JPH10229902A - Shoes with thermostatic function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to execute an automatic regulation in parallel in responding to both a temperature and a humidity, either by heating up or cooling down each part of the shoes, respectively. SOLUTION: Shoes with thermostatic function are provided with four Peltier effect heat exchangers 30 at four points outside the shoes either to heat up or cool down inside the shoes, with four thermal sensors 20 set around the heat exchangers 30, with a power generator 40 to generate a force mechanically along the motion, which is set on the bottom of the shoes, with a power supply circuit 50 getting a given DC from the power generator, and with a microcomputer 60 driving each heat exchanger 30 either in a heat-up or cool-down mode, based on the results derived from a comparison between the values detected by and preset to etch thermal sensor 20. The power supply circuit 50 rectifies either an AC or a pulsation from the power generator 40, which is then accumulated into a secondary battery ad the like. It is then output via a DC/DC converter 50c. The microcomputer 60 drives either to open or close a piezoelectric actuator 100, based on the values detected by the inside/outside humidity sensors 110, 120.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a shoe having an automatic temperature control function provided with a power generation mechanism and a ventilation mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When walking or exercising while wearing shoes, in addition to the body temperature at rest, heat is generated from muscles during exercise, friction between the shoes and the body surface, and further absorbed by the feet and shoes. Due to kinetic energy and the like, the temperature of the surface of the foot covered with shoes increases. Excessive rise in foot temperature creates discomfort and a risk of inducing physiological disorders.

[0003] In cold regions, the body temperature of the feet tends to decrease. When the temperature of the foot extremely decreases, physiological dysfunction such as impaired blood circulation occurs. Exercise such as raccoon race in such a situation increases the risk of inducing serious obstacles such as muscular and Achilles tendon ruptures, sprains and fractures.

In order to solve such a problem, shoes provided with a power generation mechanism for heating the inside of the shoe and generating the energy are known. Shoes with a power generating mechanism are disclosed in JP-A-63-145601 (conventional example 1) and JP-A-6-141524 (conventional example 2). In the prior art 1, it is simply described that electric energy is generated by mechanical force accompanying movement such as walking using a piezoelectric element or a motor, and this electric energy can be used for heating or cooling inside the shoe. Have been described. Further, in the second conventional example, a configuration using a magnet and a coil as a configuration of the power generation mechanism, and a piezoelectric element and a motor are disclosed in detail.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-32901 (conventional example 3) discloses a ski boot provided with a power generation mechanism and a heating mechanism, in which electric power generated in a photoelectric cell is stored in a secondary battery, and this electric power is stored. The heating element is heated under the control of a thermostat to heat the ski boot.

On the other hand, those having a mechanism for ventilating the inside and outside of a shoe are disclosed in JP-A-60-98405 (conventional example 4) and JP-A-Hei.
No. 143903 (Conventional Example 5), and in each case, the shape memory alloy contracts in response to a rise in temperature, so that a predetermined opening / closing member is opened to allow ventilation.

[0007]

The combination of the contents disclosed in the above-mentioned conventional examples 1 to 5 cannot meet the following requirements. I want to be able to not only heat the inside of the shoe but also cool it, and still realize a specific configuration. I want to realize fine temperature control such as heating and cooling each part of the shoe. The ventilation mechanism does not operate depending on the temperature, but should allow ventilation according to the humidity inside and outside the shoes, and also prevent the invasion of moisture from the outside when it rains. We want to make these adjustable in parallel according to both temperature and humidity. The present invention has been made to fulfill such a need.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A shoe having an automatic temperature control function according to the present invention is provided at a plurality of locations on a shoe exterior part and is used for heating and cooling the inside of the shoe by a reversible Peltier effect. Heat exchangers, temperature sensors provided in the vicinity of the heat exchangers, a power generation mechanism provided on the bottom of the shoe for generating electric energy by mechanical force accompanying movement such as walking, and a power generation mechanism for the power generation mechanism. And a power supply circuit that obtains a predetermined direct current from the output of the heat exchanger, operates by the output of the power supply circuit, compares the detected value of each of the temperature sensors with an appropriate set value, and based on the comparison result, the heat exchangers. In a heating mode or a cooling mode.

It is preferable that the power supply circuit rectifies the alternating current or the pulsating current from the power generating mechanism and outputs the rectified current while storing the rectified current or the pulsating current in a secondary battery or a large-capacity capacitor.

