TW202020378A - (無) - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a pet temperature regulating device capable of automatically regulating the temperature to allow a target object to feel comfortable, and includes: a temperature regulating portion having at least one of a cooling mechanism and a heating mechanism; a sheet portion capable of forming a temperature gradient by energizing the temperature regulating portion; a sensor portion for detecting whether the target object exists in each of a plurality of regions of the sheet portion; and a control portion for controlling the temperature regulating portion according to whether the target object exists in each region.

Description

Pet temperature regulating device

The invention relates to a pet temperature regulating device.

Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic cooling component including a heating and cooling plate, adjusting the temperature of the heating and cooling plate, and an atmospheric temperature sensor, which switches to an electronic cooling component based on the temperature detected by the atmospheric temperature sensor An air conditioner for animals with positive and negative electricity and electricity to adjust the temperature.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-201388.

However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, since temperature control is performed so as to become a specific temperature, for example, a temperature that is comfortable according to the type of object (pet), individual difference, change in physical condition of the object, etc. is In some cases, the temperature cannot be adjusted to the desired temperature range of the object.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention, as an example, aims to provide a temperature adjustment device for pets that can automatically adjust the temperature to which the object feels comfortable.

A temperature regulating device for pets according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a temperature regulating section including at least one of a cooling mechanism or a heating mechanism; a sheet portion that forms a temperature gradient by energizing the temperature regulating section; and a sensor portion for Detecting the presence or absence of the object in the plurality of areas of the sheet portion; and the control portion controlling the temperature adjustment portion based on the result of the presence or absence of the object in each area.

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in this specification and the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are given the same symbols to omit repeated descriptions, and elements not directly related to the present invention may be omitted from illustration. In addition, the forms of the constituent elements shown in the embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to these forms.

Hereinafter, the pet temperature adjustment device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pet temperature adjusting device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the pet temperature adjusting device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pet temperature adjusting device 100 of FIG. 1 as viewed along the line III-III. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pet temperature adjusting device 100 of FIG. 2 viewed along the line IV-IV.

The pet temperature regulating device 100 includes a foundation 101, a heat conductor 102, and a box 103.

The foundation 101 is disposed on the ground or the like, and supports the heat conductor 102 and the box 103.

The heat conductor 102 is a substantially L-shaped plate-shaped member formed by bending one plate in the middle. The heat conductor 102 includes a sheet-like sheet portion 102a arranged parallel to the ground, and an object (hereinafter, also referred to as a pet) such as a cat or dog to sleep or rest on, and is substantially perpendicular from one end of the sheet portion 102a The standing portion 102b formed by standing on the ground. The sheet portion 102 a is provided so as to protrude laterally from the box 103 and is exposed from the box 103. One end side of the sheet portion 102a and the rising portion 102b are accommodated in the box 103. In the heat conductor 102, the surface on which the pet sleeps or rests is called the front surface, and the surface on the opposite side is called the back surface.

The box 103 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped with a round shape, and is provided so as to partially cover the foundation 101 and the heat conductor 102. One side surface of the box body 103 (the surface on which the sheet portion 102a protrudes) is formed as the wall portion 103a. The wall portion 103a is composed of a smooth curved surface, and is formed to swell upward from one end side of the sheet portion 102a. The wall portion 103a also functions as a backrest for pets to rely on. In addition, the box body 103 is installed so as to cover a cooling mechanism described later.

The temperature adjustment device for pets 100 includes at least one of a cooling mechanism and a heating mechanism as a temperature adjustment unit. In this embodiment, the cooling mechanism and the heating mechanism are separately provided. By energizing the temperature adjustment unit (cooling mechanism or heating mechanism), the heat conductor 102 is cooled or heated. The thermal conductor 102 is preferably formed of a plate-shaped member made of a thermally conductive material including aluminum, copper, steel, stainless steel, or the like in order to conduct the heat from the temperature adjustment section. In addition, the thermal conductor 102 is more preferably formed of an aluminum plate in consideration of thermal conductivity, workability, cost, and the like.

The pet temperature regulating device 100 includes a Peltier element 111 as a cooling mechanism, a radiator 112 provided as a heat dissipation mechanism, and a fan 113. The cooling mechanism is provided on the back side of the rising portion 102b, and is housed in the case 103.

