Bathtub apparatus

Abstract

To provide a bathtub apparatus which makes the back of a bathing person naturally fit to a backrest part of a bathtub when the bathing person places the head on a pillow part to be in a relaxed state, and easily makes warm water after reaching shoulders spread to both sides of a front side and a back side of the bathing person.SOLUTION: A bathtub apparatus includes: a bathtub having a backrest part with which the back of a bathing person in a bathing posture can make contact and a rim part arranged in an upper part of the backrest part; a pillow part which is arranged in an upper part of the rim part and is formed separately from the bathtub, and where the bathing person in the bathing posture can place the head; and a water discharge port of a shoulder warm water discharge device which is arranged between the rim part and the pillow part for discharging water to shoulders of the bathing person in the bathing posture. In a top view, both the backrest part of the bathtub and a front end of the pillow part are curved in a recessed shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathtub, and more particularly to a bathtub device equipped with a pillow section on which a bather can rest their head and a water outlet that sprays water toward the bather's shoulders. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a bathtub device equipped with a pillow section above the bathtub on which the bather's head rests and a water discharge device that discharges bathwater onto the bather's shoulders. With this bathtub device, the bather can rest their head in a relaxed position on the pillow section, the upper surface of which is horizontal or tilted at an angle close to horizontal, and have bathwater poured onto their shoulders, which are not immersed in the hot water, to warm their upper body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-8428 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventors focused on how the hot water spreads after hitting the shoulders in order to further improve the feeling of warmth in the upper body when the bather is in a relaxed position with their head resting on the pillow. Specifically, they discovered that spreading the hot water to both the front (chest side) and back (dorsal side) of the bather after hitting the shoulders is effective in warming the entire upper body that is not immersed in the hot water in the bathtub.

[0005] In order for the water to spread to both the front and back of the bather after hitting the shoulders, the bather's posture (the angle of inclination of the upper body when viewed from the side) is important, but because bathing postures vary from person to person, the inventors focused on the shape of the bathtub's backrest in order to regulate the bather's posture to the desired one. Specifically, they discovered that by fitting the bather's back to the backrest of the bathtub, the bather's posture can be regulated to the desired one.

[0006] However, when a pillow member such as that in Patent Document 1 is used, the shape of the pillow portion on which the bather rests is formed horizontally or at an angle close to horizontal, so the posture of the bather is determined by the pillow portion, and when the bather relaxes their muscles, their back naturally moves away from the backrest of the bathtub, resulting in a new problem in that the bather's bathing posture is not the desired one.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a bathtub device that allows the bather's back to naturally fit against the backrest of the bathtub even when the bather is relaxed with his or her head resting on the pillow, and makes it easy for hot water to spread to both the front and back of the bather after it hits the shoulders. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a bathtub having a backrest portion against which a bather in a bathing position can rest their back, and a rim portion located above the backrest portion; a pillow portion located above the rim portion and formed separately from the bathtub, on which a bather in a bathing position can rest their head; a spout of a shoulder bath water discharge device located between the rim portion and the pillow portion, which discharges water toward the shoulders of a bather in a bathing position; and the front ends of the backrest portion and the pillow portion of the bathtub are both concavely curved when viewed from above. When viewed from above, the front side of the water discharge section of the shoulder bath water discharge device in the water discharge direction is covered by a pillow section, and when viewed from above, the front end of the pillow section covering the front of the water discharge section of the shoulder bath water discharge device is curved concavely. When viewed from above, the front end portion of the shoulder bath water discharge device, which is covered by the pillow portion, is curved concavely together with the backrest portion of the bathtub and the front end of the pillow portion. When viewed from above, the front end of the water discharge section of the shoulder bath water discharge device is curved in a concave shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the bathtub of the present invention, even when the bather is relaxed with his / her head resting on the pillow part, the back of the bathtub naturally fits into the backrest part of the bathtub, and hot water that hits the bather's shoulders can be easily spread to both the front and back sides of the bather. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a bathtub apparatus to which a bathtub water discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 5] 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the water discharge device for a bathtub according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3 in an enlarged state with the left and right sides of the page reversed. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 1 is a front view of a bathtub water discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing how water that has flowed into a storage chamber of a bathtub water discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention passes through an inclined portion and a throttle flow path and is discharged from a water discharge port portion. FIG. [Figure 11]1 is a perspective view showing a state in which water is being discharged from a water discharge port toward a user sitting in a bathtub equipped with a bathtub water discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a bather bathing in a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a bather bathing in a bathtub apparatus that is a comparative example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, a bathtub apparatus to which a bathtub water discharger according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic oblique view showing a bathtub device to which a bathtub water discharge device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, Figure 2 is a top view of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a side view of Figure 1.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a bathtub apparatus 3 to which a bathtub water discharger (bathtub water circulation type water discharger) 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied includes a bathtub 2 and a water supply unit 10 that supplies hot and cold water into the bathtub 2 when a user H operates an operating unit 30 (described later). The bathtub water discharger 1 is installed in the bathtub 2. The bathtub 2 stores water (including hot water) supplied from the water supply unit 10. In this embodiment, the side on which the water outlet (water outlet) 4 of the water discharger 5 (described later) of the bathtub water discharger 1 is provided is the front direction, the side opposite to this on which the storage chamber 36 is provided is the rear direction, and the right side when viewing the water outlet 4 from the front is referred to as the right direction, and the left side is referred to as the left direction. The temperature of the water supplied by the water supply unit 10 to the bathtub 2 is set by a user H operating the operating unit 30 (described later).

