JP2014110874A - Foot part environment adjustment device and foot part environment adjustment system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a foot part environment adjustment device and system for improving a situation where uncomfortable force is applied to foot parts or an area close to the parts from above when sleeping or having a rest in a lying position, attaining a compact size, and eliminating a storage load when not in use.SOLUTION: A foot part environment adjustment device 10 can include: a top board part 11; a top board support part 12 for keeping a predetermined interval between the top board part 21 and a reference surface; and environment adjustment means 13. An environment adjustment area is spatially partitioned by the predetermined reference surface where foot parts are to be placed. The temperature or ventilation of the environment adjustment area is adjusted by the energization of the environment adjustment means 13. When only the environment adjustment of the foot parts is performed, the environment adjustment means 13 is not required. The top board support part 22 can be constituted by an elastically deformable member.

Description

  The present invention relates to a foot environment adjusting device and a foot environment adjusting system that maintain a good environment of a human foot. The present invention relates to a foot environment adjusting device and a foot environment adjusting system that can be suitably used particularly when a person lies on a bed or a futon.

  Humans spend a lot of time lying down on their bodies, such as bedtime in their lives. At this time, if the ambient temperature is optimal, bedding such as a blanket or a comforter for maintaining body temperature is not necessarily required. However, when the ambient temperature is relatively low, such as in winter, the entire body except for the head is often covered with a bedding (hereinafter simply referred to as a bedding) such as a comforter, blanket, or towel.

  FIG. 28 shows an example of a state in which a person is lying on his back with his bedding. On the mattress 101, a person 102 sleeps on his back with his head 102A placed on a pillow 103. The bedding 104 is hung so as to cover the upper part of the person 102 from the body 102C to the upper thigh 102D, the lower thigh 102E, and the foot 102F. The leg 102F is inclined so that the tip of the ankle 102FA forms a predetermined angle with the mattress 101 when sleeping in the supine posture shown in this figure. This is a result of adding the weight of the bedding 104 added from the portion of the upper 102FB to the toe 102FC to the weight of the foot 102F itself.

  In the situation where the room temperature at the time of going to bed decreases like in winter, the sleeping bedding 104 is made thicker or a plurality of these are used in piles in order to cope with the cold. At this time, the weight of the bedding 104 increases and this weight is applied to the instep 102FB and the toe 102FC. As a result, the foot 102F is inclined to an unnatural angle, which may cause the person 102 to feel uncomfortable or cause joint pain. In addition, there is a feeling that the upper 102FB is in contact with the surface of the bedclothes 104 that is lower than the body temperature, and in combination with the presence of the space 105 between the sole 102FD and the bedclothes 104, many people 102 have cold feet 102F when sleeping. You will feel it.

  FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 show some typical examples of changes in the posture of a person when a load is applied to the toes and insteps of the toes while lying on their back. In these drawings, a broken line represents the bedding 104 that covers from the human torso 102C to the toe 102FC.

  29 shows a state in which the toes 102FC of both feet are rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle in the figure from the weight of the bedding 104. In FIG. 30, for the same reason, the right foot rotates by a predetermined angle in the counterclockwise direction, and the left foot rotates by another predetermined angle in the clockwise direction. When the weight of the bedding 104 is applied to the toe 102FC in this way, a person generally rotates the foot 102F so as to bend to this weight. Moreover, when a person lies on his back, the inclination angle of the instep with respect to the spine is widened by the action of gravity. As shown in FIG. 28, when the bedding 104 covers the upper 102FB and the toe 102FC, the foot 102F receives an unnatural force that reduces the angle with the mattress 101 due to its weight. Therefore, in order to reduce the burden on the toes as much as possible, the person unconsciously takes the posture shown in FIG. 29 or FIG. 30 or takes the posture of twisting the body sideways.

  It takes a relatively long time for people to sleep a day. Therefore, if one of the postures as in the examples shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 is fixed for a long period of time, some undue stress will occur in the body, or if this continues for many years, there will be some problem with the skeleton. May give. For example, it can be one of the causes of O-legs or one of the causes of arthritis.

  Such inconvenience caused by the relationship between the sleeping bedding 104 and the foot 102F is hardly discussed as occurring in daily life. However, when the physical strength suddenly drops due to a sudden illness or surgery, the weight of the bedclothes 104 applied to the instep 102FB and the toe 102FC may feel unnaturally large. In such a case, the torso is rotated 90 degrees from the supine posture, and the toes 102FC are tilted so as to be closer to the plane of the floor, or the body is rotated repeatedly to rotate the body left and right over time. . This is a factor that prevents deep sleep. In addition, many people feel that the feet 102F are cold when going to bed in winter, resulting in poor sleep.

  As a first related technique of the present invention that can solve such a problem as a result, it has been proposed to cover a wide space on a bed with a bag-shaped air conditioning unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the first related technology, the inside of the bag-shaped air conditioning unit is kept at an appropriate temperature, and a person goes to sleep inside. As a result, the sleeping bedding 104 can be eliminated, and a thin and light bedding can be used, and the weight applied to the instep and toes can be reduced.

  In the bag-like air conditioning unit according to the first related technology, a huge curtain-like bag that covers the place where the bed is arranged from the lower floor portion to the vicinity of the ceiling is used. Air that keeps the temperature at an appropriate temperature circulates in the bag, and a person enters and exits the air conditioning unit by opening a portion such as a joint of the curtain. Therefore, when an emergency such as a fire occurs at night while sleeping in the bed, it is difficult for a person to find the doorway in an upset state, and there is a risk of taking time to escape from the air conditioning unit. In addition, since the air conditioning unit itself constitutes a large-scale device, it is difficult to install it every night in a place where it is used only in the bedroom, even if it is permanently installed in a dedicated bedroom.

  Thus, assembling a “yagura” and hanging a bedding on it has been proposed as a second related technique of the present invention (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the second related technique, a steel pipe is processed to assemble a “tower” having a pair of W-shaped side walls so as to cover the entire upper space of the remaining portion except the side where the head is located in the mattress. In this second related technology, “Yagura” has a structure in which side walls as “W” -shaped frames are erected along both sides of the mattress one by one. These side walls oppose each other at a predetermined interval, and steel pipes are connected to each of three opposing portions constituting the uppermost portion of the “W” character in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mattress. By hanging the bedding on these steel pipes, the entire bedding is fixed in a spatially floating state. While lying on the mattress, a person can freely flex and extend his / her legs in the inner space of “Yagura”. In addition, when there is a feeling of heat, the part of the bedding that covers the top of the toes in the “Yagura” can be pushed open by hand to release the heat generated in the internal space to the outside.

  With this second related technique, “Yagura” removes the bedding when not in use. Then, the frame can be folded so that the letter “W” is compressed in the horizontal direction at these connecting portions of the steel pipe, so that the frame can be made into a shape suitable for storage.

  However, even in this folded state, which is suitable for storage, the entire “Yakura” is quite large, and in a small house, it considerably compresses the storage space. Moreover, since the steel pipe is used, there is also considerable weight. Furthermore, when this “Yagura” is used in a situation where the room temperature is low, such as in winter, the body temperature is released into a large space that spreads over the chest and the feet. As a result, there is a possibility that the body temperature of the person lying inside the “Yagura” may not be secured at a temperature suitable for sleeping.

  For this reason, when using the “Yagura” according to the second related technology in a situation where the room temperature is low, it is considered necessary to bring an auxiliary appliance for heating such as a hot water bottle or a Hakkin Cairo into the “Yagura”. However, when using a hot water bottle or Hakkin Cairo, it is necessary to take a posture in which the vicinity of the foot is brought close to these auxiliary devices, and it becomes impossible to sleep in a natural posture with the body straightened. In addition, there is a risk of low-temperature burns when a part of the body touches a hot water bottle or Hakkin Cairo for a long time.

  Therefore, a health appliance in which a radiation plate is arranged on a base plate member that is stretched by heating wires and a semi-cylindrical hood member is covered thereon has been proposed as a third related technique (for example, (See Patent Document 3). In the third related art, the semi-cylindrical hood member is obtained by processing a stainless steel plate or an aluminum plate, and one end of the semi-cylindrical hood member forms an opening. Therefore, the user can insert his / her foot into the internal space of the hood member from the opening. The other end of the hood member that has a semicircular shape is completely closed, so that heat generated from the heating wire does not escape to the outside.

  According to the third proposal, the foot can be heated to an appropriate temperature by inserting the foot into the space surrounded by the radiation plate and the semi-cylindrical hood member. Moreover, a space such as the inside of the tunnel is secured at the place where the semi-cylindrical hood member is disposed. Therefore, even if a bedding such as a futon is put on the hood member, the bedding does not directly hit the upper instep and may be pressed downward.

JP 2007-275358 (paragraph 0035, FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-113709 (paragraph 0005, FIG. 1) JP 2002-126105 A (22nd paragraph, 40th paragraph to 41st paragraph, FIG. 9, FIG. 19, FIG. 20)

  However, according to this third proposal, several problems arise.

  First, according to the third proposal, a special base plate member having a heating wire is arranged on a portion that becomes a floor on which a person lies, and a heat source is supplied to the body from here. Therefore, if it is going to use a mattress or a bed together for heat retention or thermal energy saving, it is necessary to place a base plate member on the mattress or on the mattress of the bed. In this case, if only the base plate member into which the foot portion is inserted is locally arranged on the mattress or on the mattress of the bed, the base plate member floats from the periphery, and a step is generated at the boundary portion. For this reason, when a situation occurs in which the foot once comes off from the base plate member during sleep (retracts the foot and drops it from the base plate member), a step is caused when trying to return to the base plate member. A part may be kicked with a foot | leg, and, thereby, the baseplate member may kick out from a mattress or a bed.

  Of course, in the third proposal, it is also proposed to prepare a vertically long base plate member that covers the whole body of the user, and to lay a heating wire around it. In this case, the base plate member may be arranged directly on the floor. In this case, since the whole body of the user rides on the flat base plate member, there is no step portion as in the case of using the mattress together, and the problem of kicking off the base plate member with the foot does not occur. However, when a vertically long base plate member that covers the whole body of the user is used, the whole health device is enlarged. Therefore, the problem that the storage place when the health appliance is not used is problematic.

  Furthermore, in the third proposed health appliance, the hood member is made of a stainless steel plate or an aluminum plate and is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape. If such a health device is placed at home, there is no risk that a child will ride on the semi-cylindrical hood member or an adult will trip over and put weight on the hood member. In such a case, in order to prevent the hood member from being broken, it is necessary to ensure the strength by increasing the thickness of the stainless steel plate or the aluminum plate. As a result, the weight of the entire health device increases, and a burden is imposed on carrying during storage.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to improve a situation where an excessive force is applied to the foot when sleeping or lying down and resting, and a foot environment adjusting device that is compact and does not place much burden on storage when not needed. And to obtain a foot environment adjustment system.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a foot environment adjusting device and a foot environment adjusting system capable of preventing the device from being damaged even when the device is overloaded. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a foot environment adjusting device and a foot environment adjusting system in which the size of the entire foot is less affected by the size of the foot.

  In the present invention, (a) above a reference plane as a predetermined three-dimensional space capable of accommodating a foot from the heel to the toe of both feet in a state where a person lies on his / her back on a predetermined reference plane. A flat top plate portion that is in contact with the upper surface portion in the environmental adjustment region, which is composed of a horizontal upper surface portion, a bottom surface portion that is positioned on the reference surface, and a side surface portion that connects them without gaps. (B) It is arranged in a cylindrical virtual region that surrounds and surrounds the above-described side surface portion, and the upper end portion is positioned on the bottom surface of the top plate portion and the lower end portion is positioned on the reference surface. And a support member for holding the top plate portion spatially and fixedly on both the specific side portion side of the side portion and the other side portion located opposite to the side portion. The above-mentioned foot with the reference plane as the base A top plate support portion provided with at least one opening of a size and a shape that allows entry / exit between the environmental adjustment region described above and other regions; (c) the top plate portion and the top plate support portion described above; A temperature control device that is disposed in at least one of the above-described environmental conditions of the foot portion and is determined by temperature or ventilation state, or a fan that moves the air in the environmental adjustment region by energization. The foot environment adjusting device includes an environment adjusting means that adjusts electrically by energizing the environment adjusting component including at least one of the above.

