Bathtub equipment

Abstract

To provide a bather with a finely tuned comfort by combining a water discharge flow generating part which generates a water discharge flow by supplying hot water or cold water into a bathtub and a vibration generating part which generates vibrations in the hot water or cold water stored in the bathtub. [Solution] The device comprises a bathtub capable of holding hot or cold water, a water discharge flow generating unit installed above the bathtub that generates a water discharge flow by supplying hot or cold water into the bathtub from a discharge port installed above or on the surface of the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub, and a vibration generating unit installed above the bathtub that generates vibrations in the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot or cold water into the bathtub. The vibration generating unit is installed on a wall surface different from the back wall surface of the bathtub. The wall surface of the bathtub where the vibration generating unit is installed is farther from the position where the water discharge flow hits the hot or cold water surface than the back wall surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathtub apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide speakers in bathtubs so that people can enjoy music while bathing. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes attaching a sound source unit to the underside of the bathtub. Patent Document 2 discloses separately controlling a sound generator (speaker) facing the water area in the bathtub and another sound generator (speaker) facing the space above the water area.

[0003] It has also been discovered that by installing a water flow generator above the bathtub and supplying hot or cold water into the bathtub from the surface of the water or cold water stored in the bathtub or from above the surface, it is possible to provide a pleasant stimulation to the bather's body (especially around the neck and shoulders), and this has already been commercialized (TOTO products ``Kata Raku Yu'' or ``Kebi Yu'').

[0004] The inventors of the present invention have discovered that by combining a water discharge flow generating unit that generates a water discharge flow by supplying hot water or water into the bathtub from above or on the surface of the hot water or water stored in the bathtub, and a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water into the bathtub, it is possible to provide bathers with a detailed sense of comfort. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-15423 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-128970 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 bathers with a detailed comfort by combining a water discharge flow generator that generates a water discharge flow by supplying hot or cold water into the bathtub from above or on the surface of the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub, and a vibration generator that generates vibrations in the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub without supplying the hot or cold water into the bathtub. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a bathtub device comprising: a bathtub that can store hot water or water; a water discharge flow generating unit installed above the bathtub and generating a water discharge flow by supplying hot water or water into the bathtub from a discharge outlet installed at or above the surface of the hot water or water stored in the bathtub; and a vibration generating unit installed in the bathtub and generating vibrations in the hot water or water stored in the bathtub without supplying hot water or water into the bathtub; the bathtub has a back wall portion toward which the bather is intended to turn their back, the vibration generating unit is located on a wall portion of the bathtub that is different from the back wall portion, and the wall portion of the bathtub on which the vibration generating unit is located is farther away from the position where the water discharge flow hits the hot water surface or the water surface than the back wall portion.

[0008] According to the present invention, the water discharge stream can provide the bather with a relatively powerful water pressure stimulus that penetrates deep into the body (especially the muscles around the neck and shoulders), while the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit can provide a delicate water pressure stimulus mainly on the surface of the body (skin, etc.). This provides the bather with a delicate sense of comfort. In particular, by positioning the wall surface on which the vibration generating unit is located farther from the point where the water discharge stream hits the water than the back wall surface, it is possible to effectively prevent the water pressure stimulus caused by the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit and the water pressure stimulus caused by the water discharge stream from interfering with each other. This allows the bather to fully experience both water pressure stimuli and enjoy a comfortable bathing experience.

[0009] The spout is preferably located on the rim of the rear wall portion. In this case, the design tends to bring the landing position of the spouted water flow closer to the rear wall portion, so the area of ​​the wall portion that is farther from the landing position of the spouted water flow than the rear wall portion tends to be wider, which increases the degree of freedom in arranging the vibration generating unit when providing it on such a wall portion.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the bathtub has a leg-side wall portion where the bather is expected to place their legs, and that the vibration generating unit be located on the leg-side wall portion of the bathtub. Because the leg-side wall portion tends to be farther away from the landing position of the discharged water flow than the back-side wall portion by design, it is reasonable from the perspective of the present invention to provide the vibration generating unit on such a leg-side wall portion.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vibration generating unit be positioned lower than half the height of the water landing position, based on the bottom position hanging down from the water landing position to the bottom of the bathtub. In this case, the vibration generating unit and the water landing position of the discharged water flow are sufficiently separated in the vertical direction, which more effectively prevents the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit and the water pressure stimulation caused by the discharged water flow from interfering with each other.

[0012] It is also preferable that the bathtub has a footrest where the bather places their feet, and that the vibration generating unit is located in the footrest. In this case, the bather can place their feet on the footrest and relax while bathing, experiencing both the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit and the water pressure stimulation caused by the water flow, resulting in a comfortable bathing experience. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the water discharge stream can provide the bather with a relatively powerful water pressure stimulus that penetrates deep into the body (especially the muscles around the neck and shoulders), while the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit can provide a delicate water pressure stimulus mainly on the surface of the body (skin, etc.). This provides the bather with a delicate sense of comfort. In particular, by positioning the wall surface on which the vibration generating unit is located farther from the point where the water discharge stream hits the water than the back wall surface, it is possible to effectively prevent the water pressure stimulus caused by the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit and the water pressure stimulus caused by the water discharge stream from interfering with each other. This allows the bather to fully experience both water pressure stimuli and enjoy a comfortable bathing experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bathtub apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a hot / cold water flow generating unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a hot / cold water flow generating unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the hot / cold water flow generating unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vibration generating unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation image of a vibration generating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation image of another example of the vibration generating unit. [Figure 8] 1 is a photograph of an example of a sensor for measuring hydraulic stimulation. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bathtub apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bathtub apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] (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 of a bathtub apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, taken along a line passing through a hot / cold water flow generating section 11.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the bathtub apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes a bathtub 2 that can hold hot or cold water. The bathtub 2 has a back-side wall portion 2a toward which the bather is expected to turn his / her back, a leg-side wall portion 2b toward which the bather is expected to turn his / her legs, a left-side wall portion 2c toward which the bather is expected to turn left, and a right-side wall portion 2d toward which the bather is expected to turn right.

