JP2012223520A - Bathing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bathing apparatus that has excellent refreshing effects and allows bathing for long periods.SOLUTION: The bathing apparatus A includes: a bathtub 10, the inner surface of which is deformable as a result of being provided with a cushioning layer; and an air bubble supplying device 60 for supplying air bubbles to form a bubble layer Lb on the upper surface of the hot water layer Lh in the bathtub 10. In the bathtub 10, the bubble layer Lb is formed on the hot water layer Lh by the air bubble supplying device 60, thereby refreshing effects can be obtained by soaking the body in the hot water layer Lh and the bubble layer Lb. Since the inner surface of the bathtub 10 is allowed to be deformed owing to the cushioning layer, even when soaked in the bathtub 10 for a long period, pain or discomfort is not caused. The reduction in temperature in the hot water layer Lh is suppressed through the heat insulation effect of the bubble layer Lb.

Description

  The present invention relates to a bathing apparatus.

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a bathing apparatus in which foam is introduced into a bathtub in which hot water is stored and the surface of the hot water is covered with the foam. This bathing apparatus uses foam containing a detergent component, and is used for the purpose of washing away body dirt in a bathtub.

  By the way, the bathing apparatus is used not only for washing the body but also as a half-body bathing means for refreshing effects such as recovery from fatigue and stress relief. In such a half-body bath for the purpose of refreshing, it is considered effective to apply the bathing form in which the body is wrapped with the foam described in Patent Document 1.

JP 2003-245215 A

In the half-body bath for refreshing as described above, the bathing time in the bathtub is often long. However, since the bathing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is not intended for half-body bathing but is used for the purpose of washing away body dirt, a unit bath is used as a bathtub. A general unit bath is made of a resin with a hard surface, and the buoyancy is small because the amount of hot water is reduced in the half bath. Therefore, if a half-body bathing is continued for a long time, there is a concern that pain or discomfort may be felt in the buttocks, back, etc. of the body that are in contact with the bathtub. Therefore, the bathing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is not suitable as a means for bathing for a long time because of a refreshing effect.
The present invention has been completed based on the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a bathing apparatus with a high refreshing effect that enables bathing for a long time.

  As means for achieving the above object, the invention of claim 1 is to provide a foam layer on the upper surface of the bathtub whose inner surface is deformable by providing a cushion layer and the hot water layer in the bathtub. And a bubble supply device for supplying the bubbles.

  The invention of claim 2 is characterized in that in the apparatus of claim 1, a frame for supporting the bathtub is provided, and at least a part of the bubble supply device is attached to the frame.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the one according to the first or second aspect, the cushion layer is made of urethane foam, and the bathtub is a rubber waterproof layer laminated on the surface side of the cushion layer. It has the feature in having.

  The invention of claim 4 is the one according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising hot water storage means for storing hot water in the bathtub so that the water level of the hot water layer does not exceed a predetermined water level. It has the characteristics.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the hot water storage means includes an overflow port formed in a side wall portion of the bathtub and a hot water supply device for supplying hot water to the bathtub. However, it has characteristics.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the hot water storage means includes a water level sensor that detects a water level of the hot water layer, and supply of hot water to the bathtub based on a detection result of the water level sensor. It is characterized by comprising a hot water supply device for stopping.

<Invention of Claim 1>
In the bathtub, a bubble layer is formed on the hot water layer by the bubble supply device, so that a refreshing effect can be obtained by immersing the body in the hot water layer and the foam layer. Moreover, since the inner surface of the bathtub can be deformed by the cushion layer, even if it is immersed in the bathtub for a long time, pain and discomfort can be avoided. Furthermore, the temperature drop of the hot water layer is suppressed by the heat insulating effect of the foam layer. According to the present invention, since it is possible to continue bathing for a long time in a state of being wrapped in bubbles, a high refreshing effect can be obtained.

<Invention of Claim 2>
Since the bathtub is supported by the frame, the bathtub can be kept in a predetermined shape even if the thickness of the bathtub is reduced. Moreover, since at least a part of the bubble supply device is attached to the frame, at least a part of the frame, the bathtub, and the bubble supply device can be unitized.

<Invention of Claim 3>
Since a cushion layer consists of urethane foam, the temperature fall in a bathtub can be suppressed by the heat insulation effect of this urethane foam. Moreover, since the surface side of the cushion layer is covered with a rubber waterproof layer, it is possible to avoid problems caused by water immersion in the cushion layer. Moreover, favorable cushioning properties can be obtained by appropriately setting and combining the elasticity of the rubber of the waterproof layer and the elasticity of the urethane foam of the cushion layer.

