JP2010142368A - Bathtub apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bathtub apparatus capable of making a bather continuously exercise or making a site of the body exercise in a well-balanced manner. <P>SOLUTION: The bathtub apparatus includes: a bathtub provided with a first bathtub wall surface that the back can lean against and a second bathtub wall surface facing the first bathtub wall surface; a water discharge part provided on the second bathtub wall surface, for discharging a jet to the feet of a bather bathing in the bathtub turning the feet toward the second bathtub wall surface; and a control part for controlling the state of the jet. The control part alternately sets the state of the jet discharged from the water discharge part to a first jet state of not bending the legs of the bather and a second jet state of bending the legs of the bather with a higher water discharge flow rate than the first jet state, and changes at least one of the first and second jet states. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a bathtub device, and specifically to a bathtub device that causes 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 demonstrate the power of 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, since the same operation is repeated, it is expected that the exercise will not last for a long time due to getting used to or getting tired of the operation.

  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 a wide area of the body.

Patent Document 3 discloses a bubble generating device that controls jetting / stopping of a jet flow from a jet nozzle by a control unit. Patent Document 3 describes that a certain overlap time in which bath water is jetted out by both jetting points occurs, and the transition of the jetting points can be performed smoothly, so that no uncomfortable feeling is given to the bather. However, this bubble generating device does not allow the bather to exercise a wide area of the body, like the circulation bathtub disclosed in Patent Document 2.
JP 2003-236014 A JP 2005-287541 A Japanese Patent No. 2710829

  An aspect of the present invention has been made based on recognition of such a problem, and provides a bathtub apparatus that can allow a bather to exercise continuously or exercise a body part in a balanced manner.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a bathtub having a first bathtub wall surface capable of being backrested and a second bathtub wall surface facing the first bathtub wall surface is provided on the second bathtub wall surface, A water discharger for discharging a jet to a bather's foot bathing in the bathtub with his feet facing the second bathtub wall; and a control unit for controlling the state of the jet; The state of the jet spouted from the water spouting section includes a first jet state in which the bather's foot is not bent, and a second jet in which the water discharge flow rate is higher than that in the first jet state and the bather's foot is bent. A bathtub apparatus is provided that is alternately set to a jet state and changes at least one of the first and second jet states.

  According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bathtub apparatus that can allow a bather to continuously exercise or exercise a body part in a balanced manner.

  1st invention is provided in the said 2nd bathtub wall surface, the bathtub which has the 1st bathtub wall surface which can be backrested, and the 2nd bathtub wall surface which opposes the said 1st bathtub wall surface, said 2nd A water discharge part for discharging a jet to a bather's foot bathing in the bathtub with his feet facing the bathtub wall, and a control part for controlling the state of the jet, wherein the control part is the water discharge part The first jet state in which the bather's foot is not bent, and the second jet state in which the water discharge flow rate is higher than that in the first jet state and the bather's foot is bent. The bath apparatus is characterized in that it is alternately set to, and at least one of the first and second jet states is changed.

  According to this bathtub device, since the state of the jet from the nozzle is irregularly changed, the bather's foot movement changes irregularly. That is, the foot movement with the same rhythm does not continue. Therefore, bathers are less likely to get used to or get tired of irregularly changing exercise. Therefore, the bather can be exercised continuously. Furthermore, since the bather's feet exercise irregularly, the body parts and muscle groups used during the exercise change. Thereby, the body part and muscle group of the bather can be exercised in a balanced manner over a wide range. That is, it can be said that this bathtub apparatus is an exercise bathtub apparatus that can cause exercise to be performed dynamically while the bather is in a sitting state.

Moreover, 2nd invention is 1st invention. WHEREIN: The said control part changes the ratio of the duration of the said 1st and 2nd jet state with respect to the period of the change of the jet state discharged from the said water discharging part. It is the bathtub apparatus characterized by this.
According to this bathtub apparatus, the exercise mode of the bather's foot can be irregularly changed into an exercise that approximates a stretch exercise, a flexion and extension exercise such as a walking exercise, and an exercise that approximates balance training. . As a result, the bather is less likely to get used to or get tired of the exercise. Therefore, the bather can be exercised continuously. Moreover, the body part and muscle group of the bather can be exercised in a well-balanced manner over a wide range.

Moreover, 3rd invention is a bathtub apparatus characterized by the said control part changing the period of the change of the jet state discharged from the said water discharging part in 1st or 2nd invention.
According to this bathtub device, the exercise mode of the bather's foot can be irregularly changed between a bending / extension exercise such as a walking exercise and an exercise similar to a stretch exercise or balance training. As a result, the bather is less likely to get used to or get tired of the exercise. Therefore, the bather can be exercised continuously. Moreover, the body part and muscle group of the bather can be exercised in a well-balanced manner over a wide range.

Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the control unit discharges water from the water discharging unit in the at least one of the first and second jet states. It is the bathtub apparatus characterized by changing.
According to this bathtub apparatus, the bending angle of a bather's leg can be changed irregularly. That is, the exercise mode of the bather's foot can be changed irregularly. As a result, the bather is less likely to get used to or get tired of the exercise. Therefore, the bather can be exercised continuously. Moreover, the body part and muscle group of the bather can be exercised in a well-balanced manner over a wide range.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a bathtub device according to an embodiment of the invention.

  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 back side surface (first bath wall surface) 2a with which the back m1 of the bather M comes into contact. The inner side surface of the end portion is a foot side surface (second bathtub wall surface) 2b to which the sole m2 faces when the bather M takes a bathing posture. That is, the bather M can rest on the back side surface 2a. The back side surface 2a and the foot side surface 2b are opposed to each other with the bottom surface 2c interposed therebetween.

