JP4807968B2 - Foot bath equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a foot bath apparatus for recovering fatigue and improving health by immersing a foot tip in hot water or water.

  Although it has been conventionally known that a foot tip is immersed in hot water and is comfortable, it has been known in the past. In recent years, a foot bath device having a hot water bath in which a foot portion can be immersed has been developed. In addition, there has been proposed a foot bath apparatus that can not only warm a foot tip by immersing it in hot water but also obtain a massage effect by generating bubbles in the hot water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  A foot bath device (foot bath device) described in Patent Document 1 includes a bathtub for storing water, a blower device for sending air into the bathtub, a footrest provided on the bottom of the bathtub for placing feet, and a bathtub. And a vibration device for vibrating. And the sole of the foot immersed in the bathtub can be massaged by discharging the air blown from the blower as bubbles from the bubble holes provided in the bottom of the bathtub.

JP 2000-350762 A

  In the case of the foot bath device (foot bath device) described in Patent Document 1, bubbles are generated by discharging the air blown from the blower from the bubble through hole provided in the bottom of the bathtub. However, since the outer diameter of the bubbles generated by such a method is relatively large on the order of mm, most of the generated bubbles rapidly float in the liquid and then bounce off the liquid surface and disappear. Therefore, these bubbles can only provide effects such as a massage action or an action of circulating hot water in the container.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a foot bath device that can obtain a blood circulation promoting action, a sedative action, and an autonomic nerve adjusting action superior to those of conventional foot bath equipment.

The foot bath device of the present invention includes a foot bath container having a volume capable of accommodating a lower part than at least one ankle, a fine bubble generator immersed in a liquid stored in the foot bath container, and the fine bubble generator. In a foot bath device comprising a pump for supplying liquid and a gas flow path for supplying air to the fine bubble generator, the fine bubble generator has a cylindrical gas-liquid swirl chamber in which gas-liquid can be swung, An air inlet for introducing air from the gas flow path into the gas-liquid swirl chamber, and a liquid pumped from the pump flow into the gas-liquid swirl chamber to generate a gas-liquid swirl flow in the gas-liquid swirl chamber. A liquid introduction port for generating and a discharge port formed at an end portion in the central axis direction of the gas-liquid swirl chamber for discharging fluid mixed with fine bubbles generated in the gas-liquid swirl chamber, the fine bubble generator, before each Flow body pivoting is opposed to the discharge port as the angle of the virtual center lines of the indoor is 180 ± 5 degrees and the same direction turning direction of the gas-liquid swirling flow generated in each of the fluid swirling chamber to each other Are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical structure so that the liquid is introduced from the liquid introduction path and the gas introduced from the gas introduction path is rotated in the same direction around the central axis in each fluid swirl chamber. By generating a gas-liquid swirl flow, negative pressure cavities appear along the central axis, respectively, and are generated by being threaded by the gas-liquid swirl flow at the discharge port side end of the negative pressure cavities. The fluids containing fine bubbles are discharged while swirling in the same direction from the respective discharge ports to cause the fluids containing fine bubbles to collide with each other, and the discharge ports face the swirl flow. It is characterized in that it is diffused around the area .

  With such a configuration, a negative pressure hollow portion is formed in the central axis portion of the gas-liquid swirl flow generated in the gas-liquid swirl chamber included in the fine bubble generator. Such negative pressure cavities are also called vortex cavitation, and the tip of the grown vortex cavitation is shredded by the swirling flow, and flows into the liquid in the foot bath container from the discharge port as a fluid containing a large amount of fine bubbles together with the liquid. Can be discharged. At the same time, an ultrasonic wave of 28 kHz or higher is generated in a continuous band from the audible range. The ultrasonic wave generated in this way can provide a blood circulation promoting action, a sedative action, and an autonomic nerve adjusting action on the foot immersed in the liquid.

For example, for the sedation of joint pain, an ultrasonic wave with an output of about 500 mW / cm ² in the frequency band of 30 kHz to 1 MHz is effective, and 1 W / cm ² in the frequency band of 10 kHz to 1 MHz for promoting healing of the fractured part. It is said that an ultrasonic wave with a degree of output is effective. In addition, if a warmed liquid is used as the liquid in the foot bath container, a thermal effect can be obtained in addition to the various actions described above.

  Here, if an oxygen enricher is provided in a part of the gas flow path, it is possible to supply air whose oxygen concentration has been increased by the oxygen enricher to the gas-liquid swirl chamber. As a result, a large amount of fine bubbles mixed fluid containing air that is higher than the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere is discharged from the discharge port, so the oxygen concentration in the upper part of the foot bath container is caused by oxygen vaporized from the liquid in the foot bath container. Increases, and a refreshing feeling can be obtained. In addition, since a liquid having a high dissolved oxygen concentration also has an action of alleviating pain symptoms in the human body, a sedation effect can be obtained by providing an oxygen enricher in a part of the gas flow path.

  In addition, an air pump for pumping air into the gas-liquid swirl chamber may be provided in the gas flow path. With such a configuration, the resistance when the fine bubble generator is arranged in a high hydraulic pressure region or the air passes through the oxygen enricher due to the deep foot bath container is large. Even in this case, since air can be reliably supplied into the gas-liquid swirl chamber, a fluid containing fine bubbles can be discharged stably.