<Invention of Claim 4>
Since the water level of the hot water layer in the bathtub can be made constant by the hot water storage means, it is possible to prevent the foam layer from varying in height.

<Invention of Claim 5>
When hot water is supplied into the bathtub from the hot water supply device and the water level of the hot water layer reaches a predetermined level, the hot water supplied into the bathtub is discharged from the overflow port to the outside of the bathtub. It will never be higher than the predetermined water level.

<Invention of Claim 6>
While the water level of the hot water layer is lower than the predetermined height, hot water is supplied from the hot water supply device to the bathtub according to the detection result of the water level sensor. Then, when the water level of the hot water layer reaches the predetermined water level, the hot water supply from the hot water supply device to the bathtub is stopped based on the detection result of the water level sensor, so that the water level of the hot water layer does not become higher than the predetermined water level.

The perspective view of the bathing apparatus of Embodiment 1 The perspective view showing the state which removed the panel from the bathing device Sectional drawing showing the state which cut the bathing device along the long side of the bathtub Sectional drawing showing the state which cut the bathing device along the short side of the bathtub Partial cross-sectional view showing bubble supply device Schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of use of bathing equipment Partial enlarged sectional view schematically showing the laminated structure of the bathtub Sectional drawing showing the state which cut the bathing apparatus of Embodiment 2 along the short side of a bathtub Sectional drawing showing the state which cut the bathing apparatus of Embodiment 3 along the short side of a bathtub

<Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. The bathing apparatus A of the present embodiment is mainly intended for a half-body bathing for obtaining a refreshing effect such as a mental and physical relaxation effect, recovery from fatigue, and stress relief. It was realized that a comfortable half-body bath can be performed over a long period of time by using the foam layer Lb formed on the surface. Of course, the body can be washed in the bathtub 10. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the bathing apparatus A of the present embodiment includes a bathtub 10, a frame 40, and a bubble supply device 60. In addition, about the front-back direction of the bathing apparatus A (tub 10) in the following description, let the side by which the pillow 26 of the bathtub 10 is arrange | positioned be a front side.