  The foot side surface 2b of the bathtub 2 is provided with a nozzle (a water discharge portion) 3 for discharging a jet to the feet of the bather M. The nozzle 3 includes a left foot nozzle 3L and a right foot nozzle 3R. The nozzle 3 injects a water flow (jet) toward the inside of the bathtub 2, and the direction of this jet is the direction from the foot side surface 2b to the back side surface 2a. The pair of nozzles 3 are arranged in the horizontal direction, and are disposed, for example, at positions symmetrical with respect to a center line extending in the vertical direction on the foot side surface 2b. 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 length in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 2, that is, the length between the foot side surface 2 b and the back side surface 2 a in the bathtub 2 is determined when the bather M having a standard physique takes a bathing posture, ie, 2 so as to cover the nozzle 3 with the sole m2 when the back m1 is brought into contact with the back side 2a of the bathtub 2 and the sole m2 is opposed to the foot side 2b. It is.

  Moreover, the pump apparatus 4 is provided in the bathtub apparatus 1 as a drive part which produces | generates a jet. The pump 4 includes a pump 4L that discharges water to the nozzle 3L for the left foot and a pump 4R that discharges water to the nozzle 3R for the right foot. That is, the pump 4L is connected to the nozzle 3L, and the pump 4R is connected to the nozzle 3R. In the present specification, the term “water” includes not only cold water but also heated hot water. The suction port 7 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 jet, and discharges it.

  However, the pump 4 does not necessarily have the pumps 4L and 4R connected to the nozzles 3L and 3R, respectively, and may be a single pump. In this case, a switching unit that switches the flow path of the jet generated by the pump 4 and alternately supplies the jet to the nozzles 3 </ b> L and 3 </ b> R is provided between the nozzle 3 and the pump 4. According to this, the size of the pump 4 can be reduced, and the distance between the foot side surface 2b 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 2b, 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.

  On the other hand, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, since the pump 4 has the pumps 4L and 4R connected to the nozzles 3L and 3R, respectively, the nozzles 3L and 3R discharge water jets or discharge water alternately. can do. Furthermore, since the pumps 4L and 4R are connected to the nozzles 3L and 3R, the nozzles 3L and 3R can discharge jets having different water discharge flow rates and water discharge times, respectively. Hereinafter, in the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a case where the pump 4 includes the pumps 4L and 4R will be described as an example.

  The bathtub device 1 is further provided with a control unit 5 that controls the operation of the pump 4. The controller 5 is electrically connected to the pump 4 and can control the state of the jet flow from the nozzle 3 by controlling the operation of the pump 4. And the control part 5 makes the state of the jet flow from the nozzle 3 into the jet flow state (1st jet flow state) which does not bend the bather's M leg, and the water discharge flow volume is larger than the 1st jet flow state. It can be set to a jet state (second jet state) in which the foot is bent.

  The discharge water flow rate Q1 from the nozzle 3 in the first jet state is, for example, about 30 liters / minute. On the other hand, the water discharge flow rate Q2 from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state is, for example, about 130 liters / minute. Thus, the water discharge flow rate Q2 in the second jet state is considerably larger than the water discharge flow rate of the jet jetted for massage. Therefore, the jet flow from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state is such that when the bather M brings the back m1 into contact with the back side 2a and the sole m2 faces the nozzle 3, the ankle joint of the bather M It is possible to flex the knee joint and the hip joint at the same time.

  Moreover, the bathtub apparatus 1 concerning this embodiment is provided with operation parts 8, such as a remote control, for example. This operation part 8 is attached to the wall panel 62 of the bathroom unit 60, for example, and can transmit a control signal to the control part 5 by operation from the bather M. The control unit 5 can control the operation of the pump 4 based on a control signal from the operation unit 8. That is, the bather M can control the operation of the pump 4 by operating the operation unit 8 and can change the state of the jet from the nozzle 3.

  As described above, the water discharge flow rate Q1 in the first jet state is, for example, about 30 liters / minute, and is not 0 (zero) liters / minute. Therefore, even when the control unit 5 switches the jet flow from the nozzle 3 from the first jet flow state to the second jet flow state, the pump 4 is less likely to be overloaded. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the time for switching from the first jet state to the second jet state, that is, the time until the jet flow having the water discharge flow rate Q1 to the water discharge flow rate Q2 is discharged.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state when the bather receives a jet from the nozzle on his / her foot. 2 (a) represents the flexion period of the bather's foot, FIG. 2 (b) represents the retention period of the bather's foot, and FIG. 2 (c) represents the bather's leg retention period. Represents the period of leg extension.
First, 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 (see FIG. 1). That is, the bather M brings the buttocks into contact with the bottom surface 2c of the bathtub 2, makes the back m1 contact the back side surface 2a of the bathtub 2, and makes the sole m2 face the foot side surface 2b. Then, the bather M arranges the left and right feet so as to cover the left nozzle 3L with the left sole m2 and the right nozzle 3R with the right sole m2, and the jets ejected from the nozzle 3 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.

  From this state, the pump 4 is operated. Accordingly, the pump 4 draws water in the bathtub 2 from the suction port 7 to generate a jet and supplies it to the nozzle 3. Then, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, the control unit 5 changes the state of the jet flow from the nozzle 3 from the first jet flow state (discharging water flow rate Q1) that does not bend the bather M's foot and the first jet flow state. Can be set to a second jet state (water discharge flow rate Q2) in which the water discharge flow rate is large and the bather's M leg is bent.

