KR100367292B1 - Automatic Foot Washing Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Users can automatically wash their feet while sitting in a comfortable position, prevent the outflow of wash water during the washing process, and provide an automatic footwasher with high foot massage effect.

The inner side and the bottom side of the automatic washing machine are provided with a plurality of injection means. Through the plurality of injection means, the washing water is supplied by the washing water supply means, or compressed air for drying the feet of the user by the drying means. The upper panel of the container is provided with an upper panel formed with two cutouts, and each of the two cutouts of the upper panel is provided with opening and closing means for opening and closing the cutout, the opening and closing means is provided by a motor. The bottom of the container is provided with a plurality of foot rests and a discharge means for discharging the waste washing water accumulated in the lower portion of the container. In a preferred embodiment, between the plurality of foot rests and the anterior medial side, a toe insertion means is arranged in the transverse direction, so that the space between each toe of the user can be made during foot washing or massage. The toe inserting means includes a plurality of bars arranged in a vertical direction and having elasticity.

Description

Automatic Foot Washer {Automatic Foot Washing Apparatus}

The present invention relates to a trigeminal, and more particularly to a device that can automatically wash and massage the feet.

In general, when the foot is washed, put the foot on the washbasin and rub the foot by hand, or while bending the waist, put water in a container such as a basin or wash with a shower. According to such a washing method, not only the posture is uncomfortable, but in some cases, there is a concern that the spine may be damaged due to the waist being applied. If you're tired, especially when you're trying to wash your feet, washing your feet can be quite burdensome. On the other hand, when the foot is put on the wash basin and the foot is cleaned, the wash basin may be damaged by the load of the placed foot.

In order to alleviate this inconvenience, various types of basin or foot washing showers have been proposed. For example, the specification of Korean Utility Model Registration No. 130896 (designated name: left toilet with a triangular device) filed on April 15, 1996 and published on September 10, 1998 and registered on September 10, 1998. And the tridents attached to the left toilet bowl are shown and shown. In addition, registered utility model No. 153960, filed on January 24, 1997 (published number: 1997-1971) and registered on May 13, 1999 (designated name: wash basin for toilet seated on bidet) Similar devices are described and illustrated in the specification and drawings. However, the devices are merely containers for foot washing only (or washing and washing only), and the device does not have the function of automatically washing the feet.

Published Utility Model No. 1998-60852 (designated name: Foot Wash Shower), filed on November 5, 1998, discloses a device for automatically washing feet. The device is equipped with an automatically rotating cylindrical brush and a washing water discharge faucet that discharges the washing water, so that the user can wash the feet and remove foreign substances on the soles by rotating the brush while the user puts his feet on the brush. It is supposed to be. However, since such a device is provided with only one shower head and a washing water discharge faucet, it is difficult to wash the feet sufficiently cleanly, and there is a problem in that water or washing water can splash on a user's clothes and the like.

Meanwhile, US Patent No. 4,485,503 (named Automatic Defibrillator), issued to Walter Rolando et al. On December 4, 1984, is capable of automatically washing feet while preventing water or wash water from leaking outside. The device is open. In this apparatus, a plurality of nozzles for injecting water or washing water are provided in a main body chamber assembled in a modular manner, and the upper plate can be rotated by a hinge to cover the upper chamber around the user's legs. When washing, the washing water is prevented from leaking to the outside. However, since each person's foot thickness is different, it is very difficult to make the indentation of the top board suitable for everyone. Therefore, according to this apparatus, it is difficult to use for a person with a thick leg and a small amount of washing water may leak to the outside for a person with a thin leg. In addition, since the plurality of nozzles are arranged regularly without considering the jugular vein of the sole, it can be seen that it is difficult to maximize the massage effect.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, the user can automatically wash the foot in a sitting position in a comfortable posture, to prevent the outflow of the wash water during the washing process and to provide an automatic footwasher with high foot massage effect Let it be technical problem.

1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an automatic tripod according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a partial cutaway perspective view showing the internal structure of the automatic defibrillator of Figure 1 with the sliding door open.

3 is a perspective view showing in more detail the toe insert shown in FIG.

4 is a view showing an example of the nozzle arrangement on the bottom of the basin.

5 is a view showing an example of an operation panel for operating the operation of the bowl.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the triangular group shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the shutter assembly control unit shown in FIG. 6. FIG.

8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a state of use of the triangular group shown in FIG.

9 is a front and rear cross-sectional view showing a state of use of the triangular group shown in FIG.

** Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings **

12a, 12b: sliding door 14: operation panel

16: power cable 18: water connection hose

20: drain hose 22: rubber support

30: upper panel 32: incision

34: Shutter assembly 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b: foot rest

40: toe insertion part 50: 52: nozzle

In order to achieve the above technical problem, a plurality of injection means are provided on the inner side and the bottom of the automatic triad. Through the plurality of injection means, the washing water is supplied by the washing water supply means, or compressed air for drying the feet of the user by the drying means. The upper panel of the container is provided with an upper panel formed with two cutouts, and each of the two cutouts of the upper panel is provided with opening and closing means for opening and closing the cutout, the opening and closing means is provided by a motor. The bottom of the container is provided with a plurality of foot rests and a discharge means for discharging the waste washing water accumulated in the lower portion of the container.

In a preferred embodiment, between the plurality of foot rests and the anterior medial side, a toe insertion means is arranged in the transverse direction, so that the space between each toe of the user can be made during foot washing or massage. The toe inserting means may include a plurality of rods arranged in a vertical direction and having elasticity, and each toe may be inserted between successive rods among the plurality of rods.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment, it further comprises a heating means for heating the washing water to heat the temperature of the washing water sprayed into the container. In addition, it is preferable to additionally install a sliding door that protects the opening and closing means from above and to the upper side of the upper panel.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an automatic defibrillator according to the present invention. The illustrated automatic basin (hereinafter, simply referred to as "basin") is suitable for use in a bathroom of a general household and the like, and is in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped form. The upper part of the basin is provided with sliding doors 12a and 12b which are opened and closed from side to side to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside when not in use, and an operation panel 14 for operating the operation. On the rear of the basin, a power cable 16 for supplying electric power and a water connection hose 18 for supplying washing water are connected to the rear. In addition, the rear or one side of the washing machine is provided with a drain hose 20 for discharging the internal waste washing water to the outside. On the other hand, the four corners of the bottom of the basin is provided with a rubber support 22 so that the basin can be firmly seated and supported without slipping from the floor.

FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the trigeminal group shown in FIG. 1. In the upper side of the basin, the upper panel 30 is provided below the sliding doors 12a and 12b in parallel with the bottom surface. The upper panel 30 is formed with two incisions 32 having a size sufficient to allow the user to fit the foot. The lower side of each cutout 32 is attached to the shutter assembly 34 that can be in close contact with the user's leg in the user's foot. Each shutter assembly 34 includes three to five shutter plates of metal or plastic material, which are driven by a motor. The shape and driving principle of each shutter plate is similar to that used in a camera, etc., and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted since it can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. In a preferred embodiment, only one motor is used to drive the two shutter assemblies 34.

The space below the upper panel 30 functions as a container for foot washing. Meanwhile, four pedestals 36a, 36b, 38a, and 38b supporting the user's foot from below are installed at the bottom of the main body. The pedestals 36a, 36b, 38a, and 38b are formed in one pair in front and rear for each of the right and left feet. The rear pedestals 36a and 38a are positioned so that they can approximately support the heel, and the front pedestals 36b and 38b are positioned so that the plantar roots touch.

In front of the front pedestals (36a, 38a) for each of the right foot and the left foot is provided with a toe insert 40 that allows the user to insert the toes during the foot wash to wash the open toe. 3 shows the toe insert 40 shown in FIG. 2 in more detail. The toe insert 40 includes an upper support 42 and a lower support 44 and a plurality of vertical members 46 installed between the upper support 42 and the lower support 44. Each vertical member is made of a flexible, soft plastic material and has a thickness of approximately 3 to 5 millimeters. When inserting the toes, one vertical member 46 may be inserted between each toe when the toes or the toes are narrow, but two or more vertical members 46 may be inserted between each toe when the toes or the toes are wide. It may be fitted. On the other hand, in such a toe insertion portion 40, both ends of the upper support 42 and the lower support 44 are bent to face forward, so that the user can be detached so as to clean at any time.

Inside the basin, wash water (in the following description, the term 'wash water' is used generically to mean water in which a large amount of water or detergent is dissolved) or a plurality of nozzles 50 for spraying compressed air to a user's foot (50). 52). Some of these nozzles are arranged on the bottom of the basin, and others are located on the inner side of the front, rear or both sides. In particular, the nozzles 50 arranged on the bottom surface, as shown in Figure 4, the front pedestals (36b, 38b) and the toe insertion portion to stimulate the meridians and acupuncture points disposed on the soles of the human body when washing the foot It is intensively disposed between the 40 and between the front pedestals 36b and 38b and the rear pedestals 36a and 38a. On the other hand, the nozzles 52 disposed on the inner surface are arranged to maximize the cleaning effect regardless of the size of the foot or the position inside the basin.

Each nozzle (50, 52) is connected to the water supply pipe and the air supply pipe, the washing water or compressed air is selectively sprayed on the foot according to the washing step. The water supply pipe is connected to an external water connection hose 18 through a water pump and a heater, and the air supply pipe is connected to a fan (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the water supply line and the air supply pipe are directly connected to the nozzle, and only one of the washing water or the compressed air is supplied to the nozzle through the control of the water supply pump and the heater as described below. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, only one tube may be connected to each nozzle 50 or 52, and a water supply line and a supply pipe may be substantially connected to the nozzle through separate valves.