<Ttub 10>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the bathtub 10 integrates a box-shaped hot water storage section 11 having an open upper surface and a flange section 27 that protrudes outward from the opening edge of the upper surface of the hot water storage section 11. It has been made. The hot water storage part 11 includes a bottom wall part 12 having a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the front-rear direction, a pair of symmetrical side wall parts 13 that rise obliquely upward and outward from left and right side edges of the bottom wall part 12, The front wall portion 14 rises obliquely upward and forward from the front edge portion, and the rear wall portion 15 rises obliquely upward and rearward from the rear edge portion of the bottom wall portion 12. Each of the portions where these wall portions are connected is configured by a smooth curved surface.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the bottom wall portion 12 is a substantially horizontal wall portion having a drainage gradient over the entire region. As shown in FIG. 1, a drain port 16 that opens to a substantially central position in the front-rear direction is formed at the right edge in the width direction of the bottom wall portion 12. The thickness of the bottom wall portion 12 is constant except for the vicinity of the drain port 16. The side wall portion 13 has a planar shape over the entire region. The thickness of the side wall portion 13 is constant over the entire region and is thinner than the bottom wall portion 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a water intake port 17 is formed at the lower end edge of the right side wall 13 that opens at a position close to the front end. An overflow port 18 is formed at the upper end portion of the right side wall portion 13 and opens in a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the front wall portion 14 includes a steeply inclined portion 19 that continues to the bottom wall portion 12, and a gently inclined portion 20 that protrudes forward from the upper end edge of the steeply inclined portion 19 toward the front at a horizontal angle. The steeply inclined portion 19 is curved so as to slightly swell toward the inner surface side of the hot water storage portion 11. The thickness of the steeply inclined portion 19 is the maximum at the lower end edge portion (the edge portion connected to the bottom wall portion 12), and the maximum thickness dimension is the same as the thickness of the bottom wall portion 12. The thickness of the steeply inclined portion 19 becomes gradually thinner upward and becomes the minimum at the upper edge. The minimum thickness of the steeply inclined portion 19 is the same as the thickness of the side wall portion 13. The gentle slope 20 has a slight downward slope toward the rear (steep slope 19). The thickness of the gently inclined portion 20 is constant over the entire region of the gently inclined portion 20 and is the same as the upper end of the steeply inclined portion 19.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a mounting hole 21 is formed at the center in the width direction of the gently inclined portion 20 so as to penetrate vertically. A foam member 22 is attached to the attachment hole 21. The foaming member 22 includes a cylindrical mounting portion 23 whose axis is directed in the vertical direction, and a main body portion 24 having a horizontal plate shape that is continuous with the upper end of the cylindrical mounting portion 23. The main body portion 24 is formed with a foam outlet 25 that communicates with the hollow of the cylindrical attachment portion 23 and opens in a horizontal slit shape on the rear end surface of the main body portion 24. The foaming member 22 is attached to the bathtub 10 in a state where the cylindrical attachment portion 23 is fitted into the attachment hole 21 and the main body portion 24 is placed on the gently inclined portion 20. Furthermore, a pillow 26 having a plate shape with substantially the same width as that of the gently inclined portion 20 is attached to the gently inclined portion 20 so as to cover the main body portion 24 of the foaming member 22 from above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rear wall portion 15 is curved so as to slightly swell toward the inner surface side of the hot water storage portion 11. The thickness of the rear wall portion 15 is the maximum at the lower end edge portion (the edge portion continuous with the bottom wall portion 12), and the maximum thickness dimension is the same as the thickness of the bottom wall portion 12. The thickness of the rear wall portion 15 gradually decreases upward, and becomes the minimum at the upper end edge portion. The minimum thickness of the rear wall 15 is the same as the thickness of the side wall 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the flange portion 27 protrudes substantially horizontally outward from the opening edge of the upper surface of the hot water storage portion 11 over the entire circumference, and the outer peripheral shape of the flange portion 27 is a rectangle that is long in the front-rear direction. is there. The flange portion 27 is substantially horizontal, but is slightly inclined so as to have a downward slope toward the inner side (the hot water storage portion 11 side) over the entire circumference. In addition, the thickness dimension of the flange portion 27 is constant over the entire region, and is the same thickness as the side wall portion 13, the upper end portion of the steeply inclined portion 19, the gently inclined portion 20, and the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 15. Dimensions.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, from the flange portion 27, the right flange 28 protruding rightward from the upper end edge of the right side wall portion 13 and the front end edge of the gently inclined portion 20 of the front wall portion 14, Each of the front flanges 29 projecting forward at a position slightly higher than 20 has a relatively large projecting dimension. On the other hand, the left flange 30 projecting leftward from the upper end edge of the left side wall portion 13 and the rear flange 31 projecting rearward from the upper end edge of the rear wall portion 15 out of the flange portion 27 both have projecting dimensions. It is smaller than the right flange 28 and the front flange 29. That is, the right flange 28 and the front flange 29 are wide, and the left flange 30 and the rear flange 31 are narrow. A flush fitting 32 connected to a hot water supply device (not shown) is provided at a position near the rear end of the left edge of the right flange 28 (edge near the hot water storage section 11).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the bathtub 10 has a laminated structure over the entire region. The shape of the bathtub 10 is held by a substrate 33 made of FRP (fiber reinforced plastic). On the back surface of the substrate 33 (the outer surface of the hot water storage portion 11 and the lower surface of the flange portion 27), a back surface coating layer 34 is formed. A cushion layer 35 made of urethane foam is laminated on the surface side of the substrate 33. A rubber waterproof layer 36 is laminated on the surface side of the cushion layer 35. A surface coating layer 37 is formed on the surface of the waterproof layer 36. The thickness of the substrate 33, the thickness of the back surface coating layer, the thickness of the waterproof layer 36, and the thickness of the front surface coating layer are all uniform over the entire region of the bathtub 10. On the other hand, the thickness of the cushion layer 35 differs depending on the part. The bathtub 10 having such a cushion layer 35 and a rubber waterproof layer 36 can be elastically deformed so that the inner surface of the hot water storage portion 11 is recessed, and elastic so that the upper surface of the flange portion 27 is recessed. It can be deformed.

