Bathtub device

Abstract

To provide fine comfort to a bather by combining a hot water flow / water flow generation part for generating a hot water flow or a water flow inside hot water or water stored in a bathtub by supplying hot water or water in the bathtub, and a vibration generation part for generating vibration in hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water in the bathtub.SOLUTION: A bathtub device includes: a bathtub that can store hot water or water; a hot water flow / water flow generation part installed in the bathtub for generating a hot water flow or a water flow inside hot water or water stored in the bathtub by supplying hot water or water in the bathtub; a vibration generation part installed in the bathtub for generating vibration in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water in the bathtub; and a control part for interlocking an operation of the hot water flow / water flow generation part with an operation of the vibration generation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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 comfort to the bather, and this has already been commercialized (TOTO products "Koshirakuyu" and "Hydrohands").

[0004] The inventors of the present invention have found 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 a detailed comfort for the bather. In particular, they have found that by linking (mutually relating) the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit and the operation of the vibration generating unit, it is possible to further improve the detailed comfort for the bather. [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 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 or water flow within the hot water or water stored in the bathtub by supplying hot water or water into 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; and a control unit that links the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit with the operation of the vibration generating unit.

[0008] According to the present invention, the hot water or cold water flow can provide the bather with a relatively strong water pressure stimulation that penetrates into the inside of 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.). This makes it possible to provide the bather with a finely tuned comfort. In particular, by linking (mutually relating) the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit and the operation of the vibration generating unit, the finely tuned comfort for the bather can be further improved.

[0009] For example, the control unit can be set to a simultaneous operation cut-off mode, and in this simultaneous operation cut-off mode, the control unit is preferably configured to not start operation of the vibration generating unit if the hot water / cold water flow generating unit is operating, and to not start operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit if the vibration generating unit is operating.

[0010] In this case, it is possible to reliably prevent the operation of the hot / cold water flow generating section and the operation of the vibration generating section from interfering with each other.

[0011] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that, in the simultaneous operation cut-off mode, when the control unit receives a command to start operation of the vibration generating unit while the hot water / water flow generating unit is operating, the control unit starts operation of the vibration generating unit after the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit has ended, and, when the control unit receives a command to start operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit while the vibration generating unit is operating, the control unit starts operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit after the operation of the vibration generating unit has ended.

[0012] This makes it possible to reliably prevent the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit and the vibration generating unit from interfering with each other, while also achieving operation that respects the bather's operation (intention to use the hot water / cold water flow generating unit or the vibration generating unit).

[0013] Here, when the hot / cold water flow generating unit or the vibration generating unit is operated, for example, if the function currently in operation is one that continues to operate for a pre-selected period of time, it may wait for the selected period of time to elapse before terminating its operation, or it may immediately terminate its operation upon receiving an operation indicating that a function that is not currently in operation is to be used by emitting a sound message such as "The blow function will be stopped to implement the vibration function," or the information may be communicated to the user visually rather than audibly by using a display unit or the like.

[0014] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that, in the simultaneous operation cut-off mode, when the control unit receives a command to start operation of the vibration generating unit while the hot water / cold water flow generating unit is operating, the control unit starts operation of the vibration generating unit within a predetermined time after the hot water / cold water flow generating unit ends its operation.

[0015] According to this, vibration is performed within a specified period of time when the water flow from the hot / cold water flow generating unit still lingers, so that the user can change from water flow stimulation to vibration stimulation with less discomfort.

[0016] Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the specified time is a time equivalent to 0% to 80% of the time required for the hot water or cold water flow remaining in the bathtub to disappear after the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit has ended.

[0017] This also makes it possible to switch from water flow stimulation to vibration stimulation with less discomfort to the user.

[0018] Alternatively, in the present invention, the control unit can be set to a simultaneous operation allowing mode, and in the simultaneous operation allowing mode, when the control unit receives a command to start operation of the vibration generating unit while the hot water / water flow generating unit is operating, the control unit is configured to weaken the output strength of the hot water / water flow generating unit to a predetermined value or less and start operation of the vibration generating unit, and when the control unit receives a command to start operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit while the vibration generating unit is operating, the control unit is configured to weaken the output strength of the hot water / water flow generating unit to a predetermined value or less and start operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit.