  In the present invention, (a) from the above-described reference plane as a predetermined three-dimensional space that can accommodate the feet from the heels of the both feet to the toes in a state where a person lies on his / her back on a predetermined reference plane. A flat plate-like top as a whole in contact with the upper surface portion in the environmental adjustment region composed of a horizontal upper surface portion located above, a bottom surface portion located on the reference surface, and a side surface portion connecting these without gaps. (B) It is arranged in a cylindrical virtual region that surrounds and surrounds the above-described side surface portion, and the upper end portion is positioned on the bottom surface of the above-described top plate portion, and the lower end portion is positioned on the above-described reference surface By doing so, the top plate portion described above is spatially fixedly held until a force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied from a direction other than the vertical direction, and when the force exceeding the above threshold is applied, the top plate is elastically deformed only during that time. A support member, said The environmental adjustment region and the other regions described above with the above-described reference surface as the base and both the specific side portion of the side surface portion and the other side portion located opposite to the side portion. The foot environment adjusting device includes a top plate support portion provided with at least one opening having a size and a shape that allow insertion and removal between them.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, (a) the foot environment adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and (b) a person lying on his / her back on a mattress or bed as a reference plane. In order to secure a predetermined three-dimensional space capable of accommodating the foot from the heel to the toe, the above-described three-dimensional space is configured when the above-described foot environment adjusting device is placed on the mattress or the bed. The foot environment adjusting system includes a hanging bedding as a bedding that is hung so as to cover at least a part of a top plate portion that is horizontally flat and in contact with the upper surface portion.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a reference as a contact surface in a state where the lower end portion of the top plate support portion that supports the top plate portion and secures a predetermined three-dimensional space lies on its back. It touches the surface. That is, for example, if a person pulls a sheet on a mattress and lies on the sheet, the sheet serves as a reference plane, and the lower end of the top plate support part comes into contact with the sheet. When the sheets are not scratched or the sheets are peeled off, the surface of the mattress serves as a reference plane. Therefore, if you move your foot in the direction of your height while lying on your back, your foot will move on the reference plane and enter the environmental adjustment area inside the foot environmental adjustment device without encountering the step. Go out. In addition, the top plate support portion can secure an opening having a size that does not obstruct the insertion and removal in the direction in which the feet are taken in and out of the three-dimensional space.

  Thus, there is no so-called “bottom plate” in the foot environment adjusting device. For this reason, there is no “step” when the foot goes outside from the foot environment adjusting device or enters the inside of the device. As a result, the foot environment adjusting device does not move due to the “step”. Moreover, the top plate portion has a flat plate shape as a whole even if the specific shape thereof is a lattice shape or a shape with slits. For this reason, compared with the case where this part is formed with a semi-cylindrical hood member, it becomes difficult for the bedding to slip down from the foot environment adjusting device. As a result, the weight of the bedding is effectively and continuously applied to the foot environment adjusting device, and the foot environment adjusting device is difficult to move on the reference plane.

  Of course, according to the present invention, since a person can freely move his / her foot in a predetermined three-dimensional space, not only is it easy to adopt a supine posture, but also by eliminating pressure on the back of the foot, The adverse effect on the human skeleton can be avoided or reduced. In addition, when turning over, there is no burden on the foot, and the degree of freedom of movement of the body while sleeping can be increased. Therefore, for example, for a sick person or an elderly person whose physical strength is exhausted, there is an effect that the use value of the apparatus continues even during a period in which temperature adjustment in the environmental adjustment region is not particularly required.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the foot environment adjusting device itself is a compact size, there is no problem with the storage location. Furthermore, when the present invention is provided with an environmental adjusting means, the required electric power corresponds to a local space even when heating or air cooling, and the amount of electric power used can be suppressed slightly. Furthermore, since the portion of the foot bedding is slightly lifted depending on the height of the foot environment adjusting device, the area for adjusting the environment can be applied not only to the inside of the environment adjusting area but also to the peripheral portion along the trunk. For this reason, even if the foot moves to a position slightly protruding from the foot environment adjusting device, the environment can be kept good.

  Further, according to the present invention provided with the environmental adjustment means, the warming is performed mainly in the foot part in winter, so that it becomes a so-called head cold foot heat state, and when the other part than the head is uniformly warmed with an electric blanket or the entire room temperature is reduced. Compared with the case of heating to an appropriate temperature, a deep sleep state can be realized more easily. Furthermore, compared to the case of using a hot water bottle, there is no fear of low-temperature heating, and there is no object that must be snuggled up for heating, so it is possible to sleep properly.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention provided with the environment adjusting means, if the bedding is hung so as to partially cover the foot environment adjusting device even in the summer without using a fan, the foot and its surroundings Is partially open and can maintain comfort. Moreover, it is possible to artificially adjust the size of the opening that communicates with the outside air by adjusting the ratio of the bedding that covers the top plate (the ratio of the opening through which the outside air flows). Therefore, even in a state where the air cooling fan is not used in the foot environment adjusting device, the temperature and humidity of the environment adjusting region can be maintained in a more preferable state than the sealed state. As a result, the body temperature around the abdomen can be maintained, and the temperature of the foot can be lowered appropriately while preventing bedriddenness, thereby realizing more comfortable sleeping.

It is a claim corresponding view of the foot environment adjusting device of the present invention. It is a claim corresponding | compatible figure of the other leg | foot environment adjustment apparatus of this invention. It is a claim corresponding figure of a foot environment adjustment system of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a foot environment adjusting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which showed an example of the state which the person turned on his back and hung the bedding in this Embodiment. It is a circuit diagram showing the outline | summary of the circuit structure of the foot | foot environment adjustment apparatus in this Embodiment. It is the perspective view which showed the external appearance of the foot | foot part environment adjustment apparatus in the 1st modification of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the external appearance of the foot | foot environment adjustment apparatus in the 2nd modification of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the outline | summary of the circuit part of the foot | foot environment adjustment apparatus in a 2nd modification. It is explanatory drawing which represented the voice message storage part concretely. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a setting change control state of the foot environment adjusting device using the first and second sensors shown in FIG. 9. It is a flowchart showing the mode of the initial setting of the foot | foot environment adjustment apparatus in a 2nd modification. 12 is a flowchart specifically illustrating the setting change process described in step S511 in FIG. 11. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a foot environment adjusting device in the energy storage stage in the 4th modification of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the foot environment adjusting device in the 5th modification of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the foot environment adjusting device in the 6th modification of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the top-plate part of the foot | foot environment adjustment apparatus in a 6th modification. It is the perspective view showing the external appearance about one of the top-plate support parts of the foot | foot environment adjustment apparatus in a 6th modification. It is the side view which looked at the state which has arrange | positioned the foot | foot part environment adjustment apparatus in a 6th modification on the mattress from the side. It is explanatory drawing which showed the change of the external appearance of one top-plate support part by the force applied in the 6th modification. It is the side view which looked at the state which has arranged the foot environment adjustment device in the 6th modification on the mattress, and applied external force from the side. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the foot environment adjusting device in the 7th modification of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the foot environment adjusting device in the 8th modification of the present invention. It is the perspective view showing the appearance of the foot environment adjustment device in the 9th modification of the present invention. It is the perspective view showing the appearance of the foot environment adjustment device in the 10th modification of the present invention. It is sectional drawing showing the sleeping state of the person at the time of using it for the positional relationship which accommodates a leg | foot in the foot | foot environment adjustment apparatus of a 10th modification completely. It is sectional drawing showing a person's sleeping state at the time of using a leg by the positional relationship which protruded completely from the foot | foot environment adjustment apparatus of a 10th modification. It is sectional drawing which showed the conventional general state in which the person lays on his back and sleeps bedding. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the state which inclined both legs in the same direction when a load is applied to the toe tip of the conventional foot from the back side of the foot toward the head. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the state inclined so that both feet might mutually rotate outside when a load was applied to the toe tip of the conventional foot from the back side of the foot to the direction of the head.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram corresponding to the claims of the foot environment adjusting device of the present invention. The foot environment adjusting device 10 of the present invention includes a top plate portion 11, a top plate support portion 12, and environment adjusting means 13. Here, the top plate portion 11 is more than the above-described reference surface as a predetermined three-dimensional space that can accommodate the feet from the heels of the both feet to the toes in a state where a person lies on his / her back on a predetermined reference surface. It is horizontally and flat as a whole in contact with the upper surface portion in the environmental adjustment region composed of the upper horizontal surface portion located above, the bottom surface portion located on the reference surface described above, and the side surface portion connecting these without gaps. . The top plate support 12 is arranged in a cylindrical virtual region that surrounds and surrounds the side surface, and has an upper end positioned on the bottom surface of the top plate 11 and a lower end on the reference surface. It is a support member that holds the top plate portion 11 spatially and fixedly, and both the specific side portion side of the side portion described above and the other side portion side opposite to this side portion side A member provided with at least one opening of a size and shape that allows the above-described reference plane to be the bottom and allows the above-mentioned foot to be inserted and removed between the above-described environment adjustment region and the other regions. Further, the environmental adjustment means 13 is disposed on at least one of the top plate portion 11 and the top plate support portion 12, and changes the environmental conditions of the above-described foot portion determined by the temperature or the ventilation state by changing the temperature of the environmental adjustment region by energization. Electrical adjustment is performed by the energization described above to the environmental adjustment component including at least one of the temperature control device to be operated or the air that moves the air in the environment adjustment area by energization.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram corresponding to claims of another foot environment adjusting device of the present invention. Another foot environment adjusting device 20 of the present invention includes a top plate portion 21 and a top plate support portion 22. Here, the top plate portion 21 is based on the above-described reference plane as a predetermined three-dimensional space that can accommodate the feet from the heels of both feet to the toes in a state where a person lies on his / her back on a predetermined reference plane. In addition, the entire upper surface portion in contact with the upper surface portion in the environmental adjustment region composed of the horizontal upper surface portion positioned above, the bottom surface portion positioned on the reference surface, and the side surface portion connecting these without gaps is formed in a horizontally flat plate shape. Yes. Further, the top plate support portion 22 is disposed in a cylindrical virtual region that surrounds and surrounds the side surface portion, and has an upper end portion located on the bottom surface of the top plate portion and a lower end portion on the reference surface. By positioning the top plate part spatially fixed until a force of a predetermined threshold or more is applied from a direction other than the vertical direction, and when a force of the above threshold or more is applied, it is elastic only during that time. The supporting member is deformed, and the above-described foot portion is described with the above-described reference surface as the base on both the specific side portion of the side portion described above and the other side portion located opposite to the side portion. This is a member provided with at least one opening of a size and a shape that can be taken in and out between the environmental adjustment region and other regions.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram corresponding to the claims of the foot environment adjustment system of the present invention. The foot environment adjusting system 30 of the present invention includes a foot environment adjusting device 31 and a bedding 32. Here, the foot environment adjusting device 31 is a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The bedding 32 is provided with the above-mentioned mattress to secure a predetermined three-dimensional space that can accommodate the feet from the heels of the both feet to the toes in a state where a person lies on the back with the mattress or bed as a reference plane. Alternatively, when the foot environment adjusting device 31 is placed on the bed, the tool is hung so as to cover at least a part of the top plate part that is horizontally flat and touches the upper surface part constituting the three-dimensional space. Yes, bedding such as comforters, blankets and towels.

  <Embodiment of the Invention>

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows the appearance of the foot environment adjusting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The foot environment adjusting device 200 includes a device main body 204 including a rectangular parallelepiped top plate portion 201 and first and second side plates 202 and 203 attached downward from both end portions thereof, and a second side plate 203. The power supply unit 205 and the controller unit 206 are connected to each other.