On the other hand, in the present invention, by arranging the plurality of fine bubble generators so that the discharge ports face each other, a mixture of fine bubbles discharged from the discharge ports of the respective fine bubble generators is provided. The ultrasonic waves generated from the fluid and the discharge port collide with each other, the bubbles having a relatively large outer diameter are mechanically destroyed, and the ultrasonic waves are generated when bubbles are broken. As a result, the ultrasonic wave combined and synthesized with the ultrasonic wave generated in the fine bubble generator described above is generated in a band state, and it is possible to deal with various symptoms having different adaptive frequencies.

Here, a plurality of the fine-bubble generator, are opposed to the discharge port so that the central axis an angle between each of the gas-liquid swirl chamber is 180 ± 5 degrees, and each of the gas-liquid swirl By arranging in a mirror-symmetrical structure so that the swirling directions of the gas-liquid swirl flow generated in the room are the same, the fluids containing the fine bubbles mixed and discharged from the discharge ports of the respective fine bubble generators face each other. Since the swirling directions coincide with each other and the central axes of the swirling flows are arranged on substantially the same straight line, the above-described action is further improved by a synergistic effect. In addition, if the angle formed by the central axes of the gas-liquid swirl chamber is out of the range of 180 ± 5 degrees, the above-described effects are significantly reduced.

  In this case, a mixing chamber communicating with the discharge port is provided between the plurality of discharge ports arranged opposite to each other, and a fluid containing fine bubbles discharged into the mixing chamber is discharged to a part of the mixing chamber. A discharge port can also be provided. With such a configuration, the fluids mixed with fine bubbles discharged from the respective discharge ports collide with each other in the mixing chamber, and after being stirred, are discharged from the discharge port into the liquid in the foot bath container. Therefore, it becomes possible to discharge a fluid containing fine bubbles toward a desired site, and a massage effect can be obtained.

  The present invention has the following effects.

(1) A foot bath container having a volume capable of accommodating a portion below at least one ankle, a fine bubble generator immersed in a liquid stored in the foot bath container, and supplying a liquid to the fine bubble generator In a foot bath device comprising a pump and a gas flow path for supplying air to the fine bubble generator, the fine bubble generator includes a cylindrical gas-liquid swirl chamber in which gas-liquid can swirl, and the gas flow path An air introduction port for introducing air into the gas-liquid swirl chamber, and a liquid pumped from the pump to flow into the gas-liquid swirl chamber to generate a gas-liquid swirl flow in the gas-liquid swirl chamber Providing a liquid introduction port and a discharge port formed at an end portion in the central axis direction of the gas-liquid swirl chamber for discharging fluid mixed with fine bubbles generated in the gas-liquid swirl chamber, thereby improving blood circulation Action, sedation, autonomic nerve adjustment Rukoto can.

(2) If an oxygen enricher is provided in a part of the gas flow path, a large amount of fluid mixed with fine bubbles containing air higher than the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere will be discharged from the discharge port. Since the dissolved oxygen concentration in the liquid and the oxygen concentration in the upper part of the foot bath container are increased, a sedative effect and a refreshing feeling can be obtained.

(3) If an air pump for pumping air into the gas-liquid swirl chamber is provided in the gas flow path, when the fine bubble generator is disposed in a region with a high hydraulic pressure, or the air is an oxygen enricher. Even when the resistance at the time of passing through is large, it is possible to reliably supply air into the gas-liquid swirl chamber, so that a fluid containing fine bubbles can be stably discharged.

(4) By arranging a plurality of the fine bubble generators so that the discharge ports face each other, fluids mixed with fine bubbles collide with each other and the destruction of the bubbles is promoted. Since it occurs in a state, it is possible to deal with various symptoms with different adaptive frequencies.

(5) A plurality of the fine bubble generators are opposed to each other so that an angle formed between the central axes of the gas-liquid swirl chambers is 180 ± 5 degrees, and is generated in the gas-liquid swirl chambers. By arranging the swirl directions of the gas-liquid swirl flow to be the same, the above-described action can be further improved.

(6) A mixing chamber that communicates with the discharge port is provided between the plurality of discharge ports arranged to face each other, and a fluid containing fine bubbles discharged into the mixing chamber is discharged to a part of the mixing chamber. If a discharge port is provided, it becomes possible to discharge the fluid mixed with fine bubbles toward a desired site, and a massage effect can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, a foot bath device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a foot bath apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a microbubble generator of the foot bath apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a microbubble generator constituting the microbubble generator shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a state of generating fine bubbles in the fine bubble generator shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a foot bath device 10 of the present embodiment includes a foot bath container 11 having a volume capable of accommodating a portion below a human ankle (hereinafter referred to as a foot F), and the foot bath container 11. A plurality of fine bubble generators 12 and 13 immersed in the hot water HW stored therein, and a pump for circulatingly supplying the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11 to the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 through the water supply pipe 18 P and gas flow paths 14a, 14b, 15 for supplying air to the fine bubble generators 12, 13 are provided. An air pump AP, an oxygen enricher 16 and an air cleaner 17 are disposed in the gas flow path 15, and a filter 19 is attached to the suction port of the water supply pipe 18.

  A cushioning material 20 is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 11a of the foot bath container 11 to improve the feel when the sole part F1 is placed. The hot water HW in the foot bath container 11 is heated on the lower surface of the bottom plate 11a. In addition, an electric heating type heater 21 for keeping the temperature is arranged. A drainage port 22 with an opening / closing lid 22 a that can be used when discharging the hot water HW in the footbath container 11 is provided in the front portion of the footbath container 11.