[0019] This can reliably prevent a situation in which the effect of the hot / cold water flow generated by the hot / cold water flow generating unit is too strong and the effect of the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit cannot be felt. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, the hot or cold water flow can provide the bather with a relatively strong water pressure stimulation that penetrates into the inside of 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.). This can provide the bather with a finely tuned comfort. In particular, by linking (mutually relating) the operation of the hot or cold water flow generating unit and the operation of the vibration generating unit, the finely tuned comfort for the bather can be further improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [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] 13 is a flowchart of an example of a simultaneous action cutoff mode. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart of an example of a simultaneous operation allowance mode. [Figure 11] 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

[0022] (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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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°.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] (First embodiment: control configuration) In this embodiment, the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations applied by each of the vibration generating units 21 to 28 and the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or cold water flows generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are designed not to interfere with each other.

[0038] These settings can be achieved by adjusting the supply timing of 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] <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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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."

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Here, the control unit 35 of this embodiment is configured to link (interact with) the operations of the hot / cold water flow generation units 11, 12 and the vibration generation units 21-28.

[0052] Specifically, the control unit 35 can be set to a simultaneous operation cutoff mode based on, for example, an input operation by a bather on the remote control operation unit 30. As shown in Fig. 9, in the simultaneous operation cutoff mode, the control unit 35 does not start the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 if the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating, and does not start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 if the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating. More specifically, in the simultaneous operation cutoff mode, when the control unit 35 receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 while the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 after the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 ends, and when the control unit 35 receives a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 while the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating, the control unit 35 starts the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 after the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 ends.

[0053] This makes it possible to reliably prevent the operation of hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 and the operation of vibration generating units 21-28 from interfering with each other, while also achieving operation that respects the bather's operation (intention to use hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 or vibration generating units 21-28).

[0054] Here, when the hot / cold water flow generating unit 11, 12 or the vibration generating unit 21-28 is to terminate its operation, for example, if the function currently in operation is one which continues to operate for a preselected period of time, it may wait for the selected period of time to elapse before terminating its operation, or it may immediately terminate its operation upon receiving an operation indicating that a function which is not currently in operation is to be used, by emitting a sound message such as "The blow function will be stopped to implement the vibration function," or the information may be communicated to the user visually, for example, by using a display unit, rather than by voice.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in the simultaneous operation cut-off mode, when the control unit 35 receives a command to start operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 while the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating, it is configured to start operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 within a predetermined time after the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 ends.

[0056] As a result, vibration is performed within a specified time period during which the aftertaste of the water flow from the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 still lingers, so that the water flow stimulation can be changed to vibration stimulation with less discomfort to the user.

[0057] In this embodiment, the specified time is set to a time equivalent to 75% of the time required for the hot water or cold water remaining in the bathtub 2 to disappear after the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 has ended.

[0058] This also makes it possible to switch from water flow stimulation to vibration stimulation with less discomfort to the user.

[0059] In this embodiment, the time required for the hot water or water flow remaining in the bathtub 2 to disappear after the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 have finished operating is about 25 seconds if the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are driven at "high output", about 20 seconds if the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are driven at "medium output", and about 15 seconds if the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are driven at "low output". In this embodiment, the state in which the hot water or water flow remaining in the bathtub 2 has disappeared means, for example, a state in which the surface of the hot water and water accumulated in the bathtub 2 no longer wobbles.

[0060] 9 in detail, when a command to start operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 is received (YES in STEP 11), it is determined whether the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating (STEP 12). If the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating (YES in STEP 12), the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 is awaited to end (STEP 13), and the operation of the vibration generating units is started within a predetermined time from the end of the operation (STEP 14). If the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are not operating (NO in STEP 12), the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 is immediately started (STEP 15).

[0061] Approximately symmetrically, when a command to start the operation of the hot / cold flow generating units 11, 12 is received (YES in STEP 21), it is determined whether the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating (STEP 22). If the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating (YES in STEP 22), the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 is awaited to end (STEP 23) before the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 is started (STEP 24). If the vibration generating units 21-28 are not operating (NO in STEP 22), the operation of the hot / cold flow generating units 11, 12 is immediately started (STEP 24).

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 35 of this embodiment can be set to a simultaneous operation permission mode based on, for example, an input operation by a bather on the remote control operation unit 30. As shown in Fig. 10, in the simultaneous operation permission mode, when the control unit 35 receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 while the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating, the control unit 35 forcibly switches the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 to "weak output" before starting the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28, and when the control unit 35 receives a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 while the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating, the control unit 35 forcibly switches the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 to "weak output" before starting the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12.

