Foot bath device and foot bath system

Abstract

To provide a foot bath device that allows a user to easily perform cleaning and allows the user to objectively grasp a state of the foot of the user such as a warming up degree and a blood circulation state of the foot.SOLUTION: A foot bath device 100 includes: a foot bath container 20 which is detachably mounted on a foot bath main unit 10; and a heating unit 30 which is detachably installed inside the foot bath container 20 and has an induction heating plate 33 and a protective cover 34 that covers the induction heating plate 33. The foot bath main unit 10 includes a heating coil 13 and an induction heating control board 16 that supply-controls high-frequency power to the heating coil 13. The foot bath main unit 10 includes: a light source part 14 that emits light toward a foot placement section 21 of the foot bath container 20; a color sensor part 14 that receives reflected light from a sole and outputs color data composed of RGB signal components; and a display part 18 that displays an image representing a state of the sole according to the color data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a footbath device and a footbath system for warming the feet with warm water. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of electrically heated footbath devices have been proposed in the past. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a footbath device that uses the electric heating portion of a hot plate, a household cooking appliance, to heat the water in a bathtub.

[0003] This footbath device has a space formed under the bottom of the bathtub in which an electric heating device for a hot plate can be stored, and a metal heat transfer plate is provided which can come into contact with the heater of the electric heating device stored in this space.In order to prevent the soles of the feet from coming into direct contact with the bottom of the bathtub, which has become hot due to being heated by the metal heat transfer plate, a footrest platform is provided at a certain height from the bottom of the bathtub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3157386 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the footbath device described in Patent Document 1, the bath tub and the electric heating device are integrated, which poses the problem that cleaning the bath tub is not easy.

[0006] There was also a problem in that the user could not objectively grasp the condition of his / her feet, such as the state of warmth of the feet or the state of blood circulation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above problems, the footbath device of the present invention comprises a footbath main body, a footbath container that can be attached and detached to the footbath main body, and a heating unit that can be attached to the footbath container and has an induction heating plate, The footbath main unit is characterized by comprising a heating coil facing the induction heating plate, an induction heating control board that controls the supply of high-frequency power to the heating coil, a light source unit that emits light toward the foot rest inside the footbath container, a color sensor unit that receives light reflected from the user's soles of the feet and outputs color data consisting of RGB signal components, and a display unit that displays an image representing the condition of the soles of the feet based on the color data.

[0008] The footbath system of the present invention comprises a footbath device having a footbath main body, a footbath container that can be attached and detached to the footbath main body, a heating unit that can be attached to the footbath container and has an induction heating plate, and a management server and information terminal that can be connected to a network, The footbath main unit is connectable to a network and includes a heating coil facing the induction heating plate, an induction heating control board that controls the supply of high-frequency power to the heating coil, A light source unit that emits light toward a footrest in the footbath vessel, a color sensor unit that receives light reflected from the soles of the user's feet and outputs color data consisting of each of the RGB signal components, a display unit that displays an image representing the state of the sole of the foot according to the color data, The management server is configured to accumulate the color data received from the footbath main unit via the network as big data, analyze this color data, and transmit to the information terminal information on how to use the footbath device that is suitable for the user. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the footbath device of the present invention, an induction heating method (IH heating method) is adopted as the heating method, so that the footbath container can be removed from the footbath main body to easily change the water and clean it, which is hygienic.

[0010] In addition, because it is configured to display an image showing the condition of the soles of the feet, the user can objectively grasp the condition of the feet, such as the state of warmth and blood circulation, and ultimately the state of health, by looking at the displayed image. This allows the user to enjoy the results of using the footbath, which motivates them to continue using it, thereby contributing to the promotion of the user's health.

[0011] Furthermore, the footbath system of the present invention can achieve a kind of learning effect in addition to the effects of the footbath device described above. That is, the management server accumulates and analyzes color data received from the footbath device via the network, and transmits information on how to use the footbath device that is suited to the user via the network to the information terminal, thereby further improving user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a footbath device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a footbath device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a plan view of a footbath device in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a footbath system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A block diagram of a footbath device and footbath system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a color sensor unit and its peripheral unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a color sensor unit and its periphery. [Figure 9] A figure showing an example of the display of the display section of the footbath device in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A footbath apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs.

[0014] <Overall configuration example of the footbath device 100> This footbath device 100 comprises three components: a footbath main body 10, a footbath container 20 which can be attached and detached to this footbath main body 10, and a heating unit 30 which can be attached to this footbath container 20.