The nozzles 50 and 52 are only exposed to the inlet from the basin bottom or the inner surface, and the body, the water supply pipe and the air supply pipe are embedded in the bottom or the inner surface. In order to have such a configuration, during the production of the basin, the nozzles 50 and 52 and the water supply pipes and the air supply pipes are disposed, and the surroundings of the nozzles and the water supply pipes and the air supply pipes are filled with fiber reinforced plastic (FRP). The pedestals 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b may also be molded of such FRP. On the other hand, the bottom of the basin is provided with a drain, which is connected to the drain hose 20 through the waste water drain pump.

5 specifically shows an operation panel 14 for manipulating the operation of the triad. The operation panel 14 includes an on / off button 60, a function display unit 62, a function selection button 64, a shutter release button 66, a triangular step display unit 68, a step selection button 70, and a start / exit button. It includes a pause button 72, a temperature display portion 74, a temperature increase button 76 and a temperature decrease button 78. On the other hand, beside the operation panel 14, a detergent inlet 79 for injecting a particulate or liquid detergent is provided.

The function display unit 62 displays a function selected by the user. The function selection button 64 is used to select the function of the basin, such as the basin or drying. Each time the function selection button 64 is pressed, the function of the triad is switched to another one, and the converted function is displayed on the function display unit 62. The shutter release button 66 is for intentionally opening the shutter 34 during the use of the basin. For example, while the foot is dried or massaged by compressed air after the washing is completed, the user can maintain a comfortable posture by increasing the degree of freedom of the foot or leg by keeping the shutter 34 open. The shutter release button 66 is used for this purpose.

Foot step display unit 68 displays the current foot washing step. The foot washing step may include, for example, a blind wash step, a detergent use step, and a rinse step. The user may skip some of these steps by operating the step selection button 70 and start cleaning from a particular step. The start / pause button 72 is used to start an operation for the first time after turning on the triad, and then select a function or the like or to pause the triad. The temperature display portion 74 also displays the temperature of the wash water, and the temperature increase button 76 and the temperature decrease button 78 are used to increase or decrease the temperature of the wash water, respectively. On the other hand, although not shown, in another embodiment of the present invention, a timer for setting the execution time of each step for washing, drying or massage may be included.

FIG. 6 shows the electrical configuration of the triangular group shown in FIG. 1. The microcontroller 80 controls the overall function and operation of the triad. The first memory 82 stores program code for driving the microcontroller 80 and is implemented using a ROM, an EEPROM, or a flash memory. The second memory 84 stores data generated during the operation of the tricycle, and is implemented using a RAM. The user interface 86 functions as an interface between the microcontroller 80 and the respective displays 62, 68, 74 and buttons 60, 64, 66, 70, 72, 76, 78 on the operation panel 14. Next, the user's operation command input through the buttons is transmitted to the microcontroller 80 and display data from the microcontroller 80 is transferred to each display unit.

The shutter assembly controller 90 controls the opening and closing operation of the shutter assembly under the control of the microcontroller 80. The feed water pump 92 pressurizes the washing water to supply the nozzles 50 and 52 through the water supply pipe, and the detergent inlet valve 94 is administered through the detergent inlet 79 so that the detergent loaded in the basin is microcontroller. Under the control of 80, it is selectively supplied to the water supply pipe. The fan 96 generates compressed air and supplies it to the nozzles 50 and 52 through the air supply pipe. The drain pump 98 draws in the waste washing water generated in the foot washing process through the outlet and discharges it outward through the drain hose (20 in FIG. 1). On the other hand, the drive interface 88 performs an interface function with the shutter assembly control unit 90, the feed water pump 92, the detergent injection valve 94, the fan 96 and the drain pump 98.

7 shows the shutter assembly control unit 90 in more detail. The motor driver 92 receives a control command of the microcontroller 80 through the drive interface 88 and drives the motor 92 in response. The position detector 96 detects the rotational state of the motor 92, and the differentiator 98 detects the rotational speed of the motor 92 by receiving and differentiating the output data of the position detector 96. The motor driver 92 changes the motor driving signal based on the position data and the speed data of the motor output from the position detector 96 and the differentiator 98, respectively.

That is, when a command to close the shutter assembly 34 is received from the microcontroller 80, the motor driver 92 drives the motor to move each shutter plate. When the shutter plate continues to move and hits the user's leg, the rotational speed of the motor drops instantaneously, and the differentiator 98 detects such a speed change. Accordingly, the motor driver 92 rotates the motor by a predetermined amount and then stops the motor so that the shutter assembly 34 does not excessively press the user's leg. On the other hand, even when a command to open the shutter assembly 34 is received from the microcontroller 80, the motor driving unit 92 stops driving the motor when each shutter plate reaches an appropriate position to stop the motor and the shutter assembly. Will be protected.

