Bathtub device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023134432
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-07
Smart Images
Figure 2025029672000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a bathtub apparatus. [Background technology]
[0002] It is known to provide a speaker in a bathtub so that a person can enjoy music while bathing. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes to fix a sound source unit to the back surface of the bathtub. Patent Document 2 discloses a method of separately controlling a sound generator (speaker) facing the water area in the bathtub and a sound generator (speaker) facing the space above the water area.
[0003] It has also been discovered that by supplying a flow of hot water or cold water (with a certain degree of force) into the bathtub, a hot water or cold water current can be generated within the hot water or cold water stored in the bathtub, and that the water pressure stimulation caused by such a hot water or cold water current provides a comfortable sensation to the bather, and this has already been commercialized (TOTO products "Koshirakuyu" and "Hydrohands").
[0004] The present inventor discovered that by combining a hot water / water flow generating unit that generates a hot water or water flow in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub by supplying hot water or water into the bathtub, and a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water into the bathtub, it is possible to provide bathers with finely-tuned comfort. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-15423 [Patent Document 2] JP 2006-128970 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] The present invention was invented based on the above findings. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a detailed comfort for the bather by combining a hot water / water flow generating unit that generates a hot water flow or a water flow in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub by supplying hot water or water into the bathtub, and a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water into the bathtub. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The present invention is a bathtub apparatus characterized by comprising a bathtub in which hot water or water can be stored, a hot water / water flow generating unit that is installed in the bathtub and generates a hot water flow or water flow within the hot water or water stored in the bathtub by supplying hot water or water into the bathtub, and a vibration generating unit that is installed in the bathtub and generates vibrations in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water into the bathtub.
[0008] According to the present invention, the hot or cold water flow can provide the bather with a relatively strong water pressure stimulation that penetrates deep into the body (muscles, etc.), while the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit can provide a delicate water pressure stimulation mainly to the surface of the body (skin, etc.), thereby providing the bather with a finely tuned comfort.
[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub caused by the vibrations applied by the vibration generating unit is smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating unit.
[0010] In this case, it is possible to more reliably prevent the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit from impeding the action of the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating unit.
[0011] In addition, at a predetermined position set in the bathtub (for example, a position corresponding to the body surface of a bather sitting / lying while bathing), it is preferable that the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations imparted by the vibration generating unit is smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating unit.
[0012] In this case, excessive stimulation to the bather's skin (which may cause discomfort) is effectively prevented.
[0013] In addition, it is preferable that the hot / cold water flow generating unit is arranged on the back wall surface of the bathtub, and the vibration generating unit (the shoulder vibration generating unit in the embodiment described later) is also arranged on the back wall surface of the bathtub.
[0014] In this case, the bather can feel the comforting effects of both the vibration stimulation and the hot or cold water flow on the back side of the body, which is most sensitive to stimulation.
[0015] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the vibration generating section is disposed above the hot / cold water flow generating section.
[0016] When the hot / cold water flow generating unit is located on the back wall of the bathtub, it is expected that the force of the hot or cold water flow will cause the bather's shoulders to approach the back wall of the bathtub. Therefore, by locating the vibration generating unit in the area of the back wall that the shoulders approach, the shoulders can more easily feel the comforting effect of the vibration generating unit.
[0017] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the back wall portion of the bathtub on which the vibration generating unit is arranged is inclined.
[0018] When the bather's shoulders approach the back wall of the bathtub, the inclination of the back wall of the bathtub causes the back wall to conform to the bather's body, and if the vibration generating unit is positioned there, the comfort-enhancing effect of the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit can be more easily felt.
[0019] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the direction of the vibration provided by the vibration generating section is an oblique upward and downward direction.
[0020] When the bather assumes a position in which his / her shoulders are close to the back wall of the bathtub, if the direction of the vibrations is diagonally upward or downward, the comforting effect of such vibrations is more easily felt on the shoulders.
[0021] In addition, in the present invention, it is preferable that the direction of vibration provided by the vibration generating unit (the buttocks vibration generating unit, the left vibration generating unit and the right vibration generating unit in the embodiments described below) and the direction of the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating unit form approximately a right angle.
[0022] This makes it easier to feel the comfort-enhancing effects of both the stimulation from vibration and the stimulation from hot or cold water flow, independently of each other.