[0063] This can reliably prevent a situation in which the effect of the hot / cold water flows generated by the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 is too strong and the effect of the vibrations generated by the vibration generating units 21-28 cannot be felt.

[0064] 10 in detail, when an operation start command for the vibration generating units 21-28 is received (YES in STEP 31), it is determined whether the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating (STEP 32). If the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating (YES in STEP 32), it is determined whether the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is other than "weak" or is "weak" (STEP 33). If the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is other than "weak" (YES in STEP 33), the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is forcibly switched to "weak" (STEP 34), and the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 is started (STEP 35). If the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are not operating (NO in STEP 32), the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 is immediately started (STEP 35). Even if the output intensity of hot / cold current generating units 11, 12 is "weak" (NO in STEP 33), the vibration generating units 21 to 28 immediately start operating (STEP 35).

[0065] In contrast, when a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is received (YES in STEP 41), it is determined whether the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating (STEP 42). If the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating (YES in STEP 42), it is determined whether the output intensity (selection) of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is other than "weak" or "weak" (STEP 43). If the output intensity (selection) of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is other than "weak" (YES in STEP 43), the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is forcibly switched to "weak" (STEP 44), and the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is started (STEP 45). If the vibration generating units 21-28 are not operating (NO in STEP 42), the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is immediately started (STEP 45). Even if the output intensity of the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 is "weak" (NO in STEP 43), the operation of the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 is immediately started (STEP 45).

[0066] (First embodiment: function and effect) According to the bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 can provide the bather with a relatively strong water pressure stimulation 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 stimulation mainly to the surface of the body (skin, etc.). This can provide a finely tuned comfort to the bather. In particular, by linking (mutually associating) the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units and the operation of the vibration generating units, the finely tuned comfort to the bather can be further improved.

[0067] In addition, according to the bathtub equipment 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 35 can be set to a simultaneous operation cut-off mode, and in this simultaneous operation cut-off mode, the control unit 35 is configured to not start the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 if the hot and cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating, and is configured to not start the operation of the hot and cold water flow generating units 11, 12 if the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating.

[0068] This reliably prevents the operation of the hot / cold flow generating parts 11, 12 and the operation of the vibration generating parts 21-28 from interfering with each other.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the bathtub equipment 1 of this embodiment, when the control unit 35 receives a command to start operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 while the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating in the simultaneous operation cut-off mode, it is configured to start operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 after the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 has finished, and when it receives a command to start operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 while the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating, it is configured to start operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 after the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 has finished.

[0070] This makes it possible to reliably prevent the operation of hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 and the operation of vibration generating units 21-28 from interfering with each other, while also achieving operation that respects the bather's operation (intention to use hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 or vibration generating units 21-28).

[0071] Furthermore, according to the bathtub equipment 1 of this embodiment, when the control unit 35 receives a command to start operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 while the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating in simultaneous operation cut-off mode, the control unit 35 is configured to start operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 within a predetermined time after the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 ends.

[0072] As a result, vibration is performed within a specified time period during which the aftertaste of the water flow from the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 still lingers, so that the water flow stimulation can be changed to vibration stimulation with less discomfort to the user.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the bathtub equipment 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 35 can be set to a simultaneous operation allowance mode, and in this simultaneous operation allowance mode, when the control unit 35 receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 while the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating, it forcibly switches the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 to "weak output" before starting the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28, and when the control unit 35 receives a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 while the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating, it forcibly switches the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 to "weak output" before starting the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12.

[0074] This can reliably prevent a situation in which the effect of the hot / cold water flows generated by the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 is too strong and the effect of the vibrations generated by the vibration generating units 21-28 cannot be felt.

[0075] In this embodiment, when a command to start the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 is received while the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 are in operation, the output strength of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is forcibly switched to "weak output" before the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 is started. When a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is received while the vibration generating units 21-28 are in operation, the output strength of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is forcibly switched to "weak output" before the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 is started. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a command to start operating the vibration generating units 21-28 is received while the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are operating, the output intensity of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 may be changed to generate a water flow with an output intensity lower than the "weak output", and when a command to start operating the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 is received while the vibration generating units 21-28 are operating, the output intensity of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 may be switched to a water flow with an output intensity lower than the "weak output".

