JPH0650666B2 - electric blanket - Google Patents

Description

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electric blankets, and in particular to control devices therefor.

2. Description of the Related Art As a first reference example of a conventional electric blanket of this type, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Sho 5
There is one described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-87521, and as shown in FIG. 10, when the bed entrance detecting means 10 for detecting the bed entering of the human body and the bed entering signal from the bed entering detecting means 10 are inputted. The self-holding means 11 to be released, the temperature setting means 12 controlled by the self-holding means 11, the electric heater 1,
The temperature detecting means 2 detects the temperature of the electric heater 1, and the control means 13 controls the energization of the electric heater 1 by signals from the temperature detecting means 2 and the temperature setting means 12. With the above configuration, the set temperature set by the temperature setting means 12 is kept at a predetermined maximum temperature by the self-holding means 11 until the human body detecting means 10 detects the entering of the human body, and the entering of the human body is detected. Then, the self-holding was released and the set temperature was switched to the normal use temperature setting.

A second reference example is, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-62086.
The temperature sensor 1 for detecting the skin temperature and clothing temperature of a sleeping person, as shown in FIG.
4, a PTC heater 15, and a control means 1 for controlling energization to the PTC heater based on signals from the temperature sensor 14.
It consisted of 6 and 6. With this configuration, the energization of the PTC heater that detects the skin temperature and the clothes temperature of the sleeping person is controlled.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the above-mentioned first cited example, the set temperature is switched from the maximum temperature setting to the normal temperature setting when the sleeping person enters the bed, but the room temperature is low or the body temperature is low when entering the bed. If the temperature falls, the problem of cold air entering the bed, cold sleepwear, and the human body cooling the inside of the bed due to the bed-entry motion, causing the temperature inside the bed to drop and become unsuitable for falling asleep. there were. In addition, such a decrease in the temperature inside the bed causes a trouble that the sleeping person has to temporarily raise the set temperature, and there is a problem that it becomes hot and uncomfortable during sleep because of falling asleep with the set temperature raised. there were.

In addition, from the viewpoint of comfortable sleep, for example, when the room temperature is low or the body temperature is low when entering the bed, in the state from entering the bed to falling asleep, the sleep temperature is raised to warm the peripheral parts of the human body to promote sleep onset. In order to reduce the metabolic rate of the human body after falling asleep, the temperature inside the bed is lowered, so that the optimum value of the temperature inside the bed is different between the state leading to falling asleep and the state after falling asleep. However, in the one described in the above-mentioned second reference example, due to the characteristics of the PTC heater, the heater temperature becomes constant at a certain temperature, and therefore the above-mentioned detailed bed temperature control before and after falling asleep cannot be carried out, so that the falling asleep is promoted. In addition, there is a problem that the temperature in the bed cannot be controlled so as to maintain stable sleep after falling asleep.

The electric blanket of the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and a first object thereof is to provide an electric blanket that performs fine temperature control in the bed before and after falling asleep.

The second purpose is to show a concrete configuration for detecting the bed-entry of a sleeping person to the electric blanket.

A third object is to show a concrete configuration for detecting the skin temperature of a sleeping person.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the first object, the present invention provides an electric heater, a blanket body provided with a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the electric heater, and the electric heater. A temperature setting means for setting a set temperature, a human body detection means for determining the presence or absence of a sleeping person, a skin temperature detection means for detecting the skin temperature of the sleeping person, and a human body detection signal from the human body detection means for operating for a certain period of time. And a setting correction means for correcting the set temperature, and a control means for controlling energization to the electric heater based on a difference between an output signal of the temperature detection means and an output signal from the setting correction means. However, the setting correction means outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on, and when the operation signal is input from the timer, the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detection means is set as the input. Outputting the set temperature when a sleeper's falling asleep is detected based on the skin temperature signal or when a stop signal is input from the timer, having a calculating unit that calculates and outputs the correction value of the set temperature based on a function To do.

In order to achieve the first object, the setting correction means of the present invention outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on, and calculates the first derivative of the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detection means. When the actuation signal is input from the timer, the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting unit and the first derivative signal from the first derivative calculating unit are input as predetermined. It has a calculating means for calculating and outputting the correction value of the set temperature based on a function, and detects the sleep of the sleeping person based on the skin temperature signal or inputs the stop signal from the timer to set the set temperature. Output.