The Peltier element 111 is a thermoelectric conversion element for cooling at least the heat conductor 102, and is mounted so as to contact the back side of the rising portion 102b. The Peltier element 111 cools the heat conductor 102 by energizing, for example, by providing a temperature difference between the heat conductor 102 and the heat sink 112. Thereby, a temperature gradient is formed so that the temperature increases from one end side of the sheet portion 102a (side of the rising portion 102b) toward the other end side (the side opposite to the rising portion 102b).

Although the cooling mechanism (Peltier element 111) is provided on one end side of the sheet portion 102a, it is not limited to this. The temperature gradient may be formed in the sheet portion 102a. For example, it may be provided at the other end of the sheet portion 102a.

The heat sink 112 is a heat radiating body that dissipates heat generated in the Peltier element 111 so as to be in contact with the Peltier element 111. The heat sink 112 includes a rectangular plate-shaped portion 112a and a plurality of fins 112b extending perpendicularly from the plate-shaped portion 112a and arranged substantially parallel to the long side of the plate-shaped portion 112a. The fan 113 is provided so as to face the fins 112b of the radiator 112, and blows air to the radiator 112 to become air-cooled. In addition, in the present embodiment, although the fins 112b are arranged so as to be arranged substantially parallel to the long side of the plate-like portion 112a, it is not limited to this. For example, the heat sink 112b may be configured so as to be arranged substantially parallel to the short side of the plate-like portion 112a.

The shape of the rising portion 102b of the heat conductor 102 is preferably, for example, to match the size of the Peltier element 111 and the heat sink 112. In this embodiment, although the Peltier element 111 is used as a cooling mechanism of the heat conductor 102, it is not limited to this. For example, by changing the direction and intensity of current, it can also be used as a heating mechanism for heating the thermal conductor 102.

The heating mechanism is constituted by the heater 120. The heater 120 is, for example, a sheet-shaped aluminum heater, and is provided on the back surface of the sheet portion 102a. The heater 120 is provided on one end side (upper portion 102b side) of the sheet portion 102a, and heats the heat conductor 102 by energization. Thereby, a temperature gradient is formed so that the temperature becomes lower from one end side of the sheet portion 102a (side of the rising portion 102b) toward the other end side (the side opposite to the rising portion 102b).

In addition, although the heater 120 is provided on one end side of the sheet portion 102a, it is not limited to this. By energizing the heater 120, a temperature gradient may be formed in the sheet portion 102a, and the heater 120 may be provided on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a. In addition, the heater 120 may be arranged across the entire sheet portion 102a, and the density of the electric heating wire constituting the heater 120 may be changed to form a temperature gradient in the sheet portion 102a. In addition, the heater 120 may be arranged across the entire sheet portion 102a, and the Peltier element 111 may be used as a heating mechanism of the thermal conductor 102, thereby forming a temperature gradient in the sheet portion 102a.

Between the sheet portion 102a and the foundation 101, the heat insulating member 121, the heater 120, and the insulating sheet 122 are sequentially stacked from the foundation 101 side, and are supported by the foundation 101. The heat insulating member 121 is a member that suppresses radiation of heat from the sheet portion 102a to the floor side, and is formed of, for example, styrofoam. The insulating sheet 122 is an insulator that insulates the sheet portion 102a and the heater 120, and is formed of an insulating resin or the like. Thus, the sheet portion 102a can be heated.

The sheet portion 102a is provided with a sensor portion for detecting the presence or absence of an object (pet) in a plurality of areas. In the sheet portion 102, a temperature gradient is formed by energizing the temperature adjustment portion. The plural regions are distinguished based on the magnitude of the temperature change in the sheet portion 102a caused by the energization of the temperature adjustment portion. The plurality of regions are composed of at least one region having a large temperature change due to energization of the temperature adjustment unit and another region having a small temperature change due to energization of the temperature adjustment unit. In other words, the plurality of areas are configured such that the sheet portion 102a includes two different points where the temperature changes caused by the energization of the temperature adjustment portion are different. In the present embodiment, the plural regions are composed of a region on one end side of the sheet portion 102a (region near the temperature adjustment unit), and a region on the other end side of the sheet unit 102a (region away from the temperature adjustment unit).

As an example, the sensor unit is composed of a plurality of temperature sensors (in this embodiment, the temperature sensor 114 and the temperature sensor 115) that detect the temperature of each region. In the pet temperature adjustment device 100, in each region, the position where the temperature sensor is disposed based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor (the sheet temperature described later) and the state where the object (pet) is absent The temperature difference is predicted to detect the presence or absence of the object.