Next, operation | movement of the tricycle group by this invention is demonstrated.

The washing machine of the present invention is suitable for use in the bathroom, but is not limited thereto and may be used in other places as long as water supply and drainage are possible. In the case of a foot wash or foot massage, the user first properly installs the power cable 16, the water connection hose 18, and the drain hose 20 of the basin. Then, in the state sitting on the toilet seat, chair, etc. of the toilet, the user's foot is inserted through the cutout portion 32 of the upper panel 30 after the sliding doors 12a and 12b are opened. Then, the operation panel 14 is operated to set a function, a washing time, and the like. Here, the user may perform a foot massage by performing only a drying step by compressed air, or perform a foot wash. In the case of foot washing, after washing with detergent-containing wash water, it may be rinsed with clear water or simply washed with clear water from the beginning. After this foot washing step, the foot can be dried by compressed air.

After completing the function selection and cleaning step setting, pressing the start button causes the shutter assembly 34 to be driven to surround the shutter plates. Accordingly, the washing water is hardly leaked through the incision 32 in the foot washing process. On the other hand, it is preferable to maintain the state inserted into the toe insert 40 during washing or drying the foot. 8 and 9 show this cleaning process. At any time during the cleaning process, the pause can be stopped by pressing the Pause button. In this case, the shutter assembly 34 is returned to its original position. When the pause button is pressed again to resume the operation, the shutter plates again wrap the legs and resume the suspended operation.

The foregoing description merely illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto and may be variously modified. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the left and right shutter assemblies are driven by one motor, but in another embodiment of the present invention, the left and right shutter assemblies may be separately driven by two motors. In addition, by installing a hinge on one side of the upper panel on which the shutter assembly is mounted, and the other side is supported by the pin so that the upper panel can be rotated around the hinge, it is possible to easily clean the inside of the basin. In addition, the specific circuit configuration of the shutter assembly control unit 90 may be variously modified as seen in a control circuit such as an elevator or an automatic door.

On the other hand, the foot rests 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b may be added with a brush for removing the soil of the sole by friction. In particular, this brush may be driven by a motor. Such a brush may also be provided on the bottom of the container, separate from the foot rests 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b.

Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are to be understood as illustrative in all respects and not as restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the following claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

As described above, the tripod according to the present invention can automatically wash the feet while the user is sitting in a comfortable position. In particular, the basin washes or dries the feet using high-pressure wash water or compressed air, and since the nozzles are positioned to direct the meridians and the meridians of the soles, they can be cleaned and the foot massage effect can be improved. It will be a great help to promotion. In the washing machine according to the present invention, a series of washing steps all derive a massage effect, but the user may take only the massage effect by performing only a drying process by compressed air.

In addition, since the washing machine according to the present invention maintains the shutter assembly almost in close contact with the user's legs regardless of the thickness of the user's legs, washing water splashes into the space around the user's clothes or the washing machine during the washing process. do.

Claims (8)

It is an automatic wash basin that accepts the user's feet and cleans them automatically. A container having a plurality of injection means on the inner side and the bottom; An upper panel provided at an upper portion of the container and having two cutouts formed therein; Opening and closing means installed at each of two cutouts of the upper panel to selectively open and close the cutouts; A motor for driving the opening and closing means; A plurality of foot rests provided on the bottom of the container; Washing water supply means for supplying washing water to the plurality of spraying means; And Discharge means for discharging waste washing water accumulated in the lower portion of the container; Automatic defibrillator comprising a. The method of claim 1, An automatic defibrillator is disposed transversely between the plurality of foot rests and the front inner surface, and further includes a toe insertion means for receiving the user's toes to open between each toe. The method of claim 2, wherein the toe inserting means A plurality of rods arranged in a vertical direction and having elasticity, An automatic defibrillator, wherein each of the toes can be inserted between successive bars among the plurality of bars. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Automatic washing device further comprises a drying means for supplying compressed air to the user's feet to dry the user's feet. The method of claim 4, wherein The drying means is connected to the plurality of spraying means to supply the compressed air through the plurality of spraying means, And said washing means supplying means and said drying means are alternatively operated. The method of claim 1, And a heating means for heating the washing water to heat the temperature of the washing water sprayed into the container. The method according to claim 1 or 2, It is disposed above the upper panel, the automatic washing machine further comprises a sliding door that protects the opening and closing means from above and closes from side to side. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And an opening and closing control means for controlling the opening and closing degree of the opening and closing means so that the opening and closing means can sufficiently prevent the washing water leakage without excessively pressing the user's leg.