[0015] First, the configuration of the heating unit 30 will be described.

[0016] The heating unit 30 has a plate-shaped unit bottom 31 and a unit side 32 connected to the end of the unit bottom 31, and the unit side 31 contacts the inner surface of the footbath container 20 and fits into a recess at the upper end of the footbath container 20.

[0017] A metallic induction heating plate 33 is attached and held on the upper or rear surface of the unit bottom 31. An inverted cup-shaped protective cover 34 having a plurality of water passage holes 34a is installed to cover the upper part of this induction heating plate 33.

[0018] The protective cover 34 prevents the user's feet from touching the high-temperature induction heating plate 33 and unit bottom 31. In addition, the protective cover 34 has multiple water passage holes 34a, which can promote heat exchange between the induction heating plate 33 and the water in the footbath container 20.

[0019] When the heating unit 30 is attached to the footbath vessel 20, the protective cover 34 can be placed in the center of the footbath vessel 20, and the bottom surface of the footbath vessel 20 on both sides of this protective cover 34 can be defined as the user's footrest section 21. The unit side section 32 of the heating unit 30 houses a temperature sensor 35 such as a thermistor, a water level sensor 36 such as an electrode conduction type, and a sensor control board 37 that controls these sensors.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the footbath main unit 10 will be described.

[0021] The footbath main body 10 has a main body bottom 11 on which the footbath container 20 is placed, and a main body side 12 that is connected to the end of the main body bottom 11 and against which the outer surface of the footbath container 20 abuts, and the external shape of the body is an L-shaped housing.

[0022] The main body bottom 11 houses a heating coil 13, a light source section 14, and a color sensor section 15. The heating coil 13 is disposed opposite the induction heating plate 33 of the heat generating unit 30. The light source section 14 is disposed opposite the footrest section 21 of the footbath container 20 so as to emit a wide range of light toward the footrest section 21. The color sensor section 15 receives light reflected from the soles of the user's feet placed on the footrest section 21, and outputs color data consisting of RGB signal components.

[0023] The main body side section 12 houses an induction heating control board 16 (IH control board), a cooling fan 17, and a display section 18. The induction heating control board 16 controls the supply of high-frequency power to the heating coil 13. When high-frequency power is supplied to the heating coil 13 and an alternating magnetic flux is generated, an eddy current is generated in the induction heating plate 33, and the water in the footbath vessel 20 is heated by Joule heat caused by this eddy current.

[0024] Cooling fan 17 is disposed on the rear side of induction heating control board 16, and air-cools induction heating control board 16. Display unit 18 displays an image (for example, a symbolic figure described later) representing the condition of the sole of the foot according to the color data output from color sensor unit 15, and is composed of an LCD panel, an LED panel, etc.

[0025] Furthermore, a main control board 19 is housed in the main body side section 12. This main control board 19 controls the heating unit 30, the induction heating control board 16, the display section 18, etc. The main control board 19 also has the function of communicating with a remote control 40 for the footbath device 100, and connecting to a network such as the Internet 50.

[0026] Specifically, the main control board 19 controls the operation of the induction heating control board 16 based on the respective sensor signals output from the temperature sensor 35 and the water level sensor 36 via the sensor control board 37. To this end, a heating unit communication section 191 that communicates with the sensor control board 37 is provided.

[0027] The main control board 19 also has a remote control receiver 192 that receives remote control operation signals (e.g., infrared rays) from the remote control 40, and a button input unit 193 for setting the temperature and water level of the hot water in the footbath container 20, setting the timer, and displaying an image of the condition of the soles of the feet.

[0028] Furthermore, the main control board 19 is provided with a data memory 195 for storing sole color data and usage information of the footbath device 100 (usage time, water temperature, time of use).

[0029] <Configuration example of color sensor unit 15 and its peripheral unit> Next, a configuration example of the color sensor unit 15 and its peripheral portion will be described with reference to FIG.

[0030] As shown in the figure, the light source unit 14 and color sensor unit 15 are housed in the main body bottom 11 of the footbath main body 10. In this case, the light source unit 14 and the color sensor unit 15 are arranged adjacent to each other on a sensor board 151.

[0031] A condensing lens 141 is disposed between the foot rest 21 of the footbath container 20 and the light source 14, and is configured to condense the light emitted from the light source 14 and irradiate it onto the soles of the user's feet placed on the foot rest 21.