Specifically, the temperature sensor 114 detects the temperature (sheet temperature Th1) at a specific position in the region on one end side of the sheet portion 102a. The sheet temperature Th1 is also referred to as a detection temperature Th1 hereinafter. In the pet temperature adjusting device 100, a temperature difference detection target based on the detected temperature Th1 of the temperature sensor 114 and the predicted temperature Th1' of the position where the temperature sensor 114 is disposed (a specific position in the area on one end side) The existence of things.

Similarly, the temperature sensor 115 detects the temperature (the sheet temperature Th2) at a specific position in the area on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a. The sheet temperature Th2 is also referred to as a detection temperature Th2 hereinafter. In the pet temperature adjusting device 100, a temperature difference detection based on the detected temperature Th2 of the temperature sensor 115 and the predicted temperature Th2' of the position where the temperature sensor 115 is arranged (a specific position in the area on the other end side) The existence of the object.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the internal space formed from the other side surface of the case 103 (the surface facing the suction side of the fan 113) to the radiator 112, two duct forming members 201 are arranged to form the suction The path 202 and the exhaust path 203. The other side surface of the box body 103 is formed with an opening for circulating air between the outside and the outside. Of the openings, the portion (central portion) corresponding to the suction path 202 functions as the suction port 202a. Of the openings, the portions (both ends) corresponding to the exhaust path 203 function as the exhaust port 203a. In the above configuration, the pet temperature adjusting device 100 sucks in air from the intake port 202a through the intake path 202, and exhausts air from the exhaust port 203a through the exhaust path 203.

In the vicinity of the intake port 202a, a temperature sensor 204 is provided. The temperature sensor 204 is provided near the intake port 202a, thereby functioning as an external air temperature sensor that detects the external air temperature Th3. Although the temperature sensor 204 is disposed near the intake port 202a, it may be able to detect the external air temperature Th3, which is not limited to this.

In the internal space of the box body 103, an electronic control box 205 is provided. The electronic control box 205 houses electronic control equipment for controlling the operation of the pet temperature adjusting device 100 such as a power board, a control board, and the like. The electronic control box 205 is provided in a space within the box 103 separated from the intake path 202 and the exhaust path 203. Thereby, the electronic control box 205 is not exposed to the heat radiated from the radiator 112, and damage to the electronic control equipment can be prevented.

In the pet temperature regulating device 100, a user operates an operating tool (not shown) to thereby switch the cooling mode (cooling operation) of the peltier element 111 to cool the sheet portion 102a by energization, and to energize the heater 120 On the other hand, the heating mode (heating operation) of the heating sheet portion 102a.

The automatic temperature control of the pet temperature adjusting device 100 will be described using FIGS. 5 to 9. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the pet temperature adjustment device 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the pet temperature regulating device 100 includes a control unit 300, a timing unit 301, a memory unit 302, a Peltier element 111, a heater 120, a temperature sensor 114, a temperature sensor 115, a temperature sensor器204.

The control unit 300 is composed of a memory such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. The CPU reads and executes the program stored in the ROM to the RAM, and thereby controls the operations of the various parts of the pet temperature regulating device 100. The timer 301 measures time. The memory unit 302 memorizes the programs executed by the control unit 300 and various parameters, graphs, and the like used in the control unit 300. The control unit 300 is a control board provided in the electronic control box 205 together with the timing unit 301 and the memory unit 302, and is connected to the Peltier element 111, the heater 120, the temperature sensor 114, the temperature sensor 115, and the temperature sensor Each of the sensors 204 and the like controls each part, whereby the sheet portion 102a can be adjusted to a temperature zone comfortable for pets (hereinafter, also referred to as a comfortable temperature zone).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram conceptually showing the functions of the control unit 300 for realizing automatic temperature control by the pet temperature adjusting device 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 300 includes an energization rate acquisition unit 310, an outside air temperature detection unit 320, a sheet temperature prediction unit 330, a sheet temperature detection unit 340, a calculation unit 350, a determination unit 360, and an operation control unit 370. In the pet temperature adjustment device 100, when the air-conditioning mode or the heating mode is started, the following processing is performed after a certain time has passed. The specific time refers to the time until the predicted temperature at the time of energizing at a specific energization rate E1, and is set to 10 minutes, for example.