[0023] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the vibration generating unit (the leg vibration generating unit in the embodiment described later) is arranged on the leg side wall surface portion of the bathtub, and that the vibration generating unit and the hot / cold water flow generating unit are arranged at positions offset in the vertical and / or left-right directions.
[0024] This makes it easier to feel the comfort-enhancing effects of both the stimulation from vibration and the stimulation from hot or cold water flow, independently of each other. Effect of the Invention
[0025] According to the present invention, the hot or cold water flow can provide the bather with a relatively strong water pressure stimulation that penetrates deep into the body (muscles, etc.), while the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit can provide a delicate water pressure stimulation mainly to the surface of the body (skin, etc.), thereby providing the bather with a finely tuned comfort. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bathtub apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hot / cold water flow generating unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a hot / cold water flow generating unit. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a bathtub equipped with another example of a hot / cold water flow generating unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vibration generating unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation image of a vibration generating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation image of another example of the vibration generating unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a sensor for hydraulic stimulation measurement. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bathtub apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] (First embodiment: Arrangement configuration) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view passing through hot / cold water flow generating section 11 of bathtub apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] As shown in Fig. 1, the bathtub apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is equipped with a bathtub 2 that can hold hot or cold water. The bathtub 2 has a back-side wall surface portion 2a toward which the bather is expected to turn his / her back, a leg-side wall surface portion 2b toward which the bather is expected to turn his / her legs, a left-side wall surface portion 2c toward which the bather is expected to turn his / her left side, and a right-side wall surface portion 2d toward which the bather is expected to turn his / her right side.
[0029] The size of bathtub 2 is, for example, a roughly rectangular (elliptical) bottom shape of 450 mm x 1,100 mm, a roughly rectangular (elliptical) shape of 600 mm x 1,140 mm at a standard height (e.g., 350 mm high) when storing hot or cold water, and a roughly rectangular (elliptical) shape of 650 mm x 1,350 mm at the upper opening (e.g., 500 mm high). The right side area is not shown in the cross section of Figure 1, but the elements on the symmetrical right side are indicated only with symbols in parentheses.
[0030] The central axes of the pair of left and right hot and cold water flow generators 11, 12 are positioned at a predetermined height (for example, 150 mm above the bottom) of the back wall 2a that is intended to correspond to the bather's waist. The back wall 2a is inclined at approximately 3° with respect to the vertical in the area where the hot and cold water flow generators 11, 12 are installed. The pair of left and right hot and cold water flow generators 11, 12 are disposed symmetrically in the bathtub 2, and their central axes are spaced apart by 150 mm.
[0031] Each of the pair of hot and cold water flow generating units 11, 12 on the left and right sides is a device mechanism that generates a hot or cold water flow inside the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub 2 by forcefully supplying hot or cold water into the bathtub 2, and is visible as a circular element member on the back wall portion 2a with an outer diameter of 70 mm, an inner diameter of 26 mm, and a protruding height (thickness) of 11 mm into the bathtub.
[0032] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the water jets out in a circular motion in a random curve provide a comfortable stimulation to the lower back and other areas. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the hot and cold water jet generators 11 and 12, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hot and cold water jet generators 11 and 12 in operation.
[0033] Returning to Fig. 1, left side wall 2c of bathtub 2 is provided with water inlets 9a, 9b for circulating water to hot / cold water flow generators 11, 12 at two predetermined positions (for example, at a height of 90 mm from the bottom of bathtub 2, and at a position 170 mm toward the legs and a position 780 mm toward the legs from the lower end of back wall 2a). Water inlets 9a, 9b in the example of Fig. 1 are annular element members with an outer diameter of 82 mm and a protruding height (thickness) of 14 mm into the bathtub.
[0034] In an example of hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 shown in Figures 2 and 3, air is not mixed into the hot water or cold water flow. Here, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another example of hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12. As shown in Figure 4, a device mechanism may be employed that generates a hot water or cold water flow in the hot water or cold water stored in bathtub 2 by forcefully supplying hot water or cold water flow with air mixed into the bathtub 2.
[0035] Meanwhile, the central axes of the pair of left and right shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are positioned at a predetermined height position (for example, a height position of 400 mm from the bottom surface of the bathtub 2) on the back wall surface 2a that is planned to correspond to the position of the bather's shoulders. The back wall surface 2a is inclined by approximately 20° with respect to the vertical plane in the area where the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are installed. The pair of left and right shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are disposed symmetrically in the bathtub 2, and their respective central axes are spaced apart by 250 mm. The vibration direction of the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 is adjusted to a direction perpendicular to the back wall surface 2a, and as a result, the vibration direction of the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 is in an oblique upward and downward direction inclined by approximately 20°.