[0017] The size of bathtub 2 is, for example, a roughly rectangular (elliptical) shape of 450 mm x 1,100 mm at the bottom, a roughly rectangular (elliptical) shape of 600 mm x 1,140 mm at the standard height (e.g., 350 mm high) when filled with 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-hand side is not shown in the cross section of Figure 1, but the elements on the symmetrical right side are indicated only by symbols in parentheses.

[0018] The central axes of the pair of hot and cold water flow generators 11, 12 are positioned at a predetermined height on the back wall 2a (for example, 150 mm above the bottom) 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 hot and cold water flow generators 11, 12 are arranged symmetrically within the bathtub 2, with their central axes spaced 150 mm apart.

[0019] Each of the pair of hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 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 2 by supplying hot water or cold water forcefully 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.

[0020] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the water jets are emitted in a circular pattern with random curves, providing a pleasant sensation to the lower back and other areas. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the hot / cold water jet generators 11 and 12, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hot / cold water jet generators 11 and 12 in operation.

[0021] In addition, the bottom position of the slit-shaped water flow generating section 13 extending in the left-right direction is positioned at a predetermined height (for example, 500 mm above the bottom) on the back wall section 2a, which is intended to correspond to a position above the bather's shoulders (including the back of the neck).

[0022] The slit-shaped water discharge flow generating section 13 extending in the left-right direction is a device mechanism that is installed in TOTO products already on the market under the name "Katara-yu" and is a device mechanism that generates a water discharge flow from above the surface of the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub 2 by forcefully supplying hot or cold water into the bathtub 2.The discharge outlet is located on the rim of the back wall section 2a and is visible as a slit-shaped area that is 440 mm long in the left-right direction and has an opening height of 2 mm.

[0023] Returning to Figure 1, left wall 2c of bathtub 2 has water inlets 9a and 9b for circulating water to hot / cold flow generators 11, 12 and discharge flow generator 13 at two predetermined positions (for example, at a height of 90 mm from the bottom of bathtub 2, and at a position 170 mm and a position 780 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of back wall 2a). Inlets 9a and 9b in the example of Figure 1 are annular element members with an outer diameter of 82 mm and a protruding height (thickness) of 14 mm into the bathtub.

[0024] In the example of hot water / cold water flow generators 11, 12 shown in Figures 2 and 3, no air is 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 generators 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 it into bathtub 2.

[0025] Meanwhile, the central axes of the pair of left and right shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are positioned at a predetermined height on the back wall 2a (for example, a height of 400 mm from the bottom of the bathtub 2) that is intended to correspond to the position of the bather's shoulders. The back wall 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 arranged symmetrically in the bathtub 2, with their respective central axes spaced 250 mm apart. The vibration direction of the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 is adjusted to a direction perpendicular to the back wall 2a. As a result, the vibration direction of the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 is in an oblique upward-downward direction inclined by approximately 20°.

[0026] Furthermore, the central axes of the pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 23, 24 are positioned at a predetermined height (for example, 200 mm above the bottom of the bathtub 2) on the leg-side wall surface 2b of the bathtub 2. The pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 23, 24 are arranged symmetrically in the bathtub 2, and their central axes are spaced apart by 250 mm.

[0027] 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 intended 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 wall portion 2a). The pair of left and right buttock vibration generating units 25, 26 are arranged symmetrically in the bathtub 2, and their central axes are spaced apart by 250 mm.

[0028] Furthermore, 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 surfaces 2c and 2d of the bathtub 2 (for example, at a height of 200 mm from the bottom of the bathtub 2 and 250 mm toward the legs from the lower end of the back wall surface 2a).

[0029] The shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, leg vibration generating units 23, 24, buttock vibration generating units 25, 26, left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28 may have a common device configuration, and a general speaker or the like may be used.

[0030] 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 by the 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.

[0031] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of vibration generating units 21 to 28. When vibration generating units 21 to 28 are directly attached to the respective walls of bathtub 2 as shown in Fig. 6, the respective walls of bathtub 2 themselves are directly vibrated, imparting vibrations to the water contained in bathtub 2. Alternatively, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the operation of vibration generating units 21 to 28. As shown in Fig. 7, it is also possible to manufacture each of vibration generating units 21 to 28 as a dedicated unit, provide mounting holes in the respective walls of bathtub 2, and mount each unit in each hole.

[0032] (First embodiment: control configuration) In this embodiment, the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 2 caused by the vibrations applied by each of the vibration generating units 21-28 (usually the water pressure stimulation in the area close to each vibration generating unit 21-28) is set to be smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 2 caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12 (usually the water pressure stimulation in the area close to the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12).

