bathroom

Abstract

The bathroom is designed to suppress noise generation outside the bathroom. [Solution] A bathroom comprising a bathtub, a bathtub vibrating unit provided in contact with the outer surface of the bathtub and vibrating the bathtub, a control unit for controlling the bathtub vibrating unit, and a vibration-damping member for suppressing the transmission of the bathtub's vibrations to the building structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to bathrooms.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a bathroom in which speakers that emit music or voices are installed on the wall surface of the bathroom (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An aspect of the present invention aims to provide a bathroom that suppresses the generation of noise outside the bathroom.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first invention is a bathroom comprising a bathtub, a bathtub vibration unit provided in contact with the outer surface of the bathtub to vibrate the bathtub, a control unit for controlling the bathtub vibration unit, and a vibration isolation member for suppressing the transmission of the vibration of the bathtub to the building structure side.

[0006] According to this bathroom, the transmission of the vibration of the bathtub to the building structure side can be suppressed by the vibration isolation member. Therefore, by vibrating the bathtub, while giving a new bathing experience to the bather, it is possible to suppress the transmission of vibration to the building structure side and the occurrence of noise or the like.

[0007] A second invention is the bathroom according to the first invention, further comprising a pedestal located below the bathtub for supporting the bathtub, wherein the vibration isolation member is provided at the tip of the leg of the pedestal and has a lower hardness than the leg.

[0008] Vibrations transmitted from the bathtub to the legs are not limited to the connection point between the bathtub and the base; vibrations may also be transmitted to the legs from other parts. In this bathroom, vibration-damping members are installed at the tips of the legs of the base, which suppresses the transmission of vibrations to the building structure.

[0009] The third invention is a bathroom in which, in the second or third invention, the vibration-damping member is provided in a position that does not overlap with the bottom surface of the bathtub in the vertical direction.

[0010] In this bathroom, the distance between the bottom of the bathtub and the vibration-damping member is increased, which reduces the vibrations that reach the vibration-damping member. Therefore, the vibration-damping member can effectively absorb vibrations from the legs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, a bathroom is provided that suppresses the generation of noise outside the bathroom. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a bathroom according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram for controlling equipment inside the bathroom. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the bathtub and the waterproof tray. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the bathtub unit, seen from the outer side of the backrest. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the bathtub device shown in Figure 4, taken from the direction indicated by arrow AA. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing the support structure of the bathtub. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the support structure of the bathtub. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a bathroom equipped with a bathtub device according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram for controlling the equipment inside the bathroom.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the bathroom 1 has a ceiling 2, a washing area floor 3, and first to fourth side walls 4a to 4d. The first to fourth side walls 4a to 4d are vertical surfaces provided between the ceiling 2 and the washing area floor 3. The bathroom 1 also includes a bathtub 40, a speaker 60 (bathtub vibration unit), a control unit 70, and a vibration-damping member 93.

[0015] The washing area floor 3 is the area below the bathroom 1 where the bathtub 40 is not installed. In other words, the area of ​​the washing area floor 3 is a washing area for the user to wash their body. The first side wall 4a is provided with a door for, for example, entering and exiting the bathroom 1. The third side wall 4c is provided with a mirror 5 and two counters 6 and 7.

[0016] Furthermore, multiple lights 8 and a television 9 are provided in the bathroom 1. The multiple lights 8 are, for example, installed on the ceiling 2. The television 9 is, for example, installed on the third side wall 4c. The operation of the lights 8 and the television 9 is controlled by a control unit 70, which will be described later. The bather can operate the lights 8 and the television 9 by operating an operating unit 20 (remote control) installed in the bathroom 1. In this example, the operating unit 20 is installed on the second side wall 4b and the fourth side wall 4d.

[0017] In addition, a washbasin water discharging device 10 is provided in the bathroom 1. The washbasin water discharging device 10 has a hand shower 11, an overhead shower 13, a pillar 14, and a faucet 15. The hand shower 11 is hung on the third side wall 53c and can be held by the user. The overhead shower 13 has, for example, a head larger than that of the hand shower 11 and is provided on the ceiling 2. The overhead shower 13 has a wide water discharging shower function. The pillar 14 is provided, for example, at the center of the head of the overhead shower 13 and has a function of discharging hot water. The overhead shower 13 and the pillar 14 can shower the entire body of the user or massage the user by the pillar function. Note that the head of the hand shower 11 may be provided with the pillar function.