  When a jet of water discharge flow rate Q2 is jetted from the nozzle 3, this jet presses the sole m2 of the bather M. Accordingly, as in the flexion period shown in FIG. 2A, 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 2a. At this time, since the jet flow from the nozzle 3 generates a flow field so as to wrap the foot portion of the bather M, a force that prevents the foot portion from coming off from the jet flow is applied to the sole m2. This is the same phenomenon that when a ping-pong ball is placed on the fountain, the ping-pong ball does not fall and stays at the approximate center of the fountain.

  Subsequently, when the second jet state continues for a while, the ankle joint, the knee joint, and the hip joint of the bather M are simultaneously bent and stopped as in the holding period shown in FIG. However, when the duration time of the second jet state is short, the holding period shown in FIG. In this case, the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint of the bather M transition substantially continuously from the flexion period shown in FIG. 2A to the extension period shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, when a jet of water discharge flow rate Q1 is ejected from the nozzle 3, the pressure for pressing the sole m2 decreases. Therefore, as in the extension period shown in FIG. 2C, the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint of the bather M naturally extend, and the foot moves toward the foot side surface 2b. At this time, when the bather consciously adjusts the position of the foot so as to cover the nozzle 3 with the sole m2, the foot returns to the vicinity of the nozzle 3. Therefore, the foot of the bather reciprocates along the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 2 as the nozzle 3 alternately jets the jets of the water discharge flow rates Q1 and Q2.

  In addition, the bather M loses the balance of posture by this exercise and becomes an unstable posture. Therefore, the bather M performs a compensation operation to unconsciously work the muscles of the whole body to stabilize the posture. Bathers can also exercise by this.

  Moreover, since this exercise is a passive exercise that is given from the outside and is not an automatic exercise that is performed according to the will of the bather, there are few parts depending on the will of the bather M, and it tends to last long. 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. In the present specification, a compensation operation when the posture is lost as described above is also included. That is, it can be said that the bathtub apparatus according to the present embodiment is an exercise bathtub apparatus that can cause exercise to be performed dynamically while the bather is in a sitting state.

  Furthermore, the exercise effect is further improved by the thermal effect of bathing. Moreover, since the temperature boundary layer around the bather M is always destroyed by the jet, the bather M is easily warmed and the exercise effect is further improved. In this way, 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.

  Here, when the nozzle 3 alternately jets the jets of the water discharge flow rates Q1 and Q2, the foot of the bather M can reciprocate along the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 2, but the bather M moves with the same rhythm. If you continue, you may get used to the exercise. And if bather M gets used to the exercise | movement of the same rhythm, there exists a possibility of getting tired of the exercise | movement. Moreover, if the exercise | movement of the same rhythm continues, the body site | part and muscle group used in the exercise | movement will become substantially the same. Therefore, there is a possibility that the body part or muscle group cannot be exercised in a balanced manner over a wide range.

  Therefore, the bathtub device 1 according to the present embodiment has at least one of the state of the jet flow from the nozzle 3 as the first jet state (water discharge flow rate Q1) or the second jet flow state (water discharge flow rate Q2). Change. More specifically, the duty ratio representing the period of change of the jet state from the nozzle 3, the ratio (ratio) of the duration of the first and second jet states to the period of change of the jet state, And / or irregularly changing at least one of the water discharge flow rate of the jet. In the specification of the present application, the term “cycle” refers to the time from the start of water discharge in the first jet state (water discharge flow rate Q1) until the start of water discharge in the next first jet state (water discharge flow rate Q1), or The time from when the second jet state (water discharge flow rate Q2) is started to discharge until the next second jet state (discharge water flow rate Q2) is started to discharge water.

  The term “irregular” includes not only strictly irregular but also a case where the bather M has regularity to the extent that he / she feels not regular. For example, a specific example of the case where the period is changed is not limited to the case where the period of change of the jet state from the nozzle 3 changes strictly irregularly, but for example, one set of irregular changes of 10 periods. Even if this is repeated, if the bather feels not regular, it is included in the “irregular” change in the present application.

  According to this, since the state of the jet from the nozzle 3 changes, the exercise | movement of the bather's M leg | foot also changes. That is, since the state of the jet is changed irregularly, the movement of the bather's M leg also changes irregularly. In other words, foot movements with the same rhythm do not continue. Therefore, the bather M is less likely to get used to or get tired of the irregularly changing exercise. Furthermore, since the bather's M leg exercises irregularly, the body parts and muscle groups used during the exercise vary. Thereby, the bathtub apparatus 1 concerning this embodiment can exercise the body part and muscle group of the bather M over a wide range with good balance. That is, it can be said that the bathtub apparatus according to the present embodiment is an exercise bathtub apparatus that can cause exercise to be performed dynamically while the bather is in a sitting state.

Next, the specific example of operation | movement of the bathtub apparatus concerning this embodiment is demonstrated, referring drawings.
First, a specific example of the operation for irregularly changing the duty ratio will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating a specific example of the water discharge flow rate from the nozzle with respect to time and the distance from the foot side surface to the sole.
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the bathtub device according to this example.

  The upper graph shown in FIG. 3 represents the water discharge flow rate with respect to the jet flow time from the nozzle 3. The lower graph shown in FIG. 3 represents a distance with respect to time from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2. In the bathtub apparatus shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle 3R and the pump 4R are omitted, but the operation is the same as that for the nozzle 3L and the pump 4L.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the period of change of the jet state in this specific example is constant at period T1. On the other hand, the duty ratio of the jet state in this specific example changes. That is, the duty ratio is changed irregularly. More specifically, at time t1, water discharge is started from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state (water discharge flow rate Q2), and the second jet state continues for the duration a1. The duty ratio (a1 / T1) at this time is relatively small, for example, about 0.3 to 0.4. And the exercise | movement of the bather's M leg at this time becomes an exercise | movement which approximated the stretch exercise | movement. This will be described in detail later.