[0036] Furthermore, the central axes of the pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 23, 24 are positioned at a predetermined height position (for example, a height position of 200 mm from the bottom surface of the bathtub 2) on the leg-side wall surface portion 2b of the bathtub 2. The pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 23, 24 are disposed symmetrically in the bathtub 2, and their respective central axes are spaced apart by 250 mm.
[0037] The central axes of the pair of left and right buttock vibration generating units 25, 26 are positioned at a predetermined position on the bottom of the bathtub 2 that is planned to correspond to the position of the bather's buttocks (for example, a position 350 mm toward the legs from the lower end of the back side wall portion 2a). The pair of left and right buttock vibration generating units 25, 26 are disposed symmetrically in the bathtub 2, and their central axes are spaced apart by 250 mm.
[0038] Furthermore, the positions of the central axes of the left vibration generating unit 27 and the right vibration generating unit 28 are positioned at predetermined positions on the left and right wall portions 2c, 2d of the bathtub 2 (for example, at a height of 200 mm from the bottom surface of the bathtub 2 and 250 mm toward the legs from the lower end of the back wall portion 2a).
[0039] The shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, the leg vibration generating units 23, 24, the buttock vibration generating units 25, 26, the left vibration generating unit 27 and the right vibration generating unit 28 may have a common device configuration, and a general speaker or the like may be used.
[0040] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of vibration generating units 21-28. In the vibration generating unit of the type shown in Fig. 5, the magnitude of the vibration force is expressed as Lorentz force (F = IBL). F is the magnitude of the vibration force, I is the value of the current flowing through the coil, B is the magnetic flux density generated at this time, and L is the length of the iron core. When vibration generating units 21-28 are directly attached to each wall surface of bathtub 2, each wall surface of bathtub 2 itself is directly vibrated, and vibrations are imparted to the water contained in bathtub 2.
[0041] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of vibration generating units 21-28. When vibration generating units 21-28 are directly attached to each wall surface of bathtub 2 as shown in Fig. 6, each wall surface of bathtub 2 itself is directly vibrated, and vibrations are imparted to the water contained in bathtub 2. Alternatively, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of vibration generating units 21-28. As shown in Fig. 7, it is also possible to manufacture each of vibration generating units 21-28 as a dedicated unit, provide mounting holes in each wall surface of bathtub 2, and mount each unit in each hole.
[0042] (First embodiment: control configuration) In this embodiment, the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 2 caused by the vibrations applied by each of the vibration generating units 21-28 (usually the water pressure stimulation in the area close to each vibration generating unit 21-28) is set to be smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 2 caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 (usually the water pressure stimulation in the area close to the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12).
[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at a predetermined position set in the bathtub 2 (for example, a position corresponding to the body surface of a bather sitting / lying down while bathing), the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations imparted by each of the vibration generating units 21-28 is set to be smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12.
[0044] These settings can be achieved by adjusting the electrical signals that drive each of the vibration generating units 21-28 and the electrical signals that drive the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 (in particular the electrical signals supplied to the built-in motor for spraying hot or cold water).
[0045] The "water pressure stimulation" used as an index for adjusting these signals is evaluated (measured) as follows, for example: Water Pressure Stimulus Measurement Method Based on "JIS5532:2014", measurements were taken when a 50 Hz sine wave and pink noise were input to the shoulder vibration generating units 21 and 22, the leg vibration generating units 23 and 24, and the buttock vibration generating units 25 and 26.
[0046] <Water pressure stimulation measurement method> A new type of sensor, consisting of a sphere placed in a transparent cylinder, is placed at a predetermined position inside the hot water or water stored in the bathtub 2, and the distance the sphere moves inside the cylinder is measured as a "water pressure stimulus." FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example of the sensor. For example, the cylinder is made of polypropylene, has an outer diameter of 50 mm, an inner diameter of 40 mm, and a length of 500 mm, and the sphere is made of polystyrene foam and has a diameter of 30 mm. The cylinder is placed parallel to the water flow direction of the hot water / water flow generating units 11 and 12, the vibration direction of the shoulder vibration generating units 21 and 22, the vibration direction of the leg vibration generating units 23 and 24, or the vibration direction of the left vibration generating unit 27 and the right vibration generating unit 28.