  Here, when the foot environment adjusting device 200 is not used, the first side plate 202 is arranged with the top plate portion 201 around the first hinge portion 211 by releasing a lock mechanism (not shown). It can be folded so as to be in contact with the lower surface side of the top plate portion 201 by being rotated 90 degrees in the direction in which it is placed. The second side plate 203 is also arranged with the top plate portion 201 around the second hinge portion 212 by releasing another locking mechanism (not shown) when the foot environment adjusting device 20 is not used. It can be folded from the opposite side of the first side plate 202 so as to be in contact with the lower surface side of the top plate portion 201 by being rotated 90 degrees in the direction in which it is located.

  The foot environment adjusting device 200 is placed in a locked state as an upright state in which the first and second side plates 202 and 203 are opposed to each other as shown in the figure, and placed on a mattress or mat or tatami (not shown). Cover the upper part 201 with a bedding. Then, the power plug 213 of the power supply unit 205 is connected to a power outlet (not shown), and the power switch 214 is slid on to turn on the power.

  As a result, a heating wire (not shown) in the second side plate 203 is energized according to the setting contents of the controller main body 215 constituting the controller unit 206, and the energization indicator lamp disposed on the surface facing the first hinge unit 211. 216 lights up. The heating wire generates heat according to the energization amount, and the environment adjustment region 218 as a rectangular parallelepiped three-dimensional space surrounded by the first and second side plates 202 and 203 and the top plate portion 201 is maintained at an appropriate temperature. The user goes to sleep with his bedding while the feet are inserted into the environmental adjustment area 218.

  The top plate portion 201 in such a foot environment adjusting device 200 may be composed of a single plastic plate, a wooden plate, or a metal plate, or a reinforcement having a truss structure or a honeycomb structure on one or both sides thereof. It may be reinforced with a material. Of course, various modifications are possible, such as a plastic plate, a wooden plate, or a metal plate in which a rectangular frame is simply assembled, or the inside of this frame is simply reinforced with the above-described reinforcing material. The top plate portion 201 is not necessarily formed by a single flat plate, and is a plate-like shape in which a plurality of openings composed of metal bars or metal rods arranged at predetermined intervals in a predetermined frame are arranged. It may be.

  In short, it is sufficient that the apparatus main body 204 has a strength that can withstand the weight of the bedding and has a structure that supports the bedding as a horizontal flat plate as a whole. As will be described in a later modification of the present invention, the top plate portion 201 may have a slight level difference on the upper surface or the like. Even if the top plate portion 201 has microscopic unevenness or a plurality of holes opened on the surface, or the top plate portion 201 is formed of a lattice-like frame, the surface is maintained horizontally as a whole. As long as the is shaped. When the top plate portion 201 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity such as metal, it is preferable to cover the surface in contact with the environment adjustment region 218 with a material with low thermal conductivity such as cloth.

  The first side plate 202 may also have the same material and structure as the top plate portion 201. The simplest structure may be only two pedestals that support the top plate portion 201, and need not be a structure as a plate. If the first side plate 202 is also made of a material with good thermal conductivity such as metal, the surface in contact with the environment adjustment region 218 is covered with a material with low thermal conductivity such as cloth. Is preferred. In FIG. 4, the top plate portion 201 and the first side plate 202 are drawn in a thin plate shape for the convenience of drawing, but it is not necessary to be like this. In particular, the portion of the first side plate 202 that may come into contact with the foot when entering and exiting has a certain thickness and is not angular, and is made of a material that does not easily transfer heat when in contact. This is preferable as an example.

  The second side plate 203 may have the same structure as the first side plate 202. However, the second side plate 203 includes a heating element such as a heating wire that generates heat by energization, and a temperature control unit that controls energization of the heating element in accordance with the temperature of the environment adjustment region 218. The surface of the second side plate 203 that is in contact with the environment adjustment region 218 is preferably covered with a material having low thermal conductivity such as cloth.

  In the present embodiment, an elliptical opening 217 is disposed in the substantially central portion of the top plate portion 201. The opening 217 has a size that allows the user's thumb to be inserted from the environment adjustment region 218. This is because the user can adjust the position by inserting the thumb of the foot into the opening 217 when the foot environment adjusting device 200 is found to be displaced from a suitable position on a mattress or mat (not shown). It is for doing so. Therefore, when the top plate 201 itself is formed of a hooked member such as a mesh-structured plate, the device main body 204 can be moved to an appropriate position by hooking a toe on this portion. The opening 217 itself is not necessary. Of course, even if the top plate portion 201 itself is made of a flat plate material, the opening 217 is not necessarily provided.

  FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. 28 and shows an example of a state in which a person is lying on his / her back with his bedding sleeping in the present embodiment as a cross-sectional view. The same parts as those in FIG. 28 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  The foot environment adjusting device 200 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the toe 102FC and the instep 102FB portions of the person 102 sleeping on the mattress 101 are not in contact with the top plate portion 201 within the environment adjusting region 218. The heights of the first and second side plates 202 and 203 are adjusted so that As shown in FIG. 5, when the person 102 is relaxed, the toes are usually tilted slightly forward. Therefore, considering the sinking of the heel portion of the mattress 101, the heights of the first and second side plates 202 and 203 are not required as long as the length from the heel to the toe 102FC.

  The bedding 104 covers the torso 102C and the upper thigh 102D (and a part of the lower thigh 102E) of the person 102 so that one end portion thereof completely covers the foot environment adjusting device 200. Therefore, if the foot is properly accommodated in the environment adjustment region 218, the pressure of the bedding 104 is not applied to the toe 102FC and the instep 102FB. Of course, the person 102 unconsciously moves the position of each part of the body while sleeping. Therefore, at some point, the toe 102FC may move to the front side (left side in the figure) of the environment adjustment area 218 or may move through the environment adjustment area 218 to the rear side (right side in the figure). possible. By these movements, the part of the toe 102FC may come out of the environment adjustment region 218 and come into contact with the part of the hanging bedding 104 that hangs down. However, this sagging portion takes the form of a heel and disperses the force. Moreover, even if the toe 102FC protrudes slightly from the foot environment adjusting device 200, the bedding 104 is stretched between the top plate 201 and the toe 102FC, so the bedding is placed up to the upper 102FB. The possibility of hitting 104 is small. Therefore, the pressure applied to the toe 102FC and the instep 102FB is reduced as compared with the case where the foot environment adjusting device 200 is not present. In addition, if the toe 102FC and the upper 102FB are moved again to appropriate positions in the environment adjustment region 218, it is possible to return to a state where they do not come into contact with the top board 201.

  The environment adjustment region 218 in the foot environment adjustment device 200 is sized to accommodate both feet with a slight margin in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Therefore, by using the environment adjustment region 218, the person 102 can greatly reduce the effect of external force on the direction of the toe 102FC of his / her foot, and can easily take a supine posture.

  The foot environment adjusting device 200 according to the present embodiment has an angular shape as a whole as shown in FIG. For this reason, the bedding 104 is deformed so that the portions that come into contact with the four corners of the top plate portion 201 bite by the weight. Thereby, the bedding 104 is stably disposed on the foot environment adjusting device 200, and there is little possibility that the person 102 falls down even if the person 102 turns over. If the four corners of the top plate portion 201 are slightly raised, this effect is further enhanced. In the present embodiment, the bottoms of the first and second side plates 202 and 203 bite into the surface of the mattress 101 with the weight of the bedding 104. For this reason, even if the foot environment adjusting device 200 moves in the environment adjusting region 218 and comes into contact with the first or second side plates 202 and 203, the foot environment adjusting device 200 is less likely to move on the mattress 101.

  The foot environment adjusting device 200 has a heating wire built in the second side plate 203 shown in FIG. 4 and generates heat by energization in a situation where the room temperature is low, such as in winter, to add to the environment adjusting region 218. Can be warmed. Therefore, when the foot environment adjusting device 200 is in the warmed state, it is preferable that the foot bedding 104 is covered completely as shown in FIG. 5, and the environment adjusting region 218 is in the heat retaining state.

  In contrast, in the situation where the room temperature is high as in summer, the foot environment adjustment device 200 does not need to be heated. In such an environment, the foot environment adjusting device 200 does not need to be covered with the bedding 104. In addition, the environment adjustment region 218 can be used to electronically lower the temperature using, for example, a Peltier element, or to allow outside air to be taken in by shifting the position of the bedding 104, or to adjust the size of the opening for taking in outside air. Can do.

  As already described, the toe 102FC of the person 102 is somewhat inclined in the opposite direction to the head 102A due to its own weight at the time of going to bed. Therefore, the height of the foot environment adjusting device 200 does not necessarily have to be equal to or longer than the length (foot length) from the heel of the foot to the toe 102FC. The amount of sinking of the floor surface material such as the mattress 101 (the “reference surface” of the present invention does not have to be a horizontal surface, but from a predetermined horizontal surface that forms at least a part of the reference surface. In consideration of the depth that is the length in the minus direction), the height of the foot environment adjusting device 200 (the length in the plus direction from the predetermined surface) may be about a few tens of centimeters. Many. If the foot environment adjustment device 200 is a device dedicated to children or a person with small feet, the height may be lower, and about 7 centimeters may be sufficient. Further, when the toe 102FC is arranged so as to protrude slightly from the foot environment adjusting device 200, the length (foot length) from the heel of the foot to the toe 102FC is almost unrelated to the height of the device body itself.

  As described above, the foot environment adjusting device 200 according to the present embodiment has a so-called “no bottom plate” structure, and a flat surface on which a foot such as a seat can slide when the foot enters and leaves the environment adjusting region 218. Or it can move along a reference plane consisting of a curved surface. In addition to this, the height of the foot environment adjusting device 200 can be set lower than the actual length of the sole by sinking the reference plane at the foot heel and tilting by the weight of the foot tip. is there. In many cases, the interval between the tips of both feet at bedtime is not so wide. In this embodiment, the width of the foot environment adjusting device 200 is 30 centimeters as an example, and the depth is 25 centimeters. Of course, these sizes of the local environment adjusting apparatus 200 can be variously modified.

  FIG. 6 shows an outline of the circuit configuration of the foot environment adjusting device. As described above, the foot environment adjusting device 200 includes the device main body 204 connected to the power supply unit 205 and the controller main body 215 connected to the device main body 204. A circuit configuration of the foot environment adjusting device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The apparatus main body 204 supplies a current supplied from one end of the power switch 214 to the heating wire 223 via a fuse 221 and a thyristor (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) 222. An energization display lamp 216 is connected in parallel to the heating wire 223, and lamp display is performed when energization is performed. The fuse 221 is for cutting off the power supply for safety when an abnormal current flows, and a bimetal that cuts off the power supply by detecting an abnormal temperature may be used instead. Of course, the fuse 221 and bimetal can be used in combination.

  The trigger circuit 224 is a circuit for supplying a trigger current to a gate (not shown) in order to control a current flowing between an anode and a cathode (not shown) of the thyristor 222. A technique for energization control of the heating wire 223 and the like by the thyristor 222 is widely known, and a description thereof will be omitted. Of course, it is also possible to use an energization control element other than the thyristor 222.

  An internal temperature sensor 225 for detecting the temperature of the environmental adjustment region 218 shown in FIG. 4 is provided in the apparatus main body 204, and the detection signal 226 is supplied to the temperature control unit 231 in the controller main body 215. . Although not shown, the temperature controller 231 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory that stores a control program executed by the CPU.

  The temperature controller 231 is also connected to the external temperature sensor 232. The external temperature sensor 232 is disposed on the controller main body 215 side in order to detect a temperature other than the environment adjustment region 218, that is, a temperature outside the bedding 104. The temperature control unit 231 is also connected to a heating switch 233 for rapidly increasing the temperature of the environment adjustment region 218 and a temperature adjustment knob 234 that performs general adjustment of the temperature of the environment adjustment region 218.

  The temperature control unit 231 supplies a control signal 235 to the trigger circuit 224 so as to realize the temperature in the environment adjustment region 218 set by the user with the temperature adjustment knob 234. The trigger circuit 224 performs on / off control of the current flowing through the heating wire 223 through the thyristor 222 by the control signal 235. Here, the temperature control unit 231 corrects the temperature detection result of the internal temperature sensor 225 according to the temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 232, and frequently adjusts the temperature adjustment knob 234 even if the room temperature changes according to the season. The foot environment adjusting device 200 can be used without any control.