The energization rate acquisition unit 310 acquires the current energization rate E1 stored in the memory unit 302.

The outside air temperature detection unit 320 obtains the outside air temperature Th3 detected by the temperature sensor 204.

The sheet temperature prediction unit 330 obtains the predicted temperature Th1' and the predicted temperature Th2' from the outside air temperature Th3 and the energization rate E1, respectively. The predicted temperature Th1' refers to the temperature reached by energization at the energization rate E1 in the position where the temperature sensor 114 is arranged. Similarly, the predicted temperature Th2' refers to the temperature reached by energization at the energization rate E1 in the position where the temperature sensor 115 is arranged.

The sheet temperature prediction unit 330 compares the energization rate E1 and the outside air temperature Th3 with the reference table shown in FIG. 7 to obtain the predicted temperature Th1' and the predicted temperature Th2', respectively. The reference table shown in FIG. 7 is a table showing the correspondence between the sheet temperature Th1 and the predicted temperature Th1' and the outside air temperature Th3, and the correspondence relationship between the sheet temperature Th2 and the predicted temperature Th2' and the outside air temperature Th3, respectively. The reference table shown in FIG. 7 is a value set in advance by experiments or the like, and is stored in the storage unit 302.

The reference table shown in FIG. 7(a) shows the correspondence between the temperatures in the air-conditioning mode. For example, when the outside air temperature Th3 is 25°C and the energization rate E1 is 50%, the predicted temperature Th1′ becomes 19°C and the predicted temperature Th2' becomes 21°C. The reference table shown in FIG. 7(b) shows the correspondence between the temperatures in the heating mode. For example, when the outside air temperature Th3 is 10°C and the energization rate E1 is 50%, the predicted temperature Th1′ becomes 24°C and the predicted temperature Th2' becomes 20°C.

The sheet temperature detection unit 340 obtains the sheet temperature Th1 (detected temperature Th1) detected by the temperature sensor 114 and the sheet temperature Th2 (detected temperature Th2) detected by the temperature sensor 115.

The calculation unit 350 calculates the temperature difference between the detected temperature and the predicted temperature. Specifically, the predicted temperature Th1' is subtracted from the detected temperature Th1, thereby calculating the temperature difference ΔTh1. Similarly, the predicted temperature Th2' is subtracted from the detected temperature Th2, thereby calculating the temperature difference ΔTh2.

The determination unit 360 determines whether the temperature difference ΔTh1 is greater than a specific threshold T1. Furthermore, the determination unit 360 determines whether the temperature difference ΔTh2 is greater than a specific threshold value T1. The specific threshold value T1 is a value set in advance by experiments or the like, and is set to, for example, a temperature that rises at least according to the body temperature of the pet already loaded on the sheet portion 102a (for example, 2°C). Although the specific threshold value T1 is set to the same value regardless of the operation mode (air-conditioning mode or heating mode) and the outside air temperature Th3, it is not limited to this, and the threshold value may be set for each operation mode and outside air temperature Th3.

In the determination unit 360, when it is determined that the temperature difference ΔTh1 is greater than the specific threshold value T1, it is assumed that a pet exists in the region on one end side of the sheet portion 102a. In the determination unit 360, when it is determined that the temperature difference ΔTh1 is equal to or less than the specific threshold value T1, it is assumed that no pet exists in the region on one end side of the sheet portion 102a.

Similarly, in the determination unit 360, when it is determined that the temperature difference ΔTh2 is greater than the specific threshold value T1, it is assumed that a pet exists in the area on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a. In the determination unit 360, when it is determined that the temperature difference ΔTh2 is equal to or less than the specific threshold value T1, it is assumed that no pet exists in the area on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a. Thus, the determination unit 360 detects the presence or absence of pets in the plurality of areas of the sheet portion 102a.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the pet’s posture, pet’s temperature perception, and temperature control. As shown in FIG. 8(a), when the temperature of the sheet portion 102a has not reached the temperature zone comfortable for the pet, the pet brings the whole body into close contact with the sheet portion 102a as much as possible to receive heat from the sheet portion 102a (or Cooling capacity). Therefore, the pet exists across the entire sheet portion 102a. That is, when the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are greater than the specific threshold value T1, the sheet portion 102a is a person who has not reached the comfortable temperature zone. The state where the comfortable temperature zone is not reached refers to a state where the pet feels hot if in the air-conditioning mode, and a state where the pet feels cold when in the heating mode.