[0013] The bathtub 2 has a bottom 2a, a vertical wall 2b on the short side against which the user H's back comes into contact, a side wall 2d on the long side of the bathtub 2, and an upper end (rim) 2c connected to the upper part of the vertical wall 2b and forming the upper surface of the bathtub 2. One side of the vertical wall 2b (the side on which the bathtub water discharger 1 is installed) is a backrest 7 against which a bather in a bathing position can rest their back. The backrest 7 is inclined downward toward the inside of the bathtub 2 at a first inclination angle, for example, an inclination angle of 20 degrees, with respect to the vertical plane (see Figure 13). This first inclination angle is the angle of an imaginary line connecting the upper end of the backrest 7 (the position where the upper end 2c and the backrest 7 intersect) and the lower end (the position where the bottom 2a and the backrest 7 intersect). The upper end 2c is set at a height relatively close to the upper body of a user H sitting in the bathtub, such as the head, neck, or shoulders. A first water inlet 6 and a second water inlet 22 are formed in the side wall 2d. The water outlet 4 is located above the backrest, and a pillow 8 is arranged on which a bather can place their head in a bathing position. The water outlet 4 is located between the backrest 7 and the pillow 8, and discharges water toward the shoulders of a bather in a bathing position. Bathtub 2 is a so-called round-type bathtub in which the upper wall surface of bathtub 2 is formed in a horizontal arc shape. Bathtub 2 may also be a so-called cradle-type bathtub in which the upper wall surface of bathtub 2 is formed in a horizontal arc shape, a circular bathtub, or a wide-type bathtub in which vertical wall 2b forms the long side.

[0014] As shown in Figure 3, the bathtub water discharger 1 discharges water supplied from a supply pipe into the bathtub 2. The bathtub water discharger 1 is disposed on the inner edge of the upper end 2c of the bathtub 2. The bathtub water discharger 1 is formed with a water discharge port 4 of a water discharger 5 that discharges water horizontally and in a band-like manner into the bathtub 2.

[0015] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the bathtub apparatus 3 further includes a first flow path 8 extending from the first water intake 6, a pump (supply unit) 10 provided on the first flow path 8 that sucks water from the bathtub 2 and pumps it downstream, a three-way valve 12 that controls the flow of water at the downstream end of the first flow path 8, a second flow path 14 that extends from the three-way valve 12 to the outlet 4, a third flow path 16 that extends from the three-way valve 12 separately from the second flow path 14, and a pump (supply unit) 10 that pumps the water supplied from the third flow path 16 into the bathtub 2. The bathtub 2 includes a blow-out water outlet 18 that discharges water, a jet pump unit 20 provided downstream of the second flow path 14, a fourth flow path 24 extending from the second water intake 22 to the jet pump unit 20, an uprising pipe 26 extending vertically upward from the jet pump unit 20, a control unit 28 that controls the pump 10 and the three-way valve 12, a water temperature sensor (detection unit) 9 that detects the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2, and an operation unit 30 that is operated by the user H. The detection unit 9 is controlled by the control unit 28. It is more preferable that the detection unit 9 be formed on the inner wall of the bathtub 2 on the side where the first water intake 6 or the second water intake 22 is formed, rather than on the side where the water discharger 1 is installed.