  The warming switch 233 is a switch used to shorten the rise time of the foot environment adjusting device 200 during a relatively cold time or temporarily set the temperature of the environment adjusting region 218 slightly higher. When the user presses the heating switch 233, a timer circuit (not shown) operates, and a control signal 235 that continuously energizes the thyristor 222, for example, for one minute is supplied to the trigger circuit 224. Thereby, the user can warm a cold foot in the environment adjustment region 218 in a short time.

  Therefore, depending on the configuration of the foot environment adjusting device 200, two types of heating wires 223 for normal heating and quick heating are prepared, and the rapid heating is activated when the heating switch 233 generates heat. May be. Moreover, instead of using the heating wire 223 for this rapid heating, an infrared lamp may be prepared separately, and this may be turned on as necessary, and far infrared rays (heat rays) may be output only during that time. .

  Of course, when the temperature of the environmental adjustment region 218 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, initial warming is performed so that the temperature is slightly higher than the normal temperature control set value, and then the normal temperature control set value is set. It is possible to perform temperature control that maintains the temperature. When using far-infrared rays for heating, for example, a far-infrared mesh heating element may be disposed on a part or all of the surface in contact with the environment adjustment region 218. Of course, the heating wire 223 itself may be formed of a far-infrared mesh heating element.

  According to the foot environment adjusting apparatus 200 of the present embodiment described above, the power switch 214 for turning on / off the power supply to the apparatus main body 204 and the controller main body 215 is provided. For this reason, if the power switch 214 is turned off in a state where the foot environment adjusting device 200 is not operated, the power consumption can be turned off. Therefore, with the power plug 213 connected to the power outlet, power can be supplied to the foot environment adjusting device 200 only when it is in use, and it can be shut off when not needed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the controller main body 215 can be arranged at a distance from the apparatus main body 204. Therefore, the controller body 215 can measure the room temperature or the temperature of the outside air. Compared with the case where only the internal temperature sensor 225 measures the temperature, it is possible to control the temperature sensibly and the user with respect to the change in the outside air temperature. Thus, the temperature control of the environment adjustment region 218 can be simplified.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the heating switch 233 is arranged so that the heating wire 223 can generate heat more rapidly than the normal control. Thereby, the temperature of the environment adjustment region 218 can be sufficiently raised in a relatively short time after the user lays the futon and starts supplying the power to the foot environment adjustment device 200. Although it depends on the person, the optimum temperature during sleep in the environment adjustment region 218 may be 27 degrees C to 33 degrees C, or a temperature around these and lower than the normal body temperature. However, this is a case where it is assumed that the user uses the hanging bedding 104 by the same amount as in the conventional case.

  Particularly in the winter, by setting the temperature of the environmental adjustment region 218 temporarily higher than the optimum temperature during sleep, the same comfort as when putting the foot into the “kotatsu” can be given when the user touches the floor. . Such heating by the heating switch 233 is controlled by a timer. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a phenomenon such as sleep disturbance due to excessive temperature rise caused by continuous energization for a long time, and to ensure comfortable sleep. Depending on the type of the foot environment adjustment device 200, the temperature control of the environment adjustment region 218 can be variably controlled using software in accordance with the sleep characteristics of the user and the elapsed time from the start of energization. In the case of this example, the user's actual body temperature and pulse in the environment adjustment region 218 can be detected by a sensor, and this can be fed back to temperature control.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the energization display lamp 216 is arranged, the user can visually confirm the energization state of the foot environment adjusting device 200 by looking into it. Furthermore, the foot environment adjusting device 200 has a foldable structure, which is convenient for storage. In addition, since the oval opening 217 is provided in the top plate portion 201, the positional deviation of the foot environment adjusting device 200 can be easily corrected using the feet without moving the bedding 104 while sleeping. it can.

<First Modification of Invention>

  FIG. 7 shows the appearance of the foot environment adjusting device in the first modification of the present invention. The foot environment adjusting device 200A of the first modified example includes a device body 304 composed of a slightly thick flat plate-shaped top plate 301, and first and second support columns 302, 303 disposed on both side ends thereof, The power cord 305 is drawn from one side of the top plate 301 and a power plug 306 is attached to the tip of the power cord 305. As shown in the drawing, rod-like horizontal reinforcing members 302A and 303A arranged in the horizontal direction in the vicinity of the lower ends of the first and second support columns 302 and 303 are spanned between the two support columns 302 and 303, respectively. There is structural reinforcement.

  The top panel 301 is covered with cloth on the front and back, and a heating element similar to the heating wire 223 shown in FIG. In addition, a temperature adjustment window 307 is disposed on the top plate portion 301. Inside the temperature adjustment window 307, a resistance adjuster (not shown) made up of a slide switch or a variable resistor for manually changing the set temperature is arranged, and the current setting state can be confirmed by display characters. .

  The first and second support columns 302 and 303 are formed by processing stainless steel round bars, square bars, or pipes into columns by welding, and the surfaces thereof are covered with a heat insulating material. The 1st and 2nd support | pillar parts 302 and 303 have the structure which can be folded with respect to the top-plate part 301, or a detachable structure. More simply, instead of adopting such a structure, a chair-like heat-resistant plastic material used in a bathroom may be used as a frame so that it cannot be folded. In this case, the heating component corresponding to the top plate portion 301 is fixed with an adhesive or the like on the upper side or the lower side of the portion corresponding to the top plate of the plastic material, or the first and second support columns 302, It may be integrally formed with 303.

  In the foot environment adjusting device 200A of the first modified example, the user automatically starts energization when the power plug 306 is connected to a power outlet (not shown), and the top panel 301 is heated. The temperature control does not employ a method of referring to room temperature or the temperature of the outside air, and does not use a heating switch. Therefore, a conventional general temperature control circuit used for a simple electric anchor or the like can be used as it is for the foot environment adjusting device 200A. In the foot environment adjusting device 200A, when power is not supplied, the power plug 306 is removed from the power outlet, or a power switch (not shown) separately provided on the power outlet side is turned off.

  According to the first modified example of the present invention described above, the circuit components of the foot environment adjusting device 200A are minimized, so that the device can be manufactured at low cost.

<Second Modification of Invention>

  FIG. 8 shows the appearance of the foot environment adjusting device in the second modification of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the same parts as those in FIGS. 4 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The foot environment adjusting device 200B of the second modified example includes a device body 304B composed of a slightly thick flat plate-shaped top plate portion 301B, and first and second support columns 302 and 303 disposed on both side ends thereof, The power cord 305 is pulled out from the back side of the top panel 301B, and the power plug 306 is attached to the tip of the power cord 305. The rod-like horizontal reinforcing members 302A and 303A described in FIG. 7 are attached to the first and second support columns 302 and 303, and structural reinforcement similar to that of the first modification is performed.

  In the case of the foot environment adjusting device 200B of this modification, the first and second sensor parts 401 and 402 are disposed so as to protrude downward by a predetermined amount from the rear corners of the top panel part 301B. An audio output unit including a speaker 403 is disposed on the lower surface of the top panel 301B.

  FIG. 9 shows an outline of a circuit portion of the foot environment adjusting device in the second modification. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  The foot environment adjusting device 200 </ b> B includes a CPU 411 and a control unit 413 including a memory 412. The control unit 413 is connected to each unit in the foot environment adjusting device 200B via a bus 414 such as a data bus. Among these, the first and second sensor units 401 and 402 detect pressure or shaking (tilt) of a predetermined magnitude or more, and specifically detect contact of the tip of the user's foot. Such first and second sensor units 401 and 402 can be configured by any of various sensors such as a biaxial or triaxial acceleration sensor, an angle sensor, a pressure sensor, and an optical sensor.

  The voice message storage unit 415 is a nonvolatile memory that stores various voice messages output from the speaker 403. Here, both a voice message output based on the detection operation of the first sensor unit 401 and a voice message output based on the detection operation of the second sensor unit 402 are stored. The voice output unit 416 amplifies the voice message read by the control unit 413 and outputs it from the speaker 403.

  The operation sequential instruction unit 417 performs a counting operation based on the detection operation of the second sensor unit 402, and sequentially instructs candidate operations in a cyclic manner according to the count value. When the first sensor unit 401 performs the detection operation within a predetermined time from the detection of the second sensor unit 402, the operation confirmation unit 418 performs the operation on the assumption that the operation instruction has been confirmed. It has become. The power source / temperature control unit 419 executes power on / off and temperature control for the heating wire 223 according to the confirmation content of the operation confirmation unit 418. The operation confirmation unit 418 includes a nonvolatile memory that stores the current setting contents. Accordingly, when the foot environment adjusting device 200B is turned on after being turned off, the power / temperature control unit 419 reads the previous setting contents from the nonvolatile memory of the operation checking unit 418 and uses the latest contents. The heating wire 223 is controlled. The same applies to the volume of audio output from the audio output unit 416.

  Next, the detection operation of the first and second sensor units 401 and 402 will be described. 8 with respect to the foot environment adjusting device 200B shown in FIG. 8, in which the user inserts both feet into the environment adjusting region 218 from the front side (lower right in the figure) to the back side (upper left in the figure). think of. It is assumed that the usage environment of the foot environment adjusting device 200B is winter. Under this premise, the bedding 104 shown in FIG. 5 covers the upper portion of the top plate portion 301B, which is the upper surface of the foot environment adjusting device 200B, and both side surfaces and the rear surface except the front surface into which both feet are inserted.

  In a normal case, the user's feet are present in the environment adjustment region 218 without touching the first and second sensor units 401 and 402. This is because the range in which both feet can easily move in the width direction of the foot environment adjusting device 200B is the “hanging portion” of the first and second support columns 302 and 303 and the hanging bedding 104 (see FIG. 5) outside them. This is because it is limited by the presence of "." In addition, when taking a supine posture in the sleeping state, the toes are slightly inclined forward when the user is relaxed. In this state, when the height of the foot environment adjusting device 200B itself has a slight margin for the user, the tip of the foot (the thumb side or the little finger side depending on the posture of the foot) is the first and second sensor units 401. , 402 is present at a position below 402. Therefore, the first and second sensor units 401 and 402 do not frequently perform a detection operation based on a touch of a foot due to a user's normal unconscious behavior.

The control unit 413 is configured to count up a counter (not shown) each time the second sensor unit 402 performs a detection operation. Such a counter may be mechanical, but can be easily configured by the CPU 411 performing software processing. The count value of the counter is reset to the initial value “0” when a relatively long first time t ₁ such as 5 minutes or longer has elapsed without any problem. In addition, this counter is initialized to “0” even in the initial state when the foot environment adjusting device 200B is powered on.

This counter counts “1” when the second sensor unit 402 performs the first detection operation after the foot environment adjustment device 200B is turned on, and the first time t ₁ described above elapses. If the detection operation is performed before, the count value is incremented by “1” each time and the time counting operation is restarted. When the count value reaches a predetermined value, it then returns to “1”, and thereafter the same cyclic counting operation is performed. Of course, the detection operation of the second sensor unit 402 is not performed a first time t ₁ or more, the count value at that time is reset to the initial value "0".

  FIG. 10 specifically shows the voice message storage unit. The voice message storage unit 415 is provided with a setting content message storage unit 431 and a setting approval message storage unit 432, both of which store voice messages.

  Among these, the setting content message storage unit 431 stores voice messages corresponding to the count values of the counters counted by software based on the detection operation of the second sensor unit 402 shown in FIG. . In the present embodiment, as an example, the integer “M” related to the number of setting content messages is “6”. Corresponding to this, six types of values “1” to “6” are counted. It is prepared. For example, a voice message “Is it OK to raise the temperature” is stored at the address of the setting content message storage unit 431 corresponding to the count value “1”. In addition, a voice message “Can I lower the temperature?” Is stored at the address corresponding to the count value “2”.

  The setting approval message storage unit 432 stores a voice message that is used to understand the contents of one of the voice messages stored in the setting content message storage unit 431. . In the present embodiment, a voice message “I will set” is stored. Of course, it may be a voice message such as “I like it” or “I'm OK”.