The power supply circuit converts an output voltage obtained from the secondary battery or the capacitor into a stable DC voltage for driving the heat exchanger and the control circuit.
More preferably, it has a DC converter.

[0011] Desirably, a window is provided on the shoe exterior part, is constituted by an appropriate actuator operated by an output of the power supply circuit, and opens and closes in a permeable manner between the inside and the outside of the shoe, and in the vicinity of the opening and closing window. An internal humidity sensor provided on the inner surface side of the shoe exterior portion, and an external humidity sensor provided on the outer surface side of the shoe exterior portion, wherein the control circuit detects a value detected by the internal humidity sensor and the external humidity sensor. The opening / closing window is appropriately driven to open / close based on the above.

More preferably, the actuator is of a piezoelectric type or an electrostatic type, and is opened and closed by being supplied with an output of the power supply circuit by a drive signal of the control circuit.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, the outline of the components will be described with reference to FIG. On the inner surface side of the exterior part of the shoe 10, one heat exchanger 30 is arranged at a position immediately below the ankle outside when the foot is inserted, and is located on the opposite side, not shown in FIG. Also has one heat exchanger. Further, one heat exchanger 30 is disposed on the lower surface of the shoe 10 at positions around the toe and the center of the sole. That is, the heat exchangers 30 are arranged at a total of four places, and each part of the foot put in the shoe 10 is heated or cooled. The temperature sensors 2 are located close to the heat exchangers 30, respectively.
0 are arranged one by one, and these sensors 20 detect the temperature near the surface in each part of the foot. Also shoes 10
A generator 40 is arranged near the heel of the bottom 10a of the vehicle, and a microcomputer 60 as a control circuit is arranged near the generator 40. Although not shown, the generator 40 is also provided with a power supply circuit.

The temperature sensor 20 is formed of a known device such as a chip thermistor. The heat exchanger 30 is a plate-shaped Peltier element that can be arranged along the inner surface side of the exterior part of the shoe 10, and transfers heat from the outside to the inside of the shoe 10 around the arranged part (heating mode). To heat, or conversely, transfer heat from inside to outside (cooling mode) to cool.

The generator 40 generates electric energy by a load generated when the shoes 10 are worn or by a mechanical force accompanying movement such as walking. As shown in FIGS.
This is a power generation system based on the principle of electromagnetic induction composed of a combination of the coils 1, 41 and the coils 42, 42. More specifically, as shown in the figure, magnetized magnets 41, 41 are arranged so that the same poles are opposed to each other, and coils 42, 41 are sandwiched between these opposed magnets 41, 41.
42 are opposed to each other. A pair of yokes 43 for supporting the magnets 41 and forming a predetermined magnetic circuit are arranged. The coil 42 is
A set of coil patterns as shown in FIG. 2C is formed, and the induced current can be extracted from A and B of each pattern according to the change of the magnetic flux passing therethrough. And shoes 10
When the magnets 41, 41 are moved by a pedestrian wearing
As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3A, an alternating current is generated in the coil pattern by moving away. Further, since the same poles of the magnets 41, 41 are arranged to face each other, a buffer mechanism is formed by the repulsive force of each other, and if there is no pressure due to motion or the like, the magnets 41, 41 always repel as shown in FIG. And are separated from each other.

The power supply circuit rectifies alternating current or pulsating current from the generator 40 to obtain a predetermined direct current. The microcomputer 60 is operated by the output of the power supply circuit 50, compares each detected value of each temperature sensor 20 with an appropriate set value, and sets each heat exchanger 50 in the heating mode or the cooling mode based on the comparison result. And is appropriately switched to drive.

Next, a specific description will be given with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The output from the generator 40 is rectified by a rectifier 50a composed of a diode bridge circuit. The rectified output is supplied to the charging element group 50b in which a plurality of storage batteries or electric double-layer capacitors are connected in series via the diode D in a floating manner while charging current flows in the subsequent DC stage.
-Output to DC converter 50c. The DC-DC converter 50c is composed of a well-known switching power supply in which most of the circuit elements are formed into chips, and outputs a stable DC voltage. This output serves as a drive power supply for the heat exchanger 30 and the microcomputer 60. Temperature sensor 20, heat exchanger 30
And switch group SW for deciding the direction of current flowing through the switch
One set of 1 to 4 is defined as one unit of the channel Ch. That is, there are four channels Ch1 to Ch4 for each shoe 10. Each S for each of the channels Ch1 to Ch4
On / off control of W1 to W4 is performed in accordance with the detection value of the temperature sensor 20, and the mode is switched to the heating mode or the cooling mode.