  The gas flow path 15 is divided into two gas flow paths 14a and 14b by a branching tool 23, and the air pump AP sucks air in the atmosphere from the air cleaner 17 and passes through the oxygen enricher 16 to enrich oxygen. The converted air is supplied to the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 via the gas flow paths 14a and 14b, respectively. Further, the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11 sucked through the filter 19 is supplied to the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 through the water supply pipe 18 and the branch pipes 18a and 18b by the action of the pump P disposed in the middle of the water supply pipe 18. To do.

  The two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing 24 a immersed in the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11, thereby forming a fine bubble generation unit 24. As will be described later, these fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged in the casing 24a with their respective discharge ports 28 facing each other on the same straight line.

Here, the structure and function of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. Incidentally, fine-bubble generator 12 and 13, as shown in FIG. 6, and form a mirror-symmetrical structure to each other while being arranged in the casing 24a, for components are the same, or less, fine bubbles The generator 12 will be described, and the fine bubble generator 13 will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the fine bubble generator 13 and the description thereof will be omitted.

  The fine bubble generator 13 includes a cylindrical gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 capable of swirling gas and liquid, an air inlet 26 for introducing air into the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 from the gas flow path 14b, and a pump P. The liquid introduction port 27 for causing the hot-water HW fed under pressure to flow into the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 to generate a gas-liquid swirl flow in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 and the mixture of fine bubbles generated in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 And a discharge port 28 formed at an end of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 in the direction of the central axis 25c for discharging fluid. Since the liquid inlet 27 is formed in the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25, the hot water HW flows into the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 along the tangential direction.

  When the pump P and the air pump AP are operated in the state shown in FIG. 2, the hot water HW sucked from the foot bath container 11 through the water supply pipe 18 is passed through the branch pipe 18b from the liquid inlet 27 to the gas-liquid swirl chamber. 25 flows into the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 along the tangential direction of the inner peripheral surface, thereby generating a swirl flow R in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 as shown in FIG. A cylindrical negative pressure cavity V appears along substantially the central axis of the swirl flow R, and one of the negative pressure cavities V is near the air inlet 26 in the partition wall 25a of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25. The other end of the negative pressure cavity V is located near the discharge port 28 in the partition wall 25b of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25, and the end of the negative pressure cavity V located near the discharge port 28 is constricted. It becomes.

  A negative pressure is also generated in the vicinity of the air inlet 26 due to the negative pressure of the negative pressure cavity V appearing in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25, so that the gas flow path 15, The air sucked from the atmosphere via 14b continuously flows from the air inlet 26 into the negative pressure cavity V in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25, and the hot water HW introduced into the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 Together with this, a swirl flow R is formed.

  The air that has flowed into the negative pressure cavity V is entrained in the swirl flow R generated in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 and discharged from the discharge port 28. At this time, the end of the negative pressure cavity V on the discharge port 28 side is threaded by the swirl flow R to become fine bubbles NB, and becomes a fluid mixed with the fine bubbles NB from the discharge port 28 together with water forming the swirl flow R. It is discharged from the discharge port 28 into the mixing chamber 29. The mixing chamber 29 is provided between the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 disposed so as to face each other, and communicates with the respective discharge ports 28.

  Thus, after the fine bubble NB mixed fluid discharged from the discharge port 28 of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 into the mixing chamber 29 circulates in the mixing chamber 29, the fluid is discharged from the discharge port 30 provided in the casing 24a. It is discharged toward the hot water HW in the container 11. By releasing the fluid mixed with the fine bubbles NB from the discharge port 30 into the hot water HW, oxygen, nitrogen or the like can be supplied and dissolved in the hot water HW accommodated in the foot bath container 11. The fluid mixed with these fine bubbles NB is inserted into the foot bath container 11 and released between the two feet F placed on the cushion material 20, and circulates in the foot bath container 11 together with the hot water HW. For this reason, hot water HW having a high dissolved concentration of oxygen or the like continues to circulate evenly throughout the foot bath container 11, thereby improving blood circulation, thermal action, sedation, and so on for the foot F immersed in the hot water HW. Autonomic nerve adjustment action can be obtained. The fluid mixed with the fine bubbles NB discharged from the discharge ports 28 of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 into the mixing chamber 29 includes bubbles having an outer diameter larger than that of the fine bubbles NB. Thus, the same massage action and hot water circulation action as the conventional foot bath apparatus (foot bath) can be obtained.

  In addition, the effects of the blood circulation promoting action, the thermal action, the sedative action, and the autonomic nerve adjusting action are not limited to the part of the foot F inserted into the hot water HW, but extend from the upper part of the foot F to the waist part. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or eliminate pains in the legs and legs such as joint pain and muscle pain. In this case, it is only necessary to insert the foot F into the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11 and operate the pump P and the air pump AP.

  On the other hand, inside the fine bubble generator 13, while introducing air from one end portion of the negative pressure cavity V appearing in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25, the fine bubble toward the extending direction of the other end portion. Release fluid mixed with NB. For this reason, this negative pressure cavity V continues to exist stably in the vicinity of the central axis 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25, and both ends thereof are also stably located in the vicinity of the air inlet 26 and the outlet 28, respectively. Therefore, the negative pressure cavity V does not come into contact with the inner wall surface of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 and cavitation erosion does not occur in the fine bubble generator 13, which is effective for improving durability.