  As described above, the voice message storage unit 415 has been described as storing a Japanese voice message. However, a voice message of another language such as English or a dialect may be stored. Further, voice messages in a plurality of languages may be stored in the voice message storage unit 415, and a voice message in a language set in these languages may be output by initial setting of the apparatus. In this case, for example, the manufacturing factory of the foot environment adjusting device 200B can select the language of the voice message for each shipping destination, or the user can select the desired language or dialect after purchase.

  FIG. 11 shows a state of setting change control of the foot environment adjusting device using the first and second sensors shown in FIG. 9 in the second modification. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

Control unit 413, the detection operation of the second sensor unit 402 is checking whether or not carried out a first time _{t 1} or more (step S501, step S502). For example, immediately after the user goes to bed, it is determined that the temperature of the environment adjustment region 218 is low, and he wants to “heat temporarily” to temporarily warm his feet above the normal set temperature. In this case, the user moves the right foot in the apparatus main body 304B and touches the second sensor unit 402 with the tip of the foot (step S501: Y). Then, the count value C of the counter that was “0” when the foot environment adjusting device 200B was turned on is incremented by “1” (step S503), and becomes “1”.

The control unit 413 determines whether the added count value C exceeds the maximum count value C _MAX (step S504). The maximum value C _MAX here is the above-mentioned integer “M”, which is “6” in this example. Since the count value C is “1” and does not exceed “6” (N), the control unit 413 reads the voice message corresponding to the value of the count value C from the setting content message storage unit 431 and outputs the voice output unit 416. To output sound from the speaker 403 (step S505). In this case, since the count value C is “1”, a message “Can I raise the temperature?” Is output.

  This question “Is it OK to raise the temperature” is for raising the set temperature, and what the user intends this time is not to raise the set temperature, but to temporarily heat it for a predetermined time (to some extent) It is assumed that the temperature will be lowered to the original set temperature after a lapse of time.) Therefore, without responding to this message, the user again moves the right foot in the apparatus main body 304B and touches the second sensor unit 402 (step S506: Y). Then, the count value C is incremented by “1” (step S503) and becomes “2” (step S503).

  Since the count value C “2” does not exceed “6” (step S504: N), the control unit 413 reads out the voice message corresponding to the value of the count value C and causes the speaker 403 to output the voice (step S505). ). In this case, since the count value C is “2”, a message “Can I lower the temperature?” Is output.

  What the user intends to do this time is not to lower the set temperature but to perform heating temporarily. Therefore, without responding to this message, the user again moves the right foot in the apparatus main body 304B and touches the second sensor unit 402 (step S506: Y). Then, the count value C is incremented by “1” (step S503) and becomes “3” (step S503).

  Since the count value C “3” does not exceed “6” (step S504: N), the control unit 413 reads out the voice message corresponding to the value of the count value C and causes the speaker 403 to output the voice (step S505). ). In this case, since the count value C is “3”, a message “Can I turn off the heater?” Is output.

  What the user intends this time is not to turn off the heater but to heat it temporarily. Therefore, without responding to this message, the user again moves the right foot in the apparatus main body 304B and touches the second sensor unit 402 (step S506: Y). Then, the count value C is incremented by “1” (step S503) and becomes “4” (step S503).

  Since the count value C “4” does not exceed “6” (step S504: N), the control unit 413 reads the voice message corresponding to the value of the count value C and causes the speaker 403 to output the voice (step S505). ). In this case, since the count value C is “4”, a message “Is it OK to heat temporarily” is output. Here, the message of the setting content desired by the user is output.

Therefore, the user before the second time period has elapsed _{t 2} is a predetermined, in turn touches the first sensor portion 401 in the left foot (Step S507: Y). If the user had a second time _{t 2} has elapsed before touching the first sensor unit 401 (step S507: N, Step S508: Y), the control unit 413 the second sensor portion 402 The process returns to the process of step S501 as a detection standby state (return).

Second time t ₂ is set to a relatively short time, such as that for example 3 seconds. This assumes that a situation occurs in which the second sensor unit 402 is operated as a result of the user unconsciously moving his / her foot while sleeping, and even in such a case, before the second time t ₂ elapses. This is because the setting is not changed unless a situation occurs in which the opposite foot touches the first sensor unit 401. Of course, the first time t ₁ and the second time t ₂ may allow the user to change these values by a predetermined operation.

If before touching the first sensor portion 401 Unfortunately second time t ₂ is had elapsed, the user has again to be performed an operation for setting the count value C to "4". Of course, if the user knows that the maximum value C _{MAX of the} count value is “6” in this case, the count value C will be “4” if the right foot is touched to the second sensor unit 402 six times in succession. It becomes. So now you may be successful in touching the first sensor portion 401 in the left foot before the second time t ₂ has elapsed. That is, it is not necessary to listen to the voice message in the middle and touch the second sensor unit 402 with the right foot.

When the user touches the first sensor unit 401 before the second time t ₂ has elapsed (step S507: Y), the control unit 413 reads a message acknowledging the configuration from the configuration acknowledgment message for storing portion 432, The audio output unit 416 is provided. As a result, a message “I will set” is output from the speaker 403 (step S509). As a result, the control unit 413 performs setting change processing corresponding to the count value “4” (step S510), and returns control to step S501 (return). In the case of this example, the control unit 413 executes, for example, temporary heating control (continuous energization) for one minute in step S510.

By the way, when the user touches the second sensor unit 402 with the tip of the right foot and counts up the count value C of the counter by one, the count value exceeds the maximum value C _MAX at a certain time. In this case (step S504: Y), the current count value is reset to “1” (step S511). Then, the process proceeds to step S505, and the first message “Can I raise the temperature?” Is output from the speaker 403. The subsequent control is as described above.

Incidentally, if the time to wait for a detection operation of the second sensor unit 402 in step S501 becomes a first time t ₁ or more (step S502: Y), it resets the count value C to "0" (Step S512), the process returns to Step S501 again, and enters a state of waiting for the detection operation of the second sensor unit 402 (Return). The count value C is reset to “0” when the user performs a new setting operation after the first time t ₁ has elapsed, the value obtained by adding “1” to the count value C in step S503 is initially “ This is because the voice message can be read again from the count value C of “1” in step S505.

  FIG. 12 shows an initial setting state of the foot environment adjusting device in the second modification. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the power is turned on and the control is started, the control unit 413 of the foot environment adjusting device 200B reads various setting contents from the nonvolatile memory provided in the operation check unit 418 (step S531). In the second modification, the temperature to be controlled and the volume of the message output from the speaker 403 are set to any one of several predetermined values.

  In accordance with the read values for the temperature and the volume of the speaker 403, the control unit 413 initializes the temperature and the volume (step S532), and ends the process (END).

  FIG. 13 specifically shows the setting change process described in step S511 of FIG. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit 413 determines whether the content of the control that outputs the acknowledgment message in step S509 in FIG. 11 is “temporary heating” (step S551) or “turns off the heater” (step S551: N, step S552). Alternatively, it is determined whether it is other than this (step S552: N). As described above, if “temporary heating” is to be performed (step S551: Y), the heating wire 223 shown in FIG. 9 is continuously energized for a set time (for example, 1 minute), and the temporary heating is performed. Heating is performed (step S553), and the process ends (end).

  On the other hand, when the user has instructed “turn off the heater” (step S551: Y), the heating of the heating wire 223 is stopped thereafter (step S554), and the process ends (end). .

  When the user instruction is neither “temporarily heating” nor “turning off the heater” (step S552: N), the corresponding setting contents in the nonvolatile memory provided in the operation check unit 418 are stored. Rewriting is performed (step S555), and the process is terminated (END).

  For example, assuming that ten levels of temperatures as control target values in the environment adjustment area 218 are prepared, the value of the “5” level is currently stored. In this case, when the user gives an instruction to raise the temperature, the value is rewritten to the value of the “6” stage. However, in this example, the higher the value, the higher the temperature as the control target value. If the user instructs to raise the temperature again, the setting content is rewritten to the value of the “7” stage. In this way, the user realizes desired control by operating the foot.

  According to the 2nd modification demonstrated above, the setting content of the foot | foot part environment adjustment apparatus 200B can be changed only by operation of a foot | leg while a user sleeps. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to adjust the foot environment adjusting device 200B by getting out of the futon in the cold winter, and it is possible to save the trouble of operating the controller while visually confirming the operation location of the controller at night. . In addition, when the setting content is changed, the changed content is stored in the non-volatile memory of the foot environment adjusting device 200B, so that the content is reflected at the next use. Of course, when the controller unit as shown in FIG. 4 is used together with the foot environment adjusting device 200B, the setting content may be displayed on a display unit (not shown). In that case, it is also possible not to output the sound according to the setting contents of the user.

In addition, according to the second modification, since the set to the second relatively short time period t _2, as long as in this time the detection of the first sensor unit 401 is not performed, the second sensor unit The change of the setting content by 402 is not performed. Thereby, even when the user malfunctions the second sensor unit 402 while sleeping, the possibility that the setting content is changed by this can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, according to the second modification, since the setting contents are digitally controlled, the device is deteriorated due to sliding contact or wear in the device as compared with the case where the setting temperature and volume are adjusted using the variable resistor. It is possible to eliminate the instability of the control due to the deterioration of the aging. In addition, since stable control can be performed without using an expensive variable resistor that can withstand aging, it is possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing the foot environment adjusting device 200B.

<Third Modification of the Invention>

  As mentioned above, the case where the foot environment adjusting device is mainly used as a heating device in winter has been mainly described. However, it is natural that the foot environment adjusting device can be used as a cooling device or an air cooling device in summer. Air cooling is realized by exhausting the air in the environment adjustment region 218 to the outside by a fan (not shown). The fan may be provided in a place other than the environment adjustment region 218 and connected to the environment adjustment region 218 with a duct so that air is discharged to the outside.

  If the duct can be attached to and detached from the main body of the foot environment adjusting device, it can be removed when unnecessary. The same applies to the heating means, and this may be detachably attached to the top plate or the side plate. In this way, in the season when neither heating nor cooling is required, it is possible to go to bed using only the device body as a frame. The effect of preventing bone deformation is expected.

<Fourth Modification of the Invention>

  FIG. 14 shows the appearance of the foot environment adjusting device at the energy accumulation stage in the fourth modification of the present invention. In FIG. 14, the same parts as those in FIG.

  In the foot environment adjusting device 200D of the fourth modified example, the surface of the top plate portion 301D is black, and the inside is constituted by a heat storage member having a certain thickness. Similarly, the first and second side plates 202D and 203D are configured by plate-like heat storage members. In the figure of the top plate portion 301D, the side portion on the back side constitutes a hinge portion 601, and a folded portion 602 is attached so as to be folded back.

  The folded portion 602 includes a top plate region 603 corresponding to the top plate portion 301D, a first side plate region 604 corresponding to the first side plate 202D, and a second side plate region 605 corresponding to the second side plate 203D. ing. The top plate region 603 and the first side plate region 604 are connected by a hinge portion 606, and the top plate region 603 and the second side plate region 605 are connected by a hinge portion 607. Therefore, when the foot environment adjusting device 200D is actually used, the folded portion 602 is rotated 180 degrees from the arrangement state shown in FIG. Superimpose on the plate portion 301D. Next, the first side plate region 604 is rotated around the hinge portion 606 and overlapped with the first side plate 202D, and the second side plate region 605 is rotated around the hinge portion 607 to form the second side plate 203D. Overlapping. These overlapped portions may be simply locked with a magnet (not shown) or a known method.

  In this modification, the folded portion 602 is similarly configured of a heat storage member having a black surface, so that the solar energy can be stored in this portion by developing as illustrated in the daytime when the sun is shining. Or the folding | returning part 602 may be comprised with a solar panel, or may be comprised with the film and storage battery for photoelectric conversion. The foot environment adjusting device 200D can be supplied with power from a commercial power source by providing the power plug 306 shown in FIG. 8 or attaching the power plug 306 (see FIG. 8) as necessary in case the heat storage or power storage is not sufficient. It may be. Each hinge part 601, 606, and 607 shown in FIG. 14 may be configured using a hinge, or may be configured to withstand multiple turns using a flexible resin. At least a part of the first side plate region 604 and the second side plate region 605 can be omitted.