[0018] The faucet 15 is provided on the counter 6. The faucet 15 is a water discharging device that discharges hot and cold water toward the counter 7. For example, the faucet 15 discharges hot and cold water toward a bathtub (not shown) placed on the counter 7. The operation of the washbasin water discharging device 10 is controlled by a control unit 70 described later. The bather can operate the washbasin water discharging device 10 by operating the operation unit 20.

[0019] Next, the bathtub device 30 provided in the bathroom 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the bathtub device and the waterproof pan. FIG. 4 is a front view of the bathtub device as viewed from the outer surface side of the backrest portion. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bathtub device in FIG. 4 as viewed from the direction of arrow A-A.

[0020] The bathtub device 30 includes a bathtub 40, a bathtub water discharging device 50 (an upper water discharging device 51 and a lower water discharging device 55), a speaker 60, and a control unit 70.

[0021] The bathtub 40 is roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The bathtub 40 is supported by a frame 90, which will be described later. The bathtub 40 is made of, for example, a resin material. The bathtub 40 has a bottom surface 41, a peripheral wall 42 extending upward from the bottom surface 41, and a rim 44 provided on the upper end side of the peripheral wall 42. The peripheral wall 42 is provided with two suction ports 42a to which the pipes 56 of the bathtub water discharge device 50, which will be described later, are connected. The peripheral wall 42 has a backrest 43 that supports the back of the bather.

[0022] A bather can bathe with their back in contact with the inner surface 43a1 of the backrest portion 43. In this specification, the directions as seen from the perspective of a bather with their back in contact with the backrest portion 43 are described as "up," "down," "forward," "backward," "right," and "left."

[0023] The bathtub 40 has an inclined section 43b that slopes downward toward the front from the rim 44, and a vertical plate section 43c whose angle with respect to the horizontal is greater than that of the inclined section 43b. That is, the backrest section 43 has an inclined section 43b and a vertical plate section 43c that extends from the lower end of the inclined section 43b toward the bottom surface section 41. The angle of inclination of the inclined section 43b with respect to the horizontal is such that the bather can relax when their back is against the inclined section 43b. The vertical plate section 43c has two mounting holes 45 spaced apart in the left-right direction. The lower water discharge device 55, which will be described later, is attached to these mounting holes 45.

[0024] The bathtub water discharge device 50 discharges hot water into the bathtub 40. The bathtub water discharge device 50 includes an upper water discharge device 51, a lower water discharge device 55, a pipeline 56, a pump 57, and a jet pump unit 58.

[0025] One end of the pipe 56 is connected to the suction port 42a of the bathtub 40, and the other end is connected to the upper water discharge device 51 and the lower water discharge device 55. In other words, the pipe 56 connects the bathtub 40 to the upper water discharge device 51 and the lower water discharge device 55.

[0026] Pump 57 is installed in the pipeline 56. Hot water in the bathtub 40 is drawn up into the pipeline 56 by the operation of pump 57 and supplied to the upper water discharge device 51 and the lower water discharge device 55. A jet pump unit 58 is installed downstream of pump 57. The jet pump unit 58 increases the flow rate of hot water discharged from the upper water discharge device 51 by jet pump action. The bathtub water discharge device 50 can use a small pump 57 with the help of the jet pump unit 58.

[0027] The water in the bathtub 40 circulates between the bathtub 40 and the bathtub water discharge device 50 by the operation of the pump 57. The operation of the bathtub water discharge device 50 is controlled by the control unit 70, which will be described later. The bather can operate the bathtub water discharge device 50 by operating the control unit 20.

[0028] The upper water discharge device 51 is located at the rear of the bathtub 40. Specifically, the upper water discharge device 51 is located above the backrest 43 and on the rim 44 of the bathtub 40. The upper water discharge device 51 discharges water towards the neck and shoulders of the bather whose back is against the backrest 43.

[0029] The lower water discharge device 55 is located below the upper water discharge device 51. Two lower water discharge devices 55 are provided on the vertical plate section 43c, spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and discharge hot water towards the waist of a bather whose back is against the backrest section 43. The bathtub water discharge device 50 can operate either the upper water discharge device 51 or the lower water discharge device 55 individually, or both. The bather can relax and enjoy their bath thanks to the bathtub water discharge device 50.

[0030] Speaker 60 is a sound source that generates sound within the bathroom 1. Speaker 60 can, for example, play music or voices on its own, or play audio or music from the television 9. This speaker 60 is a vibrating speaker that does not have a diaphragm. Speaker 60 is equipped with a vibrator that has a voice coil, and generates sound from the object it comes into contact with by causing the object to vibrate (resonate).