  Further, since the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 have a simple structure in which the liquid introduction port 27, the air introduction port 26, and the discharge port 28 are opened in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25, the footbath device 10 can be easily assembled and handled. In addition, since there is no fine channel that is likely to be clogged with foreign matter that flows into the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 with hot water HW or air, regular maintenance is not necessary.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the air introduction port 26 opened in the partition wall 25 a of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 is disposed so as to protrude inward along the central axis 25 c of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25. A smoothly curved concave surface 31 is provided between the peripheral surface 25d of the swirl chamber 25 and the air inlet 26. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, air is introduced from the end of the negative pressure cavity V formed in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 on the side of the partition wall 25a, and toward the extending direction of the end on the side of the partition wall 25b. A fluid containing fine bubbles NB is discharged. Therefore, the negative pressure cavity V continues to exist stably near the central axis 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25, and both ends thereof are also stably located near the discharge port 28 and the air inlet 26.

  As described above, the air introduction port 26 is disposed so as to protrude to the inside of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 and the concave curved surface 31 is provided so that the end of the negative pressure cavity V on the air introduction port 26 side moves irregularly. Can be prevented. For this reason, cavitation erosion or the like does not occur in the partition walls 25a and 25b of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25, and excellent durability is obtained. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a preliminary swirl portion 25 p having a larger inner diameter than the other regions is provided in the region near the partition wall 25 b of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25. For this reason, the hot water HW introduced from the liquid inlet 27 can be once rectified in the preliminary swirl unit 25p and then introduced into the entire gas-liquid swirl chamber 25. As a result, the pressure fluctuation of the hot water HW introduced from the liquid introduction port 27 is buffered, and the movement of the negative pressure cavity V due to the pressure fluctuation can be prevented, thereby preventing the occurrence of cavitation erosion. it can.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the fine bubble generators 12 and 13, since the opening area of the liquid introduction port 27 is larger than the opening area of the discharge port 28, the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are fed into the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25. The outlet of the fluid mixed with the fine bubbles NB is smaller than the inlet of the hot water HW. Accordingly, the liquid pressure in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 is increased by the pressure of the hot water HW fed by the pump P, and the flow of fluid containing the fine bubbles NB discharged from the discharge port 28 is increased. After a strong circulation flow is formed inside, it is discharged from the discharge port 30. For this reason, the circulation of the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11 becomes good, the massage action on the foot immersed in the hot water HW is enhanced, and the blood circulation promoting action is also good.

  In this manner, a large amount of fluid mixed with fine bubbles NB formed by the swirl flow R generated in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 is discharged from the discharge port 28 through the discharge port 30 into the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11. Therefore, the blood circulation promoting action, the thermal action, the sedation action and the autonomic nerve adjustment action on the foot F immersed in the liquid are enhanced, and the fatigue recovery action and health promotion action superior to the conventional foot bath device can be obtained. .

  Moreover, the ultrasonic wave considered to be caused by the fluid and cavitation mixed with the fine bubble NB swirling in the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 is generated from the discharge ports 28 of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13. This could be observed in the vicinity of the discharge port 28. Therefore, it is presumed that the blood circulation enhancing action is enhanced by such an ultrasonic wave and contributes to the above-described sedation action and autonomic nerve adjustment action. Furthermore, when the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are made of a metal material such as stainless steel, ultrasonic waves are more easily transmitted when they are made of a synthetic resin material, and strong ultrasonic waves are generated near the discharge port 28. It is confirmed that there is a tendency. Therefore, if the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are formed of a synthetic resin material, the ultrasonic waves generated in the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are efficiently radiated into the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11.

  In this embodiment, since the oxygen enricher 16 is provided in the gas flow path 15, the air whose oxygen concentration is increased by passing through the oxygen enricher 16 can be supplied to the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25. it can. Therefore, a fluid containing a large amount of fine bubbles NB containing air having a higher oxygen concentration in the atmosphere is discharged from the discharge port 28 into the hot water HW via the discharge port 30. For this reason, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11 and the oxygen concentration in the upper part of the foot bath container 11 are increased, and a sedative action and a refreshing feeling can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, as the oxygen enricher 16, a device incorporating a plurality of oxygen enriched films 16a formed of an organic polymer compound is used. Since the passing speed of nitrogen molecules passing through the oxygen-enriched film 16a is slower than the passing speed of oxygen, the air sucked from the atmosphere passes through the oxygen-enriched film 16a, so that the oxygen content is higher than that of the atmosphere. A high proportion of air is formed. Generally, the ratio of oxygen to nitrogen in the air in the atmosphere is about 21% oxygen and about 79% nitrogen, but in the air after passing through the oxygen enricher 16, the oxygen is about 30% and the nitrogen is about 70%. Thus, the oxygen content is increased.

  In addition, since the air flow path AP is provided in the gas flow path 15 to pump the air into the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25, the fine bubble generating part 24 is placed in a region where the water pressure is high because the foot bath container 11 is deep. Even in the case where it is arranged, or when the resistance when air passes through the oxygen enricher 16 is large, the air can be reliably supplied into the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25. For this reason, the fluid mixed with the fine bubbles NB can be stably discharged into the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11.