  Subsequently, at time t2, water discharge is started again from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state (water discharge flow rate Q2), and the second jet state continues for the duration a2. The duty ratio (a2 / T1) at this time is, for example, about 0.5 to 0.6. And the exercise | movement of the bather's M leg at this time turns into a bending and stretching exercise like a walking exercise. This will be described in detail later.

  Subsequently, at time t3, water discharge is started again from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state (spout water flow rate Q2), and the second jet state continues for the duration a3. The duty ratio (a3 / T1) at this time is relatively large, for example, about 0.7 to 0.8. And the exercise | movement of the bather's M leg at this time becomes an exercise | movement which approximated the balance training. This will be described in detail later.

  Note that the lengths of the arrows shown in FIG. 4 correspond to the lengths of the durations a1, a2, and a3 of the water discharge flow rate Q2 shown in FIG. Moreover, in the time slot | zone when the arrow represented to FIG. 4 is not drawn, each is discharged from the nozzle 3 by the 1st jet state (water discharge flow volume Q1).

  Thus, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to this specific example irregularly changes the duty ratio of the jet flow state from the nozzle 3. Therefore, the exercise mode of the bather's M foot can be irregularly changed into an exercise that approximates a stretching exercise, a bending and stretching exercise such as a walking exercise, and an exercise that approximates balance training. Thereby, the bather M is less likely to get used to the exercise or get bored. Therefore, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to this specific example can allow the bather to continuously exercise.

  In this specific example, the operation of changing the duty ratio every cycle T1, that is, every cycle has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the duty ratio may be changed every plural cycles such as every two cycles or every three cycles. The effect mentioned above can be acquired also by this. Furthermore, in this case, the bather M can enjoy an exercise mode that changes slowly and irregularly.

FIGS. 5-7 is a graph which illustrates the distance (actual value) from the foot side surface when using the bathtub apparatus concerning this embodiment to a sole.
FIG. 5 shows the distance from the foot side surface to the sole in the jet state where the duty ratio is about 0.3 to 0.4, and FIG. 6 shows the duty ratio of about 0.5 to 0.6. FIG. 7 shows the distance from the foot side surface to the sole in the jet state where the duty ratio is about 0.7 to 0.8. .

  The inventor actually measured the distance from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2 in about 10 reciprocations when using the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the specification of the present application, “one reciprocation” means a movement from the transition period in which the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint of the bather M are naturally extended to the flexion period, and again to the extension period in which the natural extension is resumed. It shall be said. An example of the actual measurement value is as shown in FIGS.

  That is, when the duty ratio is relatively small, such as about 0.3 to 0.4, the distance from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2 is short, that is, a bather as shown in the graph of FIG. The extension period during which M's ankle, knee and hip joints naturally stretch is relatively long. On the other hand, the time during which the distance from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2 is long, that is, the holding period in which the ankle joint, knee joint and hip joint of the bather M are simultaneously bent and stationary is relatively short. This can also be determined from the distance from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2 when the second jet state continues for the duration time a1 in the lower graph shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the exercise when the duty ratio is relatively small, about 0.3 to 0.4, is an exercise that approximates a stretch exercise. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, this can also be determined by an interview survey from a subject using the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. That is, by setting the duty ratio to a relatively small value of about 0.3 to 0.4, it is possible to realize an exercise that approximates a stretch exercise.

  Further, when the duty ratio is about 0.5 to 0.6, as shown in the graph of FIG. 6, the distance from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2 is short, that is, the bather M The extension period during which the ankle, knee and hip joints naturally extend is relatively short. Similarly, the time during which the distance from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2 is long, that is, the holding period in which the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint of the bather M are simultaneously bent and stationary is relatively short. That is, the bather's M's foot is reciprocating substantially continuously, and there is almost no stationary state. This can also be determined from the distance from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2 when the second jet state continues for the duration time a2 in the lower graph shown in FIG.

  Therefore, when the duty ratio is about 0.5 to 0.6, the operation of bending and extending at the leg portion is performed smoothly and continuously. As a result, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, an opinion has been obtained that a feeling of movement close to walking is felt from a subject using the bathtub device 1 according to the present embodiment. In other words, by setting the duty ratio of the water discharge causing the bending and stretching movement of the legs to about 0.5 to 0.6, it is possible to provide the user with exercise while feeling a feeling of movement close to walking.

  When the duty ratio is relatively large, such as about 0.7 to 0.8, as shown in the graph of FIG. 7, the distance from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2 is short, that is, the bather There is little time during the extension period when M's ankle, knee and hip joints naturally extended. On the other hand, the distance from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2 is long, that is, the holding period in which the ankle joint, knee joint and hip joint of the bather M are simultaneously bent and stationary is relatively long. That is, even if the bather's M's leg extends and tries to contact the foot side surface 2b or the nozzle 3, the leg is bent again before the contact and becomes stationary. This can also be determined from the distance from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2 when the second jet state continues for the duration time a3 in the lower graph shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the exercise when the duty ratio is relatively large such as about 0.7 to 0.8 is an exercise that approximates balance training. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, this can also be determined by an interview survey from a subject using the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. That is, by setting the duty ratio to a relatively large value of about 0.7 to 0.8, it is possible to realize an exercise that approximates a stretch exercise.

  Even when the bather's M's foot extends and tries to contact the foot side surface 2b or the nozzle 3, it is in the state of the jet flow period T1 in this specific example that it is bent again before the contact and becomes stationary. . For example, in the case of a period longer than the period T1, even if the duty ratio is relatively large, such as about 0.7 to 0.8, the bather's M's legs extend and the foot side surface 2b or nozzle 3 may be touched.