[0076] (Second embodiment: Arrangement configuration) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Fig. 11 is an irregular schematic cross-sectional view passing through hot / cold water flow generator 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.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 11, 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.

[0078] Bathtub 102 has a deep bottom that corresponds to the bather's buttocks, and its planar shape at the standard height when filling it with 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 11, but the elements on the symmetrical right side are indicated by only the symbols in parentheses.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Returning to Fig. 11, foot-side wall portion 102b of bathtub 102 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 Fig. 11 is a circular element member with an outer diameter of 90 mm and a protruding height (thickness) of 12 mm into the bathtub.

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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°.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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 8 may also be applied to the vibration generating units 121 to 128.

[0089] (Second embodiment: control configuration) In this embodiment as well, the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations applied by each of the vibration generating units 121 to 128 and the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or cold water flows generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are designed not to interfere with each other.

[0090] These settings can be achieved by adjusting the supply timing of 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).

[0091] 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 pre-adjusted as described in paragraphs 0040 to 0048.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Here, the control unit 135 of this embodiment is configured to link (interact with) the operations of the hot / cold water flow generation units 111, 112 and the operations of the vibration generation units 121-128.

[0094] Specifically, the control unit 135 can be set to a simultaneous operation cut-off mode, for example, based on an input operation by the bather via the remote control operation unit 130. As shown in Fig. 9, in the simultaneous operation cut-off mode, the control unit 135 is configured to not start the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 while the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating, and is configured to not start the operation of the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 while the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating. More specifically, in the simultaneous operation cut-off mode, when the control unit 135 receives a command to start operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 while the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating, it is configured to start operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 after the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 has finished, and when the control unit 135 receives a command to start operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 while the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating, it is configured to start operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 after the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 has finished.

[0095] This makes it possible to reliably prevent the operation of hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 and the operation of vibration generating units 121-128 from interfering with each other, while also achieving operation that respects the bather's operation (intention to use hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 or vibration generating units 121-128).

[0096] Here, when the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 or vibration generating units 121-128 terminate operation, for example, if the function currently in operation is a function that continues to operate for a preselected period of time, the operation may be terminated after the selected period of time has elapsed, or the operation may be terminated immediately upon receiving an operation indicating that a function that is not currently in operation is to be used, by emitting a sound message such as "The blow function will be stopped to implement the vibration function," or the information may be communicated to the user visually rather than audibly, using a display unit or the like.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in the simultaneous operation cut-off mode, when the control unit 135 receives a command to start operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 while the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating, it starts operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 within a predetermined time after the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 have finished operating.

[0098] As a result, vibration is performed within a specified time period during which the afterglow of the water flow from hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 still lingers, so that the water flow stimulation can be changed to vibration stimulation with less discomfort for the user.

[0099] In this embodiment, the specified time is set to a time equivalent to 75% of the time required for the hot water or cold water remaining in the bathtub 102 to disappear after the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 has ended.

[0100] This also makes it possible to switch from water flow stimulation to vibration stimulation with less discomfort to the user.

[0101] In this embodiment, the time required for the hot water or water flow remaining in the bathtub 102 to disappear after the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 have finished operating is about 25 seconds if the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 are driven at "high output", about 20 seconds if the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 are driven at "medium output", and about 15 seconds if the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 are driven at "low output". In this embodiment, the state in which the hot water or water flow remaining in the bathtub 102 has disappeared means, for example, a state in which the surface of the hot water and water accumulated in the bathtub 102 no longer wobbles.

[0102] 9, when an operation start command for the vibration generating units 121-128 is received (YES in STEP 11), it is determined whether the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating (STEP 12). If the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating (YES in STEP 12), the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is awaited to end (STEP 13), and the operation of the vibration generating units is started within a predetermined time from the end of the operation (STEP 14). If the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are not operating (NO in STEP 12), the operation of the vibration generating units 21-28 is immediately started (STEP 15).

[0103] Approximately symmetrically, when a command to start the operation of the hot / cold flow generating units 111, 112 is received (YES in STEP 21), it is determined whether the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating (STEP 22). If the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating (YES in STEP 22), the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 is awaited to end (STEP 23) and then the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 is started (STEP 24). If the vibration generating units 121-128 are not operating (NO in STEP 22), the operation of the hot / cold flow generating units 111, 112 is immediately started (STEP 24).