<Frame 40>
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the frame 40 has four support columns 41 arranged at positions substantially corresponding to the four corners of the bathtub 10. The lower ends of the four columns 41 are connected to each other by two long beams 42 that are long in the front-rear direction and two short beams 43 that are long in the width direction (left-right direction). The upper ends of the four columns 41 are connected to each other by a rectangular frame 45 having a rectangular shape via an extension beam 44 protruding outward in the width direction. Further, the substantially central portion in the length direction of the left and right long beams 42 and the substantially center portion in the length direction of the left and right long side beams 46 of the rectangular frame 45 are connected by a pair of left and right reinforcing columns 47. . Between the left and right long beams 42, a support beam 48 that is long in the width direction and slightly behind the front end of the long beam 42, and a rear beam that is long in the width direction and is connected to the rear end of the long beam 42. A support beam 48 connecting the close positions is provided. Between the front ends of the left and right long beams 42, a ladder beam 49 that is long in the left-right direction is passed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the bathtub 10 is attached to the frame 40. In the state where the bathtub 10 is attached, the bottom wall portion 12 of the hot water storage portion 11 is fixed in a state where it is placed on a pair of front and rear support beams 48 at both front and rear edge portions. Further, the front flange 29 of the flange portion 27 is fixed in a state of being placed on the short side beam 50 on the front side of the square frame 45, and the rear flange 31 of the flange portion 27 is fixed on the short side beam on the rear side of the square frame 45. It is being fixed in the state mounted in 50. The right flange 28 of the flange portion 27 is fixed in a state where it is placed on the long side beam 46 on the right side of the rectangular frame 45, and the left flange 30 of the flange portion 27 is placed on the long side beam 46 on the left side of the square frame 45. It is fixed in place.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, two long dents 51, two short dents 52, two long aprons 53, and two short aprons 54 are attached to the frame 40. It has been. The long indentation 51 is arranged so as to cover a range from the front support column 41 to the rear support column 41 in the front-rear direction, and to cover a range from the lower end of the frame 40 to the upper end of the long beam 42 in the vertical direction. ing. The long recess 51 is fixed to the upper surface of the long beam 42 at its upper edge. The short dent 52 is arranged so as to cover a range from the right column 41 to the left column 41 in the width direction and to cover a range from the lower end of the frame 40 to the upper end of the short beam 43 in the vertical direction. The short dent 52 is fixed to the upper surface of the short beam 43 at its upper edge. These four dents surround the lower end of the frame 40 over the entire circumference.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the long apron 53 covers a range from the front end to the rear end of the long side beam 46 in the front-rear direction, and extends from the upper end of the long beam 42 to the upper end of the long side beam 46 in the vertical direction. It is arranged so as to cover the range. The long apron 53 is fixed to the metal fitting at the upper end portion of the long dent 51 via the metal fitting provided at the lower end portion thereof. The upper end portion of the long apron 53 is locked in a gap between the long side beam 46 and the outer edge portion of the left flange 30 or between the long side beam 46 and the outer edge portion of the right flange 28. As shown in FIG. 4, the short apron 54 covers a range from the right end to the left end of the short side beam 50 in the width direction, and covers a range from the upper end of the short beam 43 to the upper end of the short side beam 50 in the vertical direction. Are arranged as follows. The short apron 54 is fixed to the metal fitting at the upper end of the short dent 52 through the metal fitting provided at the lower end thereof. An upper end portion of the short apron 54 is locked in a gap between the short side beam 50 and the outer edge portion of the front flange 29 or a gap between the short side beam 50 and the outer edge portion of the rear flange 31. These four aprons surround the outer region of the hot water storage section 11 in the region above the depression and the bathtub 10 in the frame 40 over the entire circumference.

<Bubble supply device 60>
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the bubble supply device 60 includes a bubble generation device 61 and a circulation path 64. The bubble generating device 61 includes an inflow part 62, an outflow part 63, a foaming path (not shown) from the inflow part 62 to the outflow part 63, and a compressor (not shown) connected to the foaming path. In the middle of the foaming path, stirring means (not shown) using a mechanism for rotating the stirring blade in the foaming path is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the circulation path 64 includes an internal space (hot water storage space) of the hot water storage section 11, an inflow path 65 from the intake port 17 of the bathtub 10 to the inflow section 62, and the bubble generator 61. The foaming path, the outflow path 66 from the outflow part 63 to the cylindrical attachment part 23 of the foaming member 22, and the foaming member 22 are configured. A predetermined amount of hot water is poured into the hot water storage section 11 from the flush fitting 32, and a foaming agent is introduced into the hot water, so that the foaming liquid is stored up to a predetermined water level and a hot water layer Lh is formed. It has become so. The foaming liquid stored in the hot water storage section 11 (hot water mixed with the foaming agent) passes through the water intake port 17, the inflow channel 65, the foaming channel, the outflow channel 66 and the foaming member 22 in this order, and from the foaming port 25. It circulates along a path that flows down into the hot water storage section 11 through the front wall section 14.

  The bubble generating device 61 is accommodated in a space formed by the frame 40 (that is, a space surrounded by the aprons 53 and 54), and is fixed in a state of being placed on the ladder beam 49. Similarly to the bubble generating device 61, the inflow path 65 and the outflow path 66 constituting the circulation path 64 are also accommodated in a space formed by the frame 40 (that is, a space surrounded by the aprons 53 and 54). The hot water storage section 11 constituting the circulation path 64 and the foam making path in the bubble generating device 61 are also attached to the frame 40. The foam member 22 is also attached to the frame 40 via the bathtub 10. Therefore, the entire bubble supply device 60 is attached to the frame 40.