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at a predetermined position set in the bathtub 2 (for example, a position corresponding to the body surface of a bather sitting / lying down while bathing), the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations given by each of the vibration generating units 21-28 is set to be smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating units 11, 12.

[0034] These settings can be achieved by adjusting the electrical signals that drive each of the vibration generating units 21-28 and the electrical signals that drive the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 (in particular, the electrical signals supplied to the built-in motors that jet hot or cold water).

[0035] Furthermore, the "water pressure stimulation" used as an index for adjusting these signals is evaluated (measured) as follows, for example: Water Pressure Stimulation 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.

[0036] <Water pressure stimulation measurement method> A new sensor consisting of a sphere placed inside a transparent tube is placed at a predetermined position inside the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub 2, and the distance the sphere moves within the tube is measured as a "water pressure stimulus." Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an example of this sensor. For example, the tube 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 tube is placed parallel to the water flow direction of the hot / cold water flow generators 11 and 12, the vibration direction of the shoulder vibration generators 21 and 22, the vibration direction of the leg vibration generators 23 and 24, or the vibration direction of the left vibration generator 27 and the right vibration generator 28.

[0037] 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, shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, leg vibration generating units 23, 24, or left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28, and the sphere housed inside the cylinder shown in FIG. 8 is brought into contact with each of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, leg vibration generating units 23, 24, or left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28, and the cylinder is further moved to a position 1 mm away from each of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, leg vibration generating units 23, 24, or left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28. While keeping the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12, shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, leg vibration generating units 23, 24, or left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28 parallel to the water flow direction of 11, 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, shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22, leg vibration generating units 23, 24, or left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28 were operated as follows, and the distance traveled by the sphere was measured after a predetermined time had elapsed since the start of operation, for example, after 5 seconds had elapsed.

[0038] First, the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 were driven at "strong output," "medium output," and "weak output." The sphere traveled a distance of approximately 500 mm or more in each case.

[0039] Here, when the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11 and 12 are set to "strong output," 70 liters of hot water / cold water are discharged per minute, when the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11 and 12 are set to "medium output," 60 liters of hot water / cold water are discharged per minute, and when the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11 and 12 are set to "weak output," 50 liters of hot water / cold water are discharged per minute.

[0040] 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 approximately 15 mm.

[0041] 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 approximately 15 mm.

[0042] 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 sphere moved a distance of about 15 mm.

[0043] As in this embodiment, the movement distance of 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" respectively is the same as the movement distance of 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 movement distance of the sphere in the area close to the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 when the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 ... left vibration generating unit 27 and the right vibration generating unit 28 The state in which the distance traveled by the sphere in the area closest to the left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28 when driven by the input of pink noise is greater than the distance traveled by the sphere in the area closest to the left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28 satisfies the condition that "the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub caused by the vibrations given 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 predetermined position set in the bathtub, the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations given by the vibration generating unit is smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating unit."

[0044] 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 nylon. By using such a sphere, it becomes possible to accurately measure vibrations having a vertical component, for example, from buttock vibration generating units 25, 26.

[0045] The driving of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11 and 12, the selection of the output strength of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11 and 12 (strong, medium, weak), the driving of each of the vibration generating units 21 to 28, etc. are controlled by the control unit 35 based on input operations from the bather, for example, on the remote control operating unit 30.

[0046] In this embodiment, the propagation direction of the vibrations generated by at least some of the vibration generating portions 21 to 28 and the direction of the flow of hot or cold water (see FIGS. 2 and 3) are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0047] (First embodiment: control configuration (2)) In this embodiment, when water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "high output," the water discharge flow generated by water discharge flow generating unit 13 hits the bottom of bathtub 2 at a predetermined bottom water landing position (for example, a position 400 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of back-side wall portion 2a) assuming that there is no hot or cold water in bathtub 2. Therefore, vibration generating units 21-22 and 25-28 in this embodiment are arranged toward the back in the front-to-rear direction from the bottom water landing position when water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "high output."

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "strong output," the water discharge generated by water discharge flow generating unit 13 lands on the water surface or water surface at a predetermined water surface / water surface landing position (for example, a position hanging (projected) onto the bottom of bathtub 2 that is 200 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of back-side wall portion 2a) when hot water or water is filled in bathtub 2 (a recommended standard water surface height is, for example, 350 mm). Therefore, vibration generating units 21-22 and 25-28 in this embodiment are arranged behind the water surface / water surface landing position when water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "strong output" in the front-to-rear direction.

[0049] Similarly, in this embodiment, when water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "medium output," the water discharge generated by water discharge flow generating unit 13 lands on the bottom surface of bathtub 2 at a predetermined bottom water landing position (for example, a position 300 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of back-side wall portion 2a) assuming that no hot or cold water is stored in bathtub 2. Therefore, vibration generating units 21-22 and 25-28 in this embodiment are arranged on the back side in the front-to-rear direction of the bottom water landing position when water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "medium output."

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "medium output," the water discharge generated by water discharge flow generating unit 13 lands on the water surface or water surface at a predetermined water surface / water surface landing position (for example, a position hanging (projected) onto the bottom of bathtub 2 that is 150 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of back-side wall portion 2a) when hot water or cold water is stored in bathtub 2. Therefore, vibration generating units 21-22 and 25-28 in this embodiment are arranged behind the water surface / water surface landing position when water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "medium output" in the front-to-rear direction.