FIG. 8 is a table illustrating the motion mode with respect to the duty ratio in the jet state.
The inventor asks the subject to use the bathtub device according to the present embodiment, and conducts a hearing survey on the motion mode felt by the subject when the duty ratio of the jet state is changed. The exercise modes are roughly classified into stretch exercise, walking exercise, and balance training.

  When the duty ratio is relatively small, such as about 0.3 to 0.4 (30% to 40%), the ankle joint, knee joint and hip joint of the bather M naturally extend as described above with reference to FIG. The length of the extension period is relatively long, while the time of the holding period in which it bends and rests at the same time is relatively short. Therefore, it was found that many subjects felt that the exercise in this case approximated the stretch exercise.

  Further, when the duty ratio is about 0.5 to 0.6 (50% to 60%), the ankle joint, knee joint and hip joint of the bather M naturally extend as described above with reference to FIG. The length of the extension period and the time of the holding period in which the body is bent at the same time are relatively short. That is, the subject's feet reciprocate substantially continuously, and there is almost no stationary state. Therefore, it was found that many subjects felt that the exercise in this case was close to a natural exercise such as a walking exercise.

  Further, when the duty ratio is relatively large as about 0.7 to 0.8 (70% to 80%), as described above with reference to FIG. There is almost no extension period, while the holding period when bent and stationary is relatively long. In other words, the subject's feet move as if walking in the air or riding on a so-called “balance ball”. Therefore, it was found that many subjects felt that the exercise in this case approximated balance training.

FIG. 9 is a table and schematic views illustrating body parts used in accordance with the duty ratio of the jet state.
FIG. 9A is a table exemplifying a body part that the subject felt to have used by experiencing the bathtub apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a table illustrating FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing the site | part of the body represented to.

  The present inventor asked seven subjects to use the bathtub apparatus according to the present embodiment, and conducted a hearing survey on a body part that had a feeling of use when the duty ratio was changed. According to the results of this interview survey, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the subject has a relatively small duty ratio of about 0.3 to 0.4, the abdomen and trunk It was found that the user felt that at least one of m3, hip joint m4, thigh m5, crus m6, and foot m7 was used. In other words, it was found that he felt that he used a relatively wide range of muscle groups.

  The muscle group of the abdomen / trunk m3 includes a spine standing muscle, a rectus abdominis muscle, and an oblique oblique muscle. The muscle group of the hip joint m4 includes the iliac muscle, the psoas muscle, and the long adductor muscle. The muscle group of the thigh m5 has quadriceps and hamstrings. This hamstring is a group of muscles having biceps femoris, hemimembrane-like muscle, semi-tendon-like muscle, and greater adductor muscle. Further, the muscle group of the lower leg m6 and the foot m7 has the triceps surae muscle. The triceps surae muscle is a group of muscles having an anterior tibial muscle, a retraction muscle, and a soleus muscle. The function of the anterior tibial muscle is known as a muscle that works for clearance between the ground and the foot m7 during walking. Therefore, an exercise that activates the anterior tibial muscle means an exercise that contributes to prevention of falls. Thereby, when the duty ratio of a jet state was comparatively small with about 0.3-0.4, it turned out that the test subject is feeling the exercise | movement which approximated the stretch exercise | movement.

  In addition, when the duty ratio in the jet state is about 0.5 to 0.6, the subject used at least one muscle group of the hip joint m4, the thigh m5, and the crus m6. I knew what I was feeling. In addition, it was found that the subject felt that the muscle group of the hip joint m4 or the thigh m5 was used when the duty ratio in the jet state was relatively large, about 0.7 to 0.8. In other words, when the duty ratio of the jet state is about 0.5 to 0.6 and the duty ratio is about 0.7 to 0.8, which is relatively large, the muscle group in a relatively narrow range is used. I knew what I was feeling.

  The muscle group of the thigh m5 has hamstrings as described above. The function of the biceps femoris that this hamstring has is known mainly as a muscle that generates a kicking force and a propulsive force during walking. Therefore, the exercise that stimulates the hamstrings of the thigh m5 means that the exercise can contribute to maintaining walking speed and improving walking function. As a result, when the duty ratio of the jet state is about 0.5 to 0.6 and the duty ratio is about 0.7 to 0.8, the leg is bent as in walking motion. Exercise and extend continuously. Furthermore, since these exercises are performed in a state of floating in hot water, they will work other than the main muscles that work during walking, giving the user a sense of movement as an exercise that includes elements of balance training. I understood that.

  Thus, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can change the body part and muscle group used during exercise by changing the duty ratio. In other words, by changing the duty ratio, it is possible to use a relatively wide region of the body or muscle group, or to use a relatively narrow region of the body or muscle group. Therefore, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can exercise the body part and muscle group of the bather M in a well-balanced manner over a wide range by changing the duty ratio irregularly.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining muscle activity caused by passive movement.
FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating muscle groups that are activated by the passive motion from the jet, and FIG. 10B illustrates the amount of activity of the muscle groups that are activated by the passive motion from the jet. It is the graph figure illustrated. In FIG. 10B, the vertical axis represents muscle activity and the horizontal axis represents time. Further, the upper graph shown in FIG. 10B represents the amount of activity of the muscle group of the thigh m5, and the lower graph shown in FIG. 10B shows the muscle group of the lower leg m6. Represents the amount of activity.

  When water is discharged from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state at time S1, the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint of the bather M are bent, and the muscle group of the thigh m5 begins to be active. This means that muscle activity occurs in the state where the sole m2 moves away from the foot side surface 2b and moves toward the back side surface 2a.