[0047] One end of the cylinder shown in FIG. 8 is placed at a position 1 mm away from each of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, the leg vibration generating units 23, 24, or the left vibration generating unit 27 and the right vibration generating unit 28, and the sphere stored inside the cylinder shown in FIG. 8 is brought into contact with each of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, the leg vibration generating units 23, 24, or the left vibration generating unit 27 and the right vibration generating unit 28. While keeping the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, the leg vibration generating units 23, 24, or the left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28 parallel to the water flow direction of 12, the vibration direction of shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, the vibration direction of leg vibration generating units 23, 24, or the vibration direction of left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28, the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, the leg vibration generating units 23, 24, or the left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28 were each operated as follows, and the distance the sphere moved after a predetermined time had elapsed from the start of operation, for example 5 seconds, was measured.
[0048] First, the hot / cold current generating units 11, 12 were driven at “strong output”, “medium output” and “weak output”. The travel distance of the sphere was about 500 mm or more in each case.
[0049] Here, at the "strong output" of the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, 70 liters of hot / cold water are discharged per minute, at the "medium output" of the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, 60 liters of hot / cold water are discharged per minute, and at the "weak output" of the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, 50 liters of hot / cold water are discharged per minute.
[0050] Next, the shoulder vibration generating units 21 and 22 were driven by inputting a 50 Hz sine wave or pink noise. The sphere moved a distance of about 15 mm.
[0051] Next, the leg vibration generating units 23 and 24 were driven by inputting a 50 Hz sine wave or pink noise. The sphere moved a distance of about 15 mm.
[0052] Next, the left vibration generating unit 27 and the right vibration generating unit 28 were driven by inputting a 50 Hz sine wave or pink noise. The moving distance of the sphere was about 15 mm.
[0053] As in this embodiment, the distance traveled by the sphere in the area close to the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 when the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are driven at "strong output", "medium output" and "weak output" is the distance traveled by the sphere in the area close to the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 when the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are driven by inputting a 50 Hz sine wave or pink noise, or the distance traveled by the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 when the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 are driven by inputting a 50 Hz sine wave or pink noise, or the distance traveled by the left vibration generating unit 27 and the right vibration generating unit 28 when the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 are driven by inputting a 50 Hz sine wave or pink noise, The state in which the distance traveled by the sphere in the area close to the left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28 when driven by the input of pink noise satisfies the condition that "the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub caused by the vibrations applied by the vibration generating unit is smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating unit" and also satisfies the condition that "at a specified position set in the bathtub, the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations applied by the vibration generating unit is smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating unit."
[0054] In this embodiment, the sphere is made of polystyrene foam, but it may be filled with a material whose specific gravity is approximately the same as that of water (for example, within ±5%), such as a nylon material. By using such a sphere, it becomes possible to accurately measure vibrations having a vertical component caused by the buttock vibration generating units 25, 26, etc.
[0055] The driving of the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, the selection of the output strength of the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 (strong, medium, weak), and the driving of each of the vibration generating units 21-28 are controlled by the control unit 35, for example based on input operations from the bather on the remote control operation unit 30.
[0056] (First embodiment: function and effect) According to the bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the hot water / water current generating units 11, 12 can provide the bather with a relatively strong water pressure stimulus that penetrates into the inside of the body (muscles, etc.), while the vibrations from the vibration generating units 21-28 can provide a delicate water pressure stimulus mainly to the surface of the body (skin, etc.). This provides the bather with a delicate sense of comfort.
[0057] In addition, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 2 caused by the vibrations applied by each of the vibration generating units 21-28 is adjusted to be smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 2 caused by the hot water or cold water flows generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12.
[0058] This more reliably prevents the vibrations generated by each of the vibration generating parts 21 to 28 from impeding the action of the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating parts 11, 12.
[0059] Furthermore, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, at a predetermined position set in the bathtub 2 (for example, a position corresponding to the body surface of a bather seated while bathing), the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations imparted by each of the vibration generating units 21-28 is adjusted to be smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12.
[0060] This effectively prevents the bather's skin from being stimulated too strongly (which may cause discomfort).