<Action>
The usage method of the bathing apparatus A of this embodiment is demonstrated. When taking a half-body bath, first, an appropriate amount of hot water is put into the hot water storage section 11 from the flush fitting 32, and a foaming agent is put into the hot water to make a foaming liquid. As a result, a hot water layer Lh (foaming liquid agent layer) at a predetermined water level is formed in the hot water storage section 11. Next, the bubble supply device 60 is activated. Then, the foaming liquid agent in the hot water storage section 11 circulates through the water intake port 17, the inflow path 65, the foam making path in the bubble generating device 61, the outflow path 66, and the foam blowing member 22 in order and returning to the hot water storage section 11. To do.

  The circulating foaming liquid is mixed with air supplied from the compressor and stirred when passing through the foaming path, and becomes a state containing bubbles, and is discharged from the foaming outlet 25 into the hot water storage unit 11. Is done. When the foaming liquid returns to the hot water storage section 11, the bubbles contained in the foaming liquid float on the upper surface of the hot water layer Lh to form the foam layer Lb. When the bubble layer Lb reaches a predetermined thickness, the bubble supply device 60 is stopped. Thus, the supply of bubbles to the hot water storage unit 11 is completed.

  Thereafter, the state of the bubbles in the foam layer Lb changes with time. That is, the bubbles just supplied to the hot water storage section 11 are fine creams with a bubble diameter of several tens to several hundreds μm, but as time passes, the bubbles gradually collapse and the bubble diameter increases. . Further, as the bubble diameter increases, the fluidity of the bubbles decreases due to the separation of moisture from the bubbles. During this time, the bubbles become meringue-like. Eventually, it becomes a light bubble like a cloud that does not feel the weight of flying when you blow. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, if bathing in the hot water storage part 11 and taking a half body bath, it is possible to enjoy bubbles in various states, and the bather P can obtain a relaxing effect and a refreshing effect.

  During bathing, the wide right flange 28 and the front flange 29 can be kept wet without anything necessary for relaxing and refreshing, such as drinks, magazines, televisions, mobile phones and the like. The bather P can also sit on the flange portion 27 with his / her legs immersed in the hot water storage portion 11. Furthermore, people other than the bather P can also sit on the flange portion 27.

The bathing apparatus A of this embodiment has the following characteristics.
(1) In the case of half bathing, the water level of the hot water layer Lh is lowered to expose the upper body of the bather P, so it is necessary to suppress the temperature drop of the hot water in the bathtub 10. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the foam layer Lb that covers the upper surface of the hot water layer Lh functions as a heat insulating layer, so that the temperature drop of the hot water layer Lh is suppressed.

  (2) Since the cushion layer 35 which comprises the bathtub 10 consists of urethane foams, and this urethane foam also functions as a heat insulation layer, the temperature fall of the hot water layer Lh is suppressed. Furthermore, since the urethane foam has a low thermal conductivity, the temperature drop on the inner surface of the hot water storage section 11 is suppressed, and the bather P does not feel cold when the body of the bather P touches the inner surface of the hot water storage section 11.

  (3) If the temperature of the hot water layer Lh is higher than the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the bathtub 10, there is a concern about an increase in humidity due to steam generated from the hot water layer Lh. However, in this embodiment, since the upper surface of the hot water layer Lh is covered with the foam layer Lb, the generation of steam is suppressed. Therefore, the bathtub 10 (the bathing apparatus A) of the present embodiment is not limited to a dedicated bathroom, but is also suitable for installation in a living room or the like.

  (4) In the present embodiment, as the foaming agent, a material that is less irritating to human skin and in which bubbles do not easily disappear is selected. As a result, half-body bathing for a long time became possible.

  (5) In the case of half-body bathing, since the water level in the hot water bath is relatively low, the buoyancy received by the bather P is small. Therefore, when the half-body bathing is continued for a long time, the body weight is supported by hitting the inner surface of the hot water storage part 11 (particularly, the bottom wall part 12, the steep slope part 19 of the front wall part 14, and the rear wall part 15) of the body. There is a concern that the bather P may feel pain, discomfort, and the like in the part (particularly the buttocks and back). However, in this embodiment, since the bathtub 10 has the cushion layer 35 and the rubber waterproof layer 36, when the weight of the bather P acts on the inner surface of the bathtub 10, the inner surface of the bathtub 10 corresponds to the weight. And dents to adjust to the body of bather P. Thereby, since the contact area of a body and the inner surface of the bathtub 10 becomes large, the reaction force per unit area which acts on the body side from the bathtub 10 side is reduced, and a pain, discomfort, etc. are reduced.