  Subsequently, at time S2, the jet flow from the nozzle 3 transitions from the second jet state to the first jet state. Thereby, the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint of the bather M naturally extend, and the sole m2 moves to the foot side surface 2b side. Then, at time S3, the sole m2 contacts the nozzle 3 or the foot side surface 2b. When the sole m2 comes into contact with the nozzle 3 or the foot side 2b, the muscle group of the lower leg m6 is activated as shown in FIG. Thus, the other-movement motion (flexion / extension motion) of the foot caused by the jet stream enhances the exercise effect by working different muscle groups.

Next, a specific example of the operation for changing the cycle will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating another specific example of the water discharge flow rate from the nozzle with respect to time and the distance from the foot side surface to the sole.
FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the bathtub device according to this example.

  The upper graph shown in FIG. 11 represents the water discharge flow rate with respect to the jet flow time from the nozzle 3. The lower graph shown in FIG. 11 represents a distance with respect to time from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2. In the bathtub device shown in FIG. 12, the nozzle 3R and the pump 4R are omitted, but the operation is the same as that for the nozzle 3L and the pump 4L.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the duty ratios (a1 / T1, a2 / T2, a3 / T3) in each cycle of the jet state of this specific example are constant at “0.5”. However, this duty ratio (0.5) is only an example, and is not limited to this. That is, here, a specific example of an operation for changing the cycle without changing the duty ratio will be described.

  More specifically, at time t1, water discharge is started from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state (water discharge flow rate Q2), and the second jet state continues for the duration a1. Subsequently, water discharge is started from the nozzle 3 in the first jet state (water discharge flow rate Q1), and water discharge is started again from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state at time t2. At this time, the time from the time t1 to the time t2, that is, the period T1, is relatively short, for example, about 1 to 2 seconds.

  When the cycle of the jet state from the nozzle 3 is relatively short, as shown in the lower graph of FIG. 11, the bather M's ankle joint, knee joint and hip joint are simultaneously bent and stationary, The state of the retention period shown in FIG. That is, when the cycle is relatively short, the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint of the bather M are substantially continuous from the flexion period shown in FIG. 2 (a) to the extension period shown in FIG. 2 (c). Transition to. Therefore, the bather's M exercise | movement of the bather M in this case turns into a bending and stretching exercise like a walking exercise.

  Subsequently, when the second jet state continues for the duration a2, water discharge is started from the nozzle 3 in the first jet state. At time t3, water discharge is started again from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state. At this time, the time from time t2 to time t3, that is, the period T2 is, for example, about 3 to 4 seconds. Further, when the second jet state continues for the duration a3, water discharge is started from the nozzle 3 in the first jet state. At time t4, water discharge is started again from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state. At this time, the time from time t3 to time t4, that is, the period T3 is relatively long, for example, about 5 to 6 seconds.

  When the period of the jet state from the nozzle 3 is relatively long, as shown in the lower graph of FIG. 11, the flexion period, the holding period, and the extension period of the ankle, knee and hip joints of the bather M This time lasts relatively long. Therefore, the exercise of the bather M's legs in this case is an exercise similar to a stretch exercise or balance training. In addition, the bather M loses the balance of posture by this exercise and becomes unstable. Therefore, the bather M performs a compensation operation to unconsciously work the muscles of the whole body to stabilize the posture. Bathers can also exercise by this.

  The lengths of the arrows shown in FIG. 12 correspond to the lengths of the durations a1, a2, and a3 of the water discharge flow rate Q2 shown in FIG. 11, as described above with reference to FIG. Further, in the time zone in which the arrows shown in FIG. 12 are not drawn, water is discharged from the nozzle 3 in the first jet state (water discharge flow rate Q1).

  Thus, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to this specific example irregularly changes the cycle of the change in the jet state from the nozzle 3. Therefore, the exercise mode of the bather M's foot can be irregularly changed between a bending / extension exercise such as a walking exercise and an exercise similar to a stretch exercise or balance training. This also makes the bather M less likely to get used to the exercise or get bored. Therefore, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to this specific example can cause the bather to continuously move by irregularly changing the cycle of the change of the jet state from the nozzle 3.

  In this specific example, the operation of changing the length (duration) of each cycle is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the length (duration) of the cycle may be changed for each of a plurality of cycles such as every two cycles or every three cycles. The effect mentioned above can be acquired also by this. Furthermore, in this case, the bather M can enjoy an exercise mode that changes slowly and irregularly.

FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating the joint trajectory stability with respect to the change period of the jet state.
The inventor asks about 20 test subjects to use the bathtub device according to the present embodiment, and conducts a hearing survey on the stability of the trajectory of the ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint at that time. Further, the present inventor has created an index that approaches the index “2” as the hearing result from the subject at that time becomes more stable.

  According to the results of this interview survey, as shown in FIG. 13, the subject feels that the trajectory of the ankle joint, knee joint and hip joint becomes stable as the period of the jet state from the nozzle 3 becomes faster (shorter). I found out. That is, when the cycle is about 4 seconds to 6 seconds, the trajectories of the knee joint and the hip joint become more unstable, and the subject is more unbalanced in posture by this exercise. Therefore, the subject performs a compensation operation to unconsciously work the muscles of the whole body to stabilize the posture. It was found that there were many subjects who felt that the exercise at this time approximated the stretch exercise or balance training.