[0016] The pump 10 is electrically connected to a control unit 28 and is controlled by the control unit 28 .

[0017] The three-way valve 12 can selectively supply water supplied from the first flow path 8 to both or either the second flow path 14 and the third flow path 16. The three-way valve 12 can freely change the flow rate distribution ratio. The three-way valve 12 is electrically connected to a control unit 28, and is electrically controlled to open and close by the control unit 28. The second flow path 14 forms a flow path extending from the three-way valve 12 to the jet pump unit 20.

[0018] The control unit 28 is attached to the back side of the bathroom wall (not shown). The control unit 28 is electrically connected to the pump 10, the three-way valve 12, the operation unit 30, etc., and is capable of operating each of the above-mentioned parts. The control unit 28 controls each device in response to an operation signal from the operation unit 30 or according to a stored program, etc. The control unit 28 is equipped with a storage device such as a memory (not shown) and a computing device (not shown) that can appropriately control the bathtub water discharge device 1.

[0019] The operating unit 30 is attached to a wall in the bathroom so that the user H can turn the bathtub water discharger 1 on and off. Information indicating that the user H has operated the operating unit 30 is sent from the operating unit 30 to the control unit 28 via an electrical signal.

[0020] The jet pump unit 20 includes a chamber 32 that stores water drawn in by the jet pump action, and a jet nozzle 34 located at the downstream end of the second flow path 14. By adopting the jet pump unit 20, the bathtub water discharge device 1 can discharge a large amount of water from the discharge port 4 using a relatively small pump 10.

[0021] Chamber 32 forms a box-shaped water storage chamber, and the downstream end of fourth flow path 24 is connected to chamber 32. Chamber 32 is connected to bathtub 2. A jet nozzle 34 is attached to the bottom of chamber 32, facing vertically upward. An opening is formed in the upper surface of chamber 32 at a position opposite jet nozzle 34, and riser pipe 26 extends upward from this opening.

[0022] The jet nozzle 34 injects water supplied from the pump 10 through the chamber 32 into the riser pipe 26. Because the jet nozzle 34 injects water through the chamber 32, it induces a jet pump action that draws water from within the chamber 32. The jet nozzle 34 is formed so that the diameter of its internal flow path is narrower than the diameter of the second flow path 14 upstream of the jet nozzle 34. Therefore, the water pumped by the pump 10 is further accelerated within the jet nozzle 34 and is ejected from the jet nozzle 34 as a high-speed water stream. The high-speed jet ejected from the jet nozzle 34 draws in water from the chamber 32, increasing its flow rate and decreasing its flow velocity. The riser pipe 26 forms a circular tubular flow path that extends vertically upward from the chamber portion 32 .

[0023] Next, the water discharge device for a bathtub 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the bathtub water discharger according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3, with the left and right sides of the page reversed; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Figure 3; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 5; and Figure 9 is a front view of the bathtub water discharger according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front.

[0024] The bathtub water discharge device 1 has a storage chamber 36 that temporarily stores water flowing in from the riser pipe 26 and spreads it within itself, an inclined portion 42 provided between the storage chamber 36 and a throttle flow path 38, a water discharge outlet portion 4 of the water discharge portion 5 formed in a wide shape extending in the left-right direction, and a throttle flow path 38 that forms a flow path that is narrower than the storage chamber 36 and extends to the water discharge outlet portion 4.

[0025] The storage chamber 36 is connected to the downstream end of the uprising pipe 26. The interior of the storage chamber 36 is formed to extend in the left-right direction. When viewed from above, the storage chamber 36 is formed so that the front side of the side wall 36e widens in the left-right direction. The side wall 36e of the storage chamber 36 is formed so as to gradually curve forward as it moves from the rear side to the front side. The storage chamber 36 forms a flow path that widens in the left-right direction, and is configured to decelerate and temporarily store water in the storage chamber 36 and spread the water in the left-right direction.