When the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are greater than the specific threshold T1, the operation control unit 370 increases the energization rate E1 by the specific energization rate. The specific energization rate is a predetermined value, for example, 10%. Thus, since the temperature of the sheet portion 102a can be brought close to the comfortable temperature zone, it is possible to provide a more comfortable temperature environment for pets.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), in the case where the temperature of the sheet portion 102a belongs to a comfortable temperature zone, the pet relaxes around the side with a large temperature change caused by the energization of the temperature adjustment portion. The one end side of the sheet portion 102a exists centrally. That is, when only the temperature difference ΔTh1 is greater than the specific threshold T1, it is assumed that the temperature of the sheet portion 102a belongs to a comfortable temperature band. The state belonging to the comfortable temperature zone refers to a state where the pet feels comfortable. In addition, a wall portion 103a is formed on the side with a large temperature change caused by the energization of the temperature adjustment portion, whereby the pet can induce the pet to use the thin portion 102a when the pet has a habit of preferring the corner portion (wall portion 103a) The one end side is close to the center.

When the determination unit 360 determines that only the temperature difference ΔTh1 is greater than the specific threshold value T1, the operation control unit 370 maintains the energization rate E1. Thereby, a temperature environment comfortable for pets can be maintained. In addition, in the present embodiment, when the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are equal to or less than a specific threshold value T1, the operation control unit 370 maintains the energization rate E1. In addition, when the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are equal to or less than a specific threshold value T1, it means that the pet is not in the sheet portion 102a.

As shown in FIG. 8(c), when the temperature of the sheet portion 102a exceeds the comfortable temperature zone, the pet avoids the side with a large temperature change caused by the energization of the temperature adjustment portion, and causes the energization by the temperature adjustment portion The side with a small temperature change moves, and the pet exists centering on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a. That is, when only the temperature difference ΔTh2 is greater than the specific threshold T1, it is assumed that the temperature of the sheet portion 102a exceeds the comfort temperature zone. The state of exceeding the comfortable temperature zone refers to a state where the pet feels a little cold when in the air-conditioning mode, and a state where the pet feels a little hot when the heating mode is used.

When the determination unit 360 determines that only the temperature difference ΔTh2 is greater than the specific threshold T1, the operation control unit 370 reduces the energization rate E1 by the specific energization rate. The specific energization rate is a predetermined value, for example, 10%. Thus, since the temperature of the sheet portion 102a can be brought close to the comfortable temperature zone, it is possible to provide a more comfortable temperature environment for pets.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing automatic temperature control of the pet temperature adjusting device 100. The process of FIG. 9 is, for example, the user operating the operating tool to thereby start the air-conditioning mode or the heating mode, and the energization rate E1 at the start of the operation is set to an initial energization rate (for example, 50%) preset in advance through experiments or the like. . The initial energization rate is memorized in the memory section 302. In the automatic temperature control, after the start of operation, after a certain time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S101. The specific time refers to the time until the predicted temperature when energized at the energization rate E1 is reached.

The energization rate acquisition unit 310 acquires the energization rate E1 stored in the operation of the memory unit 302 (step S101). At the time when the operation starts, the initial energization rate memorized in the memory unit 302 is obtained. The outside air temperature detection unit 320 receives the detection signal of the temperature sensor 204 to detect the current outside air temperature Th3 (step S102). Next, the sheet temperature prediction unit 330 obtains the predicted temperature Th1' and the predicted temperature Th2' from the energization rate E1 and the outside air temperature Th3, respectively (step S103). Next, the sheet temperature detection unit 340 receives the detection signals of the temperature sensor 114 and the temperature sensor 115 to detect the sheet temperature Th1 and the sheet temperature Th2 (step S104). Then, the calculation unit 350 calculates the temperature difference ΔTh1 by subtracting the predicted temperature Th1' from the sheet temperature Th1, and calculates the temperature difference ΔTh2 by subtracting the predicted temperature Th2' from the sheet temperature Th2 (step S105).

The determination unit 360 determines whether the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are each greater than a specific threshold value T1 (step S106). When the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are greater than the specific threshold T1 (YES in step S106), the operation control unit 370 increases the energization rate E1 by the specific energization rate (step S107).