[0051] On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "weak output," the water discharge generated by the water discharge flow generating unit 13 hits the bottom of the bathtub 2 at a predetermined bottom landing position (for example, a position 250 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of the back-side wall portion 2a) assuming that there is no hot or cold water in the bathtub 2. (Therefore, it cannot be said that the vibration generating units 25-28 in this embodiment are located on the back side of the bottom landing position when the water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "weak output.")

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "weak output," the water discharge generated by the water discharge flow generating unit 13 lands on the water surface or water surface at a predetermined water surface / water surface landing position (for example, a position hanging down (projected) onto the bottom of the bathtub 2, 100 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of the back-side wall portion 2a) when hot or cold water is stored in the bathtub 2. (Therefore, it cannot be said that the vibration generating units 25-28 in this embodiment are located on the back side of the water surface / water surface landing position when the water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "weak output.")

[0053] In addition, when the water flow generating unit 13 is set to "strong output," 65 liters of hot water / cold water are discharged per minute, when the water flow generating unit 13 is set to "medium output," 55 liters of hot water / cold water are discharged per minute, and when the water flow generating unit 13 is set to "weak output," 49 liters of hot water / cold water are discharged per minute.

[0054] (First embodiment: effects) According to the bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the water discharged from the water discharge generating unit 13 can provide the bather with a relatively strong water pressure stimulus that penetrates deep into the body (especially the muscles around the neck and shoulders), while the vibrations generated by the vibration generating units 21-28 can provide a delicate water pressure stimulus mainly to the surface of the body (skin, etc.), thereby providing the bather with a delicate sense of comfort.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, the leg-side wall portion 2b on which the leg vibration generating units 23-24 are arranged is farther from the landing position of the water discharge flow than the back-side wall portion 2a, thereby effectively preventing the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations generated by the leg vibration generating units 23-24 and the water pressure stimulation caused by the water discharge flow from the water discharge flow generating unit 13 from inhibiting (interfering with) each other.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, since the outlet of the water discharge flow generating unit 13 is positioned on the rim of the back side wall surface 2a, it is relatively easy to design the landing position of the water discharge flow to be closer to the back side wall surface 2a. In other words, it is relatively easy to realize an arrangement (layout) in which the leg side wall surface 2b, on which the leg vibration generating units 23-24 are arranged, is farther from the landing position of the water discharge flow than the back side wall surface 2a.

[0057] Furthermore, in the bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the leg vibration generating units 23-24 are arranged on the leg-side wall 2b, which, by design, tends to be farther from the landing position of the spouted water flow than the back-side wall 2a. This also makes it relatively easy to achieve an arrangement (layout) in which the leg-side wall 2b, on which the leg vibration generating units 23-24 are arranged, is farther from the landing position of the spouted water flow than the back-side wall 2a.

[0058] In addition, according to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 2 caused by the vibrations applied by each of the vibration generating units 21 to 28 is adjusted to be smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 2 caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating units 11 and 12.

[0059] This more reliably prevents the vibrations generated by the vibration generating units 21 to 28 from interfering with the action of the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, at a predetermined position set in the bathtub 2 (for example, a position corresponding to the body surface of a bather seated while bathing), the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations given by each of the vibration generating units 21 to 28 is adjusted to be smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating units 11 and 12.

[0061] This effectively prevents the bather's skin from being stimulated too strongly (which may cause discomfort).

[0062] In addition, according to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are arranged on the back wall surface 2a of the bathtub 2, and the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are also arranged on the back wall surface 2a of the bathtub 2.

[0063] This allows the bather to feel the comforting effects of both the vibration stimulation and the hot or cold water flow on the back side of the body, which is more sensitive to stimulation.

[0064] Furthermore, according to bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, shoulder vibration generating units 21 and 22 are arranged above hot / cold water flow generating units 11 and 12.

[0065] Since hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are arranged on the back wall portion 2a of bathtub 2, it is expected that the force of the hot or cold water flow from hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 will cause the bather's shoulders to approach back wall portion 2a of bathtub 2. Since shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are arranged in the area of ​​the back wall portion where the shoulders approach, the comfort-enhancing effect of the vibrations from shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 is more easily felt on the shoulders.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the back wall surface 2a of the bathtub 2 on which the shoulder vibration generating units 21 and 22 are arranged is inclined.

[0067] When the bather assumes a position in which his / her shoulders approach the back wall portion 2a of the bathtub 2, the back wall portion 2a of the bathtub 2 is inclined so that the back wall portion 2a conforms to the body of the bather, and since the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 are positioned there, the bather can more easily feel the comforting effect of the vibrations of the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the bathtub apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the direction of vibration given by the shoulder vibration generating units 21 and 22 is diagonally upward and downward.

[0069] When the bather assumes a position in which the shoulders of the bathtub are close to the back wall portion 2a of the bathtub 2, if the direction of vibrations from the shoulder vibration generating units 21, 22 is diagonally upward and downward, the comforting effect of such vibrations is more easily felt on the shoulders.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, the direction of vibration imparted by the leg vibration generating units 23, 24, buttock vibration generating units 25, 26, left vibration generating unit 27 and right vibration generating unit 28 is approximately perpendicular to the direction of the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 11, 12.