[0061] In addition, according to the bathtub equipment 1 of this embodiment, the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are arranged on the back wall portion 2a of the bathtub 2, and the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are also arranged on the back wall portion 2a of the bathtub 2.
[0062] This allows the bather to feel the comforting effects of both the stimulation from vibration and the stimulation from hot or cold water flow on the back side of the body, which is most sensitive to stimulation.
[0063] Furthermore, according to bathtub apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, shoulder vibration generating units 21 and 22 are disposed above hot / cold water flow generating units 11 and 12.
[0064] Since hot and cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are arranged on the back wall portion 2a of bathtub 2, it is expected that the force of the hot and cold water flow from hot and cold water flow generating units 11, 12 will cause the bather's shoulders to approach the back wall portion 2a of bathtub 2. Since shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are arranged in the area of the back wall portion where the shoulders approach, the comforting effect of the vibrations of shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 is more easily felt on the shoulder side.
[0065] Furthermore, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the back side wall surface portion 2a of the bathtub 2 on which the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are arranged is inclined.
[0066] When the bather assumes a position in which his / her shoulders approach the back wall portion 2a of the bathtub 2, the back wall portion 2a of the bathtub 2 is inclined so that the back wall portion 2a conforms to the body of the bather, and since the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are positioned there, the comfort-enhancing effect of the vibrations of the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 can be more easily felt.
[0067] Furthermore, according to bathtub equipment 1 of this embodiment, the direction of vibration given by shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 is diagonally upward and downward.
[0068] When the bather assumes a position in which his / her shoulders approach the back wall portion 2a of the bathtub 2, if the direction of vibration generated by the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 is diagonally upward and downward, the comforting effect of such vibration is more easily felt on the shoulder side.
[0069] In addition, according to the bathtub equipment 1 of this embodiment, the direction of vibration provided by the buttocks vibration generating units 25, 26, the left vibration generating unit 27, and the right vibration generating unit 28 is approximately perpendicular to the direction of the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12. In the present invention, the term "approximately right angle" is defined to include not only angles of 90 degrees, but also angles of, for example, 70 to 110 degrees.
[0070] This makes it easy to feel the comfort-providing effects of both the stimulation caused by the vibrations from each of the vibration generating units 22 to 28 and the stimulation caused by the hot or cold water flow from the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, independently.
[0071] In addition, according to the bathtub equipment 1 of this embodiment, the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 are arranged on the leg side wall surface portion 2b of the bathtub 2, and the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 and the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are arranged at positions offset in the vertical direction.
[0072] This makes it easy to feel the comforting effects of both the stimulation caused by the vibrations from the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 and the stimulation caused by the hot or cold water flow from the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, independently of each other.
[0073] Here, instead of or in addition to being offset in the height direction, it is also preferable that the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 and the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are offset in the left-right direction (for example, the pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 23, 24 may be arranged symmetrically in the bathtub 2, and their respective central axes may be spaced apart by 250 mm).
[0074] (Second embodiment: Arrangement configuration) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 9 is an irregular schematic cross-sectional view passing through hot / cold current generating unit 111 (located toward the left in the left-right direction) and water inlet 109 (located in the center in the left-right direction) of bathtub apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0075] As shown in Fig. 9, the bathtub apparatus 101 of the second embodiment is equipped with a bathtub 102 that can hold hot or cold water. The bathtub 102 has a back-side wall surface portion 102a toward which the bather is intended to turn his / her back, a leg-side wall surface portion 102b toward which the bather is intended to turn his / her legs, a left-side wall surface portion 102c toward which the bather is intended to turn his / her left side, and a right-side wall surface portion 102d toward which the bather is intended to turn his / her right side.
[0076] Bathtub 102 has a deep bottom that corresponds to the bather's buttocks, and its planar shape at the standard height when storing hot or cold water (for example, 210 mm above the lowest bottom surface that corresponds to the buttocks) is a roughly rectangular (roughly oval) shape of 900 mm x 1,690 mm. The right side area is not shown in the cross section of Figure 9, but the elements on the symmetrical right side are indicated only with reference symbols in parentheses.
[0077] The central axes of the pair of left and right hot / cold water flow generators 111, 112 are positioned at a predetermined height (e.g., 45 mm above the bottom) of the back wall portion 102a that is intended to correspond to the bather's waist. The back wall portion 102a is inclined at approximately 50° with respect to the vertical plane in the area where the hot / cold water flow generators 111, 112 are installed. The pair of left and right hot / cold water flow generators 111, 112 are disposed symmetrically in the bathtub 102, and their central axes are spaced apart by 140 mm.