  (6) In the hot water storage part 11, when the part which the buttock is contacting among the bottom wall parts 12 deform | transforms with the weight of the bather P, the dent shape will exhibit the slip prevention effect of a buttock. Therefore, there is no possibility that the body of the bather P slips on the bottom wall portion 12, and the position and posture of the bather P are stabilized.

  (7) When the bather P sits on the flange portion 27 with his / her legs in the hot water storage portion 11, the body portion of the bather P is deformed so that the portion of the flange portion 27 that is in contact with the buttocks is recessed. . Also in this case, since the dent shape exhibits the slip prevention effect of the buttocks, the bather P is difficult to slip on the flange portion 27.

  (8) The surface of the bathtub 10 is easily dented elastically by the cushion layer 35 and the rubber waterproof layer 36. Because of this elasticity, even if the bather P breaks his balance and hits his hand or body against the bathtub 10, the shock is absorbed, so the bather P is less likely to feel uncomfortable.

  (9) The bubble generating device 61 generates vibration accompanying the driving of the compressor, and this vibration is transmitted to the bathtub 10 via the frame 40. However, since the bathtub 10 has the cushion layer 35 made of urethane foam, the vibration transmitted to the outer surface (substrate 33) of the bathtub 10 is absorbed by the cushion layer 35. Therefore, even if the bather P touches the inner surface of the hot water storage part 11 or the upper surface of the flange part 27, it is hard to feel vibration.

  (10) Since the steeply inclined portion 19 and the rear wall portion 15 of the front wall portion 14 constituting the hot water storage portion 11 are used as the backrest of the bather P, it is deformed so as to be recessed by repeated loads from the bather P. Is concerned. However, in this embodiment, since the front wall portion 14 and the rear wall portion 15 are inclined, the load of weight is distributed compared to a normal bathtub that rises at an angle close to vertical, and bathing is performed. Even if the person P is used as a backrest, there is no possibility that the steeply inclined portion 19 or the rear wall portion 15 is deformed so as to be recessed.

  As described above, the bathing apparatus A of the present embodiment is provided with the cushion layer 35 to form the foam layer Lb on the upper surface of the bathtub 10 whose inner surface is deformable and the hot water layer Lh in the bathtub 10. And a bubble supply device 60 for supplying bubbles. According to this configuration, a refreshing effect can be obtained by immersing the body in the hot water layer Lh formed in the bathtub 10 and the foam layer Lb formed thereon. Moreover, since the inner surface of the bathtub 10 can be deformed by the cushion layer 35, even if it is immersed in the bathtub 10 for a long time, it is not necessary to remember pain and discomfort. Furthermore, the temperature drop of the hot water layer Lh is suppressed by the heat insulating effect of the foam layer Lb. According to the present invention, since it is possible to continue bathing for a long time in a state of being wrapped in bubbles, a high refreshing effect can be obtained.

  The bathing apparatus A includes a frame 40 that supports the bathtub 10, and a bubble supply device 60 is attached to the frame 40. Since the bathtub 10 is supported by the frame 40 as described above, the bathtub 10 can be maintained in a predetermined shape even if the thickness of the bathtub 10 is reduced. Further, since the bubble supply device 60 is attached to the frame 40, it is realized that the frame 40, the bathtub 10, and the bubble supply device 60 are unitized. Thereby, the bathing apparatus A can be installed not only in a dedicated bathroom but also in a living room or the like.

  The cushion layer 35 is made of urethane foam, and the bathtub 10 includes a rubber waterproof layer 36 laminated on the surface side of the cushion layer 35. Thus, by using the cushion layer 35 as the urethane foam, the temperature drop in the bathtub 10 can be suppressed by the heat insulating effect of the urethane foam. Further, since the front surface side of the cushion layer 35 is covered with the rubber waterproof layer 36, it is possible to avoid a problem caused by water immersion in the cushion layer 35. Moreover, favorable cushioning properties can be obtained by appropriately setting and combining the elasticity of the rubber of the waterproof layer 36 and the elasticity of the urethane foam of the cushion layer 35.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The bathing apparatus B of the second embodiment is characterized in that it includes hot water storage means 70 for storing hot water in the bathtub 10 so that the water level of the hot water layer Lh does not exceed a predetermined water level. Since the water level of the hot water layer Lh in the bathtub 10 can be made constant by the hot water storage means 70, it is possible to prevent the height of the foam layer Lb from varying. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of structures, operations, and effects are omitted.