In step S107, if the energization rate E1 is changed, after a certain time has passed, the process returns to step S101, and the automatic temperature control is repeated again. The specific time refers to the time (for example, ten minutes) until the predicted temperature Th1' (predicted temperature Th2') is reached at the changed energization rate E1, and the temperature change when the pet changes its posture is reflected to Time until the sheet portion 102a (for example, five minutes). In step S107, the changed energization rate E1 is associated with the changed time and date and stored in the memory unit 302.

When the determination unit 360 does not determine that both the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are equal to or greater than a specific threshold T1 (in the case of NO in step S106), the determination unit 360 determines whether the temperature difference ΔTh1 is a specific threshold Below T1, and whether the temperature difference ΔTh2 is greater than a specific threshold T1 (step S108). When the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh1 is equal to or less than the specific threshold T1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 is greater than the specific threshold T1 (YES in step S108), the operation control unit 370 sets the energization rate E1 reduces the specific energization rate (step S109).

In step S109, if the energization rate E1 is changed, after a certain time has passed, the process returns to step S101, and the automatic temperature control is repeated again. The specific time refers to the time (for example, ten minutes) until the predicted temperature Th1' (predicted temperature Th2') is reached at the changed energization rate E1, and the temperature change when the pet changes its posture is reflected to Time until the sheet portion 102a (for example, five minutes). In step S109, the changed energization rate E1 is associated with the changed time and date and stored in the memory unit 302.

When the determination unit 360 does not determine that the temperature difference ΔTh1 is equal to or lower than the specific threshold T1, and the temperature difference ΔTh2 is greater than the specific threshold T1 (in the case of NO in step S108), the operation control unit 370 maintains the power Rate E1 (step S110).

In step S110, if the energization rate E1 is maintained, after a certain time has passed, the process returns to step S101, and the automatic temperature control is repeated again. The specific time refers to the time (for example, five minutes) until the temperature change when the pet changes its posture is reflected to the sheet portion 102a. In step S110, the energization rate E1 is associated with the maintained time and date and stored in the memory unit 302.

In this manner, the control unit 300 controls the temperature adjustment unit based on the result of the presence or absence of the object (pet) in each area. In this embodiment, the sensor portion is composed of a plurality of temperature sensors that respectively detect the temperature of each area of the sheet portion 102a. The control unit 300 detects the object (pet) based on the temperature difference between the detected temperature of the temperature sensor and the predicted temperature of the position where the temperature sensor is located in the state where the object (pet) is absent in each region ) Existence. Specifically, it is determined whether the temperature difference between the detected temperature and the predicted temperature is within a specific threshold, thereby detecting the presence or absence of the object (pet). Furthermore, the temperature adjustment unit is controlled based on the determination of the pet's posture based on the presence or absence result (determination result) of the object (pet) in each area. Therefore, even if the temperature at which the object (pet) feels comfortable due to changes in the external environment (temperature, humidity, etc.), the individual difference or type of the object (pet), or the physical condition of the object (pet) changes, it is possible to change The temperature of the sheet portion 102a is adjusted to a temperature comfortable for the object (pet). In addition, although the sensor portion is composed of a temperature sensor, it is not limited to this. The sensor unit only needs to be able to detect the presence or absence of the object (pet), for example, it may be at least one of a weight sensor, a distance measuring sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. Sensor composition.

In addition, the sheet portion 102a is divided into a plurality of regions, and the object can be detected in each region The presence or absence of (pet) can thereby determine the posture of the object (pet) on the sheet portion 102a. This makes it possible to adjust the temperature based on the posture of the pet. In addition, when the sheet portion 102a is divided into a plurality of regions, the region where the temperature change due to the energization of the temperature adjustment unit is relatively large (in this embodiment, the region on one end side of the sheet portion 102a), And a region with a relatively small temperature change even in the same energization (in the present embodiment, the region on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a), thereby operating even in either the air-conditioning mode or the heating mode The situation can be controlled in the same way. In addition, since the cooling mechanism or the heating mechanism as the temperature adjustment unit can be arranged at one end side, a simple structure can be provided, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the long-term reliability can be improved. Furthermore, since both the air-conditioning mode and the heating mode can be controlled in such a way that the pet feels comfortable, the movement of the pet in a comfortable position in the device becomes the same throughout the year, which can relieve the pressure of the pet.