[0078] Each of the pair of hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 on the left and right sides is a device mechanism that generates a hot water or cold water flow inside the hot water or cold water stored in the bathtub 102 by forcefully supplying hot water or cold water into the bathtub 102, and is visible as a circular element member on the back wall portion 102a with an outer diameter of 70 mm, an inner diameter of 28 mm, and a protruding height (thickness) of 9 mm into the bathtub.
[0079] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the water jets out in a circular motion in a random curve provide a comfortable stimulation to the lower back and other areas. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the hot and cold water flow generators 111 and 112, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hot and cold water flow generators 111 and 112 in operation.
[0080] Returning to Figure 9, foot-side wall portion 2b of bathtub 2 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, at a height of 180 mm from the bottom of bathtub 2 and in the center position in the left-right direction) with water inlet 109 for circulating water to hot / cold current generators 111, 112. Water inlet 109 in the example of Figure 9 is a circular element member with an outer diameter of 90 mm and a protruding height (thickness) of 12 mm into the bathtub.
[0081] In one example of hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 shown in Figures 2 and 3, air is not mixed into the hot or cold water flow. Here, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another example of hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112. As shown in Figure 4, a device mechanism may be employed that generates a hot or cold water flow in the hot or cold water stored in bathtub 2 by forcefully supplying a hot or cold water flow with air mixed in into bathtub 102 (such a device mechanism would be one named "Blow Bath" that is already installed in commercially available TOTO products).
[0082] Meanwhile, the central axes of the pair of left and right shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are positioned at a predetermined height position (for example, a height position of 250 mm from the lowest bottom surface of the bathtub 102) of the back side wall surface 102a that is planned to correspond to the position of the bather's shoulders. The back side wall surface 102a is inclined by approximately 50° with respect to the vertical plane in the area where the shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are installed. The pair of left and right shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are arranged symmetrically in the bathtub 102, and their respective central axes are spaced apart by 250 mm. The vibration direction of the shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 is adjusted to a direction perpendicular to the back side wall surface 102a, and as a result, the vibration direction of the shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 is inclined obliquely upward and downward by approximately 50°.
[0083] Furthermore, the central axes of the pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 123, 124 are positioned at a predetermined height position (for example, a height position of 300 mm from the lowest bottom surface of bathtub 102) on leg-side wall portion 102b of bathtub 102. The pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 123, 124 are disposed symmetrically in bathtub 102, and their respective central axes are spaced apart by 250 mm.
[0084] The central axes of the pair of left and right buttock vibration generating units 125, 126 are positioned at a predetermined position on the bottom of bathtub 102 that is planned to correspond to the position of the bather's buttocks (for example, a position 150 mm toward the legs from the lower end of back wall portion 102a). The pair of left and right buttock vibration generating units 125, 126 are disposed symmetrically in bathtub 102, and their central axes are spaced apart by 250 mm.
[0085] Furthermore, the positions of the central axes of the left vibration generating unit 27 and the right vibration generating unit 28 are positioned at predetermined positions on the left and right wall portions 102c, 102d of the bathtub 102 (for example, a height position of 200 mm from the lowest bottom surface of the bathtub 102 and a position 50 mm toward the shoulder from the lower end of the back side wall portion 102a).
[0086] The shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122, the leg vibration generating units 123, 124, the buttock vibration generating units 125, 126, the left vibration generating unit 127, and the right vibration generating unit 128 may have a common device configuration, and may employ a general speaker, etc. The description of the vibration generating units 21 to 28 described using Figs. 5 to 9 may also be applied to the vibration generating units 121 to 128.
[0087] (Second embodiment: control configuration) In this embodiment, too, the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in bathtub 102 caused by the vibrations applied by each of vibration generating units 121-128 (usually the water pressure stimulation in the area close to each vibration generating unit 121-128) is set to be smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in bathtub 102 caused by the hot water or water flow generated by hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 (usually the water pressure stimulation in the area close to hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112).
[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at a predetermined position set in the bathtub 102 (for example, a position corresponding to the body surface of a bather sitting / lying down while bathing), the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations applied by each of the vibration generating units 121-128 is set to be smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112.