In order to achieve the first object, the setting correction means of the present invention outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on, and calculates the first derivative of the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detection means. And a second derivative of the skin temperature signal.
The second derivative calculating means for calculating the second derivative, the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means when the operation signal is inputted from the timer, and the first derivative signal from the first derivative calculating means are inputted. And a calculation unit that calculates and outputs the correction value of the set temperature based on a predetermined function.
The sleep temperature of the sleeping person is detected based on the second derivative signal, or when the stop signal is input from the timer, the set temperature is output.

Further, in order to achieve the second object, the human body detecting means of the present invention comprises a storage section for storing an electric heater temperature signal from the temperature detecting means, a current electric heater temperature and an electric heater temperature stored in the storage section. And a judgment unit for judging the presence or absence of a human body based on the output signal of the calculation unit.

Further, in order to achieve the third object, the skin temperature detecting means of the present invention outputs a signal from the detecting part mainly detecting the peripheral skin temperature and the detecting part to the setting correcting means by wire or wirelessly. And an output section.

Action The present invention, by the above-described configuration, outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after power-on, and when the human body enters the bed, the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detection means is input to the set temperature based on the predetermined function. The calculated value is calculated and output, and the preset temperature is output when the sleep onset of the sleeping person is detected based on the skin temperature signal or when the stop signal from the timer is input.

Further, the present invention outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on, and when the human body enters the floor, the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means and the first derivative signal of the skin temperature are input as the predetermined. The correction value of the set temperature is calculated and output based on the obtained function, and the set temperature is output when the sleep onset of the sleeping person is detected based on the skin temperature signal or when the stop signal is input from the timer.

Further, the present invention outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on, and when the human body enters the bed, the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means and the first derivative signal of the skin temperature signal are input in advance. The correction value of the set temperature is calculated and output based on the defined function, and the set temperature is output when the sleep of the sleeping person is detected based on the second derivative signal or when the stop signal is input from the timer. To do.

The present invention also determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the rate of change of the electric heater temperature signal.

Further, the skin temperature detecting means of the present invention mainly detects the peripheral skin temperature and outputs a detection signal to the setting correcting means by wire or wirelessly.

Example An electric blanket according to the first example of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electric heater 1, a blanket body 3 provided with a temperature detecting means 2 for detecting the temperature of the electric heater 1, a temperature setting means 4 for setting a set temperature of the electric heater 1, and a sleeping person. Human body detecting means 5 for determining the presence / absence of skin, skin temperature detecting means 6 for detecting the skin temperature of a sleeping person, timer 7 which operates for a certain period of time based on a human body detecting signal from the human body detecting means 5, and setting correcting means for correcting the set temperature. 8. Control means 9 for controlling energization of the electric heater 1 based on the difference between the output signal of the temperature detection means 2 and the output signal of the setting correction means 8.
And have.

The human body detecting means 5 calculates a difference between a storage portion 5a for storing the electric heater temperature signal from the temperature detecting means 2 as shown in FIG. 2 and a current electric heater temperature and the electric heater temperature stored in the storage portion 5a. The calculation unit 5b and the determination unit 5c that determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the output signal of the calculation unit 5b. As shown in FIG. 3, the skin temperature detecting means 6 is disposed in contact with the human foot, and a detecting section 6a for detecting the skin temperature of the foot, and a detecting section 6a.
And an output unit 6b for outputting a signal from the device to the setting correction unit 8 with or without wireless. As shown in FIG. 4, the setting changing means 8 outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on, and when the operation signal is input from the timer 7, the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means 6 is input in advance. It normally has a calculating means 8a for calculating and outputting a correction value of a normal set temperature based on a predetermined function, and normally detecting sleep of a sleeping person based on a skin temperature signal or inputting a stop signal from a timer 7. Output the set temperature.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below. When the power is turned on with the electric blanket of this embodiment, the sleeping person preliminarily sets the temperature setting means 4
The electric heater 1 is controlled at a high temperature setting temperature regardless of the desired temperature setting (hereinafter, referred to as a normal temperature setting) set in step. Next, when the sleeping person enters the bed, cold air enters into the bed by the bed entry operation such as raising the futon at that time, and the electric heater 1
Temperature temporarily drops. Based on this, the human body detection means 5 calculates the difference between the current electric heater temperature and the electric heater temperature stored in the storage unit 5a for a certain period of time, and if the calculated value, that is, the temperature decrease width is equal to or greater than a preset set value. For example, it is determined that the human body has entered the bed and is present in the bed. When the human body detecting means 5 detects that the human body has entered the bed, the timer 7
Starts operating. Thereafter, in the setting correction means 8, the calculation means 8a calculates the correction value of the normal set temperature on the basis of a predetermined function using the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detection means 6 as an input. The relationship between the correction value and the skin temperature at this time is shown in FIG. The lower the skin temperature, the larger the correction value,
This correction value is added to the normal set temperature to correct the set temperature. In this correction operation, the setting correction means 8 detects the sleep of the sleeping person based on the skin temperature signal or the timer 7
It continues until the timer stop signal is input from, and then the normal set temperature is output. For sleep detection,
Since the peripheral skin temperature at the time of falling asleep is about 29 ° C. at the foot, the skin temperature detected by the skin temperature detecting means 6 is 29 ° C.
If it is above, it is determined that the person is sleeping, and if it is lower than 29 ° C., it is determined that the person is not sleeping. In this case, the fixed time counted by the timer 7 is generally set in advance with reference to the time (10 to 20 minutes) from when the person enters the bed to when he falls asleep. The series of operations from when the sleeping person goes to bed to when he / she falls asleep are similarly performed when the sleeping person wakes up on the way such as going to the bathroom and then goes back to bed. The operation of the present embodiment described above and the transition of the temperature of the electric heater 1 at that time are shown in FIG.