  According to the fourth modified example, the foot environment adjusting device 200D is placed in a deployed state in a place where sunlight is irradiated on the edge side or the like in the daytime when the weather is good, and is folded before being shaded. Move between the futons. As a result, the stored solar energy is released, and electric energy is also used as necessary, so that the environment adjustment region 218 can be held in a region for comfortable sleep. Moreover, electric energy can be saved. In addition, when only natural energy is used, there is no risk of overheating or fire due to failure.

<Fifth Modification of Invention>

  FIG. 15 shows the appearance of the foot environment adjusting device in the fifth modification of the present invention. 15, the same parts as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In the foot environment adjusting device 200E of the fifth modified example, bar-like or pipe-like horizontal reinforcing members 302E, 303E are slightly above the lower ends of the first and second support columns 302, 303. It is arranged horizontally. At the foot environment adjusting device 200E, frame-shaped posture stabilizing portions 702 and 703 that are bent in a U-shape with the horizontal reinforcing members 302E and 303E as rotation centers are attached. The posture stabilization units 702 and 703 are folded so as to lean against the first or second support columns 302 and 303 by rotating 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively, without using the foot environment adjusting device 200E. Can do. Depending on the device, the storage state may be a state in which the device is rotated 180 degrees in the opposite directions from the horizontal arrangement shown in FIG. A state of being rotated 90 degrees and folded so as to lean against the first and second support columns 302 and 303 from the inside of the environment adjustment region 218 may be set as the storage state.

  The foot environment adjusting device 200E according to the fifth modified example is used by hanging a bedding not shown on the top plate 301B in a state where the posture stabilizing parts 702 and 703 are horizontally arranged as shown in the drawing. . At this time, the bedding covers the posture stabilizing portions 702 and 703 as well. The posture stabilizing portions 702 and 703 are formed of a frame made of metal, resin, or wood. The force of pressing the posture stabilizing portions 702 and 703 from above can stabilize the posture of the foot environment adjusting device 200E on the mattress or bed, and can effectively fall the foot environment adjusting device 200E and move the position. Can be prevented.

  Of course, the posture stabilizing portions 702 and 703 do not need to have a frame structure, and may have a plate-like or sheet-like structure. Further, the posture stabilizing portions 702 and 703 do not need to be configured by a rigid member attached to one end of the hinge mechanism. For example, the posture stabilizing portions 702 and 703 are flexible such as a slightly thick cloth having one end attached to the horizontal reinforcing members 302E and 303E. You may be comprised with the sheet-like member which has. Even with such a member, the posture of the foot environment adjusting device 200E is stabilized by increasing the contact surface with the bedding. In addition, when the posture stabilizing portions 702 and 703 are formed of flexible sheet-like members, there is an advantage that a hinge mechanism is not required because the connecting portions with the horizontal reinforcing members 302E and 303E are freely bent.

  In the fifth modification as well, the lower ends of the first and second support columns 302 and 303 protrude slightly below the position where the horizontal reinforcing members 302E and 303E exist, as in FIG. Yes. This has the effect of preventing the positional deviation of the foot environment adjusting device 200E on a mattress (not shown) or a mat (or mattress) laid on the bed. Of course, the foot environment adjusting device 200E itself may have a structure in which such protrusions do not protrude downward.

  In addition, although the posture stabilizing portions 702 and 703 have a rectangular shape, the shape is not limited to this. For example, as long as the posture stabilization units 702 and 703 have a shape extending in the horizontal direction by a predetermined distance in a direction away from the environment adjustment region 218, the shape is not particularly limited. In addition, the posture stabilizing portions 702 and 703 may have a shape that extends not only in the width direction but also on one side or both sides in the depth direction.

  Further, although different from the fifth modification, the foot environment is also achieved by configuring the horizontal reinforcing members 302E and 303E and the lower ends of the first and second support columns 302 and 303 with a relatively heavy material. The center of gravity of the adjusting device can be moved to a lower position to stabilize the posture.

<Sixth Modification of Invention>

  FIG. 16 shows the appearance of the foot environment adjusting device in the sixth modification of the present invention.

  The foot environment adjusting device 200F in the sixth modification has a top plate portion 801 having a rectangular shape and a predetermined thickness. The top plate portion 801 may be constituted by a flat plate made of plastic or wood, or may be a flat plate shape as a whole with a lattice-like or mesh-like structure for weight reduction. It is also possible for the top plate 801 to be made of a metal that is reduced in weight.

FIG. 17 shows the configuration of the top plate. The top plate portion 801 has projections 802 ₁ to 802 ₄ formed perpendicularly to the plate surface at the four corners on the lower surface side. The tips of the protrusions 802 _{1 to} 802 ₄ are each tapered and slightly tapered. The projections 802 _{1 to} 802 ₄ are fitted with the tip portions of the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ as cylindrical columnar members shown in FIG. On the surface of the protrusion ₈₀₂ 1-802 _4, cut the threads, it may be screwed a top plate supporting portion ₈₀₃ 1-803 _4.

FIG. 18 shows one of the top plate support portions. It is shown here the stage support part 803 _1, which is exactly the same material and shape are other top support portion 803 _{2-803 4} shown in FIG. 16. Top support portion 803 ₁ is the outside diameter of 2.5 centimeters, 20 centimeters in length, wall thickness 4mm, and a slightly thick elastomer resin pipe. A reinforcing member (not shown) such as a metal ring may be attached to the outer peripheral portion of the tip portion that fits with the protrusion 802 _{1 of the} top plate support portion 803 ₁ .

FIG. 19 is a side view of a state in which the foot environment adjusting device is disposed on the mattress in this modified example. On the mattress 101, a foot environment adjusting device 200F having a structure in which the top plate portion 801 is horizontally supported by the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ is disposed. In this figure, the force F ₁ represents a force assumed to be applied downward from the top of the top plate when a bedding (not shown) is hung. This will be described with reference to FIG.

When the force F ₁ is assumed to be a size normally assumed as a bedding, the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ maintain the same “stiffness” as that of a support made of wood or a metal rod. Yes. Therefore, in this state, the top board support parts 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ of the foot environment adjusting device 200F maintain a height (length) h ₀ that is substantially equal to that when there is no load. Therefore, like the foot environment adjusting device 200 shown in FIG. 5, the user can insert the toe 102FC into the environment adjusting area 218 (see FIG. 8) of the foot environment adjusting device 200F. It is possible to prevent or reduce excessive external force from being applied to the toe 102FC and the instep 102FB in the state where the bedding is used. Further, when the user lies on his back and passes his / her foot through the foot environment adjusting device 200F and projects the toe 102FC to the right region in the figure of the foot environment adjusting device 200F, the toe 102FC is illustrated. It will be in the state where it hits the sleeping bedding. In this case, it is possible to prevent or reduce the application of an extra external force to the instep 102FB.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a change in the appearance of the top support portion due to the applied force. As shown in FIG. (A), in a state where no acting whatsoever of an external force, the central axis 811 of the cylinder constituting the top plate supporting portion 803 ₁ is kept perfectly straight. The upper end face 812 of the one end surface of the top support portion 803 _1, 4 divided force F ₂ of the force F ₁ described above is to applied to the vertical. In this case, the top plate supporting portion 803 ₁ hardly generates expansion and contraction of the central axis 811 direction. This is because the top plate support portion 803 ₁ itself has a considerable rigidity.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20 (B), and was added an excessive force F ₃ at both ends in a direction of bending the top support 803 ₁ into two. Thereby, the top-plate support part 803 ₁ is curved according to the force F ₃ and is bent depending on the case. Since the top plate support portion 803 ₁ is a rubber material, when the force F ₃ is removed, it is restored to the shape shown in FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the behavior of the foot environment adjusting device when an unexpectedly large external force is applied. In FIG. 21, the same parts as those in FIG.

Assume that the user places the foot environment adjusting device 200F on the mattress 101 and sleeps on a sleeping bedding (not shown). After getting up, the foot environment adjusting device 200F is left on the mattress 101. In such a case, the weight of the user or family member may be applied on the foot environment adjusting device 200F for some reason. At this time, an external force F ₄ is applied to the top plate 801 in addition to the force F ₁ applied by the bedding itself (not shown). If these combined forces are larger than a certain level, the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ are deformed to be bent or bent as described with reference to FIG. Thereby, the height in the vertical direction of the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ temporarily decreases from h ₀ to h ₁ . Vertical height of the external force _{F 4} top support portion ₈₀₃ 1-803 ₄ when no longer acted again restored to _{h 0.}

As described above, in the foot environment adjusting device 200F, the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ are temporarily deformed by the addition of the external force F ₄ . Thereby, the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ themselves or the connection portion with the top plate portion 801 can avoid breakage. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ themselves or the connection portion with the top plate portion 801 firmly so as not to be deformed by various assumed external forces. As a result, the foot environment adjusting device 200F of the sixth modified example can realize durability and weight reduction.

Therefore, the foot environment adjusting device 200F of this modification can be used easily even when the foot is not required to be heated. Moreover, in the partial environment adjustment apparatus 200F, since the pipes made of elastomer resin are used for the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ , assembly and disassembly are easy, and the volume during storage can be saved by disassembly. Furthermore, the length of the pipes constituting the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ can be easily cut and adjusted with a cutting tool such as a knife. Therefore, the length of the pipe can be adjusted in the direction of shortening according to the size of the user's foot and the degree of “sink” of the placing surface such as the mattress 101 on which the foot environment adjusting device 200F is placed.

In this modification, the foot environment adjusting device 200F uses pipe-shaped top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ . For this reason, the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ can be extended to a desired length by connecting another “pipe” or a rod-like member through the “core” to the hollow portion of the “pipe”. Of course, the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ can be extended to a desired length by putting “clogs” on the lower end of the “pipe”.

<Seventh Modification of the Invention>

  FIG. 22 shows a seventh modification as a further modification of the sixth modification. 22, the same parts as those in FIGS. 4 and 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  In the foot environment adjusting device 200G shown in FIG. 16, the top plate portion 801 is not provided with means for controlling the heat energy for heating or cooling. In the foot environment adjusting device 200G of the seventh modified example, the top plate unit 801G is provided with means for controlling the heat energy as described in the embodiments and various modified examples. The power plug 213 is used to acquire electric energy from a commercial power source from an outlet (not shown).

  Therefore, in the seventh modified example of the present invention, the applicable techniques described in the embodiment and the first to fifth modified examples can be applied to the foot environment adjusting device 200G.

<Eighth Modification of Invention>

  FIG. 23 shows an eighth modification as a further modification of the sixth modification. In FIG. 23, the same parts as those in FIG.

The foot environment adjusting device 200H of the eighth modification uses the first and second top plate portions 801H ₁ and 801H ₂ instead of the top plate portion 801 shown in FIG. The first top plate portion 801H ₁ has a structure in which a part of the flat plate-like second top plate portion 801H ₂ can be fitted into the hollow portion inside. By moving the second top plate portion 801H ₂ in the direction of the arrow 821 and adjusting the amount of insertion into the first top plate portion 801H ₁ , the lateral width when the foot environment adjusting device 200H is used is set to a desired length. Can be set. If a lock mechanism (not shown) is provided, it is possible to set the maximum value for pulling out the second top plate portion 801H ₂ from the first top plate portion 801H ₁ or to set the pull-out length in a plurality of stages. .

When carrying this foot environment adjusting device 200H for travel or the like, the second top plate portion 801H ₂ is inserted in the cavity of the first top plate portion 801H ₁ to the maximum, and the top plate support portion 803 ₁ ˜803 ₄ is removed from the protrusions 802 ₁ ˜802 ₄ . Thereby, the foot environment adjusting device 200H can be carried compactly or stored compactly when not used for a long time. It is also possible to reduce the size of the carrying device by folding the base portions of the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ at a right angle.