  The hot water storage means 70 of Embodiment 2 includes a low water level overflow port 71 formed in the side wall 13 of the hot water storage section 11 and a hot water supply device 72 that supplies hot water to the bathtub 10. The height of the low water level overflow port 71 is arranged at a position lower than the overflow port 18 provided at a high position of the hot water storage section 11 (upper end portion of the side wall section 13). The hot water supply device 72 is connected to the flush fitting 32. When hot water is supplied from the hot water supply device 72 to the hot water storage section 11 through the faucet fitting 32, the water level of the hot water layer Lh in the hot water storage section 11 rises. When the water level reaches the low water level overflow port 71, hot water is discharged from the low water level overflow port 71 to the outside of the hot water storage unit 11 even if hot water continues to be supplied into the hot water storage unit 11 thereafter. The hot water layer Lh in the hot water storage section 11 is kept at a predetermined water level. In this way, the low water level overflow port 71 can be selected when enjoying bubble bathing, and the upper overflow port 18 can be selected during normal bathing.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The bathing apparatus C of the third embodiment is characterized in that it includes hot water storage means 80 for storing hot water in the bathtub 10 so that the water level of the hot water layer Lh does not exceed a predetermined water level. Since the water level of the hot water layer in the bathtub can be made constant by this hot water storage means, it is possible to prevent the foam layer from varying in height. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of structures, operations, and effects are omitted.

  The hot water storage means 80 of the third embodiment includes a water level sensor 81 that detects the water level in the hot water storage unit 11 and a hot water supply device 82 that supplies and stops hot water to the hot water storage unit 11 based on the detection result of the water level sensor 82. It is prepared for. The hot water supply device 82 is connected to the flush fitting 32. When hot water is supplied from the hot water supply device 82 to the hot water storage section 11 through the faucet fitting 32, the water level of the hot water layer Lh in the hot water storage section 11 rises. During this time, the water level of the hot water layer Lh is continuously detected by the water level sensor 81, and the detection information is input to the control unit (not shown) of the hot water supply device 82. While the water level of the hot water layer Lh is lower than the predetermined height, hot water is continuously supplied from the hot water supply device 82 to the hot water storage unit 11 according to the detection result of the water level sensor 81. Then, when the water level of the hot water layer Lh reaches a predetermined water level, the supply of hot water from the hot water supply device 82 to the bathtub 10 is stopped based on the detection result of the water level sensor 81. This prevents the hot water layer Lh water level in the hot water storage section 11 from becoming higher than the predetermined water level.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) In the first to third embodiments, the cushioning properties (elasticity and deformation amount) of the bathtub can be changed by changing the composition of the urethane foam constituting the cushion layer of the bathtub.
(2) In Embodiments 1 to 3 above, the cushion layer is made of urethane foam, but the cushion layer may be made of a material other than urethane foam. By changing the material of the cushion layer, the cushioning properties (elasticity and deformation amount) of the inner surface of the bathtub can be changed.
(3) In the first to third embodiments, the entire bubble supply device is attached to the frame. However, only a part of the bubble supply device may be attached to the frame.
(4) In Embodiments 1 to 3, if the thickness of the cushion layer of the bathtub is increased or decreased, the cushioning properties (elasticity and deformation amount) of the bathtub can be changed.
(5) In the said Embodiments 1-3, the thickness of the cushion layer of the bottom wall part of a bathtub may be varied locally, and you may make it change gradually. In this way, the cushioning properties (elasticity and deformation amount) of the bottom wall can be locally changed or gradually changed.
(6) In the said Embodiments 1-3, the thickness of the cushion layer of the side wall part of a bathtub may be made to differ locally, and you may make it change gradually. If it does in this way, the cushioning property (elasticity and deformation amount) of a side wall part can be changed locally, or can be changed gradually.
(7) In the first to third embodiments, the thickness of the cushion layer of the front wall portion and the rear wall portion of the bathtub may be uniform throughout, or may be locally thickened or thinned. Good.
(8) In the first to third embodiments, the thickness of the cushion layer of the flange portion of the bathtub may be locally varied or gradually changed. In this way, the cushioning properties (elasticity and deformation amount) of the flange portion can be locally changed or gradually changed.
(9) In the first to third embodiments, the thickness of the cushion layer on the side wall may be the same as the cushion layer on the bottom wall, or may be thicker than the cushion layer on the bottom wall.
(10) In the first to third embodiments, the thickness of the cushion layer on the side wall may be thicker than the cushion layer on the flange, or conversely, may be thinner than the cushion layer on the flange.
(11) In the first to third embodiments, the thickness of the cushion layer on the side wall portion may be larger than the minimum thickness of the cushion layer on the front wall portion and the rear wall portion.
(12) In the first to third embodiments, the left side wall and the right side wall may be asymmetrical.
(13) In the first to third embodiments, the thickness of the front wall portion may be constant over the entire region of the front wall portion. In this case, the thickness of the front wall portion may be the same as any of the bottom wall portion, the side wall portion, and the flange portion, or may be different from any of the bottom wall portion, the side wall portion, and the flange portion.
(14) In the first to third embodiments, the thickness of the rear wall portion may be constant over the entire region of the rear wall portion. In this case, the thickness of the rear wall portion may be the same as any of the bottom wall portion, the side wall portion, and the flange portion, or may be different from any of the bottom wall portion, the side wall portion, and the flange portion.
(15) In the first to third embodiments, the front wall portion and the rear wall portion may be asymmetrical in the front-rear direction.
(16) In the first to third embodiments, the thickness of the cushion layer of the flange portion may be the same as the cushion layer of the bottom wall portion, or may be thicker than the cushion layer of the bottom wall portion.
(17) In the first to third embodiments, the cushion layer is provided in the entire region of the hot water storage section. However, the cushion layer may be provided only in a part of the hot water storage section.
(18) In Embodiments 1 to 3, the cushion layer is provided in the entire region of the flange portion. However, the cushion layer may be provided only in a partial region of the flange portion.
(19) In the first to third embodiments, the cushion layer is provided on both the hot water storage portion and the flange portion, but the cushion layer may be provided only on the hot water storage portion.
(20) In the first to third embodiments, the inner surface (upper surface) of the bottom wall portion has no large unevenness. However, the inner surface of the bottom wall portion may have unevenness. In this case, the concave portion or the convex portion may be configured to be continuous with the side wall portion, the front wall portion, or the rear wall portion, or may be configured not to be continuous with these wall portions.
(21) In the first to third embodiments, a large unevenness does not exist on the inner surface of the side wall portion, but the unevenness may exist on the inner surface of the side wall portion. In this case, the concave portion or the convex portion may be connected to the bottom wall portion, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion, or the flange portion, or may not be connected to the bottom wall portion, the front wall portion, the rear wall portion, or the flange portion. Also good.
(22) In the first to third embodiments, a large unevenness does not exist on the inner surface of the front wall portion. However, an unevenness may exist on the inner surface of the front wall portion. In this case, the concave portion or the convex portion may be configured to be continuous with the bottom wall portion, the side wall, or the flange portion, or may be configured not to be continuous with the bottom wall portion, the side wall, or the flange portion.
(23) In the first to third embodiments, a large unevenness does not exist on the inner surface of the rear wall, but the unevenness may exist on the inner surface of the rear wall. In this case, the concave portion or the convex portion may be configured to be continuous with the bottom wall portion, the side wall portion, or the flange portion, or may be configured not to be continuous with the bottom wall portion, the side wall portion, or the flange portion.
(24) In Embodiments 1 to 3, the hot water containing the foaming agent stored in the bathtub was circulated through a path passing through the foaming device to supply bubbles to the bathtub, but the hot water was stored in the bathtub. You may supply the bubble obtained by mixing the water and the foaming agent supplied from the tap water to the bathtub without circulating hot water.
(25) In Embodiments 1 to 3 above, a mechanism for rotating the stirring blade in the foaming path was used as the stirring means. However, as the stirring means, a helical stirring plate was fixed in the foaming path. A method using a static mixer to be provided, or a method of simply stirring and mixing while flowing through the foam-making path by lengthening the foam-making path can be used.

