TWI831868B - Thermostat for pets - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a temperature regulating device for pets that can automatically adjust to a temperature at which an object feels comfortable. It includes: a temperature adjustment part, including at least one of a cooling mechanism or a heating mechanism; a sheet part, which forms a temperature gradient by energizing the temperature adjustment part; and a sensor part, used to detect respectively in a plurality of areas of the sheet part the presence or absence of the object; and a control unit that controls the temperature adjustment unit based on the presence or absence of the object in each area.

Description

Thermostat for pets

The invention relates to a temperature regulating device for pets.

Patent Document 1 discloses a heating and cooling plate, an electronic cooling unit that adjusts the temperature of the heating and cooling plate, and an air temperature sensor. Based on the temperature detected by the air temperature sensor, it is disclosed that the electronic cooling unit switches to the electronic cooling unit based on the temperature detected by the air temperature sensor. An air-conditioning device for animals that regulates temperature based on the positive and negative values of electricity and electricity.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-201388.

However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, the temperature is controlled so as to reach a specific temperature. For example, the temperature that feels comfortable depends on the type of the object (pet), individual differences, changes in the physical condition of the object, etc. Depending on the situation, the temperature may not be adjusted to the desired temperature range of the object.

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

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

100: Temperature regulating device for pets

102a: Thin slice part

103a: Wall

111: Peltier element

114:Temperature sensor

115:Temperature sensor

120:Heater

204:Temperature sensor

300:Control Department

310: Electrification rate acquisition department

320: External temperature detection department

330: Sheet temperature prediction department

340: Sheet temperature detection part

350:Computing Department

360:Judgment Department

370:Motion Control Department

E1: energization rate

T1: threshold

Th1: Sheet temperature (detection temperature)

Th1’: predicted temperature

Th2: Sheet temperature (detection temperature)

Th2’: predicted temperature

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pet temperature control device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the temperature regulating device for pets shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature regulating device for pets shown in FIG. 1 taken along line III-III.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the temperature regulating device for pets shown in FIG. 2 taken along line IV-IV.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the temperature regulating device for pets shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a block diagram conceptually showing each function of the control unit of the pet temperature control device shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a table showing a reference table stored in the memory unit of the pet temperature control device shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the pet's posture, the pet's temperature sensation, and temperature control.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing automatic temperature control of the pet temperature control device shown in FIG. 1 .

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 reference numerals to omit repeated descriptions, and the illustration of elements not directly related to the present invention may be omitted. In addition, the forms of constituent elements shown in the embodiments are only examples and are not limited to these forms.

Hereinafter, the pet temperature control device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pet temperature control device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the pet temperature regulating device 100 of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pet temperature regulating device 100 of FIG. 2 taken along 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 arranged on the ground or the like and supports the heat conductor 102 and the box 103 .

The thermal conductor 102 is a substantially L-shaped plate-shaped member formed by bending a plate at an intermediate portion. The thermal conductor 102 includes a sheet-shaped sheet portion 102a disposed parallel to the ground and a sheet-shaped sheet portion 102a on which an object such as a cat or a dog (hereinafter also referred to as a pet) rides while sleeping or resting, and a substantially perpendicular end portion of the sheet portion 102a. The rising portion 102b is formed in a manner that rises from the ground. The sheet portion 102a is provided to extend 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 where 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 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a round shape, and is provided to partially cover the foundation 101 and the heat conductor 102 . One side surface of the box 103 (the surface on the protruding side of the sheet portion 102a) is formed as a wall portion 103a. The wall portion 103a is composed of a smoothly curved surface and is formed to bulge upward from one end side of the sheet portion 102a. The wall portion 103a also functions as a backrest for the pet to lean on. Moreover, the box 103 is provided so that it may cover the cooling mechanism mentioned later.

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

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

The Peltier element 111 is a thermoelectric conversion element for cooling at least the heat conductor 102, and is mounted in contact with the back side of the rising portion 102b. The Peltier element 111 cools the heat conductor 102 by providing a temperature difference between the heat conductor 102 and the heat sink 112 by applying electricity, for example. thus, A temperature gradient is formed such that the temperature becomes higher from one end side (the side of the rising portion 102b) of the sheet portion 102a 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. It suffices to form a temperature gradient 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 sink that dissipates heat generated in the Peltier element 111 and is provided in contact with the Peltier element 111 . The heat sink 112 includes a rectangular plate portion 112a and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 112b extending perpendicularly from the plate portion 112a and arranged substantially parallel to the long side of the plate portion 112a. The fan 113 is provided to face the fins 112b of the radiator 112, and blows air to the radiator 112 for air cooling. In addition, in this embodiment, although the heat dissipation fins 112b are arranged substantially parallel to the long side of the plate-shaped part 112a, it is not limited to this. For example, the heat dissipation fins 112b may be arranged substantially parallel to the short sides of the plate-shaped portion 112a.