In FIG. 23, the second top plate portion 801H ₂ has a flat plate shape, and the second top plate portion 801H ₂ can be accommodated inside the first top plate portion 801H _1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. is not. For example, the second top plate portion 801H ₂ may be made of a light metal or plastic material having a columnar shape or a rail shape having a U-shaped or Y-shaped frame. In these cases, the first top plate portion 801H ₁ only needs to be configured to include a hollow rod-like member that fits with these members or a member having a cross-sectional structure that engages with the rail shape. In short, it is sufficient that the shape of the top plate combining the first and second top plate portions 801H ₁ and 801H ₂ is a flat plate as a whole, and as shown in FIG. It is sufficient if the structure is such that the pressure does not directly reach the toe 102FC (see FIG. 5).

In FIG. 23, the length in the width direction of the foot environment adjusting device 200H can be adjusted using the first and second top plate portions 801H ₁ and 801H ₂ , but the same slide structure is adopted to form the foot portion. You may adjust the length of the environmental adjustment apparatus 200H in the depth direction. Of course, both the width direction and the depth direction can be expanded and contracted.

Further, the foot environment adjusting device 200H according to the eighth modified example can also include means for controlling the heat energy in either one or both of the first and second top plate portions 801H ₁ and 801H _2. is there. In this case, as shown in FIG. 22, the power plug 213 can be extended from the first or second top plate portion 801H ₁ or 801H ₂ and connected to a commercial power source (not shown).

In the foot environment adjusting device 200H of the eighth modified example, a part of the second top plate portion 801H ₂ is housed in the _first top plate portion 801H ₁ to reduce the size when not in use. However, it is possible to use other methods such as folding the top plate. Further, the means for controlling the heat energy need not be built in the top plate, and for example, a flat heater may be externally attached to the top plate.

<Ninth Modification of Invention>

FIG. 24 shows a ninth modification of the present invention. In this ninth modified example, the foot environment adjusting device 200J has four top plate support portions 803J _{1 to} 803J ₄ that horizontally arrange the rectangular top plate portion 801J. I support it. The four top plate support portions 803J _{1 to} 803J ₄ may be attached in a detachable structure to the top plate portion 801J, or may be integrally formed of plastic, for example.

In the foot environment adjusting device 200J of this modification, the footrest bar 901 is parallel to the plate surface of the top plate portion 801J between the _two top plate support portions 803J ₁ and 803J ₂ arranged on the back side. So that it is stretched horizontally. The footrest bar 901 is configured to hang a part of the sole of the foot inclined obliquely upward from the heel to the toe in a state where the heel of the user's foot is in contact with a mattress or mat serving as a reference surface (not shown). It is what makes it possible. By bringing the soles into contact with the footrest rod 901, the user can prevent excessive inclination of the toes.

  Of course, it is effective to allow the user to select an option when the footrest bar 901 is removable so that the user does not use it. For example, for a user who uses the foot environment adjusting device 200J for heating both knees, the footrest bar 901 should be removed.

  The footrest bar 901 used in the foot environment adjusting device 200J of this modified example is inclined at a predetermined angle so that the upper surface thereof becomes higher toward the back. This inclination angle is set with reference to the degree of inclination of the sole of the foot in a state where the foot is not loaded with lying on its back. Depending on the device, the footrest bar 901 is composed of a plate-like member having a uniform thickness and is configured to be rotatable about its longitudinal direction as an axis, and the tilt angle is automatically adjusted according to the tilt angle of the user's foot sole. Adjustment may be possible.

  The footrest bar 901 can be made by processing wood or plastic. The metal may be processed, but in this case, it is preferable to coat the surface with a heat insulating material.

  According to the foot environment adjusting device 200J of the ninth modified example, even when the user moves his / her foot in the direction opposite to the head while sleeping, the toe hits the footrest bar 901, so that further movement is possible. There is an effect that it is limited.

<Tenth Modification of Invention>

  FIG. 25 shows a tenth modification of the present invention. In the foot environment adjusting device 200K of the tenth modification, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 or FIG.

  The foot environment adjusting device 200K of this modification has a configuration in which the upper part of the first side plate 202K is attached to the left side part and the upper part of the second side plate 203K is attached to the right side part in the figure of the top plate part 201K. It has become. A power cord 305 with a power plug 306 attached is connected to the second side plate 203K side.

In the first and second side plates 202K and 203K, planar heating units 911 ₁ and 911 ₂ having a circuit configuration similar to that of the apparatus main body 204 shown in FIG. However, the energization indicator lamp 216 in FIG. 6 may be omitted, or may be disposed on one or both of the first and second side plates 202K and 203K. One or both of the first and second side plates 202K and 203K can be selectively used. Further, the thyristor 222, the trigger circuit 224, and the internal temperature sensor 225 may be disposed only on one of the first and second side plates 202K and 203K. The top plate 201K, the first side plate 202K and supplies electrical energy to the heating portion 911 ₂ of the inner second side plate 203K, electric wires (not shown) for transmitting the control signals are arranged. The surface of the first and second side plates 202K and 203K on the side belonging to the environment adjustment region 218 is made of a material such as a cloth material having excellent heat insulation and fire resistance.

  According to the foot environment adjusting device 200K of the tenth modified example as described above, when the user starts using in the winter season by bringing the left and right feet into contact with the inner walls of the first and second side plates 202K and 203K one by one. The coldness of the feet can be eliminated at an early stage. In addition, when the user sleeps sideways, efficient heat energy to the foot can be obtained by placing both feet along one inner wall of the first and second side plates 202K and 203K in either direction. Can be realized.

<Eleventh Modification of Invention>

  In the embodiment and each modification described above, the bedding 104 such as a comforter, a blanket, a towel, etc. has been described integrally. When the bedding 104 is composed of a relatively light bedding such as a towel, misalignment may occur between the bedding and the top plate portion represented by the top plate portion 201 (see FIG. 4). In such a case, for example, a known measure for fixing such that one of the surface fasteners is disposed on the top surface of the top plate portion 201 and the other of the surface fasteners is attached to the corresponding portion of the bedding. You may make it take. In the case of this example, it is also possible to sell a specific bedding 104 with a hook and loop fastener as a dedicated part of the foot environment adjustment system. Moreover, it is also possible to temporarily fix a part of the bedding 104 by arranging a fixing component such as a clip on the top plate portion 201 or the periphery thereof and using it appropriately. Furthermore, a fixing means such as a hook-and-loop fastener is used to fix the space between the bottom of the device such as the foot environment adjusting device 200 (see FIG. 4) and the material constituting the reference surface as necessary. You can also.

<Positional relationship between foot and foot environment adjustment device>

  Finally, the positional relationship between the foot and the foot environment adjusting device will be described using the foot environment adjusting device 200K of the tenth modification as an example.

  FIG. 26 shows a sleeping state of a person when the foot is used in a positional relationship in which the foot is completely accommodated in the foot environment adjusting device of the tenth modified example. On the mattress 101, a person 102 sleeps on his back with his head 102A placed on a pillow 103. A foot environment adjusting device 200K is disposed on the mattress 101 at a position where the foot 102F is completely accommodated. The bedclothes 104 are hung in such a manner as to cover the upper body part 102C of the person 102, the upper thigh part 102D, the lower thigh part 102E, and the top board part 201K of the foot environment adjusting device 200K in order.

  The entire foot 102F is accommodated in the foot environment adjusting device 200K. For this reason, if the height of the foot environment adjusting device 200K is appropriate, the part of the upper 102FB and the toe 102FC are not in contact with the hung bedding 104. A broken line 921 shows the outline of the conventional foot 102F shown in FIG. 28 as a reference. According to the modified example of the present invention, the bedding 104 does not press the portion of the upper 102FB from above, so there is no feeling of pressure that the ankle 102FA is bent to an unnatural angle.

  FIG. 27 shows a sleeping state of a person when the foot is used in a positional relationship that protrudes completely from the foot environment adjusting device of the tenth modification. In FIG. 27, the same parts as those in FIG. 26 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The bedding 104 is hung in such a manner as to cover the torso 102D of the person 102, the upper thigh 102D, the top plate 201K of the foot environment adjusting device 200K, and the foot 102F in order.

  When the bedding 104 is made of a member that is somewhat thick, such as a blanket or a comforter, the bedding 104 descends in a loop when coming away from the top plate portion 201K and contacts the bedding 101. Therefore, the toe 102FC only comes into contact with the bedding 104 relatively lightly in order to hold this loop or lift it to the required height, and the portion of the upper 102FB is not in contact with the bedding 104. In this state, the portion of the upper 102FB is not pushed down by the weight of the bedding 104, and the foot 102F does not feel uncomfortable due to the pressing.

  Moreover, in the arrangement relationship as shown in FIG. 27, the lower leg 102E is mainly accommodated in the foot environment adjusting device 200K. The thickness of the lower leg 102E is thinner than the upper leg 102D. Further, the amount of protrusion when measured in the vertical direction from the center axis of the body is much shorter in the lower leg 102E than in the foot 102F. Therefore, by setting the foot 102F to protrude slightly from the foot environment adjusting device 200K, the degree of freedom of the body can be ensured without setting the height of the foot environment adjusting device 200K particularly high. .

  In the above, the positional relationship between the foot environment adjusting device 200K and the foot 102F has been described by taking the foot environment adjusting device 200K of the tenth modified example as an example, but the case where the footrest bar 901 shown in FIG. Of course, the position where the foot 102 is disposed is not particularly limited.

  Further, in the embodiment described above or the modification thereof, the height of the space portion constituting the environment adjustment region 218 is set to about a dozen centimeters, the width is about 30 centimeters, and the depth is about 25 centimeters. It is not limited. For example, the height of the space part that constitutes the environment adjustment region 218 is good if it is 7 cm or more and 30 cm or less in consideration of children to adults. Of course, it may be other than that.

  The foot environment adjusting devices 200 to 200J have a lateral width of 15 cm or more and 1 meter or less, and may be the same as the width of the bed when incorporated in the bed. Of course, it may be shorter. The depth of the foot environment adjusting devices 200 to 200J is good if the length is 10 cm or more and 50 cm or less. Of course, it may be other than that.

  Moreover, although the top plate portion is rectangular in the embodiment and the modification, it is not limited to this. It may be oval, saddle-shaped, heart-shaped or other shapes. Furthermore, in embodiment and the modification, although detailed description was not performed about the height adjustment of the foot | leg part environment adjustment apparatuses 200-200J, it seems to adjust to the height suitable for a user using various adjustment mechanisms. It may be. The same applies to the length adjustment for the width and depth of the foot environment adjusting device. Furthermore, the first and second side plates and the first and second support columns do not need to support the top plate portion vertically. For example, the first and second side plates may be inclined in a divergent shape or curved appropriately. Good.

Furthermore, in the sixth modified example, an elastomer resin material is used as the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 _4. However, the shape is hardly deformed with respect to a certain external force, and the external force exceeding it is maintained. Any material that deforms reversibly can be used instead. For example, a spring material such as a spring coil can be applied to the present invention as long as it has similar characteristics to external force.

  As an example, a stainless steel with a wire diameter of 1.8 mm is used to produce a push spring with an outer diameter of 16 mm, and a top plate support part that wraps the cylindrical part and the lower part with a cloth cylindrical cover is used. Can be made and used. As a result, it is possible to realize a top plate support that can withstand sudden impacts with a small amount of deflection in a state in which a relatively heavy bedding is placed on the top plate in winter. The wire diameter can be adjusted as necessary.

In the sixth modification, a cylindrical material is used as the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 _4. However, cylindrical members having various cross-sectional shapes may be used, and the cylindrical members need to be cylindrical. Absent. The number of the top plate support portions 803 itself may be three or more as the number that stably supports the top plate portion 801. Furthermore, although the top plate support portions 803 _{1 to} 803 ₄ are configured by pipe-shaped members in the sixth modification, columnar members that are not hollow may be used instead. In this case, instead of the protrusions 802 ₁ to 802 ₄ , a hole or an opening to be fitted to the top plate support portion made of a columnar member may be disposed on the top plate portion 801 side.

  Some or all of the embodiments described above are described as in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following descriptions.