Taking channel Ch1 as an example, the microcomputer 6
The control by 0 will be specifically described. Microcomputer 60
Monitors the detection value from the temperature sensor 20 and compares it with a preset value, for example, a target value such as 36 ° C. This target value differs depending on conditions such as the installation location and the installation state of each temperature sensor 20. If the comparison result shows that the detected value is not less than the target value, the switches SW1 and S
Turn on W4 and switch SW2 and SW3
Is turned off, the heat exchanger 20 is set to the heating mode. On the contrary, if the detected value is not less than the target value as a result of the comparison, the switches SW1 and SW4 are turned off and the switches SW2 and SW3 are turned on to change the direction of the current flowing through the heat exchanger to that in the heating mode. To the cooling mode. In a mode in which neither heating nor cooling is required, all the switches SW1 to SW4 are turned off. Such control is also performed independently for channels 2 to 4.

When a current is supplied to the heat exchanger 30, a pulsed voltage is applied. That is, of the switches SW1 and SW4 to be turned on in the heating mode, the switch SW4 constantly keeps on, and switches the switch SW1 at an appropriate duty ratio. This duty ratio is determined according to an appropriate control algorithm according to the difference between the temperature sensor 20 and the target value. The intensity of the heating operation is variably adjusted by this duty control. The same applies to the cooling mode.

An example in which the humidity control function is added to the shoes of the embodiment described above will be described. An opening / closing window 100 composed of a piezoelectric actuator as shown in the enlarged views of FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) is provided at an appropriate portion of the exterior part, for example, on the side surface or toe side.
By opening 00, the moisture inside is released to the outside,
Conversely, by closing, moisture can be prevented from entering from the outside in rainy weather or the like. The opening / closing window 100 is a window curtain 1 capable of closing a ventilation hole 101 formed in a predetermined portion of a shoe exterior.
02 is opened and closed by folding or opening the movable beam 103. The window curtain 102 has one end fixed to a fixed beam 104 and the other end attached to a movable beam 103. The window curtain 102, the movable beam 103, and the fixed beam 104 are integrally fixed to the exterior portion of the shoe 10 by a fixing portion 105 on the left end side in the figure. These window curtain 102, movable beam 103, and fixed beam 1
The reference numeral 04 is inserted and fixed between, for example, a surface material and a lining that constitute an exterior part of the shoe 10 so that the movable beam 103 can move smoothly. A rod-shaped piezoelectric ceramic 106 is attached to the movable beam 103. An electrode (not shown) is connected to the piezoelectric ceramics 106 so that DC-DC
By passing the current from the converter 50c, the piezoelectric ceramics 106 contracts, the movable beam 103 is pulled downward as shown in FIG. 4A, the air holes 101 are closed, and the open / close window 100 is closed. Become. Conversely, when no current flows, the piezoelectric ceramic 106 does not shrink, and is opened as the opening / closing window 100 as shown in FIG.

A humidity sensor 110 is provided near the opening / closing window 100 on the inner side of the shoe exterior. Also, an appropriate position on the outer surface side of the shoe 10, for example, the opening / closing window 1
A humidity sensor 120 is provided near “00”. The operation of the opening / closing window 100 and the humidity sensors 110 and 120 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The opening / closing window 100 performs opening / closing operations using the DC output from the DC-DC converter 50c as a driving power supply. The drive power is supplied to the opening / closing window 100 by a switch SW5 that is turned on / off by a drive signal from the microcomputer 50. Opening window 1
00, humidity sensors 110 and 120 and switch SW5
Are set as channel Ch5. Microcomputer 60
In controlling the channel Ch5, the switch S is operated according to an appropriate control algorithm according to the detection values from the internal humidity sensor 110 and the external humidity sensor 120.
On / off control of W5. For example, the internal humidity sensor 11
If the detection value from 0 does not exceed a certain set value, the open / close window 100 regardless of the detection value from the external humidity sensor 120
Is closed. When the detection value of the internal humidity sensor 110 exceeds the set value, the opening / closing window 100 is opened only when it is determined that the internal humidity is higher as a result of comparison with the detection value from the external humidity sensor 120. State.