[0026] A rib 44 is provided in the storage chamber 36 between the connecting portion of the uprising pipe 26 and the inclined portion 42. This rib 44 is arranged near the connecting portion of the uprising pipe 26. The rib 44 forms a convex portion that protrudes downward from the ceiling surface 36d and is formed so as to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path between the ceiling surface 36d and the opposing bottom surface 36b. The rib 44 is formed so as to traverse the storage chamber 36 in the left-right direction from the right side wall 36e to the left side wall of the storage chamber 36. It is noted that the rib 44 may be formed only in the area near the side wall 36e.

[0027] The ribs 44 reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, reaccelerating the water flow that has slowed down after entering the storage chamber 36 and preventing the water flowing along the side wall 36e of the storage chamber 36 from separating from the curved surface of the side wall 36e and forming a vortex. Because the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path between the ribs 44 and the bottom surface 36b of the storage chamber 36 narrows almost uniformly in the left-right direction, the water is accelerated forward almost uniformly in the left-right direction. The ribs 44 form a left-right flow rate equalization means that makes the flow rate of water flowing into the downstream throttle flow path 38 almost uniform in the left-right direction.

[0028] The inclined portion 42 forms an inclined surface that rises from the storage chamber 36 toward the throttle channel 38 on the bottom surface between the storage chamber 36 and the throttle channel 38. The inclined portion 42 is formed with the same shape in the left-right direction, and the length in the front-to-rear direction and the inclination angle are constant at any position. The inclined portion 42 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel in the up-down direction gradually decreases toward the front. Therefore, the inclined portion 42 can gradually accelerate the water flow while suppressing turbulence.

[0029] The upstream end 42a of the inclined portion 42, which is the connection portion with the storage chamber 36, is formed to extend parallel to the imaginary line A connecting the left and right end portions 4b of the water outlet 4. The downstream end 42b of the inclined portion 42, which is the connection portion with the throttle flow path 38 (and the inlet 38b of the throttle flow path 38), is also formed to extend parallel to the imaginary line A connecting the left and right end portions 4b of the water outlet 4. The length L2 in the front-to-rear direction from the upstream end 42a of the inclined portion 42, passing through the central portion 38c of the throttle flow path 38, to the water outlet 4 is shorter than the length L1 in the front-to-rear direction from the upstream end 42a, passing through the left and right end portions 38d of the throttle flow path 38, to the water outlet 4.

[0030] The spout 4 forms an inward, horizontal opening above the upper end 2c of the bathtub 2, and is designed to provide shoulder bath water by spraying a wide stream of water in the left-right direction toward the neck and shoulders of a user sitting in the bathtub. The spout 4 is curved so that its left-right central portion 4a is located further back than its left and right end portions 4b when viewed from above. The spout 4 is arc-shaped to fit along the arc-shaped vertical wall 2b when viewed from above. The spout 4 also forms a rectangular opening when viewed from the front. The width of the spout 4 opening is approximately the width of the user's shoulders, and the height of the opening is several millimeters, allowing water to be spouted in a film-like manner.

[0031] Next, the throttle flow path 38 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The throttle flow path 38 is formed between the inclined portion 42 and the water outlet portion 4. The throttle flow path 38 is formed so that the height of the flow path is lower than the height of the flow path in the storage chamber 36 and the inclined portion 42. Furthermore, the throttle flow path 38 has a flow path cross-sectional area that is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber 36 and the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inclined portion 42 so as to accelerate the flowing water. The bottom surface 38a of the throttle flow path 38 is formed to be almost flat. Water drainage grooves 40 that prevent water from remaining are formed in the throttle flow path 38, the inclined portion 42, and the bottom surface of the storage chamber 36.