  On the other hand, the plurality of fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged such that the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 are on the same straight line and the discharge ports 28 face each other. Therefore, the ultrasonic waves generated near the respective discharge ports 28 and from the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 overlap with the ultrasonic waves generated by the collision of the fine bubbles NB and the fluid (hot water HW) to break the bubbles, It becomes a band-shaped ultrasonic wave with a wide frequency band, and is irradiated to the foot F immersed in the hot water HW. Thereby, with respect to the foot F immersed in the hot water HW, an excellent blood circulation promoting action, a thermal effect, a sedative action, and an autonomic nerve adjusting action can be obtained.

  In addition, a mixing chamber 29 communicating with the discharge ports 28 is provided between the plurality of discharge ports 28 arranged to face each other, and a part of the mixing chamber 29 is mixed with the fine bubbles NB discharged into the mixing chamber 29. A discharge port 30 for discharging the fluid to the outside is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to release a fluid (hot water HW) mixed with fine bubbles NB toward a desired site, and thereby an excellent massage effect can be obtained. Therefore, a blood circulation promoting action, a thermal effect, a sedative action, and an autonomic nerve The adjusting action can be further improved.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the angle formed between the central axes 25 c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 of the plurality of fine bubble generators 12 and 13 is 180 degrees, and The branch pipes 18a and 18b are piped so that the swirling directions of the swirling flow R generated in the gas-liquid swirling chambers 25 of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are the same. That is, the central axes 25c are positioned on the same straight line, and the swirling directions of the swirling flows R generated in the respective gas-liquid swirling chambers 25 are configured to coincide with each other. Therefore, as can be seen from the verification results described later, the most excellent pain reduction effect can be obtained.

  There are many unclear points about the reason why the most excellent pain reduction effect can be obtained by such an arrangement, but the fine particles discharged from the discharge ports 28 of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are opposed to each other. Since the swirling directions of the fluids mixed with the bubbles NB coincide with each other and the central axes 25c, which are also the central axes of the swirling flow R, are aligned on the same straight line, it is predicted that the above-described action may be further improved by a synergistic effect. Is done.

  Furthermore, in the foot bath apparatus 10 of this embodiment, since the electrothermal heater 21 is disposed on the lower surface of the bottom plate 11a of the foot bath container 11, the temperature of the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11 is maintained at a preset constant temperature. be able to. Therefore, even when the foot bath device 10 is used for a long time, the temperature of the hot water HW does not decrease. In addition, since the liquid accommodated in the foot bath container 11 is not limited to the hot water HW, water or other liquids can be accommodated and used for the foot bath.

  In addition, since the shape of the foot bath container 11 is not specifically limited, it can be made deeper or wider depending on the use conditions. In the present embodiment, the fine bubble generator 24 is arranged in such a posture that the central axis 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 is in a horizontal state. Since it is not limited, the fine bubble generating part 24 can be arranged so that the central axis 25c is in a vertical state or an oblique state according to the shape of the foot bath container 11 or the user's desire. Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrates the usage which immerses the foot F in the hot water HW in the footbath container 11, since the usage of the footbath apparatus 10 is not limited to this, the hot water HW in the footbath container 11 is used. It is possible to immerse and use the hand, and even in that case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Here, since 23 subjects (A to W) who have various pain symptoms in the lower limbs or upper limbs have verified the change in pain when the foot bath device 10 of the present embodiment is actually used, A result is demonstrated based on Table 1. FIG. In the foot bath device 10, as described above, the plurality of fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged to face each other so that the angle between the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 forms 180 degrees. The branch pipes 18a and 18b are piped so that the swirling directions of the swirling flow R generated in the gas-liquid swirling chambers 25 of the plurality of fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are the same. That is, the central axes 25c are positioned on the same straight line, and the swirl directions of the swirl flows R generated in the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 are configured to coincide with each other.

  Each subject (A to W) puts a foot or hand with pain symptoms for a certain time (25 minutes) in the hot water HW accommodated in the foot bath container 11 of the foot bath device 10 in which the fine bubble generating unit 24 is in an operating state. Immerse. And, when the degree of pain of each person before immersion is 10, the degree of pain of each person after immersion for 25 minutes is expressed as any one of 1 to 10, as shown in Table 1. Results were obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a counterclockwise swirl flow R is generated in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 of the fine bubble generator 12 constituting the foot bath device 10, and the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 of the fine bubble generator 13 is generated. Produces a clockwise swirl flow R. As can be seen from Table 1, each person's pain symptoms are lightened by immersing their feet or hands in the hot water HW in the foot bath container 11 of the foot bath device 10 for a certain period of time according to the symptoms of each person. The average of “change in pain” yielded a result of “10 → 4.26”. Thus, it has been found that if the foot bath device 10 is used, pain symptoms of the feet and hands can be greatly reduced. The expressions “clockwise” and “counterclockwise” are clockwise clockwise and counterclockwise counterclockwise with reference to the state in which each discharge port 28 is viewed from the inside of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13. (Hereafter, the same is expressed.)

  Next, in order to compare with the foot bath device 10 provided with two fine bubble generators 12 and 13, a foot bath device having a structure in which only one fine bubble generator 12 is arranged in the hot water HW in the foot bath container (FIG. (Not shown) was also verified under the same conditions. That is, a foot bath device having a structure in which 23 subjects (A to W) who have various pain symptoms in their feet and hands immersed only the fine bubble generator 12 in the hot water HW in the foot bath container under the same conditions as described above (see FIG. (Not shown) was used to examine the change in pain at that time. In this case, a counterclockwise swirl flow R is generated in the gas-liquid swirl chamber 25 of the fine bubble generator 12. And when the degree of pain of each person before immersion is 10, the degree of pain of each person after being immersed in the hot water in the foot bath container of the foot bath device for 25 minutes is any one of 1-10 When expressed numerically, the results shown in Table 2 were obtained.