[0104] Furthermore, the control unit 135 of this embodiment can be set to a simultaneous operation permission mode based on, for example, an input operation by a bather on the remote control operation unit 130. As shown in Fig. 10, in the simultaneous operation permission mode, when the control unit 135 receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 while the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating, the control unit 135 forcibly switches the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 to "weak output" before starting the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128, and when the control unit 135 receives a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 while the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating, the control unit 135 forcibly switches the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 to "weak output" before starting the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112.

[0105] This can reliably prevent a situation in which the effect of the hot / cold water flows generated by the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is too strong and the effect of the vibrations generated by the vibration generating units 121-128 cannot be felt.

[0106] Explaining in detail by applying it to FIG. 10, when an operation start command of the vibration generating units 121-128 is received (YES in STEP 31), it is determined whether the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating (STEP 32). If the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating (YES in STEP 32), it is determined whether the output strength of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 is other than "weak" or is "weak" (STEP 33). If the output strength of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 is other than "weak" (YES in STEP 33), the output strength of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 is forcibly switched to "weak" (STEP 34), and the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 is started (STEP 35). If the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are not operating (NO in STEP 32), the vibration generating units 121-128 immediately start operating (STEP 35). Also, even if the output strength of the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is "weak" (NO in STEP 33), the vibration generating units 121-128 immediately start operating (STEP 35).

[0107] In contrast, when a command to start the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is received (YES in STEP 41), it is determined whether the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating (STEP 42). If the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating (YES in STEP 42), it is determined whether the output intensity (selection) of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is other than "weak" or "weak" (STEP 43). If the output intensity (selection) of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is other than "weak" (YES in STEP 43), the output intensity of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is forcibly switched to "weak" (STEP 44), and the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is started (STEP 45). If the vibration generating units 121-128 are not operating (NO in STEP 42), the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 immediately start operating (STEP 45). Also, even if the output strength of the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is "weak" (NO in STEP 43), the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 immediately start operating (STEP 45).

[0108] (Second embodiment: action and effect) The bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment as described above can also provide the bather with a relatively strong water pressure stimulation that penetrates into the inside of the body (muscles, etc.) by the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112, while providing a delicate water pressure stimulation mainly to the surface of the body (skin, etc.) by the vibrations from each of the vibration generating units 121-128. This can provide a finely tuned comfort to the bather. In particular, by linking (interacting with) the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 and the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128, the finely tuned comfort to the bather can be further improved.

[0109] In addition, in the bathtub equipment 101 of this embodiment, the control unit 135 can be set to a simultaneous operation cut-off mode, and in this simultaneous operation cut-off mode, the control unit 135 is configured to not start the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 while the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating, and is configured to not start the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 while the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating.

[0110] This reliably prevents the operation of the hot / cold water flow generating parts 111, 112 and the operation of the vibration generating parts 121-128 from interfering with each other.

[0111] Furthermore, in the bathtub equipment 101 of this embodiment, when the control unit 135 receives a command to start operating the vibration generating units 121-128 while the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating in simultaneous operation cut-off mode, the control unit 135 is configured to start operating the vibration generating units 121-128 after the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 has finished, and when the control unit 135 receives a command to start operating the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 while the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating, the control unit 135 is configured to start operating the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 after the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 has finished.

[0112] This makes it possible to reliably prevent the operation of hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 and the operation of vibration generating units 121-128 from interfering with each other, while also achieving operation that respects the bather's operation (intention to use hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 or vibration generating units 121-128).

[0113] Furthermore, according to the bathtub equipment 101 of this embodiment, when the control unit 135 receives a command to start operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 while the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating in simultaneous operation cut-off mode, the vibration generating units 121-128 start operation within a predetermined time after the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 have finished operating.

[0114] As a result, vibration is performed within a specified time period during which the afterglow of the water flow from hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 still lingers, so that the water flow stimulation can be changed to vibration stimulation with less discomfort to the user.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the bathtub equipment 101 of this embodiment, the control unit 135 can be set to a simultaneous operation allowance mode, and in this simultaneous operation allowance mode, when the control unit 135 receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 while the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating, it forcibly switches the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 to "weak output" before starting the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128, and when the control unit 135 receives a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 while the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating, it forcibly switches the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 to "weak output" before starting the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112.