[0032] The throttle flow path 38 has a linear inlet 38b in top view and a curved outlet (spout 4) with a central portion 38c in the left-right direction located further rearward than the left and right end portions 38d. The throttle flow path 38 is equipped with a flow rate adjusting device that reduces the decrease in water flow rate passing through the central portion 38c compared to the decrease in water flow rate passing through the left and right end portions 38d located on the left and right sides of the central portion 38c. The flow rate adjusting device of the throttle flow path 38 is formed by making the length X2 of the central portion 38c of the throttle flow path 38 shorter than the length X1 of the left and right end portions 38d. The length X2 is the length from the inlet 38b of the central portion 38c to the spout 4. The length X1 is the length from the inlet 38b of the left and right end portions 38d to the spout 4. The throttle flow path 38 has a constant flow rate H1 from the inlet 38b to the spout 4. Furthermore, the flow rate adjusting means of the throttle flow path 38 maintains a constant flow path height H1 from the central portion 38c of the throttle flow path 38 to the left and right end portions 38d. This allows the pressure loss of water passing through the central portion 38c to be smaller than the pressure loss of water passing through the left and right end portions 38d without changing the flow path height. Therefore, by maintaining a constant height from the central portion 38c to the left and right end portions 38d of the water spouting outlet 4, the flow rate of water spouted from the central portion 38c of the water spouting outlet 4 can be made higher than the flow rate of water spouted from the left and right end portions 38d of the water spouting outlet 4, while preventing the thickness of the water spouted in a wide film from becoming disrupted and splitting the discharged film into left and right portions. Note that "constant height H1" also includes cases where the difference between the height of the central portion 38c and the height of the left and right end portions 38d is approximately constant and falls within a predetermined range, for example, cases where the height of the central portion 38c is 90% to 110% of the height of the left and right end portions 38d.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 8, the inlet 38b of the throttle flow path 38 is formed in a rectangular shape, and the height H1 of the flow path is constant from the central portion 38c to the left and right end portions 38d. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9, the outlet 4 of the throttle flow path 38 is also formed in a rectangular shape in a front view, and the height H2 of the flow path is constant from the central portion 38c (central portion 4a) to the left and right end portions 38d (left and right end portions 4b). The height H2 of the flow path of the water outlet portion 4 is narrowed to be slightly lower than the height H1 of the flow path of the throttle flow path 38. The height H2 of the flow path of the water outlet portion 4 may be set to be the same as the height H1 of the flow path of the throttle flow path 38. Note that "constant height H2" includes a case where the difference between the height of the central portion 4a and the height of the left and right end portions 4b is approximately constant within a predetermined range, for example, a case where the height of the central portion 4a is 90% to 110% of the height of the left and right end portions 4b.

[0034] Next, the operation (action) of the water discharge from the water discharge port 4 of the bathtub water discharger 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. User H operates operating unit 30, which causes control unit 28 to drive pump 10. Pump 10 sucks water from bathtub 2 through first flow path 8 and pumps it downstream to second flow path 14. Water is supplied from second flow path 14 to jet nozzle 34, and the hot water sprayed from jet nozzle 34 rises up riser pipe 26 while drawing in water from chamber 32 due to the jet pump action, and flows into reservoir 36.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 10 , water flowing from the uprising pipe 26 into the storage chamber 36 is decelerated in the storage chamber 36 and spreads in the left-right direction, as indicated by arrow F1. Before forming a vortex by separating from the curved surface of the sidewall 36e, the water flows between the rib 44 and the bottom surface 36b. At this time, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path between the rib 44 and the bottom surface 36b is narrowed, so the water accelerates as indicated by arrow F2. F2 is indicated by a dotted line because it flows under the rib 44. At this time, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path between the rib 44 and the bottom surface 36b is narrowed almost uniformly in the left-right direction, so the water accelerates almost uniformly at both left and right positions. At this time, the rib 44 accelerates the water while maintaining the vectors of each water flow. Therefore, the formation of a vortex due to the acceleration of the water can be suppressed, and a flow that is almost uniformly rectified in the left-right direction can be formed.

[0036] The water that has passed through the ribs 44 is decelerated again in the storage chamber 36 and flows further to the left and right as shown by arrow F3. At this time, the water is prevented from becoming so turbulent that it would form a vortex, and a substantially uniform, rectified flow can be maintained at any position in the left and right direction.