The actuator constituting the opening / closing window 100 is not limited to the piezoelectric type described above, but may be an electrostatic type. A known electrostatic film actuator may be used to switch the DC-DC converter 50c to the switch SW5.
The microcomputer 60 may control the electric field obtained by turning on / off the microcomputer so that the electric field can be appropriately applied to the stator and the movable element via the electrodes.

[0023]

【The invention's effect】

(A) Not only the inside of the shoe can be heated but also cooled, and the specific configuration can be realized. Therefore, in both the case of the low temperature and the case of the high temperature, the change in the temperature of the foot can be suppressed, and the optimal foot body temperature can be maintained. (B) Fine temperature control such as heating and cooling for each part of the shoe was realized. (C) The ventilation mechanism does not operate depending on the temperature, but can be ventilated by electronic control according to the humidity inside and outside the shoe, and can prevent the invasion of moisture from the outside when it rains. (D) Realization of these parallel adjustment functions according to both temperature and humidity. Therefore, the opening and closing window can be closed in rainy weather or the like even if the internal temperature or humidity is high.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an external appearance and a partial internal configuration of a shoe having an automatic temperature control function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2A and 2B are configuration diagrams illustrating an embodiment of a power generation mechanism that is a component of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A illustrates a state in which magnets 41 and 41 are close to each other, and FIG. FIG. 3C shows a separated state, and FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a shoe having an automatic temperature control function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4A and 4B are configuration diagrams illustrating an embodiment of an opening / closing window that is a component of the present invention, in which FIG. 4A illustrates a state in which a ventilation hole 101 is closed, and FIG. Show the situation.

[Description of Signs] 10 Shoes 100
Opening window 10a bottom 101
Vent 20 Temperature sensor 102
Window curtain 30 heat exchanger 103
Movable beam 40 Generator 104
Fixed beam 41 Magnet 105
Fixed part 42 Coil 106
Piezoelectric ceramics 43 Yoke 110
Internal humidity sensor 50 Power supply circuit 120
External humidity sensor 50a Rectifier D
Diode 50b Charging element group SW1-5
Switch 50c DC-DC converter Ch1-5
Channel 60 microcomputer

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of heat exchangers arranged at a plurality of locations on a shoe exterior part for heating and cooling the inside of a shoe by a reversible Peltier effect, and provided near each of these heat exchangers. A temperature sensor, a power generation mechanism that is provided on the bottom of the shoe and generates electric energy by mechanical force accompanying movement such as walking, a power supply circuit that obtains a predetermined direct current from an output of the power generation mechanism, and a power supply circuit. A control circuit that operates according to the output, compares the detected value of each of the temperature sensors with an appropriate set value, and appropriately drives each of the heat exchangers in a heating mode or a cooling mode based on the comparison result. A shoe having an automatic temperature control function, comprising: 2. The automatic temperature control according to claim 1, wherein the power supply circuit rectifies an alternating current or a pulsating current from the power generating mechanism and outputs the rectified current or the pulsating current stored in a secondary battery or a large-capacity capacitor. Shoes with functions. 3. The DC-DC converter according to claim 2, wherein the power supply circuit converts an output voltage obtained from the secondary battery or the capacitor into a stable DC voltage for driving the heat exchanger and the control circuit. A shoe having an automatic temperature control function, comprising a converter. 4. A window according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the window comprises a suitable actuator which is provided on the shoe exterior portion and is operated by an output of the power supply circuit, and which opens and closes to allow ventilation between the inside and outside of the shoe. An internal humidity sensor provided near the opening and closing window and on the inner surface side of the shoe exterior portion, and an external humidity sensor provided on the outer surface side of the shoe exterior portion,
A shoe having an automatic temperature control function, wherein the control circuit appropriately drives the opening / closing window based on the detection values of the internal humidity sensor and the external humidity sensor. 5. The automatic actuator according to claim 4, wherein the actuator is configured of a piezoelectric type or an electrostatic type, and an output of the power supply circuit is supplied by a drive signal of the control circuit to open and close. Shoes with temperature control function.