water. Alternatively, the exercise time and the exercise cycle may be automatically set by a timer. For example, when the set temperature of hot water is 39 ° C., the timer sets one set of exercise time to 10 minutes.
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 first modification of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the bathtub device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the bathtub apparatus 11 which concerns on this embodiment, with respect to the bathtub apparatus 1 (refer FIG. 1) which concerns on the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, the 1st bathtub wall surface 2a and the 2nd bathtub The difference is that the bathtub handrail 7 is provided on the wall 2b and the bathtub side wall 2d in contact with the bottom 2c.

  In the modified example of the first embodiment, the bather M holds a bathing posture in which the back m1 is not in contact with the first bath wall surface 2a by grasping the handrail 7. In this bathing posture, the bather M performs underwater walking by receiving a jet discharged from the water discharger 3. At this time, the force with which the jet stream presses the sole is transmitted to the lower limbs and transmitted to the upper limbs. That is, the muscle groups around the arm also act to resist the force in the forearm and upper arm with the handrail 7 as a power point. Of course, the muscles around the abdomen located between the lower and upper limbs are also active. Therefore, whole body exercise is possible.

  Furthermore, even when the bather M cannot use the handrail 7 to lean the back m1 against the first bathtub wall surface 2a, the jets discharged from the water discharge portions 3L and 3R regardless of the size of the bathtub 2. Makes it possible to perform underwater walking.

Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the bathtub device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, in the bathtub apparatus 12 which concerns on this embodiment, with respect to the bathtub apparatus 1 (refer FIG. 1) which concerns on the above-mentioned 1st Embodiment, a 1st leg | foot is attached to the 2nd bathtub wall surface 2b. The difference is that the contact portion 2e and the second footrest portion 2h are provided in series.

In the modification of the first embodiment, the bather M abuts the sole m2 on the first footrest portion 2e and the second footrest portion 2h in a state where the jet is not discharged from the water discharge portion 3. The human foot has an arch-like skeleton with an arch between the foot and the foot when the toes and the mother-child sphere are in front of the foot and the heel is the foot. Therefore, the first footrest portion 2e can realize a more natural contact with the front foot portion and the second footrest portion 2h with the rear foot portion.

  And if a jet flow is discharged from the water discharge part 3, it will space apart from the foot support parts 2e and 2h, and if a jet flow is not discharged from the water discharge part 3, it will contact | abut to the foot support parts 2e and 2h. When this contact and separation are repeated, the muscle group provided on the sole can be stimulated. The muscles of the soles play an important role in maintaining balance during posture and walking. Therefore, by providing the footrests 2e and 2h, it becomes possible to stimulate the muscle group of the sole by contact and separation and improve the balance ability.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation of the bathtub device 21 according to this embodiment, and shows a case where a water flow is ejected simultaneously from the left water discharge unit 3L and the right water discharge unit 3R.
As shown in FIG. 13, 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 water discharging part 3 discharges water to a right-and-left leg simultaneously. The control unit 5 controls the drive unit 4 so that the right and left water discharging units 3L and 3R can simultaneously discharge water.

  As a result, the bather M bends the legs, knees, and hip joints when the jet is discharged on both legs. Furthermore, the legs, knees, and hip joints are extended in a state where the jet is not discharged. This bending and stretching exercise on both legs allows a comfortable exercise to be continued without causing the bather to get bored of the exercise. Configurations, operations, and effects other than those described above in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view illustrating the operation of the bathtub device 31 according to this embodiment, and shows a case where a water flow is jetted out of one of the water dischargers 3L and 3R.

The flexion / extension movement in any leg can be effectively performed by the flexion / extension movement using the jet on the damaged part side as a rehabilitation therapy for only the half body due to a brain disease or the like.
Moreover, not only can the bather get bored of the exercise, but also the exercise can be continued.

It is typical sectional drawing which illustrates the bathtub apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the typical sectional view and front view which expand and illustrate the footrest part and the water discharge part in the bathtub apparatus concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a typical top view which illustrates operation of the bathtub apparatus concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a graph which illustrates the time from the bathtub apparatus which concerns on this embodiment of this invention, and the amount of water discharge. It is a figure which illustrates the state which has extended and bent the leg part of the user concerning this embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the activity of the muscle raised by this bathtub apparatus of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the exercise effect raised by the bathtub apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which illustrates the relationship between the flow volume of the jet generated by the bathtub apparatus of this invention, and the moving amount | distance of a leg part. It is the typical sectional view and front view which illustrate the footrest part and water discharge part with which the bathtub apparatus concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention is equipped. It is the typical sectional view and front view which illustrate the footrest part and water discharge part with which the bathtub apparatus concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention is equipped. It is typical sectional drawing which illustrates the modification of the bathtub apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a typical top view which illustrates operation of the bathtub apparatus concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic plan view which illustrates operation | movement of the bathtub apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which illustrates operation | movement of the bathtub apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 11 21 31 Bathtub apparatus, 2 bathtubs, 2a first bathtub wall surface, 2b second bathtub wall surface, 2c bottom surface, 2e 2eL 2eR footrest part, 2f convex part, 2g concave groove, 2h second footrest part 3 3L 3R Water discharge part, 4 drive part, 4s inlet, 5 control part, 60 bathroom unit, 61 waterproof pan, 62 wall panel, 7 handrail, M bather, m1 back, m2 foot, W water

Claims (4)

A bathtub,
A first bathtub wall provided in the bathtub and capable of being backrested;
A second bathtub wall provided opposite the first bathtub wall;
A foot rest provided on the second bathtub wall surface;
A water discharger that discharges a jet provided in the footrest;
A control unit for controlling a jet discharged from the water discharge unit,
When the control unit is in contact with the sole of the footrest in a state where the jet is not discharging water,
It is possible to separate the sole from the footrest by changing the jet to a state of water discharge,
A bathtub device characterized in that it is a control unit capable of alternately operating the contact and separation of the sole with respect to the footrest by changing the water discharge of the jet flow The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water discharge section is a pair of water discharge sections. The bathtub device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of water discharge units are water discharge units arranged in a horizontal direction. 4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is a control unit that changes the jets from the pair of water discharge units from a state in which water is not alternately discharged to a state in which the jets are discharging water. 5. The bathtub equipment described

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