[0037] The inclined portion 42 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path gradually decreases toward the front. Therefore, the water that spreads in the left-right direction is gradually accelerated again in the inclined portion 42, as shown by arrow F4. Furthermore, the upstream end 42a of the inclined portion 42, which is the connection between the storage chamber 36 and the inclined portion 42, is formed to extend parallel to an imaginary line A connecting the left and right end portions 4b of the spout portion 4. Therefore, water flows into the inclined portion 42 from the upstream end 42a while suppressing turbulence and maintaining the water flow vector. Therefore, the water can flow so as to spread relatively evenly relative to the imaginary line A. Furthermore, the downstream end 42b of the inclined portion 42, which is the connection between the throttle channel 38 and the inclined portion 42 (and the inlet 38b of the throttle channel 38), is formed to extend parallel to the imaginary line A. Therefore, water flows into the throttle channel 38 from the downstream end 42b while suppressing turbulence and maintaining the water flow vector. Therefore, the water can flow so as to spread relatively evenly relative to the imaginary line A. Therefore, the flow of water is gradually accelerated at the inclined portion 42 while being prevented from being disturbed, and flows into the throttle flow path 38 while maintaining a flow that is approximately uniformly rectified in the left-right direction. The structure of the inclined portion 42 as in this embodiment prevents the water flow vector from bending along the curved inclined portion 42, which would prevent uniform water discharge to the left and right, as occurs when the upstream end 42a and downstream end 42b of the inclined portion 42 are curved to correspond to the shape of the water outlet portion 4, as in the comparative example described below. Note that "parallel" also includes the case where the connection portion between throttle flow channel 38 and inclined portion 42 is approximately parallel and inclined within a relatively small angle range with respect to imaginary line A, for example, the case where the connection portion between throttle flow channel 38 and inclined portion 42 is inclined at an angle of -5 degrees to 5 degrees with respect to imaginary line A. Similarly, "parallel" also includes the case where the connection portion between storage chamber 36 and inclined portion 42 is approximately parallel and inclined within a relatively small angle range with respect to imaginary line A, for example, the case where the connection portion between storage chamber 36 and inclined portion 42 is inclined at an angle of -5 degrees to 5 degrees with respect to imaginary line A.

[0038] Water flowing in from the inclined portion 42 is further accelerated in the throttle channel 38. As indicated by arrow F5, the water flows from the inlet 38b of the throttle channel 38 to the outlet 4, maintaining the substantially uniform flow direction it had when it entered. Thus, the throttle channel 38 basically functions to accelerate water. However, the flow velocity of water passing through the throttle channel 38 decreases by a certain amount due to pressure loss caused by the resistance of the wall surfaces of the channel, such as the bottom surface 38a (see FIG. 5) and the ceiling surface. As shown in FIG. 6, the flow velocity adjustment means of the throttle channel 38 can make the pressure loss of water passing through the central portion 38c of the throttle channel 38 smaller than the pressure loss of water passing through the left and right end portions 38d. Therefore, the decrease in flow velocity of water passing through the central portion 38c is smaller than the decrease in flow velocity of water passing through the left and right end portions 38d. Therefore, the flow velocity of water discharged from the central portion 4a of the outlet 4 can be made greater than the flow velocity of water discharged from the left and right end portions 4b.

[0039] As indicated by arrow F6 in FIG. 10 and also shown in FIG. 11, water discharged from the water outlet 4 flows downward in a parabolic arc in the air as a stable, band-like stream (water film) of approximately constant width and thickness. The distance that water discharged from the center portion 4a of the water outlet 4 is greater than the distance that water discharged from the left and right end portions 4b of the water outlet 4. Therefore, the area B that will land on the upper body, such as the shoulders and back, of a user H seated in the bathtub 2 is a linear area formed in the left-right direction. The water landing area B is approximately the same height in the left-right direction, making it relatively uniform in the left-right direction. Because water is discharged in a linear fashion toward the user H, the discharged water can land efficiently on the user H and provide a relatively uniform bathing experience for the user H, improving the bathing experience for the user H.

[0040] According to the bathtub water discharge device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention described above, the throttle channel 38 is equipped with a flow rate adjustment means that makes the decrease in the flow rate of water passing through the central portion 38c of the throttle channel 38 smaller than the decrease in the flow rate of water passing through the left and right end portions 38d. This makes it possible to make the flow rate of water discharged from the central portion 4a of the water outlet 4 greater than the flow rate of water discharged from the left and right end portions 4b of the water outlet 4. Therefore, water discharged from the central portion 4a of the water outlet 4 can be discharged to a position forward of the water discharged from the left and right end portions 4b. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the water outlet 4 is curved so that the central portion 4a of the opening of the water outlet 4 is located behind the left and right end portions 4b, the shape of the water discharged toward the user's shoulders can be made linear and less likely to curve, improving the user's bathing comfort. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the water that flows into the reservoir chamber 36 is spread in the left-right direction in the reservoir chamber 36, and then passes through the throttle channel 38 equipped with a flow rate adjusting means. This makes it easier to form a wide water flow in the left-right direction, and the shape of the water flow can be made linear and less likely to curve, improving the bathing comfort for the user.