From the viewpoint of comfortable sleep, for example, when the room temperature is low or the body temperature is low when entering the bed, the sleep temperature is raised after entering the bed to increase sleep temperature by warming the peripheral parts of the human body to promote sleep onset. When the person falls asleep, the amount of metabolism in the human body is lowered, so that the temperature inside the bed is lowered. Therefore, the optimum value of the temperature inside the bed is different between the state of falling asleep and the state after falling asleep. According to the above action, the electric heater is controlled at a high temperature set temperature until the sleeping person falls asleep, and after the bed is entered, the electric heater is controlled by correcting the normal set temperature according to the skin temperature. Since the electric heater is controlled at the set temperature, the temperature inside the bed is unsuitable for falling asleep, which occurs because the set temperature switches from the maximum temperature setting to the normal temperature setting when the sleeping person enters the bed, as in the past, There is no problem of temporarily raising the set temperature due to such a decrease in the bed temperature, and of being hot and uncomfortable during sleep by going to bed with the set temperature raised. In addition, since the heater temperature becomes constant at a certain temperature as in the case of using the conventional PTC heater, there is a problem that it is not possible to precisely control the temperature inside the bed before and after falling asleep and thus it is not possible to promote falling asleep. Absent. As described above, the present embodiment has an effect of promoting sleep onset and providing stable sleep after sleep onset.

Next, an electric blanket according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that, as shown in FIG. 7, the setting correction means 8 outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on, and the skin temperature from the skin temperature detection means 6 is detected. First-order derivative calculating means 8c for calculating the first-order derivative of the signal, and a skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means 6 when the operation signal is input from the timer 7 and the first-order derivative calculating means 8c.
And a first-order differential signal from the input terminal for calculating a correction value of the normal set temperature based on a predetermined function and outputting the correction value, and detects sleep of the sleeping person based on the skin temperature signal. Alternatively, when a timer stop signal is input from the timer 7, the normal set temperature is output. The other structure is similar to that of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below. When the power is turned on with the electric blanket of this embodiment, the sleeping person preliminarily sets the temperature setting means 4
The electric heater 1 is controlled at a high set temperature regardless of the desired set temperature (normal set temperature) set in step. Next, when the sleeping person enters the bed, the human body detection unit 5 detects the arrival of the human body in the same procedure as described in the above embodiment. Human body detection means 5
When it is detected that the human body has entered the bed, the timer 7 starts operating. In the setting correction means 8, the first derivative calculation means 8
The first differential value of the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means 6 is calculated by c, and the skin temperature signal and the first differential value by the calculating means 8b.
The correction value of the normal set temperature is calculated based on a predetermined function with the input of the secondary differential value. FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the correction value and the skin temperature and the first derivative of the skin temperature at this time. From the figure, the lower the skin temperature, the larger the correction value, and the lower the first derivative of the skin temperature, that is, the lower the rate of increase in skin temperature, the larger the correction value. This correction value is added to the normal set temperature and output. This correction operation is continued until the sleep correction of the sleeping person is detected by the setting correction means 8 based on the skin temperature signal or a timer stop signal is input from the timer 7, and then the normal set temperature is output. The detection of falling asleep is performed by the same procedure as described in the first embodiment. The series of operations from when the sleeping person goes to bed to when he / she falls asleep are similarly performed when the sleeping person wakes up on the way such as going to the bathroom and then goes back to bed.