[0031] The speaker 60 is installed in the bathtub 40 between the upper water discharge device 51 and the lower water discharge device 55 in the height direction. The speaker 60 is attached to the peripheral wall 42 of the bathtub 40 by means of, for example, double-sided tape or adhesive. As a result, the speaker 60 generates sound by resonating the bathtub 40 or the water inside the bathtub 40. The operation of the speaker 60 is controlled by the control unit 70, which will be described later. The bather can operate the speaker 60 by operating the control unit 20.

[0032] The speaker 60 is operational while water is being discharged from the upper water outlet 51 or the lower water outlet 55. In other words, bathers can listen to music or sounds from the speaker 60 while relaxing in the warm water discharged from the upper water outlet 51 or the lower water outlet 55.

[0033] In this case, a bather with their back against the backrest 43 will be able to hear music or sounds coming from the bathtub 40 and the water inside it. However, if, for example, the music or sounds are generated from a speaker installed on the ceiling 2 of the bathroom 1, the sound of water being discharged from the upper water discharge device 51 or the lower water discharge device 55 may interfere with the music or sounds, making them difficult to hear. Furthermore, if the volume of the speaker is increased, loud music or sounds may leak from the bathroom 1.

[0034] Therefore, the speaker 60 plays music or sounds in the bathroom 1 by causing the bathtub 40 and the water inside the bathtub 40 to resonate. This makes it easier for bathers with their backs against the backrest 43 to hear the music or sounds. Consequently, bathers can enjoy the music or sounds without being disturbed by the sound of water being discharged from the upper water outlet 51 or the lower water outlet 55.

[0035] The speaker 60 is positioned in contact with the outer surface 43a2 of the backrest portion 43 of the peripheral wall portion 42 of the bathtub 40, and generates sound by causing the bathtub 40 to resonate. Specifically, the speaker 60 is positioned in contact with the outer surface 43a2 of the inclined portion 43b of the backrest portion 43. In other words, the speaker 60 is positioned in contact with the outer surface 43a2 of the bathtub 40 and acts as a bathtub vibrator that vibrates the bathtub 40.

[0036] This allows the inclined portion 43b of the bathtub 40, which is close to the bather's ears, to resonate. Therefore, music and sounds can be efficiently transmitted to the bather. In addition, the speaker 60 vibrates the backrest 43. As a result, the bather can feel a pleasant vibration on their back along with the water discharged from the upper water discharge device 51 or the lower water discharge device 55. Furthermore, since the speaker 60 is installed on the outer surface 43a2 of the bathtub 40, it cannot be seen by the bather inside the bathroom 1. Therefore, the bathroom 1 can have a clean and uncluttered design.

[0037] Here, for example, if the speaker 60 is located at the center of the bathtub 40 in the left-right direction, the speaker 60 will be positioned directly behind the center of load at the point of contact between the inclined section 43b and the bather's back. When the bather is leaning against the inclined section 43b, the surface pressure becomes high at the center of the bather's back. In this case, the vibrations transmitted from the speaker 60 to the inclined section 43b may be suppressed by the bather's back, and the vibrations of the inclined section 43b may be attenuated.

[0038] Therefore, the speaker 60 includes a first speaker 61 located to the left of the left-right center position of the bottom surface 41 of the bathtub 40 (the dashed line in Figure 4), and a second speaker 62 located to the right of the left-right center position of the bottom surface 41 of the bathtub 40 (the dashed line in Figure 4). The first speaker 61 and the second speaker 62 are the same.

[0039] This prevents the vibrations transmitted from the first speaker 61 and the second speaker 62 to the inclined section 43b from being suppressed by the bather's body. As a result, the first speaker 61 and the second speaker 62 can cause the inclined section 43b to resonate (vibrate), efficiently delivering music and sound to the bather. Furthermore, the bather can effectively feel the vibrations of the inclined section 43b, allowing them to enjoy body sonics through music and sound, as well as the vibration experience.

[0040] Furthermore, by providing two speakers 60 (a first speaker 61 and a second speaker 62), stereo music and sound can be provided. The first speaker 61 and the second speaker 62 may be positioned vertically offset from the center of the bather's back.

[0041] The control unit 70 controls the upper water outlet 51, the lower water outlet 55, and the speaker 60. The control unit 70 is connected to the operation unit 20 and controls the operation of the upper water outlet 51, the lower water outlet 55, and the speaker 60 based on command signals transmitted from the operation unit 20. The control unit 70 also controls the operation of the lighting 8 and the television 9 in the bathroom 1. The speaker 60 can, for example, play audio or music from the television 9 in conjunction with it.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 70 also controls the operation of the washing area water dispenser 10. Based on the operation of the operation unit 20 by the bather, the control unit 70 discharges hot and cold water from the washing area water dispenser 10 and changes the temperature. The control unit 70 may have multiple control units that individually control each device or apparatus.