  Looking at Table 2, by immersing the foot or hand for a certain period of time in the hot water in the foot bath container of the foot bath device having a structure in which only one fine bubble generator 12 is disposed, It can be seen that the pain symptoms of each person are slightly reduced except for K and R. However, the average change in pain was “10 → 6.09”, and the change in pain was smaller than that of the foot bath device 10. As a result, the foot bath device 10 in which the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are opposed to each other reduces the foot and hand pain symptoms than the foot bath device in which only one fine bubble generator 12 is arranged. It turned out to be highly effective.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, the other reference example regarding the fine bubble generation | occurrence | production part which comprises a foot bath apparatus is demonstrated. 8 and 9 are perspective views showing other reference examples related to the fine bubble generating unit.

  In the fine bubble generating unit 40 shown in FIG. 8, the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged so that the discharge ports 28a and 28b face the same direction and the central axes (see FIG. 6) are parallel to each other. In addition, the branch pipes 18a and 18b are arranged in the casing 40a in such a state that both the branch pipes 18a and 18b are located between the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13.

If the fine bubble generating part 40 having such a structure is arranged in place of the fine bubble generating part 24 of the foot bath device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to form the foot bath device, the discharge port 28a of the fine bubble generator 12 is formed. The fluid containing fine bubbles NB is discharged while turning counterclockwise, and the fluid containing fine bubbles NB is discharged while turning clockwise from the discharge port 28b of the fine bubble generator 13. Thus, with respect to hot water footbath vessel, it is possible to supply two types of fine bubbles NB-mixed fluid are different from each other of the turning direction.

  On the other hand, in the fine bubble generator 50 shown in FIG. 9, the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged so that the discharge ports 28a and 28b face the same direction and the central axes (see FIG. 6) are parallel to each other. And the branch pipes 18a and 18b are arranged in the casing 50a in such a state that both the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are located on the outside.

If the fine bubble generating part 50 having such a structure is arranged in place of the fine bubble generating part 24 of the foot bath device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to form the foot bath device, the discharge port 28b of the fine bubble generator 13 is formed. The fluid containing fine bubbles NB is discharged while turning clockwise, and the fluid containing fine bubbles NB is discharged while turning counterclockwise from the discharge port 28a of the fine bubble generator 12. Thus, with respect to hot water footbath vessel that Do it is possible to supply two types of fine bubbles NB-mixed fluid are different from each other of the turning direction.

  In the fine bubble generators 40 and 50 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fine bubble generator 12 is provided by providing a switching valve (not shown) at the connecting portion between the water supply pipe 18 and the branch pipes 18 a and 18 b. , 13 can be configured such that hot water can be supplied to both of them, or hot water can be supplied to only one of them.

Next, referring to FIG. 10 to FIG. 18, pain in 10 subjects (A to J) having various pain symptoms in the lower limbs when the arrangement form of the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 is changed. Explain the difference in symptom reduction effect. 10 to 18 are plan views showing other reference examples regarding the arrangement relationship between the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13, respectively. The fine bubble generators 12 and 13 shown in these drawings are shown in FIG. It has the same structure as the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 shown in FIGS.

  Each subject (A to J) has hot water in a foot bath container of each foot bath apparatus (not shown) in which two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 arranged as shown in FIGS. The foot or hand with pain symptoms is immersed for a certain period of time (25 minutes). And when the degree of pain of each person before immersion is 10, when the degree of pain of each person after 25 minutes of immersion is expressed by any numerical value of 1 to 10, Table 3 to Table 11 The results shown were obtained.

In the reference example shown in FIG. 10, two fine bubble generators 12 are arranged so that the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are parallel to each other, and two fine bubbles are generated. From the discharge port 28 of the generator 12, the fluid mixed with the fine bubbles NB is discharged while turning counterclockwise. When the subject (AJ) used the footbath apparatus provided with such an arrangement, the effect of reducing pain symptoms was examined, and the results shown in Table 3 were obtained. Looking at Table 3, the “average pain change” is “10 → 6.45”, and the pain symptoms of each person are reduced by using the foot bath device in the arrangement form shown in FIG. It turns out that it does not reach the pain reduction effect at the time of using the foot bath apparatus 10 shown in FIGS.

Next, in the reference example shown in FIG. 11, two fine bubble generators 12 are arranged so that the central axes 25 c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are orthogonal to each other. From the discharge port 28 of the fine bubble generator 12, the fluid mixed with the fine bubbles NB is discharged while turning counterclockwise. When the subject (AJ) used the footbath apparatus provided with such an arrangement form to examine the pain symptom reduction effect, the results shown in Table 4 were obtained. As shown in Table 4, the “average pain change” is “10 → 6.35”, and the pain symptoms of each person are reduced by using the foot bath device in the arrangement form shown in FIG. 11 as described above. However, it turns out that it is low compared with the pain reduction effect at the time of using the footbath apparatus 10 shown in FIGS.