  A human can realize a stable walking by swinging left and right legs alternately with a good tempo at a speed of about 1 second rather than a slow speed (about 4 seconds). This is said to be caused by the speed and inertial force applied to the human leg, and the function of the human musculoskeletal and the nervous system control function called rhythm generator (walking pattern generator). As with normal walking on land, bending and stretching movements during bathing are more stable when the cycle is about 1 to 2 seconds than when the cycle is about 4 to 6 seconds. A bending and stretching movement can be realized. Therefore, when the period is about 1 second to 2 seconds, the user can comfortably perform the bending / extending motion of the leg portion and can realize the bending / extending motion without receiving an extra load. And, the period is about 1 to 2 seconds, so that the bather can bend and stretch to stimulate many leg muscle groups in a shorter time than when the period is about 4 to 6 seconds. can do. In addition, the left and right feet of the subject reciprocate at an earlier period and in opposite phases. Therefore, it was found that there were many subjects who felt a movement feeling like a walking movement with respect to the movement at this time.

FIG. 14 is a table and schematic views illustrating body parts used in accordance with the change period of the jet state.
FIG. 14A is a table exemplifying a body part that the subject felt to have used by experiencing the bathtub device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 14B is a table illustrating FIG. It is a schematic diagram showing the site | part of the body represented to.

  The present inventor asked seven subjects to use the bathtub apparatus according to the present embodiment, and conducted a hearing survey of the muscle group sites that had a feeling of use when the period was changed. According to the result of this interview survey, as shown in FIG. 14A, the subject used at least one of the muscle groups of the hip joint m4 and the thigh m5 when the cycle of the jet state was early. I knew what I was feeling.

  The muscle group of the thigh m5 has the quadriceps and hamstrings as described above with reference to FIG. 9, and the hamstrings include the biceps femoris, the meningiform muscle, the half tendon-like muscle, and the large tendon-like muscle. A muscle group with adductor muscles. The function of the biceps femoris is known as a muscle that mainly generates a kicking force and a propulsive force during walking. Therefore, the exercise that stimulates the hamstrings of the thigh m5 means that the exercise can contribute to maintaining walking speed and improving walking function. Thereby, when the cycle of the jet state was early, it was found that the subject felt a feeling of movement such as walking movement.

  On the other hand, it was found that the subject felt that he / she used at least one of the muscle groups of the thigh m5, the lower leg m6, and the foot m7 when the cycle of the jet state was early. The muscle groups of the lower leg m6 and the foot m7 have the triceps surae muscle, as described above with reference to FIG. 9, and the triceps surae muscles have the anterior tibial muscle, the reflexive muscle, and the soleus muscle. A group. The function of the anterior tibial muscle is known as a muscle that works for clearance between the ground and the foot m7 during walking. Therefore, an exercise that activates the anterior tibial muscle means an exercise that contributes to prevention of falls. As a result, it was found that when the cycle of the jet state was early, the subject felt a motion that approximated a stretch exercise or balance training.

  Thus, the bathtub apparatus 1 concerning this embodiment can change the site | part and muscle group of the body used in the case of exercise | movement also by changing a period irregularly. That is, it is possible to use a relatively wide range part or muscle group of the body or to use a relatively narrow range part or muscle group of the body. Therefore, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can exercise the body part and muscle group of the bather M in a well-balanced manner over a wide range by changing the cycle irregularly. That is, it can be said that the bathtub apparatus according to the present embodiment is an exercise bathtub apparatus that provides a passive exercise that does not get used or get tired while the bather is in a sitting state.

Next, a specific example of the operation for irregularly changing the water discharge flow rate of the jet will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating still another specific example of the water discharge flow rate from the nozzle with respect to time and the distance from the foot side surface to the sole.
FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the bathtub device according to this example.

  The upper graph shown in FIG. 15 represents the water discharge flow rate with respect to the jet flow time from the nozzle 3. The lower graph shown in FIG. 15 represents a distance with respect to time from the foot side surface 2b to the sole m2. In the bathtub apparatus shown in FIG. 16, the nozzle 3R and the pump 4R are omitted, but the operation is the same as that for the nozzle 3L and the pump 4L.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the cycle of the change in the jet state in this specific example is constant at cycle T1. In addition, the duty ratio in each cycle of the jet state in this specific example is constant at a2 / T1. On the other hand, the water discharge flow rate of the jet from the nozzle 3 is irregularly changed. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the water discharge flow rate in the second jet state in which the bather M's foot is bent is irregular, such as the water discharge flow rate Q2, the water discharge flow rate Q3, or the water discharge flow rate Q4. Has changed.

  More specifically, water discharge is started from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state (water discharge flow rate Q2) at time t1. Subsequently, water discharge is started from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state (water discharge flow rate Q3) at time t2. Subsequently, water discharge is started again from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state (water discharge flow rate Q2) at time t3. Subsequently, water discharge is started from the nozzle 3 in the second jet state (water discharge flow rate Q4) at time t4.

  When the water discharge flow rate irregularly changes in the second jet state in which the foot of the bather M is bent, as shown in the lower graph of FIG. 15, the foot side surface 2b according to the magnitude of the water discharge flow rate. The distance from the bent sole m2 to the bent sole is different. Therefore, the bending angle of the bather M's ankle joint, knee joint, and hip joint changes irregularly. Therefore, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to this specific example can irregularly change the exercise mode of the bather M's foot by irregularly changing the water discharge flow rate of the jet. Thereby, the bather M is less likely to get used to the exercise or get bored. Therefore, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to this specific example can allow the bather to continuously exercise. Further, the same effect as described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 14 can be obtained.

  Note that the lengths of the arrows shown in FIG. 16 respectively correspond to the durations a2 of the water discharge flow rates Q2, Q3, and Q4 shown in FIG. 15 as described above with reference to FIG. Further, in the time zone in which the arrows shown in FIG. 16 are not drawn, water is discharged from the nozzle 3 in the first jet state (water discharge flow rate Q1).