In addition, the operation control unit 370 may be configured to maintain the energization rate E1 only when the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh1 is greater than the specific threshold T1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 is less than the specific threshold T1. In this case, when the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are less than the specific threshold T1, the energy saving mode is performed to reduce the energization rate E1 to a specific energization rate (for example, 30%) Run. Thus, when it is determined that the pet is not in the sheet portion 102a, the energy saving mode is set, whereby power consumption can be suppressed.

When operating in the energy saving mode, the determination unit 360 may determine the presence or absence of a pet every time a specific time elapses, and when it is determined that the pet is present, the energization rate E1 may be changed to a specific energization rate (for example, (Initial energization rate) or the energization rate before switching to the energy saving mode, and the configuration is implemented by repeating the automatic temperature control shown in FIG. 9.

In addition, although the initial energization rate is set to a value set in advance by experiments or the like, it is not limited to this. It is also possible to automatically extract the optimal energization rate to become the comfortable temperature zone by automatically learning from the energization rate accumulated in the memory unit 302 (the energization rate increased by the determination result of the determination unit 360) during the operation. Used as the initial energization rate in the next operation. For example, each time the energization rate E1 is maintained, the external air temperature Th3 and the energization rate E1 may be stored in the memory unit 302, and the time that the current external air temperature continues to be maintained may be extracted from the energization rate stored in the memory unit 302 For the longest energization rate, this energization rate is updated as the initial energization rate. In addition, from the energization rate stored in the memory unit 302, an energization rate that is a majority value in the current outside air temperature may be extracted, and this energization rate may be updated as the initial energization rate. Thereby, the initial energization rate can be updated to the optimum energization rate to become a comfortable temperature zone, and the temperature can be adjusted smoothly during the next operation.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be replaced with a structure substantially the same as the structure shown in the above-mentioned embodiment, a structure having the same function and effect, or a structure capable of achieving the same purpose.

100: temperature regulator for pets 102a: thin section 103a: Wall 111: Peltier element 114: temperature sensor 115: temperature sensor 120: heater 204: temperature sensor 300: Control Department 310: Department of energization rate acquisition 320: Outside temperature detection department 330: Slice temperature prediction section 340: Sheet temperature detection section 350: Computing Department 360: Judgment Department 370: Motion Control Department E1: energization rate T1: threshold Th1: sheet temperature (detection temperature) Th1’: predicted temperature Th2: Slice temperature (detection temperature) Th2’: predicted temperature

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pet temperature adjusting device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the pet temperature adjusting device shown in FIG. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature adjusting device for a pet shown in Fig. 1 as viewed along the line III-III. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature adjusting device for pets shown in FIG. 2 viewed along the line IV-IV. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the pet temperature adjusting device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram conceptually showing the functions of the control unit of the pet temperature adjusting device shown in FIG. 1. 7 is a table showing a reference table stored in the memory unit of the pet temperature adjusting device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the pet’s posture, pet’s temperature perception, and temperature control. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing automatic temperature control of the pet temperature adjusting device shown in FIG. 1.

T1: threshold

△Th1: temperature difference

△Th2: temperature difference

Claims (5)

A temperature regulating device for pets, comprising: The temperature adjustment unit includes at least one of a cooling mechanism or a heating mechanism; The sheet portion forms a temperature gradient by energizing the temperature adjustment portion; A sensor portion for detecting the presence or absence of the object in the plurality of areas of the sheet portion; and The control unit controls the temperature adjustment unit based on the result of the presence or absence of the object in each area. For example, the temperature regulating device for pets according to item 1 of the patent scope, in which The plurality of regions include at least one region where the temperature is greatly changed by energizing the temperature adjustment unit, and other regions where the temperature change caused by the energization is smaller than the one region. For example, the temperature adjustment device for pets according to item 2 of the patent scope, in which A wall portion that swells upward is formed on the one side of the sheet portion. The temperature regulating device for pets according to any one of the items 1 to 3 of the patent application, wherein, The sensor part is composed of a plurality of temperature sensors that respectively detect the temperature of each area; The control unit detects the object based on the temperature difference between the detected temperature of the temperature sensor and the predicted temperature of the position where the temperature sensor is located in the state where the object is absent in each of the regions The existence of. For example, the temperature regulating device for pets in the scope of patent application item 4 includes: External temperature sensor to detect the external temperature; and The control unit obtains the predicted temperature from the external air temperature sensor and the energization rate of the temperature adjustment unit.

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