[0071] This makes it easy to feel the comforting effects of both the stimulation caused by the vibrations from each of the vibration generating units 23 to 28 and the stimulation caused by the hot or cold water flow from the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 independently.

[0072] In addition, according to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 are arranged on the leg side wall surface portion 2b of the bathtub 2, and the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 and the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 are arranged at positions offset in the vertical direction.

[0073] This makes it easier to feel the comforting effects of both the vibration stimulation from the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 and the hot or cold water flow stimulation from the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 independently.

[0074] Here, instead of or in addition to being offset in the vertical direction, the leg vibration generating units 23, 24 and the hot / cold water flow generating units 11, 12 may also be offset in the left-right direction (for example, the pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 23, 24 may be arranged symmetrically in the bathtub 2, and their respective central axes may be spaced apart by 250 mm).

[0075] (Second embodiment: arrangement configuration) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 9 is an irregular schematic cross-sectional view passing through hot / cold water flow generator 111 (located on the left side 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.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, the bathtub apparatus 101 of the second embodiment includes a bathtub 102 that can hold hot or cold water. The bathtub 102 has a back-side wall surface 102a toward which the bather is expected to turn his / her back, a leg-side wall surface 102b toward which the bather is expected to turn his / her legs, a left-side wall surface 102c toward which the bather is expected to turn left, and a right-side wall surface 102d toward which the bather is expected to turn right.

[0077] The bathtub 102 has a deep bottom corresponding to the bather's buttocks, and its planar shape at a standard height when filled with hot or cold water (for example, 210 mm above the lowest bottom corresponding to the buttocks) is a roughly rectangular (nearly oval) shape measuring 900 mm x 1,690 mm. The cross section in Figure 9 does not show the right side, but the elements on the symmetrical right side are indicated by their reference symbols in parentheses.

[0078] The central axes of the pair of hot and cold water flow generators 111, 112 are positioned at a predetermined height (for example, 45 mm above the bottom) on the back wall 102a, which is intended to correspond to the bather's waist. The back wall 102a is inclined at approximately 50° with respect to the vertical in the area where the hot and cold water flow generators 111, 112 are installed. The pair of hot and cold water flow generators 111, 112 are arranged symmetrically within the bathtub 102, with their central axes spaced 140 mm apart.

[0079] Each of the pair of hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 on the left and right is a device mechanism called a "neck bath" that is installed in TOTO products already on the market, and 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 supplying hot water or cold water forcefully 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.

[0080] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the water jets are emitted in a circular pattern with random curves, providing a pleasant sensation to the lower back and other areas. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of the hot / cold water jet generators 111 and 112, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hot / cold water jet generators 111 and 112 in operation.

[0081] In addition, the bottom surface of the slit-shaped water discharge flow generating section 113 extending in the left-right direction is positioned at a predetermined height (for example, 500 mm above the bottom surface) in the pillow-shaped raised area of ​​the back wall section 102a, which is intended to correspond to the position above the bather's shoulders (including the back of the neck).

[0082] The slit-shaped water discharge flow generating section 113 extending in the left-right direction is a device mechanism that generates a water discharge flow from above the surface of the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub 102 by forcefully supplying hot or cold water into the bathtub 102, and its discharge outlet is visible as a slightly curved slit-shaped area in the pillow-shaped raised area of ​​the back side wall section 102a, with a left-right length of 250 mm and an opening height of 2 mm.

[0083] Returning to Figure 9, a water intake 109 for circulating water to hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 and discharge water flow generating unit 113 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, 180 mm above the bottom of bathtub 2, in the center position in the left-right direction) on foot-side wall surface 2b of bathtub 2. In the example of Figure 9, water intake 109 is a circular element member with an outer diameter of 90 mm and a protruding height (thickness) into the bathtub of 12 mm.

[0084] In the example of hot water / cold water flow generators 111, 112 shown in Figures 2 and 3, no air is 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 generators 111, 112. 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 a hot water or cold water flow with air mixed into it into bathtub 2 (such a device mechanism would be one that is already installed in commercially available TOTO products and is called a "Blow Bath").

[0085] Meanwhile, the central axes of the pair of left and right shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are positioned at a predetermined height on back wall 102a (for example, a height of 250 mm from the lowest bottom surface of bathtub 102) that is intended to correspond to the position of the bather's shoulders. Back wall 102a is inclined by approximately 50° with respect to the vertical plane in the area where shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are installed. The pair of left and right shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are arranged symmetrically in bathtub 102, with their respective central axes spaced 250 mm apart. The vibration direction of shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 is adjusted to a direction perpendicular to back wall 102a. As a result, the vibration direction of shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 is in a diagonal upward / downward direction inclined by approximately 50°.

[0086] 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 surface portion 102b of bathtub 102. The pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 123, 124 are arranged symmetrically in bathtub 102, and their respective central axes are spaced apart by 250 mm.

[0087] 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 intended 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 arranged symmetrically in bathtub 102, and their central axes are spaced apart by 250 mm.

[0088] Furthermore, 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 surfaces 102c, 102d of the bathtub 102 (for example, at a height of 200 mm from the lowest bottom surface of the bathtub 102 and 50 mm toward the shoulders from the lower end of the back wall surface 102a).