A ... Bathing device Lb ... Foam layer Lh ... Hot water layer 10 ... Bathtub 35 ... Cushion layer 36 ... Waterproof layer 40 ... Frame 60 ... Bubble supply device B ... Bathing device 13 ... Bathtub side wall 70 ... Hot water storage means 71 ... Low water level overflow Mouth 71 (overflow mouth)
72 ... Hot water supply device C ... Bathing device 80 ... Hot water storage means 81 ... Water level sensor 82 ... Hot water supply device

Claims (6)

A bathtub whose inner surface is deformable by providing a cushion layer;
A bathing apparatus comprising: a bubble supply device that supplies bubbles for forming a bubble layer on an upper surface of a hot water layer in the bathtub. A frame for supporting the bathtub;
The bathing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the bubble supply device is attached to the frame. The cushion layer is made of urethane foam,
The bathing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bathtub is provided with a rubber waterproof layer laminated on the surface side of the cushion layer.   The bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising hot water storage means for storing hot water in the bathtub so that a water level of the hot water layer does not exceed a predetermined water level. The hot water storage means is
An overflow port formed in the side wall of the bathtub;
The bathing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a hot water supply device that supplies hot water to the bathtub. The hot water storage means is
A water level sensor for detecting the water level of the hot water layer;
The bathing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a hot water supply device that supplies and stops hot water to the bathtub based on a detection result of the water level sensor.

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