Due to the above-mentioned action, in this embodiment, in addition to the skin temperature, the first derivative of the skin temperature is used for the correction of the set temperature, so the follow-up property of the correction operation with respect to the skin temperature is good, and it is more precise than the first embodiment. This has the effect of enabling a fine sleep-promoting action.

Next, an electric blanket according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment is different from the above two embodiments in that
As shown in FIG. 9, the setting correction means 8 outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on, and the skin temperature detection means 6
A first derivative of the skin temperature signal from the first derivative calculator 8e, a second derivative of the skin temperature signal of the second derivative 8f, and an operation signal from the timer 7. Then, the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means 6 and the first
The first differential signal from the secondary differential calculating means 8e is used as an input, and a calculating means 8d for calculating and outputting a correction value of the normal set temperature based on a predetermined function is provided, Based on the detection of sleep of the sleeping person based on this, or when a timer stop signal is input from the timer 7, the normal set temperature is output. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so a detailed description is omitted here.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below. When the power is turned on with the electric blanket of this embodiment, the sleeping person preliminarily sets the temperature setting means 4
The electric heater 1 is controlled at a high set temperature regardless of the desired set temperature (normal set temperature) set in step. Next, when the sleeping person enters the bed, the human body detection unit 5 detects the arrival of the human body in the same procedure as described in the above embodiment. Human body detection means 5
When it is detected that the human body has entered the bed, the timer 7 starts operating. In the setting correction means 8, the first derivative calculation means 8
The first differential value of the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means 6 is calculated in c, and the skin temperature signal and the first difference value are calculated in the calculating means 8d.
The correction value of the normal set temperature is calculated based on a predetermined function with the input of the secondary differential value. The relationship between the correction value and the skin temperature and the first derivative of the skin temperature at this time is as shown in FIG. This correction value is added to the normal set temperature and output. This correction operation is continued until the sleep correction of the sleeping person is detected by the setting correction means 8 based on the skin temperature signal or a timer stop signal is input from the timer 7,
After that, the normal set temperature is output. Regarding the detection of sleep onset, in the above-mentioned example, sleep onset was judged depending on whether or not the skin temperature was 29 ° C. or higher. However, at the time of sleep onset, the skin temperature of the foot becomes about 29 ° C. as described above. Therefore, in the present embodiment, if the second derivative of the skin temperature is less than a predetermined constant value, it is determined that the person is not falling asleep, and if it is a certain value or more, it is determined that the person is falling asleep. . These series of operations are similarly performed even when the sleeping person wakes up on the way, such as going to the toilet and then re-enters the bed.

Due to the above-mentioned action, the skin temperature at the time of falling asleep may not necessarily be 29 ° C. due to the physical condition, individual difference, etc. Even in such a case, in the present embodiment, the falling asleep is detected based on the second derivative of the skin temperature. Is more reliably detected.

The human body detecting means of the present invention may have a structure in which a micro switch, a pressure sensor, etc. are arranged in the blanket body 3, but according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the temperature detecting means 2 arranged in the blanket body 3 is used.
Detects the temperature of the electric heater 1 and determines the presence or absence of the human body based on the rate of change of the electric heater temperature. Therefore, it is not necessary to dispose other sensors as described above on the blanket body 3, and the human body is simple and inexpensive. There is an effect that it can be detected.

In addition, the skin temperature detecting means of the present invention is a site sensitive to temperature as shown in the above-mentioned embodiment, and detects peripheral skin temperature such as a foot which is a site showing specific temperature behavior during sleep. The detection signal is output to the setting correction means by wire or wirelessly, and the detection signal becomes a useful input signal for determining the correction value of the set temperature for promoting sleep onset and for detecting sleep onset. There is.

Effects of the Invention The electric blanket of the present invention has the following effects.

(1) The electric heater is controlled at a high set temperature until the sleeping person falls asleep, and the normal set temperature is corrected according to the skin temperature after bed to control the electric heater. Since the electric heater is controlled by, the temperature inside the bed is unsuitable for falling asleep due to the switching of the set temperature from the maximum temperature setting to the normal temperature setting when a sleeping person enters the bed, as in the conventional case. There is no need to temporarily raise the set temperature for the purpose of lowering the temperature inside the bed, and there is no danger of getting hot and uncomfortable during sleep by going to sleep with the set temperature raised. As described above, since the heater temperature becomes constant at a certain temperature, it is possible to prevent detailed sleep bed temperature control before and after falling asleep and to prevent falling asleep. As described above, since the temperature can be finely controlled during the period from entering the bed to falling asleep, sleep can be promoted and stable sleep can be provided after falling asleep.