[0041] Furthermore, in the bathtub water discharge device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the flow velocity adjustment means of the throttle channel 38 is formed by making the length X2 of the central portion 38c of the throttle channel 38 in the front-to-rear direction shorter than the length X1 of the left and right end portions 38d in the front-to-rear direction. This makes it possible to make the pressure loss of water passing through the central portion 38c of the throttle channel 38 smaller than the pressure loss of water passing through the left and right end portions 38d. Therefore, the flow velocity of water discharged from the central portion 4a of the water discharge port 4 can be made greater than the flow velocity of water discharged from the left and right end portions 4b of the water discharge port 4. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the water discharge port 4 is curved so that the central portion 4a of the opening of the water discharge port 4 is located further rearward than the left and right end portions 4b, it is possible to make the shape of the water discharged toward the user's shoulders less likely to be curved, with a relatively simple configuration.

[0042] Furthermore, in the bathtub water discharge device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the water discharge outlet 4 is formed by making the height of the flow path constant from the central portion 4a to the left and right end portions 4b. This makes it possible to make the pressure loss of water passing through the central portion 4a of the water discharge outlet 4 smaller than the pressure loss of water passing through the left and right end portions 4b. Therefore, according to the present invention, by making the height of the water discharge outlet 4 constant from the central portion 4a to the left and right end portions 4b, it is possible to make the flow rate of water discharged from the central portion 4a of the water discharge outlet 4 faster than the flow rate of water discharged from the left and right end portions 4b of the water discharge outlet 4.

[0043] Furthermore, in the bathtub water discharge device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the inclined portion 42 prevents the water flowing toward the throttle channel 38 from accelerating and generating turbulence. Furthermore, the connection between the inclined portion 42 and the throttle channel 38 is formed so as to extend parallel to the imaginary line A connecting the left and right end portions 4b of the water discharge outlet 4. Therefore, even if the throttle channel 38 is provided with a flow rate adjustment device that reduces the decrease in the flow rate of water passing through the central portion 38c less than the decrease in the flow rate of water passing through the left and right end portions 38d, the water flowing from the inclined portion 42 into the throttle channel 38 can spread relatively evenly relative to the imaginary line A. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the water flowing from the inclined portion 42 into the throttle channel 38 from being attracted by the flow in the central portion 38c, where the decrease in water flow rate is small, and thus prevent contraction. This prevents the shape of the water flow discharged toward the shoulders of the user H from becoming distorted.

[0044] Furthermore, in the bathtub water discharge device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the inclined portion 42 accelerates the water flowing toward the throttle channel 38 and prevents turbulence. Furthermore, the connection between the storage chamber 36 and the inclined portion 42 is formed to extend parallel to the imaginary line A connecting the left and right end portions 4b of the spout 4. Therefore, even if the throttle channel 38 is provided with a flow rate adjustment device that reduces the decrease in water flow rate through the central portion 38c less than the decrease in water flow rate through the left and right end portions 38d, the water flowing from the storage chamber 36 to the inclined portion 42 can spread relatively evenly relative to the imaginary line A. Therefore, according to the present invention, the water flowing from the inclined portion 42 into the throttle channel 38 spreads relatively evenly, preventing it from being attracted to the flow through the central portion 38c, where the decrease in water flow rate is small, and causing a contracted flow. This prevents the shape of the water flowing toward the shoulders of the user H from becoming distorted.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 12, the upper surface of the pillow section 8 has a downwardly inclined surface P that slopes downward toward the inside of the bathtub 2 at a second inclination angle, for example, 45 degrees, that is greater than the first inclination angle (20 degrees) with respect to the vertical plane. This second inclination angle is the angle of the tangent to the part of the upper surface of the pillow section 8 that is located furthest inside the bathtub 2. An imaginary extension surface L1 of the downwardly inclined surface P is formed to present a convex curved surface so that it is connected to the backrest section 7 without any steps. In the present invention, the definition of "the imaginary extension plane L1 has no step relative to the backrest portion 7" also includes, for example, a case where the size of the step between the imaginary extension plane L1 and the backrest portion 7 is within 10 mm, and the angle difference between the inclination angle of the imaginary extension plane L1 and the inclination angle of the upper part of the backrest portion 7 is within 10 degrees.