Next, in the reference example shown in FIG. 12, the two fine bubble generators 12 are arranged so that the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) form 180 degrees with each other, that is, Arranged so as to be located on the same straight line, the fluid mixed with the fine bubbles NB is discharged from the discharge ports 28 of the two fine bubble generators 12 while turning counterclockwise. When the subject (AJ) used the footbath apparatus provided with such an arrangement, the effect of reducing pain symptoms was examined, and the results shown in Table 5 were obtained. As shown in Table 5, the “average pain change” is “10 → 6.5”, and the pain symptoms of each person are reduced by using the footbath device in the arrangement form shown in FIG. The results were lower than the pain-reducing effect when the foot bath device 10 shown in FIGS. In the case of this reference example , the two fine bubble generators 12 are arranged so that the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIG. 6) form 180 degrees with each other. Since the swirl directions of the swirl flow R in 12 (see FIG. 7) do not match, it is presumed that a sufficient pain reduction effect cannot be obtained.

Next, in the reference example shown in FIG. 13, two fine bubble generators 13 are arranged such that the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are parallel to each other. From the discharge ports 28 of the two fine bubble generators 13, the fluid mixed with the fine bubbles NB is discharged while turning clockwise. When the subject (AJ) used the footbath apparatus provided with such an arrangement form to examine the pain symptom reduction effect, the results shown in Table 6 were obtained. Looking at Table 6, the “average pain change” is “10 → 6.4”, and by using the foot bath device in the arrangement form shown in FIG. After all, it turns out that it does not reach the pain alleviation effect at the time of using foot bath device 10 shown in Drawing 1-Drawing 7.

Next, in the reference example shown in FIG. 14, two fine bubble generators 13 are arranged such that the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are orthogonal to each other. From the discharge port 28 of the fine bubble generator 13, the fluid mixed with the fine bubble NB is discharged while turning clockwise. When the subject (AJ) used the foot bath device provided with such an arrangement, the effect of reducing pain symptoms was examined, and the results shown in Table 7 were obtained. Looking at Table 7, the “average pain change” is “10 → 6.45”, and by using the foot bath device in the arrangement form shown in FIG. It turns out that the pain reduction effect at the time of using the footbath apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7 is not reached.

Next, in the reference example shown in FIG. 15, the two fine bubble generators 13 are arranged so that the central axes 25 c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) form 180 degrees with each other, that is, Arranged so as to be on the same straight line, the fluid mixed with the fine bubbles NB is discharged from the discharge ports 28 of the two fine bubble generators 13 while turning clockwise. When the subject (AJ) used the foot bath device provided with such an arrangement form to examine the pain symptom reduction effect, the results shown in Table 8 were obtained. Looking at Table 8, the “average pain change” is “10 → 6.4”, and by using the foot bath device in the arrangement form shown in FIG. It turns out that it does not reach the pain reduction effect at the time of using the footbath apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. In the case of this reference example , the fine bubble generators 13 are arranged so that the central axes 25c of the respective gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIG. 6) form 180 degrees with each other, but the same as the reference example shown in FIG. Since the swirl directions of the swirl flow R (see FIG. 7) in the two fine bubble generators 13 do not match, it is presumed that a sufficient pain reduction effect cannot be obtained.

Next, in the reference example shown in FIG. 16, the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged such that the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are parallel to each other. Has been. As shown in FIG. 8, the fluid mixed with the fine bubble NB is discharged from the discharge port 28 of the fine bubble generator 12 while turning counterclockwise, and mixed with the fine bubble NB from the discharge port 28 of the fine bubble generator 13. The fluid is discharged while turning clockwise. When the subject (AJ) used the foot bath device having such an arrangement form to examine the pain symptom reduction effect, the results shown in Table 9 were obtained. Looking at Table 9, the “average pain change” is “10 → 6.8”, and the pain symptoms of each person are reduced by using the foot bath device in the arrangement form shown in FIG. It turns out that it does not reach the pain reduction effect at the time of using the foot bath apparatus 10 shown in FIGS.

Next, in the reference example shown in FIG. 17, the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged so that the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are orthogonal to each other. ing. From the discharge port 28 of the fine bubble generator 12, the fluid mixed with the fine bubble NB is discharged while turning counterclockwise, and from the discharge port 28 of the fine bubble generator 13, the fluid containing the fine bubble NB is turned clockwise. It is discharged while. When the subject (AJ) used the foot bath device having such an arrangement form to examine the pain symptom reduction effect, the results shown in Table 10 were obtained. Looking at Table 10, the “average pain change” is “10 → 6.25”, and the pain symptoms of each person are reduced by using the foot bath device in the arrangement form shown in FIG. It turns out that it does not reach the pain reduction effect at the time of using the foot bath apparatus 10 shown in FIGS.

Finally, in the reference example shown in FIG. 18, the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged such that the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) form an angle of 170 degrees with each other. Is arranged. From the discharge port 28 of the fine bubble generator 12, the fluid mixed with the fine bubble NB is discharged while turning counterclockwise, and from the discharge port 28 of the fine bubble generator 13, the fluid containing the fine bubble NB is turned clockwise. It is discharged while. When the subject (AJ) used the foot bath apparatus having such an arrangement form to examine the pain symptom reduction effect, the results shown in Table 11 were obtained. Looking at Table 11, the “average pain change” is “10 → 6.4”, and by using the footbath device in the arrangement form shown in FIG. Similar to the embodiment described above, it can be seen that the footbath device 10 shown in FIGS.