[0116] This can reliably prevent a situation in which the effect of the hot / cold water flows generated by the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is too strong and the effect of the vibrations generated by the vibration generating units 121-128 cannot be felt.

[0117] In this embodiment, when a command to start the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 is received while the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating, the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 is forcibly switched to "weak output" before the operation of the vibration generating units 121-128 is started. When a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 is received while the vibration generating units 121-128 are operating, the output intensity of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 is forcibly switched to "weak output" before the operation of the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 is started. Although the embodiment is designed to start operation, the invention is not limited to this. For example, when a command to start operation of vibration generating units 121-128 is received while hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are operating, the output intensity of hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 may be changed to generate a water flow with an output intensity lower than "weak output", and when a command to start operation of hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 is received while vibration generating units 121-128 are operating, the output intensity of hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 may be switched to a water flow with an output intensity lower than "weak output".

[0118] 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 control unit that links the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit with the operation of the vibration generating unit; A bathtub apparatus comprising: [Feature 2] The control unit can be set to a simultaneous operation cutoff mode, The control unit is configured not to start the operation of the vibration generating unit if the hot water / cold water flow generating unit is operating in the simultaneous operation cutoff mode, and is configured not to start the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit if the vibration generating unit is operating. 2. A bathtub apparatus according to claim 1. [Feature 3] The control unit is configured to start the operation of the vibration generating unit after the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit is completed when the control unit receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating unit during the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit in the simultaneous operation cutoff mode, and to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit after the operation of the vibration generating unit is completed when the control unit receives a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit during the operation of the vibration generating unit. 3. The bathtub apparatus according to feature 2. [Feature 4] The control unit is configured to start the operation of the vibration generating unit within a predetermined time after the operation of the hot water / cold water generating unit is completed when the control unit receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating unit during the operation of the hot water / cold water generating unit in the simultaneous operation cutoff mode. 4. The bathtub apparatus according to feature 3. [Feature 5] The predetermined time corresponds to 0% to 80% of the time required for the hot water or cold water remaining in the bathtub to disappear after the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit is completed. 5. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 4. [Feature 6] The control unit can be set to a simultaneous operation permission mode, In the simultaneous operation allowance mode, when the control unit receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating unit while the hot water / water flow generating unit is operating, the control unit weakens the output strength of the hot water / water flow generating unit to a predetermined value or less and starts the operation of the vibration generating unit, and when the control unit receives a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit while the vibration generating unit is operating, the control unit weakens the output strength of the hot water / water flow generating unit to a predetermined value or less and starts the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit. A bathtub apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 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 control unit that links the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit with the operation of the vibration generating unit; A bathtub apparatus comprising:

2. The control unit can be set to a simultaneous operation cutoff mode, The control unit is configured to not start the operation of the vibration generating unit if the hot water / cold water flow generating unit is in operation in the simultaneous operation cutoff mode, and is configured to not start the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit if the vibration generating unit is in operation.

2. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit is configured to start the operation of the vibration generating unit after the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit is completed when the control unit receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating unit during the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit in the simultaneous operation cutoff mode, and to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit after the operation of the vibration generating unit is completed when the control unit receives a command to start the operation of the hot water / water flow generating unit during the operation of the vibration generating unit.

3. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The control unit is configured to start the operation of the vibration generating unit within a predetermined time after the operation of the hot water / cold water generating unit is finished when the control unit receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating unit during the operation of the hot water / cold water generating unit in the simultaneous operation cutoff mode.

4. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The predetermined time corresponds to 0% to 80% of the time required for the hot water or cold water remaining in the bathtub to disappear after the hot water / cold water flow generating unit has finished operating.

5. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The control unit can be set to a simultaneous operation permission mode, In the simultaneous operation allowance mode, when the control unit receives a command to start the operation of the vibration generating unit while the hot water / cold water flow generating unit is in operation, the control unit weakens the output strength of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit to a predetermined value or less and starts the operation of the vibration generating unit, and when the control unit receives a command to start the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit while the vibration generating unit is in operation, the control unit weakens the output strength of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit to a predetermined value or less and starts the operation of the hot water / cold water flow generating unit.

2. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 .

Images