[0089] These settings can be achieved by adjusting the electrical signals that drive each of the vibration generating units 121-128 and the electrical signals that drive the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 (in particular, the electrical signals supplied to the built-in motor for spraying hot or cold water).
[0090] In addition, the "water pressure stimulation" used as an index for adjusting these signals can be evaluated (measured) by, for example, the above-mentioned <water pressure stimulation measurement method>. And, for example, the vibration intensity can be adjusted in advance as described in paragraphs 0046 to 0054.
[0091] The driving of the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112, the selection of the output strength of the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 (strong, medium, weak), and the driving of each of the vibration generating units 121-128 are controlled by the control unit 135, for example, based on input operations from the bather on the remote control operation unit 130.
[0092] (Second embodiment: action and effect) With bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment as described above, the hot water / water current generating units 111, 112 can provide the bather with a relatively strong water pressure stimulus that penetrates to the inside of the body (muscles, etc.), while the vibrations from each of vibration generating units 121-128 can provide a delicate water pressure stimulus mainly to the surface of the body (skin, etc.). This makes it possible to provide the bather with a delicate sense of comfort.
[0093] In addition, in the bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment, the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 102 caused by the vibrations applied by each of the vibration generating units 121-128 is adjusted to be smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 102 caused by the hot water or cold water flows generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112.
[0094] This more reliably prevents the vibrations generated by the vibration generating units 121-128 from impeding the action of the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112.
[0095] In addition, in the bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment, at a predetermined position set in the bathtub 102 (for example, a position corresponding to the body surface of a bather seated while bathing), the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations applied by each of the vibration generating units 121-128 is adjusted to be smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112.
[0096] This effectively prevents the bather's skin from being stimulated too strongly (which may cause discomfort).
[0097] In addition, in the bathtub equipment 101 of this embodiment, the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are arranged on the back wall portion 102a of the bathtub 102, and the shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are also arranged on the back wall portion 102a of the bathtub 102.
[0098] This allows the bather to feel the comforting effects of both the stimulation from vibration and the stimulation from hot or cold water flow on the back side of the body, which is most sensitive to stimulation.
[0099] Also, in bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment, shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are disposed above hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112.
[0100] Since hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are arranged on the back wall portion 102a of bathtub 102, it is expected that the force of the hot water or cold water flow from hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 will cause the bather's shoulders to approach back wall portion 102a of bathtub 102.Since shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are arranged in the area of the back wall portion where the shoulders approach, the comforting effect of the vibrations of shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 is more easily felt on the shoulder side.
[0101] Furthermore, in the bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment, the back side wall surface portion 102a of the bathtub 2 on which the shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are arranged is also inclined.
[0102] When the bather assumes a position in which his / her shoulders approach back wall portion 102a of bathtub 102, back wall portion 102a of bathtub 102 is inclined so that back wall portion 102a conforms to the body of the bather, and since shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are positioned there, the comfort-enhancing effect of the vibrations of shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 is more easily felt.
[0103] Furthermore, in the bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment, the vibrations applied by the shoulder vibration generating units 121 and 122 are also in the diagonal upward and downward directions.
[0104] When the bather assumes a position in which his / her shoulders approach the back wall portion 102a of the bathtub 102, if the direction of vibration generated by the shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 is diagonally upward or downward, the comforting effect of such vibration is more easily felt on the shoulder side.
[0105] In addition, in the bathtub equipment 101 of this embodiment, the direction of vibration provided by the buttocks vibration generating units 125, 126, the left vibration generating unit 127, and the right vibration generating unit 128 is approximately perpendicular to the direction of the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112.
[0106] This makes it easy to feel the comfort-providing effects of both the stimulation caused by the vibrations from each of the vibration generating units 122 to 128 and the stimulation caused by the hot or cold water flow from the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112, independently.
[0107] In addition, in the bathtub equipment 101 of this embodiment, the leg vibration generating units 123, 124 are arranged on the leg side wall portion 102b of the bathtub 102, and the leg vibration generating units 123, 124 and the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are arranged at positions offset in the vertical direction.
[0108] This makes it easy to feel the comfort-enhancing effects of both the stimulation by vibration from leg vibration generating units 123, 124 and the stimulation by hot or cold water flow from hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112, independently.