[0032] According to the inventor's experiments, the light reflected from the "heel" part of the sole of the foot best reflects the condition of the foot, such as the degree of warmth and the state of blood circulation, so it is preferable for the light source unit 14 to irradiate the ankle rest part of the footrest 21.

[0033] The light reflected from the soles of the user's feet is received by the color sensor unit 15 through the condenser lens 141. In this case, at least a part of the foot rest unit 21 (the ankle rest unit) is made transparent so as to transmit light.

[0034] Color sensor unit 15 then splits the received reflected light into color data consisting of RGB (red, green, blue) signal components. In this case, in order to prevent the light from light source unit 14 from diffusing, it is preferable to provide a light shielding unit 142 that covers the periphery of light source unit 14 and color sensor unit 15. Light shielding unit 142 is housed in main body bottom 11 and is disposed on sensor board 151.

[0035] <Example of the circuit of the color sensor unit 15 and its signal processing> Next, a configuration example of the circuit of the color sensor unit 15 and signal processing will be described with reference to FIG.

[0036] As shown in the figure, photodiodes PD1, PD2, and PD3 receive the light reflected from the soles of the feet through RGB color filters RF, GF, and BF, respectively. Then, the photodiodes PD1, PD2, and PD3 generate analog electrical signals corresponding to each of the dispersed RGB light components. These electrical signals are converted to digital signals by A / D conversion circuits AD1, AD2, and AD3, respectively.

[0037] In this way, the RGB color data output from the A / D conversion circuits AD1, AD2, and AD3 is output to the main control board 19 via the I2C interface 152.

[0038] The light receiving ratio calculation unit 194 of the main control board 19 calculates the light receiving ratio of the RGB color data. Depending on the ratio, a number of colors, for example, "pink", "white", "yellow", "purple", and "red" are assigned.

[0039] For example, if the RGB light receiving ratio is 1:1:1, it assigns "white," if it is 1:0:0, it assigns "red," if it is 1:1:0, it assigns "yellow," if it is 1:0:1, it assigns "pink," and if the RGB light receiving ratio is, for example, 0.5:0:1, it assigns "purple."

[0040] The image data selection section 196 selects an image (for example, a symbolic graphic) that displays the state of the sole of the foot according to the calculation result of the light reception ratio calculation section 194.

[0041] The display unit 18 then displays the selected image. Note that the light source unit 14, the color sensor unit 15, and the display unit 18 are configured to be activated by operating the button input unit 193 (a button for displaying an image of the state of the sole of the foot) of the main control board 19.

[0042] <Example of an image showing the condition of the soles of the feet> As described above, the display unit 18 displays an image representing the state of the sole of the foot according to the color data output from the color sensor unit 15. An example of such a display will be described with reference to FIG.

[0043] The display unit 18 can directly display the words "pink," "white," "yellow," "purple," and "red." However, this may be difficult for the user to understand. Therefore, in order to display the condition of the soles in an easy-to-understand manner, it is preferable to display a symbolic figure, such as a person's facial expression, a person's movement, or a weather mark, in a form that suggests the condition of the soles.

[0044] For example, if the sole of the foot is "pink," it is determined that the foot is warm and the blood circulation is good, and a smiling face or a symbol of sunny weather is displayed. If the sole of the foot is "white," it is determined that the foot is not warm and the blood circulation is poor, and a troubled face or a cloudy symbol is displayed. If the sole of the foot is "red," it is determined that the foot is overheated and the blood circulation is excessive, and an angry face or a symbol of rain is displayed.

[0045] By operating buttons before, during, or after using the footbath device 100, the user can have an image showing the condition of the soles of the feet as described above displayed on the display unit 18. Using this image as a reference, the user can select how to use the footbath container 20, for example, by setting the warm water temperature, the duration of use, the timer, etc.

[0046] As described above, the footbath device 100 adopts an induction heating method (IH heating method) as the heating method, so that the footbath container 20 can be removed from the footbath main body 10 to easily change the water and clean it, which is hygienic.

[0047] In addition, the display unit 18 is configured to display an image showing the condition of the soles of the feet, so that the user can objectively grasp the condition of the feet, such as the degree of warmth of the feet and the state of blood circulation, and ultimately the state of health, by looking at the displayed image (particularly the symbolic figures). This allows the user to enjoy the results of using the footbath, which motivates them to continue using it, thereby contributing to the promotion of the user's health.

[0048] Next, a footbath system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0049] <Overall configuration example of footbath system 200> In addition to the footbath device 100 described above, the footbath system 200 includes a management server 51 connectable to a network such as the Internet 50, and an information terminal device 53 such as a smartphone or personal computer.