[0089] The shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122, the leg vibration generating units 123, 124, the buttocks 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 given using Figures 5 to 8 can also be applied to the vibration generating units 121 to 128.

[0090] (Second embodiment: control configuration (1)) In this embodiment, too, the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 102 caused by the vibrations applied by each of the vibration generating units 121 to 128 (usually the water pressure stimulation in the area close to each vibration generating unit 121 to 128) is set to be smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 102 caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112 (usually the water pressure stimulation in the area close to the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112).

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at a predetermined position set in the bathtub 102 (for example, a position corresponding to the body surface of a bather sitting / lying down while bathing), the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations given by each of the vibration generating units 121 to 128 is set to be smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112.

[0092] These settings can be achieved by adjusting the electrical signals that drive each of the vibration generating units 121 to 128 and the electrical signals that drive the hot / cold water flow generating units 111 and 112 (particularly the electrical signals supplied to the built-in motors that jet hot or cold water).

[0093] Furthermore, the "water pressure stimulus" used as an index for adjusting these signals can be evaluated (measured), for example, by the above-mentioned "water pressure stimulus measurement method." Then, for example, the vibration intensity can be adjusted in advance as described in paragraphs 0036 to 0046.

[0094] The driving of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112, the selection of the output strength of the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 (strong, medium, weak), the driving of each of the vibration generating units 121 to 128, etc. are controlled by the control unit 135 based on input operations from the bather on the remote control operating unit 130, for example.

[0095] In this embodiment, the propagation direction of the vibrations generated by at least some of the vibration generating parts 121 to 128 and the direction of the flow of hot or cold water (see FIGS. 2 and 3) are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0096] (Second embodiment: control configuration (2)) In this embodiment, when water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "high output," the water discharge flow generated by water discharge flow generating unit 113 hits the bottom of bathtub 102 at a predetermined bottom water landing position (for example, a position 300 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of back-side wall portion 102a) assuming that there is no hot or cold water in bathtub 102. Therefore, vibration generating units 121-122 and 125-128 in this embodiment are arranged behind the bottom water landing position when water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "high output" in the front-to-rear direction.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "high output," the water discharge generated by water discharge flow generating unit 113 lands on the water surface or water surface at a predetermined water surface / water surface landing position (for example, a position hanging (projected) onto the bottom of bathtub 102 that is 150 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of back-side wall portion 102a) when hot water or cold water is stored in bathtub 102 (a recommended standard water surface height is, for example, 210 mm). Therefore, vibration generating units 121-122, 125-128 in this embodiment are arranged behind the water surface / water surface landing position when water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "high output" in the front-to-rear direction.

[0098] Similarly, in this embodiment, when water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "medium output," the water discharge generated by water discharge flow generating unit 113 lands on the bottom surface of bathtub 102 at a predetermined bottom water landing position (for example, a position 240 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of back-side wall portion 102a) assuming that no hot or cold water is stored in bathtub 102. Therefore, vibration generating units 121-122 and 125-128 in this embodiment are arranged on the back side in the front-to-rear direction of the bottom water landing position when water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "medium output."

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "medium output," the water discharge generated by the water discharge flow generating unit 113 lands on the water surface or water surface at a predetermined water surface / water surface landing position (for example, a position projected onto the bottom of the bathtub 102 that is 120 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of the back-side wall portion 102a) when the bathtub 2 is filled with hot or cold water. Therefore, the vibration generating units 21-22 and 27-28 of this embodiment are arranged behind the water surface / water surface landing position when the water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "medium output." (It cannot be said that the vibration generating units 25-26 of this embodiment are arranged behind the water surface / water surface landing position when the water discharge flow generating unit 13 is driven at "medium output.")

[0100] On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "weak output," the water discharge generated by the water discharge flow generating unit 113 hits the bottom of the bathtub 102 at a predetermined bottom water landing position (for example, a position 180 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of the back-side wall portion 102a) assuming that there is no hot or cold water in the bathtub 102. (Therefore, it cannot be said that the vibration generating units 125-128 in this embodiment are located on the back side of the bottom water landing position when the water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "weak output.")

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "weak output," the water discharge generated by the water discharge flow generating unit 113 lands on the water surface or water surface at a predetermined water surface / water surface landing position (for example, a position hanging down (projected) onto the bottom of the bathtub 102 is 90 mm toward the legs from the bottom end of the back-side wall portion 102a) when hot or cold water is stored in the bathtub 102. (Therefore, it cannot be said that the vibration generating units 125-128 in this embodiment are located on the back side of the water surface / water surface landing position when the water discharge flow generating unit 113 is driven at "weak output.")

[0102] (Second embodiment: action and effect) With bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment, the water discharged from water discharge generator 113 can provide a relatively powerful water pressure stimulus to the bather, as if penetrating deep into the body (particularly the muscles around the neck and shoulders), while the vibrations generated by vibration generators 121-128 can provide a delicate water pressure stimulus mainly to the surface of the body (skin, etc.), thereby providing a delicate comfort to the bather.

[0103] Furthermore, with the bathtub device 101 of this embodiment, the leg-side wall portion 102b on which the leg vibration generating units 123-124 are arranged is farther from the landing position of the water jet than the back-side wall portion 102a, thereby effectively preventing the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations generated by the leg vibration generating units 123-124 and the water pressure stimulation caused by the water jet from the water jet generating unit 113 from inhibiting (interfering with) each other.