(2) Since the first derivative of the skin temperature is used for the correction of the set temperature in addition to the skin temperature, the follow-up performance of the correction operation with respect to the skin temperature is good, and a more detailed sleep promotion operation is possible.

(3) The set skin temperature for sleep detection may vary depending on the physical condition, individual difference, etc., but in the present invention, sleep detection is detected based on the second derivative of the skin temperature, so sleep detection is detected more reliably. You can

(4) Since the temperature of the electric heater is detected by the temperature detecting means arranged on the blanket body and the presence or absence of the human body is determined based on the rate of change of the electric heater temperature, other sensors such as a micro switch and a pressure sensitive sensor are used. Since it is not necessary to dispose on the blanket body, the human body can be detected easily and inexpensively.

(5) Detects peripheral skin temperature, such as the foot, which is a temperature-sensitive part and shows specific temperature behavior during sleep, and outputs a detection signal to the setting correction means by wire or wirelessly. Therefore, the detection signal becomes a useful input signal for determining the correction value of the set temperature for promoting sleep onset and for detecting sleep onset.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electric blanket according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of human body detecting means of the electric blanket, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of skin temperature detecting means of the electric blanket. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the setting correction means of the electric blanket,
FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the correction value and the skin temperature, FIG. 6 is an operation diagram of the same electric blanket, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the setting correction means of the electric blanket in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the correction value and the skin temperature and the first derivative of the skin temperature. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the setting correction means of the electric blanket in the third embodiment of the present invention. 10 and 11
The figure is a block diagram of a conventional example. 1 ... Electric heater, 2 ... Temperature detecting means, 3 ... Blanket body, 4 ... Temperature setting means, 5 ... Human body detecting means, 6 ...
Skin temperature detecting means, 7 ... timer, 8 ... setting correcting means, 9 ... control means, 10 ... admission detection means, 11 ...
Self-holding means, 12 ... Temperature setting means, 13 ... Control means, 14 ... Temperature sensor, 15 ... PTC heater, 1
6 ... Control means.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A blanket body having an electric heater and a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the electric heater, a temperature setting means for setting a preset temperature of the electric heater, and a presence / absence of a sleeping person. Human body detection means, skin temperature detection means for detecting the skin temperature of the sleeping person, a timer that operates for a certain period of time according to a human body detection signal from the human body detection means, setting correction means for correcting the set temperature, and the temperature And a control means for controlling energization of the electric heater based on a difference between an output signal of the detection means and an output signal from the setting correction means, and the setting correction means has a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on. When the operation signal is output from the timer and the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means is input, the correction value of the set temperature is calculated and output based on a predetermined function. Electric blankets for outputting the set temperature and the stop signal is input from or the timer for detecting sleep onset of the sleeping person on the basis of the skin temperature signal has a step. 2. The setting correction means outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on and calculates a first derivative of a skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detection means, and a first derivative calculation means.
When the operation signal is input from the timer, the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means and the first differential signal from the first differential calculating means are input, and the correction value of the preset temperature is calculated based on a predetermined function. Claim 1 which has a calculation means which calculates and outputs, and outputs the said preset temperature when sleep fall of a sleeping person is detected based on the said skin temperature signal, or when a stop signal is input from the said timer. The described electric blanket. 3. The setting correction means outputs a predetermined high temperature set temperature after the power is turned on and calculates a first derivative of the skin temperature signal from the skin temperature detecting means, and a first derivative calculating means.
A second derivative calculating means for calculating a second derivative of the skin temperature signal, a skin temperature signal from a skin temperature detecting means when an operation signal is input from a timer, and a first derivative from the first derivative calculating means. And a calculation means for calculating and outputting the correction value of the set temperature based on a predetermined function with the secondary differential signal as an input, and detecting sleep of the sleeping person based on the secondary differential signal, or The electric blanket according to claim 1, wherein the preset temperature is output when a stop signal is input from the timer. 4. The human body detection means includes a storage section for storing an electric heater temperature signal from the temperature detection means, and a calculation section for calculating a difference between the current electric heater temperature and the electric heater temperature stored in the storage section. The electric blanket according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of a human body based on the output signal of the calculation unit. 5. The skin temperature detecting means mainly comprises a detecting portion for detecting peripheral skin temperature and an output portion for outputting a signal from the detecting portion to the setting correcting means by wire or wirelessly. The electric blanket according to item 1.