[0050] The footbath main unit 10 can be connected to the Internet 50, for example, via WiFi or a router 52. The footbath main unit 10 is also configured to store in a data memory 195 color data of the soles of the feet, and information about the use of the footbath (time of use, temperature of the water, time of use).

[0051] As mentioned above, the footbath main unit 10 displays an image of the condition of the soles of the feet according to the color data measured by the color sensor unit 15, and a similar display can also be sent to the information terminal device 53 via the Internet 50.

[0052] The management server 51 can receive the above-mentioned sole color data and footbath usage information (usage time, water temperature, time of use) from the footbath main unit 10 via the Internet 50, and has a database DB that stores the received color data, etc. as big data for each user.

[0053] The management server 51 is configured to analyze the color data etc. stored in the database DB and transmit information on how to use the footbath device 100 suited to the user's condition (condition of the soles of the feet, health condition, etc.) and usage information trends, or lifestyle suggestion information, to the user's information terminal 53 via the Internet 50. In this case, the management server 51 is configured to transmit the usage information etc. to the information terminal 53 in response to a viewing request from the information terminal 53, or automatically.

[0054] Usage information includes information on how to use the footbath, the temperature of the water, usage time, recommended bath additives, etc. Lifestyle suggestions include information on diet, daily exercise and posture, sleep and health.

[0055] The footbath system 200 can also be linked to a medical institution 60. For example, by connecting the information terminal of the medical institution 60 to the Internet 50, medical data such as the results of health checks can be shared on the management server 51, making it possible to link information about the soles of the feet (such as sole color data) with the medical data. This makes it possible to provide the user with more accurate information on how to use the system and lifestyle suggestions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 10 Footbath unit 11 Bottom of the unit 12 Side of main body 13 Heating coil 14 Light source section 15 Color sensor section 16 Induction heating control board 17 Cooling fan 18 Display 19 Main control board 20 Footbath 21 Footrest 30 Heating Unit 31 Unit bottom 32 Unit side 33 Induction Heating Plate 34 Protective cover 34a Water hole 35 Temperature Sensor 36 Water level sensor 37 Sensor control board 40 Remote Control 50 Internet 51 Management Server 52 Router 53 Information terminal 100 Foot bath device 141 Condenser Lens 142 Light shielding part 151 Sensor Board 152 I2C interface 191 Heating unit communication section 192 Remote control receiver 193 Button input section 194 Light reception ratio calculation section 195 Data Memory 196 Image data selection section 200 Footbath System

Claims

1. A foot bath unit and A footbath container that can be detachably attached to the footbath main body; a heating unit that can be mounted in the footbath vessel and has an induction heating plate; The footbath main unit is A heating coil facing the induction heating plate; an induction heating control board that controls the supply of high-frequency power to the heating coil; A light source unit that emits light toward a footrest in the footbath vessel; a color sensor unit that receives light reflected from the soles of the user's feet and outputs color data consisting of RGB signal components; A foot bath device characterized by having a display unit that displays an image representing the condition of the soles of the feet according to the color data.

2. The footbath device of claim 1, characterized in that the footbath main body is arranged between the footrest section and the light source section, and is equipped with a focusing lens that focuses the light emitted from the light source section, and a light-shielding section that covers the light source section and the color sensor section.

3. 2. The footbath device according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit is provided with a protective cover having water passages that cover the induction heating plate.

4. The heating unit includes a temperature sensor and a water level sensor. The footbath device of claim 1, characterized in that the footbath main unit is provided with a main control board that controls the operation of the induction heating control board based on the respective sensor signals output from the temperature sensor and water level sensor.

5. A footbath device having a footbath main body, a footbath container that can be attached and detached to the footbath main body, and a heating unit that can be attached to the footbath container and has an induction heating plate; A management server and an information terminal that can be connected to a network, The footbath main unit is connectable to a network, A heating coil facing the induction heating plate; an induction heating control board that controls the supply of high-frequency power to the heating coil; A light source unit that emits light toward a footrest in the footbath vessel; a color sensor unit that receives light reflected from the soles of the user's feet and outputs color data consisting of RGB signal components; a display unit that displays an image representing the state of the sole of the foot according to the color data, The footbath system is characterized in that the management server is configured to accumulate the color data received from the footbath main unit via the network as big data, analyze this color data, and send information on how to use the footbath device that is suitable for the user to the information terminal device.

Images