[0109] Here, instead of or in addition to being offset in the vertical direction, it is also preferable that the leg vibration generating units 123, 124 and the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are offset in the left-right direction (for example, the pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 123, 124 may be arranged symmetrically in the bathtub 102, and their respective central axes may be spaced apart by 250 mm).
[0110] The present invention includes the following features (inventions). [Feature 1] A bathtub that can hold hot or cold water; A hot water / water flow generating unit that is installed in the bathtub and supplies hot water or water into the bathtub to generate a hot water flow or a water flow inside the hot water or water stored in the bathtub; A vibration generating unit that is installed in the bathtub and generates vibrations in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water into the bathtub; A bathtub apparatus comprising: [Feature 2] The maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub caused by the vibration applied by the vibration generating unit is smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub caused by the hot water flow or water flow generated by the hot water flow / water flow generating unit. 2. A bathtub apparatus according to claim 1. [Feature 3] At a predetermined position set in the bathtub, the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibration given by the vibration generating unit is smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating unit. 3. A bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. [Feature 4] The hot / cold water flow generating unit is disposed on the back wall of the bathtub, The vibration generating unit is also disposed on the back wall of the bathtub. A bathtub apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 3. [Feature 5] The vibration generating unit is disposed above the hot / cold water flow generating unit. A bathtub apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 4. [Feature 6] The back wall surface of the bathtub on which the vibration generating unit is arranged is inclined. A bathtub apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 5. [Feature 7] The direction of vibration given by the vibration generating unit is an oblique upward / downward direction. A bathtub apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 6. [Feature 8] The direction of the vibration applied by the vibration generating unit and the direction of the molten metal or water flow generated by the molten metal / water flow generating unit are approximately perpendicular to each other. A bathtub apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 7. [Feature 9] The vibration generating unit is disposed on a foot side wall surface of the bathtub, The vibration generating unit and the hot / cold water flow generating unit are disposed at positions offset in the height direction and / or the left / right direction. A bathtub apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 8. [Explanation of symbols]
[0111] 1 Bathtub device (first embodiment) 2 Bathtub 2a Back wall 2b Leg side wall part 2c Left side wall 2d Right side wall section 9a, 9b Water intake 11, 12 Hot / cold water flow generating section 21, 22 Shoulder vibration generating unit 23, 24 Vibration generating unit for legs 25, 26 Buttock vibration generating unit 27 Left vibration generating part 28 Right vibration generating part 30 Remote control operation section 35 Control section 101 Bathtub device (second embodiment) 102 Bathtub 102a Back wall 102b Leg side wall 102c Left side wall 102d Right side wall section 109 Water intake 111, 112 Hot / cold water flow generating section 123, 124 Vibration generating unit for legs 125, 126 Buttock vibration generating unit 127 Left vibration generating part 128 Right vibration generating part 130 Remote control operation section 135 Control Unit
Claims
1. A bathtub that can hold hot or cold water; A hot water / water flow generating unit that is installed in the bathtub and supplies hot water or water into the bathtub to generate a hot water flow or a water flow inside the hot water or water stored in the bathtub; A vibration generating unit that is installed in the bathtub and generates vibrations in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water into the bathtub; A bathtub apparatus comprising:
2. The maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub caused by the vibration applied by the vibration generating unit is smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating unit.
2. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 .
3. At a predetermined position set in the bathtub, the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibration given by the vibration generating unit is smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating unit.
2. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 .
4. The hot / cold water flow generating unit is disposed on the back wall of the bathtub, The vibration generating unit is also disposed on the back wall of the bathtub.
2. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 .
5. The vibration generating unit is disposed above the hot / cold water flow generating unit.
5. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 4.
6. The back wall surface of the bathtub on which the vibration generating unit is arranged is inclined.
6. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 5.
7. The direction of vibration given by the vibration generating unit is an oblique upward / downward direction.
5. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 4.
8. The direction of the vibration applied by the vibration generating unit and the direction of the molten metal or water flow generated by the molten metal / water flow generating unit are approximately perpendicular to each other.
2. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 .
9. The vibration generating unit is disposed on a foot side wall surface of the bathtub, The vibration generating unit and the hot / cold water flow generating unit are disposed at positions offset in the height direction and / or the left / right direction.
2. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 .
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Bathtub speaker and bath sound system
JP1991015423A
Acoustic system for bathtub
JP2006128970A