[0104] Also, in bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment, leg vibration generating units 123-124 are arranged on leg-side wall portion 102b, which, by design, tends to be farther from the landing position of the spouted water flow than back-side wall portion 102a. This makes it relatively easy to achieve an arrangement (layout) in which leg-side wall portion 102b, on which leg vibration generating units 123-124 are arranged, is farther from the landing position of the spouted water flow than back-side wall portion 102a.

[0105] In addition, in the bathtub device 101 of this embodiment, the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 102 caused by the vibrations given by each of the vibration generating units 121 to 128 is adjusted to be smaller than the maximum value of the water pressure stimulation in the bathtub 102 caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating units 111 and 112.

[0106] This more reliably prevents the vibrations generated by the vibration generating units 121 to 128 from interfering with the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111 and 112.

[0107] Furthermore, in the bathtub device 101 of this embodiment, at a predetermined position set in the bathtub 102 (for example, a position corresponding to the body surface of a bather seated while bathing), the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations given by each of the vibration generating units 121 to 128 is adjusted to be smaller than the water pressure stimulation caused by the hot water or water flow generated by the hot water / water flow generating units 111, 112.

[0108] This effectively prevents the bather's skin from being stimulated too strongly (which may cause discomfort).

[0109] In addition, in the bathtub device 101 of this embodiment, the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are arranged on the back wall portion 102a of the bathtub 102, and the shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are also arranged on the back wall portion 102a of the bathtub 102.

[0110] This allows the bather to feel the comforting effects of both the vibration stimulation and the hot or cold water flow on the back side of the body, which is more sensitive to stimulation.

[0111] Furthermore, in bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment, shoulder vibration generating units 121 and 122 are also disposed above hot / cold water flow generating units 111 and 112.

[0112] Since hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are arranged on the back wall portion 102a of bathtub 102, it is expected that the force of the hot or cold water flow from hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 will cause the bather's shoulders to approach back wall portion 102a of bathtub 102.Since shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are arranged in the area of ​​the back wall portion where the shoulders approach, the comforting effect of the vibrations from shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 is more easily felt on the shoulders.

[0113] Furthermore, in the bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment, the back wall surface 102a of the bathtub 2 on which the shoulder vibration generating units 121 and 122 are arranged is also inclined.

[0114] When the bather assumes a position in which his / her shoulders approach the back wall portion 102a of the bathtub 102, the inclination of the back wall portion 102a of the bathtub 102 causes the back wall portion 102a to conform to the body of the bather, and since the shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 are positioned there, the comforting effect of the vibrations of the shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 can be more easily felt.

[0115] Furthermore, in bathtub apparatus 101 of this embodiment, the vibrations given by shoulder vibration generating units 121 and 122 are also in the diagonal upward and downward directions.

[0116] When the bather assumes a position in which the shoulders of the bathtub are close to the back wall portion 102a of the bathtub 102, if the direction of vibrations from the shoulder vibration generating units 121, 122 is diagonally upward and downward, the comforting effect of such vibrations is more easily felt on the shoulders.

[0117] Furthermore, in the bathtub device 101 of this embodiment, the direction of vibration provided by the leg vibration generating units 123, 124, buttock vibration generating units 125, 126, left vibration generating unit 127, and right vibration generating unit 128 is approximately perpendicular to the direction of the hot water or cold water flow generated by the hot water / cold water flow generating units 111, 112.

[0118] This makes it easy to feel the comforting effects of both the stimulation caused by the vibrations from each of the vibration generating units 123 to 128 and the stimulation caused by the hot or cold water flow from the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 independently.

[0119] In addition, in the bathtub device 101 of this embodiment, the leg vibration generating units 123, 124 are arranged on the leg side wall surface portion 102b of the bathtub 102, and the leg vibration generating units 123, 124 and the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 are arranged at positions offset in the vertical direction.

[0120] This makes it easier to feel the comforting effects of both the stimulation by vibration from the leg vibration generating units 123, 124 and the stimulation by hot or cold water flow from the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 independently.

[0121] Here, instead of or in addition to being offset in the vertical direction, the leg vibration generating units 123, 124 and the hot / cold water flow generating units 111, 112 may also be offset in the left-right direction (for example, the pair of left and right leg vibration generating units 123, 124 may be arranged symmetrically in the bathtub 102, and their respective central axes may be spaced apart by 250 mm).

[0122] (Third embodiment: arrangement configuration) A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bathtub apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, taken along a line passing through hot / cold water flow generating section 11.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 10, in the bathtub apparatus 201 of the third embodiment, a footrest 202f on which a bather is expected to place his or her feet is provided below the leg-side wall 2b of the bathtub 2. The leg vibration generating units 23-24 shown in Fig. 1 are not provided, and instead, leg vibration generating units 223-224 are provided on the wall surface facing the back-side wall 2a of the footrest 202f.

[0124] The configuration of each of the leg vibration generating units 223 to 224 is similar to the configuration of the vibration generating units 21 to 28 described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7 and the like.

[0125] Other aspects of the arrangement and configuration of the bathtub apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment are similar to those of the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 1 and other figures.