[0043] The thermal insulation pan 80 is provided to surround the bathtub 40. The thermal insulation pan 80 is made of, for example, expanded polystyrene, and suppresses the decrease in the temperature of the water in the bathtub 40. The thermal insulation pan 80 has a lower surface portion 81 and an extension portion 82 that extends upward from the lower surface portion 81. The thermal insulation pan 80 is formed in a box shape with an open top by the lower surface portion 81 and the extension portion 82. In other words, the bathtub 40 is housed inside the thermal insulation pan 80.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the lower portion 81 extends backward from the bottom portion 41 of the bathtub 40. As a result, the lower portion 81 of the insulation pan 80 is located below the bathtub 40 and the speaker 60. Consequently, the insulation pan 80 dampens the vibrations of the bathtub 40 caused by the speaker 60. Therefore, the insulation pan 80 can suppress the temperature drop of the water in the bathtub 40 and also suppress the transmission of vibrations of the bathtub 40 to the building structure.

[0045] The extension 82 has a front panel 82a, a rear panel 82b, a left side panel 82c, and a right side panel 82d. The rear panel 82b is provided to cover the lower water discharge device 55 and the speaker 60 from the outside. That is, the lower water discharge device 55 and the speaker 60 are located between the backrest 43 and the rear panel 82b.

[0046] Next, the support structure of the bathtub 40 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a front view showing the support structure of the bathtub. Figure 7 is a side view showing the support structure of the bathtub.

[0047] The bathtub 40 is supported on the floor surface F of the building structure via a support frame 90. The support frame 90 is located below the bathtub 40 and supports it. In this example, the bathtub 40 is covered with an insulating pan 80. Therefore, the support frame 90 supports both the bathtub 40 and the insulating pan 80. The support frame 90 has a mounting section 91 on which the bathtub 40 and the insulating pan 80 are placed, legs 92 extending from the mounting section 91 toward the floor surface F, and vibration-damping members 93 provided at the tips of the legs 92.

[0048] The mounting portion 91 is, for example, a flat metal plate extending in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 7, the mounting portion 91 is formed so that its front-to-back dimension is longer than the front-to-back dimension of the bottom surface portion 41 of the bathtub 40. Note that the mounting portion 91 is not limited to a flat metal plate, but may also be, for example, a plurality of frame members extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0049] The legs 92 are provided, for example, at the four corners of the frame 90. The legs 92 are formed, for example, from a metal material. The legs 92 may also have a function to adjust the height of the mounting section 91.

[0050] The vibration-damping member 93 suppresses the transmission of vibrations from the bathtub 40 to the building structure. In other words, the vibration-damping member 93 absorbs vibrations transmitted from the bathtub 40 to the leg portion 92 via the mounting portion 91. As a result, the vibration-damping member 93 suppresses the transmission of vibrations from the speaker 60 to the building structure, which would otherwise generate noise in other rooms.

[0051] The vibration-damping member 93 is provided at the tip of the leg portion 92 (on the floor surface F side). One end of the vibration-damping member 93 is in contact with the floor surface F, and the other end is in contact with the tip of the leg portion 92. This allows the vibration-damping member 93 to effectively suppress the transmission of vibrations from the leg portion 92 to the building structure. Other members may be provided between the vibration-damping member 93 and the floor surface F. The vibration-damping member 93 is made of, for example, rubber material and has a lower hardness than the leg portion 92. The hardness of the vibration-damping member 93 is based, for example, on JIS K6253.

[0052] Here, for example, if a large vibration is transmitted from the bathtub 40 to the leg portion 92, the vibration-damping member 93 may not be able to effectively absorb the vibration. Therefore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the vibration-damping member 93 is provided in a position that does not overlap with the bottom surface 41 of the bathtub 40 in the vertical direction. That is, the leg portion 92 is provided in a position offset from the bottom surface 41 of the bathtub 40 in the left-right or front-back direction. Specifically, the leg portion 92 is provided in a position offset from the contact portion of the bottom surface 41 of the bathtub 40 that contacts the heat-insulating pan 80 or the mounting portion 91 in the left-right or front-back direction. That is, the leg portion 92 is provided in a position as far away as possible from the contact portion of the bottom surface 41 of the bathtub 40.