In the case of this reference example , the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged so that the central axes 25c of the respective gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIG. 6) form an angle of 170 degrees with each other. Despite being closest to the arrangement form of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 in the foot bath device 10 shown in FIG. 7, the pain alleviating effect was significantly lower than that of the foot bath device 10. Judging from such a result, the two fine bubble generators 12 and 13 are arranged so that the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIG. 6) form 180 degrees with each other, that is, on the same straight line. It was found that the best pain reduction effect can be obtained when the swirl directions of the swirl flow R in the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 coincide with each other.

  The pain reducing effect similar to that of the foot bath device 10 is obtained because the angle formed between the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIG. 6) of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 is 180 ± 5 degrees. The pain alleviating effect is reduced to the extent shown in Table 11 when it is out of this range. Accordingly, the angle formed by the central axes 25c of the gas-liquid swirl chambers 25 (see FIG. 6) of the fine bubble generators 12 and 13 is preferably within a range of 180 ± 5 degrees, and particularly 180 degrees is optimal. At this time, the most excellent pain reduction effect is obtained.

  The foot bath device of the present invention can be widely used as a means for obtaining a blood circulation promoting action, a sedative action, and an autonomic nerve adjusting action.

It is a top view which shows the structure of the foot bath apparatus which is embodiment of this invention. It is the sectional view on the AA line in FIG. It is a front view of the fine bubble generator which comprises the footbath apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the microbubble generator which comprises the microbubble generator shown in FIG. It is CC sectional view taken on the line in FIG. It is the BB sectional view taken on the line in FIG. It is a figure which shows the fine bubble generation | occurrence | production state in the fine bubble generator shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the other reference example regarding a microbubble generation | occurrence | production part. It is a perspective view which shows the other reference example regarding a microbubble generation | occurrence | production part. It is a top view which shows the other reference example regarding arrangement | positioning of two fine bubble generators. It is a top view which shows the other reference example regarding arrangement | positioning of two fine bubble generators. It is a top view which shows the other reference example regarding arrangement | positioning of two fine bubble generators. It is a top view which shows the other reference example regarding arrangement | positioning of two fine bubble generators. It is a top view which shows the other reference example regarding arrangement | positioning of two fine bubble generators. It is a top view which shows the other reference example regarding arrangement | positioning of two fine bubble generators. It is a top view which shows the other reference example regarding arrangement | positioning of two fine bubble generators. It is a top view which shows the other reference example regarding arrangement | positioning of two fine bubble generators. It is a top view which shows the other reference example regarding arrangement | positioning of two fine bubble generators.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Foot bath apparatus 11 Foot bath container 11a Bottom plate 12, 13 Fine bubble generator 14a, 14b, 15 Gas flow path 16 Oxygen enricher 16a Oxygen enriched film 17 Air cleaner 18 Water supply pipe 18a, 18b Branch pipe 19 Filter 20 Cushion material 21 Electric heat Type heater 22 Drain port 22a Open / close lid 23 Branching device 24, 40, 50 Fine bubble generating unit 24a, 40a, 50a Casing 25 Gas-liquid swirl chamber 25a, 25b Partition wall 25c Central shaft 25d Peripheral surface 25p Preliminary swivel unit 26 Air inlet 27 Liquid introduction port 28, 28a, 28b Discharge port 29 Mixing chamber 30 Discharge port 31 Concave surface F Foot F1 Foot sole part HW Hot water P Pump AP Air pump R Swirling flow V Negative pressure cavity NB Fine bubble

Claims (4)

A foot bath container having a volume capable of accommodating a portion below at least one ankle, a fine bubble generator immersed in a liquid stored in the foot bath container, and a pump for supplying liquid to the fine bubble generator; In the foot bath device including a gas flow path for supplying air to the fine bubble generator, the fine bubble generator includes a cylindrical gas-liquid swirl chamber capable of swirling gas and liquid, and the gas flow path from the gas flow path. An air inlet for introducing air into the liquid swirl chamber, and a liquid inlet for causing the liquid pumped from the pump to flow into the gas-liquid swirl chamber and generating a gas-liquid swirl flow in the gas-liquid swirl chamber And a discharge port formed at an end in the central axis direction of the gas-liquid swirl chamber for discharging the fluid mixed with the fine bubbles generated in the gas-liquid swirl chamber, and a plurality of the fine bubble generators , each of the previous Symbol flow body turning center of the room It is opposed to the discharge port so that the angle is 180 ± 5 degrees of each other and, mirror-symmetrical construction as the turning direction of the gas-liquid swirling flow generated in each of the fluid swirling chamber becomes the same direction And generating a gas-liquid swirl flow that rotates in the same direction around the central axis in each fluid swirl chamber by the liquid introduced from the liquid introduction path and the gas introduced from the gas introduction path. By causing each of the negative pressure cavities to appear along the central axis, the fluids mixed with fine bubbles generated by being twisted by the gas-liquid swirling flow at the discharge port side end of the negative pressure cavities are respectively provided. The fluids mixed with the fine bubbles are caused to collide with each other by swirling in the same direction from the discharge port, and the swirl flow is diffused around the region where the discharge port is opposed. A foot bath device characterized by that.   The footbath device according to claim 1, wherein an oxygen enricher is provided in a part of the gas flow path.   The footbath apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an air pump for pumping air into the gas-liquid swirl chamber is provided in the gas flow path.   A mixing chamber that communicates with a plurality of the discharge ports is provided between the discharge ports that are arranged to face each other, and a discharge port that discharges fluid mixed with fine bubbles discharged into the mixing chamber to the outside in a part of the mixing chamber. The foot bath apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images