[0126] (Third embodiment: control configuration) The control configuration of a bathtub apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is similar to the control configuration of the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0127] (Third embodiment: control configuration (2)) The control configuration (2) of the bathtub apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is similar to the control configuration (2) of the bathtub apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0128] (Third embodiment: effects) According to the bathtub apparatus 201 of the third embodiment, the water discharged from the water discharge generating unit 13 can provide the bather with a relatively strong water pressure stimulus that penetrates deep into the body (especially the muscles around the neck and shoulders), while the vibrations generated by the vibration generating units 21-22, 24-28, 223-224 can provide a delicate water pressure stimulus mainly to the surface of the body (skin, etc.), thereby providing the bather with a delicate sense of comfort.

[0129] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment of the bathtub device 201, the footrest portion 202f on which the leg vibration generating units 223-224 are arranged is farther from the landing position of the water discharge flow than the back wall portion 2a, thereby effectively preventing the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations generated by the leg vibration generating units 223-224 and the water pressure stimulation caused by the water discharge flow from the water discharge flow generating unit 13 from inhibiting (interfering with) each other.

[0130] Also, in bathtub apparatus 201 of this embodiment, leg vibration generating units 223-224 are arranged on footrest 202f provided at a lower position on leg-side wall 2b, and footrest 202f tends to be farther away from the landing position of the spouted water flow than back-side wall 2a by design. This makes it relatively easy to realize an arrangement (layout) in which footrest 202f, on which leg vibration generating units 223-224 are arranged, is farther away from the landing position of the spouted water flow than back-side wall 2a.

[0131] 10, according to bathtub apparatus 201 of this embodiment, leg vibration generating units 223-224 are positioned lower than half the height of the water landing position, based on the base position hanging down from the water landing position to the bottom surface of bathtub 2. As a result, leg vibration generating units 223-224 are sufficiently separated from the water landing position of the spouted water flow in the vertical direction as well, which more effectively prevents the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations generated by leg vibration generating units 223-224 and the water pressure stimulation caused by the spouted water flow from inhibiting (interfering with) each other.

[0132] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 201 of this embodiment, the leg vibration generating units 223-224 are arranged on the foot rest 202f, so that the bather can place their feet on the foot rest 202f and take a bath in a relaxed state, while experiencing both the water pressure stimulation caused by the vibrations generated by the leg vibration generating units 223-224 and the water pressure stimulation caused by the water flow, thereby obtaining a comfortable bathing experience.

[0133] The present invention includes the following features (inventions): [Feature 1] A bathtub that can hold hot or cold water; a water discharge flow generating unit that is installed above the bathtub and generates a water discharge flow by supplying hot water or water into the bathtub from a discharge port that is located above or on the surface of 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; Equipped with The bathtub has a back wall portion to which the bather is expected to turn his / her back, The vibration generating unit is disposed on a wall surface portion different from the back wall surface portion of the bathtub, The wall surface of the bathtub on which the vibration generating unit is arranged is farther away from the hot water surface or the landing position of the discharged water flow on the water surface than the back wall surface. A bathtub device characterized by: [Feature 2] The water discharge flow generating portion is disposed on the rim of the back wall portion. Feature 1. The bathtub apparatus according to feature 1. [Feature 3] The bathtub has a leg-side wall surface portion where a bather is expected to place their legs, The vibration generating unit is disposed on the leg-side wall surface of the bathtub. 3. The bathtub apparatus according to feature 1 or 2. [Feature 4] The vibration generating unit is disposed below the vertical center line of the wall surface of the bathtub on which the vibration generating unit is disposed. A bathtub apparatus according to any one of features 1 to 3. [Feature 5] The bathtub has a foot rest where the bather is expected to place their feet, The vibration generating unit is disposed on the foot rest. 5. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bathtub apparatus is a water-repellent bathtub. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1 Bathtub device (first embodiment) 2 bathtubs 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 13 Water flow generating section 21, 22 Shoulder vibration generating unit 23, 24 Vibration generating unit for legs 25, 26 Vibration generating unit for buttocks 27 Left vibration generating part 28 Right vibration generating part 30 Remote control operation section 35 Control Unit 101 Bathtub device (second embodiment) 102 Bathtub 102a Back wall 102b Leg side wall 102c Left wall 102d Right side wall section 109 Water intake 111, 112 Hot / cold water flow generating section 113 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 201 Bathtub device (third embodiment) 202f Footrest 223, 224 Vibration generating unit for legs

Claims

1. A bathtub that can hold hot or cold water; a water discharge flow generating unit that is installed above the bathtub and generates a water discharge flow by supplying hot water or water into the bathtub from a discharge port that is located above or on the surface of 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; Equipped with The bathtub has a back wall portion to which the bather is expected to turn his / her back, The vibration generating unit is disposed on a wall surface portion different from the back wall surface portion of the bathtub, The wall surface of the bathtub on which the vibration generating unit is arranged is farther away from the hot water surface or the landing position of the discharged water flow on the water surface than the back wall surface. A bathtub device characterized by:

2. The spout is disposed on the rim of the rear wall portion. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The bathtub has a leg-side wall surface portion where a bather is expected to place their legs, The vibration generating unit is disposed on the leg-side wall surface of the bathtub.

3. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The vibration generating unit is disposed at a height lower than half the height of the water landing position, based on a bottom position that hangs down from the water landing position to the bottom of the bathtub.

3. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The bathtub has a foot rest where the bather is expected to place their feet, The vibration generating unit is disposed on the foot rest.

3. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

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