[0053] As a result, vibrations from the bathtub 40 are attenuated by the mounting section 91 and the like, so that vibrations transmitted to the legs 92 can be reduced. Therefore, the vibration-damping member 93 can effectively absorb vibrations transmitted to the legs 92.

[0054] Next, we will explain the case where a bather activates speaker 60.

[0055] First, when a bather is on the washing area floor 3, the speaker 60 can be activated by operating the control unit 20 located on the fourth side wall 4d. In this case, the speaker 60 causes the bathtub 40 to resonate. As a result, sound waves emitted from the bathtub 40 propagate throughout the bathroom 1. Consequently, the bather can enjoy music or sounds emanating from the bathtub 40.

[0056] Furthermore, when a bather is inside the bathtub 40, the speaker 60 can be activated by operating the control unit 20 located on the second side wall 4b. In this case, the speaker 60 can be operated together with the bathtub water discharge device 50 (upper water discharge device 51 or lower water discharge device 55). This allows the bather to enjoy music or sounds while in a relaxed state due to the operation of the bathtub water discharge device 50.

[0057] Furthermore, the speaker 60 is attached to the outer surface 43a2 of the inclined portion 43b of the backrest 43. As a result, the bather can hear the music or sound from around their shoulders. Consequently, the bather can enjoy the music or sound without being disturbed by the sound of water being discharged from the bathtub water dispenser 50.

[0058] Furthermore, the speaker 60 plays music or sounds by vibrating the backrest 43. As a result, bathers who are leaning their backs against the backrest 43 can feel the vibrations of the backrest 43 with their bodies. Consequently, bathers can feel the music or sounds with their bodies and become more relaxed.

[0059] In the embodiments described above, the case in which the speaker 60 is provided on the inclined portion 43b was used as an example. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, the speaker 60 may be provided on the vertical plate portion 43c.

[0060] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the speaker 60 was explained using the example of a case where two speakers, a first speaker 61 and a second speaker 62, are provided. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and the speaker 60 may be just one.

[0061] The embodiment may include the following configurations. (Composition 1) Bathtub and A bathtub vibrating unit is provided in contact with the outer surface of the bathtub and vibrates the bathtub, A control unit for controlling the bathtub vibration unit, A vibration-damping member that suppresses the transmission of vibrations from the bathtub to the building structure, A bathroom equipped with [a specific feature / equipment]. (Configuration 2) Located below the bathtub, it further comprises a frame that supports the bathtub, The bathroom according to configuration 1, wherein the vibration-damping member is provided at the tip of the leg of the frame and has a lower hardness than the leg. (Composition 3) The bathroom according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the vibration-damping member is provided in a position that does not overlap with the bottom surface of the bathtub in the vertical direction.

[0062] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Modifications made by those 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 features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, and arrangement of each element of a bathroom, etc., 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 feasible, and combinations thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1 bathroom 2 Ceiling 3. Washing area floor 4a~4d 1st~4th side wall 5 mirror 6, 7 counter 8 Lighting 9 TV 10. Washing area water outlet equipment 11 Hand shower 13 Overhead shower 14 Pillars 15 Karan 20 Control section 30 Bathtub equipment 40 Bathtubs 41 Bottom part 42 Peripheral wall section 42a Inlet 43 Backrest 43a1 Inner surface 43a2 External surface 43b Slope 43c Vertical plate section 44 rim 45 mounting holes 50 Bathtub water dispensing equipment 51 Upper water discharge device 55 Lower water discharge device 56 Pipeline 57 Pumps 58 Jet Pump Unit 60 speakers (bathtub vibration unit) 61 First speaker 62. Second speaker 70 Control Unit 80 Insulated bread 81 Bottom part 82 Extension 82a Front plate 82b Rear plate 82c left side plate 82d Right side plate 90 mounting base 91 Mounting section 92 Legs 93 Vibration Isolator F Floor

Claims

1. Bathtub and A bathtub vibrating unit is provided in contact with the outer surface of the bathtub and vibrates the bathtub, A control unit for controlling the bathtub vibration unit, A vibration-damping member that suppresses the transmission of vibrations from the bathtub to the building structure, A bathroom equipped with [a specific feature / equipment].

2. Located below the bathtub, it further comprises a frame that supports the bathtub, The bathroom according to claim 1, wherein the vibration-damping member is provided at the tip of the leg of the frame and has a lower hardness than the leg.

3. The bathroom according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the vibration-damping member is provided in a position that does not overlap with the bottom surface of the bathtub in the vertical direction.

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