[0046] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a bather bathing in a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a bather bathing in a bathtub apparatus that is a comparative example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14 , in the comparative example, the virtual extension plane L2, which is a virtual downward extension of the downwardly inclined plane P of the pillow section 8, is not connected smoothly to the backrest section 7, so the upper body of the bather in the bathing position is not positioned as intended by the designer. In other words, when a bather relaxes to relax, their back (body axis) is positioned along the virtual extension plane L2, resulting in the bather leaning backward while bathing. As a result, the back is separated from the backrest section 7, and the position where the hot water discharged from the water outlet section 4 hits varies depending on the position of the bather's head and body. Note that the arrows in FIG. 14 indicate the hot water discharged from the water outlet section 4. In the comparative example of FIG. 14 , most of the hot water discharged from the water outlet section 4 flows toward the back (rear side) of the bather in the bathing position, and not much hot water flows toward the chest (front side) of the bather in the bathing position. For this reason, in the comparative example, it is difficult to warm the entire upper body that is not immersed in the hot water in the bathtub 2.

[0047] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13, in the bathtub apparatus 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the virtual extension surface L1, which is an imaginary downward extension of the downward inclined surface P of the pillow section 8, is connected to the backrest section 7 without any step. Therefore, even when the bather in the bathing position relaxes their body, their back naturally fits into the backrest section 7. As a result, the hot water discharged from the water outlet section 4 is more likely to spread to both the front and back of the bather. The arrows in Figure 13 indicate the hot water discharged from the water outlet section 4.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the backrest 7 is formed to present a concave curved surface S in a vertical cross section perpendicular to the backrest 7. That is, the backrest 7 has a concave curved surface S that is partially curved backward in the height direction. This makes it easier for the bather's curved spine to come into contact with the backrest 7 in a planar manner rather than a point-like manner, making it less likely for the bather to feel pain when placing their back against the backrest 7. This prevents the bather from intentionally moving their back away from the backrest 7 and straying from the desired bathing position.

[0049] 2, the backrest 7 is formed to have a concave curved surface M in a horizontal cross section, with the central portion in the width direction positioned outside the bathtub 2 and both end portions in the width direction positioned inside the bathtub 2. In other words, the backrest 7 has a concave curved surface M that curves so that the central portion in the width direction is positioned further back than the left and right end portions. This allows the bather's back to fit better against the backrest 7. This allows the bather to maintain a more desirable bathing posture.

[0050] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they retain the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, and arrangement of each element of the bathtub apparatus 3 and bathtub water discharger 1 are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1. Bathtub water discharge device (bathtub water circulation type water discharge device) 2 bathtubs 3 Bathtub equipment 4. Outlet (outlet) 5. Water outlet 7 Backrest 8 Pillow part 9. Detection unit 10 Water supply section 36 Storage chamber 38 Restricted channel 38c central part 38d Left and right end parts 42 Slope 42a Upstream end 42b Downstream end

Claims

[Claim 1] A bathtub having a backrest against which a bather in a bathing position can rest their back, and a rim located above the backrest; A pillow section that is arranged above the rim section and formed separately from the bathtub, on which a bather in a bathing position can rest their head; A wide-shaped spout of the shoulder bath water discharge device is arranged between the rim portion and the pillow portion and discharges a wide water stream toward the shoulders of the bather in a bathing position; a riser pipe for sending water to the water outlet; a blow-out water outlet that discharges water into the bathtub, When viewed from above, the front of the water discharge port on the water discharge direction side is covered above by the pillow portion, When viewed from above, the front end of the pillow portion covering the upper front side of the water discharge port in the water discharge direction is curved in a concave shape, The blow-out water discharger is disposed on the backrest of the bathtub, which is located below and forward of the front end of the concavely curved pillow portion, In a top view, the front end of the pillow portion, which is curved concavely and covers the water outlet and the area above the front of the water outlet, is located rearward of the front end of the rim portion, The end of the front end of the pillow portion in the short direction of the bathtub that covers the upper part in front of the spout is located forward of the front end of the rim portion that is located furthest to the rear, In a side cross section passing through the riser pipe, the length in the height direction from the water outlet to the front end of the pillow portion that is curved concavely and covers the upper front of the water outlet is A bathtub device characterized in that the length to the rim is shorter.

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