  Further, in this specific example, the operation of changing the water discharge flow rate of the jet flow is described as an example every cycle T1, that is, every cycle, but is not limited thereto. For example, the water discharge flow rate of the jet may be changed every plural cycles such as every two cycles or every three cycles. The effect mentioned above can be acquired also by this. Furthermore, in this case, the bather M can enjoy an exercise mode that changes slowly and irregularly.

Next, a specific example of the operation for irregularly changing the duty ratio, the cycle, and the discharged water flow rate will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating a combination of a duty ratio, a cycle, and a discharged water flow rate.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the bathtub device 1 according to this specific example can irregularly change the duty ratio, cycle, and discharge water flow rate of the jet state from the nozzle 3. That is, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to this specific example changes the setting of the duty ratio of the jet flow state, the length of the cycle (duration), and the discharged water flow rate for each cycle, and the jet flow based on the combination setting thereof. Can be discharged from the nozzle 3.

  According to this, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the present specific example changes the duty mode, the period, and the water discharge flow rate of the jet flow from the nozzle 3 irregularly, thereby changing the exercise mode of the bather M's feet. It can be changed regularly. Thereby, the bather M is less likely to get used to the exercise or get bored. Therefore, the bathtub apparatus 1 according to this specific example can allow the bather to continuously exercise. Further, the same effect as described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 14 can be obtained.

  In this specific example as well, the duty ratio, cycle, and discharge water flow rate of the jet flow from the nozzle 3 may be changed not for every cycle but for a plurality of cycles such as every 2 cycles or every 3 cycles. . The effect mentioned above can be acquired also by this. Furthermore, in this case, the bather M can enjoy an exercise mode that changes slowly and irregularly.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, at least any one of the change period of the jet state from the nozzle 3, the duty ratio, and the water discharge flow rate of the jet can be changed irregularly. Since the state of the jet flow from the nozzle 3 changes irregularly, the foot movement of the bather M changes irregularly. That is, the foot movement with the same rhythm does not continue. Therefore, the bather M is less likely to get used to or get tired of the irregularly changing exercise. Therefore, the bathtub apparatus 1 concerning this embodiment can make a bather exercise continuously. Furthermore, since the bather's M leg exercises irregularly, the body parts and muscle groups used during the exercise vary. Thereby, the bathtub apparatus 1 concerning this embodiment can exercise the body part and muscle group of the bather M over a wide range with good balance. That is, it can be said that the bathtub apparatus according to the present embodiment is an exercise bathtub apparatus that allows a bather to perform various types of passive movement without acclimatization.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the nozzle 3 and the pump 4 are not limited to those illustrated, and can be appropriately changed.
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

It is typical sectional drawing which illustrates the bathtub apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram showing a state when a bather is receiving the jet from a nozzle on a leg. It is a graph which illustrates the specific example of the water discharge flow volume from the nozzle with respect to time, and the distance from a foot side surface to a sole. It is a plane schematic diagram showing operation | movement of the bathtub apparatus concerning a specific example. It is a graph which illustrates the distance (actual value) from a foot side surface when using the bathtub apparatus concerning this embodiment to a sole. It is a graph which illustrates the distance (actual value) from a foot side surface when using the bathtub apparatus concerning this embodiment to a sole. It is a graph which illustrates the distance (actual value) from a foot side surface when using the bathtub apparatus concerning this embodiment to a sole. It is a table | surface which illustrates the motion mode with respect to the duty ratio of a jet state. It is the table | surface and schematic diagram which illustrate the site | part of the body used according to the duty ratio of a jet state. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the muscle activity which arises by a passive movement. It is a graph which illustrates the other specific example of the water discharge flow volume from the nozzle with respect to time, the distance from a foot side surface to a sole. It is a plane schematic diagram showing operation | movement of the bathtub apparatus concerning a specific example. It is a graph which illustrates the locus | trajectory stability of a joint with respect to the period of a change of a jet state. It is the table | surface and schematic diagram which illustrate the part of the body used according to the period of a change of a jet state. It is a graph which illustrates the other specific example of the water discharge flow volume from the nozzle with respect to time, and the distance from a foot side surface to a sole. It is a plane schematic diagram showing operation | movement of the bathtub apparatus concerning a specific example. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the combination of a duty ratio, a period, and the discharged water flow rate.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Bathtub apparatus, 2 Bathtub, 2a Back side surface, 2b Foot side surface, 2c Bottom surface, 3, 3L, 3R nozzle, 4, 4L, 4R pump, 5 Control part, 7 Inlet, 8 Operation part, 60 Bathroom unit, 61 Waterproofing Pan, 62 Wall panel, m1 back, m2 sole, m3 abdomen / trunk, m4 hip joint, m5 thigh, m6 lower leg, m7 foot

Claims (4)

A bathtub having a first bathtub wall that can be backrested, and a second bathtub wall that faces the first bathtub wall;
A water discharge part provided on the second bathtub wall surface, for discharging a jet to a bather's foot bathing in the bathtub with a foot directed to the second bathtub wall surface;
A control unit for controlling the state of the jet;
With
The control unit includes a first jet state that does not bend the bather's feet, and a higher water discharge flow rate than the first jet state, and the bather's feet are discharged from the water discharge unit. A bathtub apparatus that is alternately set to a second jet state to be bent and changes at least one of the first and second jet states.   2. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a ratio of a duration time of the first and second jet states with respect to a change cycle of the jet state discharged from the water discharge unit.   The said control part changes the period of the change of the jet state discharged from the said water discharging part, The bathtub apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The said control part changes the discharged water flow rate discharged from the said water discharging part in said at least any one of the said 1st and 2nd jet state, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Bathtub equipment.