(Appendix 1)
A horizontal upper surface portion located above the above-described reference surface as a predetermined three-dimensional space capable of accommodating the feet from the heels to the toes of both feet in a state where a person lies on his / her back on a predetermined reference surface A flat plate-like top plate portion that is in contact with the upper surface portion in the environmental adjustment region composed of the bottom surface portion located on the reference surface and the side surface portion connecting these without gaps, and
It arrange | positions in the cylindrical virtual area which circles and surrounds the above-mentioned side part, and above-mentioned top plate by positioning an upper end part on the bottom face of an above-described top plate part, and positioning a lower end part on an above-mentioned reference plane A support member for holding the portion spatially fixed, wherein the reference surface described above is provided on both the specific side portion of the side portion and the other side portion located opposite to the side portion. A top plate support portion provided with at least one opening of a size and a shape that allows the above-described foot portion to be put in and out between the environmental adjustment region and the other region,
A temperature control device that is arranged on at least one of the top plate portion and the top plate support portion, and that changes the temperature of the environmental adjustment region by energization as described above, the environmental condition of the foot portion determined by the temperature or the ventilation state, or the above-described A foot environment adjusting device comprising: an environment adjusting means for electrically adjusting the environment adjusting component comprising at least one of the fans for moving the air in the environment adjusting region by energization.

(Appendix 2)
A horizontal upper surface portion located above the above-described reference surface as a predetermined three-dimensional space capable of accommodating the feet from the heels to the toes of both feet in a state where a person lies on his / her back on a predetermined reference surface A flat plate-like top plate portion that is in contact with the upper surface portion in the environmental adjustment region composed of the bottom surface portion located on the reference surface and the side surface portion connecting these without gaps, and
It is arranged in a cylindrical virtual region that encircles and surrounds the side surface portion described above, and the upper end portion is positioned on the bottom surface of the top plate portion and the lower end portion is positioned on the reference surface described above, so that it is not in the vertical direction. A support member that holds the top plate in a spatially fixed manner until a force equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is applied from the direction of, and elastically deforms only during the time when a force equal to or greater than the threshold is applied, The environmental adjustment region and the other regions described above with the above-mentioned reference portion as the base and the above-described reference surface on both the specific side portion of the side portion and the other side portion located opposite to the side portion. A foot environment adjusting device, comprising: a top plate support portion provided with at least one opening having a size and a shape that can be taken in and out.

(Appendix 3)
A temperature control device that changes the temperature of the environmental adjustment region by energization, or a fan that moves the air of the environment adjustment region by energization, by changing the temperature of the environmental adjustment region by energization, as determined by the temperature or ventilation state in the environment adjustment region The foot environment adjusting device according to claim 2, further comprising environment adjusting means for electrically adjusting the environment adjusting component comprising at least one of the above by energization.

(Appendix 4)
The force above the threshold value is a force that exceeds the force applied by the normal still life placed on the top plate portion, and the columnar member constituting the top plate support portion is a rubber material or a spring material. The foot environment adjusting device as set forth in appendix 2, wherein the foot environment adjusting device is constituted by an elastic member such as the like.

(Appendix 5)
The height of the environmental adjustment region described above is set higher than the height of the above-mentioned toe in a state where a person is in a supine posture with the heels of both feet in contact with the reference surface described above. The foot environment adjusting device according to attachment 2.

(Appendix 6)
The above-mentioned top plate portion is a flat plate having a rectangular planar shape, and an arbitrary number of one or more openings of a predetermined size capable of hooking the big toe accommodated in the above-described environment adjustment region are formed, The foot environment adjusting device according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, wherein the top plate support portion includes a total of four columnar members arranged one by one at the four corners of the top plate portion.

(Appendix 7)
A first switch and a second switch arranged at different locations inside the environmental adjustment area,
An adjustment item indicating means for changing and indicating the adjustment items of the environment adjusting means cyclically one by one each time the first switch is pressed within a predetermined first time;
When the second switch is pressed before a predetermined second time has elapsed after the adjustment item instruction means indicates the adjustment item, the adjustment item indicated by the first switch is selected. The foot environment adjusting device according to appendix 1 or appendix 3, further comprising adjustment item execution means to be executed.

(Appendix 8)
A plate-like folded portion that can be folded around its one side is attached to the top plate portion, and at least a part of the folded portion and the top plate portion is formed of a heat storage member. The foot environment adjusting device according to supplementary note 1 or supplementary note 3, characterized by:

(Appendix 9)
Attached to or near the lower end of the above-mentioned top plate support part, can be folded by rotating 90 degrees to a place corresponding to the side or bottom of the above-mentioned three-dimensional space, and in a direction away from the above-mentioned environment adjustment region The foot environment adjusting device according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, further comprising a posture stabilizing portion that can be extended and arranged in a horizontal direction by a predetermined distance.

(Appendix 10)
The foot environment adjusting device according to any one of appendix 1 to appendix 9,
In order to secure a predetermined three-dimensional space that can accommodate the feet from the heels of the feet to the toes with a person lying on the back with the mattress or bed as a reference plane, the mattress or bed is placed on the mattress or bed. A sleeping bedding as a bedding that is hung so as to cover at least a part of a horizontally flat plate top portion in contact with the upper surface portion constituting the three-dimensional space when the above-described foot environment adjusting device is placed; A foot environment adjustment system comprising:

(Appendix 11)
The foot environment adjusting system according to appendix 10, wherein a hook-and-loop fastener is attached to a specific part of the hanging bedding that contacts the uppermost part of the foot environment adjusting device.

  Although the present invention described above has been described as a foot environment adjusting device that adjusts the environment of the foot of an adult or child, the present invention is used to adjust the environment of a leg such as a knee by interpreting the foot in a broad sense. It is also possible to use. In this case, not only the “entrance” located on the side where the foot is inserted in the area surrounded by the top plate and the reference plane and the respective top plate support parts, or the environmental adjustment area, but also the opposite side (horizontally If the leg, such as the feet and knees, is wide enough to allow the legs and knees to enter and exit, the foot environment adjustment device can be installed on the feet and legs. It is also possible to use a plurality connected or intermittently arranged along the part.

10, 20, 31, 200, 200A, 200B, 200D, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200J, 200K Foot environment adjusting device 11, 21, 201, 201K, 301B, 301D, 801, 801G, 801J 12, 22, 803 Top plate support portion 13 Environmental adjustment means 30 Foot environmental adjustment system 32, 104 Bedding 101 Mattress 102 Person 102F Foot 102FC (Foot) Toe 102FB (Foot) Back 202, 202D First side plate 203 , 203D second side plate 204 device main body 205 power supply unit 206 controller unit 214 power switch 217 opening 218 environment adjustment region 222 thyristor 223 heating wire 224 trigger circuit 225 internal temperature sensor 231 temperature control unit 232 external temperature sensor 233 heating Switch 234 temperature control knob 302 first struts 302A, 302E, 303A, 303E horizontal stiffener 303 second struts 307 temperature adjusting window 401 first sensor 402 second sensor section 403 speaker 411 CPU
412 Memory 413 Control unit 415 Audio message storage unit 416 Audio output unit 417 Operation sequential instruction unit 418 Operation check unit 419 Power source / temperature control unit 431 Setting content message storage unit 432 Setting understanding message storage unit 601 606 607 Hinge unit 602 Folded portion 603 Top plate region 604 First side plate region 605 Second side plate region 702, 703 Posture stabilization portion 801H ₁ First top plate portion 801H ₂ Second top plate portion 802 Protrusion 901 Foot rest rod 911 ₁ , 911 ₂ heating unit

Claims (10)

A horizontal upper surface located above the reference plane as a predetermined three-dimensional space capable of accommodating a foot from the heel to the toe of both feet in a state where a person lies on his / her back on a predetermined reference plane; A top plate portion that is horizontally and flatly in contact with the upper surface portion in the environmental adjustment region composed of a bottom surface portion located on the reference surface and a side surface portion connecting these without gaps;
It is disposed in a cylindrical virtual region that surrounds and surrounds the side surface portion, and an upper end portion is positioned on the bottom surface of the top plate portion and a lower end portion is positioned on the reference surface to spatially position the top plate portion. A support member that is fixedly held on the side surface, and the reference surface is a base on both the specific side portion side of the side surface portion and the other side portion side opposite to the side portion side. A top plate support section provided with at least one opening of a size and a shape that allows entry / exit between the environmental adjustment area and the other area;
An environmental condition of the foot, which is disposed on at least one of the top plate portion and the top plate support portion and is determined by a temperature or a ventilation state, changes the temperature of the environmental adjustment region by energization or the environmental adjustment region A foot environment adjusting device comprising: an environment adjusting means that electrically adjusts the environment adjusting component comprising at least one of a fan that moves air by energization. A horizontal upper surface located above the reference plane as a predetermined three-dimensional space capable of accommodating a foot from the heel to the toe of both feet in a state where a person lies on his / her back on a predetermined reference plane; A top plate portion that is horizontally and flatly in contact with the upper surface portion in the environmental adjustment region composed of a bottom surface portion located on the reference surface and a side surface portion connecting these without gaps;
It is arranged in a cylindrical virtual region that surrounds and surrounds the side surface portion, and an upper end portion is positioned on the bottom surface of the top plate portion and a lower end portion is positioned on the reference surface, so that it can be viewed from a direction other than the vertical direction. The top plate portion is spatially fixedly held until a force equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is applied, and a support member that is elastically deformed only during the time when a force equal to or greater than the threshold is applied. Size and shape that allows the reference surface to be the base on both the side portion side and the other side portion located opposite to the side portion side, and allows the foot portion to be taken in and out between the environmental adjustment region and other regions. A foot environment adjusting device comprising: a top plate support portion provided with at least one opening.   The environmental condition of the foot determined by the temperature or the ventilation state in the environmental adjustment region is determined from at least one of a temperature control device that changes the temperature of the environmental adjustment region by energization or a fan that moves air in the environmental adjustment region by energization. The foot environment adjusting device according to claim 2, further comprising an environment adjusting unit that electrically adjusts the energization of the environment adjusting component.   The force equal to or greater than the threshold is a force exceeding the force applied by a normal still life placed on the top plate portion, and the columnar member constituting the top plate support portion is an elastic material such as a rubber material or a spring material. The foot environment adjusting device according to claim 2, wherein the foot environment adjusting device is constituted by a member.   The height of the environmental adjustment region is set to be higher than the height of the toes in a state where a person is in a supine posture with the heels of both feet in contact with the reference plane. The foot environment adjusting device described.   The top plate is a flat plate having a rectangular planar shape, and is formed with an arbitrary number of one or more openings of a predetermined size capable of hooking the toes accommodated in the environmental adjustment region. The foot environment adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plate support portion includes a total of four columnar members arranged one by one at four corners of the top plate portion. First and second switches arranged at different locations inside the environmental adjustment region;
An adjustment item indicating means for changing and indicating the adjustment items of the environment adjusting means cyclically by one item each time the first switch is pressed within a predetermined first time;
When the second switch is pressed before a predetermined second time has elapsed since the adjustment item instruction means has instructed the adjustment item, the adjustment item instructed by the first switch is selected and executed. 4. The foot environment adjusting device according to claim 1, further comprising adjustment item executing means.   The top plate portion is provided with a plate-like folded portion that can be folded around its one side, and at least a part of the folded portion and the top plate portion is constituted by a heat storage member. The foot environment adjusting device according to claim 1 or 3.   Attached to or near the lower end of the top plate support part, is rotatable by 90 degrees to a location corresponding to the side or bottom of the three-dimensional space, and is foldable by a predetermined distance in a direction away from the environment adjustment region. The foot environment adjusting device according to claim 1, further comprising a posture stabilizing portion that can be extended and arranged in a horizontal direction. The foot environment adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
In order to secure a predetermined three-dimensional space that can accommodate the feet from the heels of the both feet to the toes in a state where a person lies on the back with the mattress or bed as a reference plane, the mattress or bed is placed on the mattress or bed. And a bedding as a bedding that is hung so as to cover at least a part of the top plate portion that is horizontally flat and is in contact with the upper surface portion constituting the three-dimensional space when the foot environment adjusting device is placed. Foot environment adjustment system characterized by that.

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