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

The heating mechanism is composed of a 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 of the sheet portion 102a (the rising portion 102b side), and heats the thermal conductor 102 by applying electricity. Thereby, a temperature gradient is formed so that the temperature becomes lower from one end side (the side of the rising portion 102b) of the sheet portion 102a 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 is formed in the sheet portion 102a, or the heater 120 may be provided on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a. Alternatively, the heater 120 may be placed across the sheet portion 102a By arranging the entire heater 120 and changing the density of the heating wires constituting the heater 120, a temperature gradient is formed in the sheet portion 102a. Alternatively, the heater 120 may be disposed across the entire sheet portion 102a and the Peltier element 111 may be used as a heating mechanism for the heat conductor 102, thereby forming a temperature gradient in the sheet portion 102a.

Between the sheet part 102a and the foundation 101, the heat insulating member 121, the heater 120, and the insulating sheet 122 are laminated|stacked in this order from the foundation 101 side, and are supported by the foundation 101. The heat insulating member 121 suppresses the radiation of heat from the sheet portion 102a to the ground side, and is formed of, for example, foamed polystyrene or the like. The insulating sheet 122 insulates the sheet portion 102a and the heater 120, and is formed of insulating resin or the like. Thereby, the sheet part 102a can be heated.

The sheet portion 102a is provided with a sensor portion for detecting the presence or absence of a target object (pet) in a plurality of areas. In the sheet portion 102, a temperature gradient is formed by supplying electricity to the temperature adjustment portion. The plurality of regions are distinguished based on the magnitude of the temperature change in the sheet portion 102a due to the energization of the temperature adjustment portion. The plurality of regions are configured to include at least one region in which the temperature change is large due to the energization of the temperature adjustment section, and another region in which the temperature change is small due to the energization of the temperature adjustment section. In other words, the plurality of regions are configured to include two different points where the temperature changes due to the energization of the temperature adjustment unit in the sheet portion 102a. In this embodiment, the plurality of regions are composed of a region on one end side of the sheet portion 102a (a region near the temperature adjustment portion) and a region on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a (a region separated from the temperature adjustment portion).

The sensor unit is, for example, 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 area. In the temperature control device for pets 100, in each area, the temperature is determined based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor (sheet temperature to be described later) and the position where the temperature sensor is arranged in a state where the target object (pet) is not present. Predict the temperature difference to detect the presence or absence of an object.

Specifically, the temperature sensor 114 detects the temperature (sheet temperature Th1) of a specific position in a region on one end side of the sheet portion 102a. The sheet temperature Th1 is also referred to as the detection temperature Th1 below. In the pet temperature control device 100, a temperature difference detection object is detected 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 arranged (a specific position in the area on the one end side). the existence or absence of things.

Similarly, the temperature sensor 115 detects the temperature (sheet temperature Th2) of 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 the detection temperature Th2 below. In the pet temperature control device 100, the temperature difference is detected 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 or absence of the object.

As shown in FIG. 4 , two duct forming members 201 are arranged in the internal space formed from the other side of the box 103 (the surface opposite the suction side of the fan 113 ) to the radiator 112 to thereby form a suction air. path 202 and exhaust path 203. The other side of the box 103 is formed with an opening for allowing air to circulate with the outside. Among the openings, a portion (center portion) corresponding to the air intake path 202 functions as the air intake port 202a. Among the openings, portions (both ends) corresponding to the exhaust path 203 function as exhaust ports 203a. In the above configuration, the pet temperature control device 100 takes in air from the air intake port 202 a through the air intake path 202 , and discharges the air from the exhaust port 203 a through the exhaust path 203 .

A temperature sensor 204 is provided near the air inlet 202a. The temperature sensor 204 is provided near the air intake 202a and thereby functions as an outside temperature sensor that detects the outside temperature Th3. Although the temperature sensor 204 is provided near the air inlet 202a, it is not limited to this as long as it can detect the external air temperature Th3.

In the internal space of the box 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 regulating device 100 such as a power supply board and a control board. The electronic control box 205 is provided in a space isolated from the suction path 202 and the exhaust path 203 . The space inside the box 103. Thereby, the electronic control box 205 is not exposed to the heat radiated from the radiator 112, and damage to the electronic control device can be prevented.

In the pet temperature control device 100 , the user operates an operating tool (not shown) to switch to the cooling mode (cooling operation) in which the Peltier element 111 is energized to cool the sheet portion 102 a and the heater 120 is energized. The heating mode (heating operation) of the heating sheet portion 102a is performed.

Automatic temperature control of the pet temperature control device 100 will be described using FIGS. 5 to 9 . FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the temperature control device for pets 100 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the pet temperature regulating device 100 includes a control part 300, a timer part 301, a memory part 302, a Peltier element 111, a heater 120, a temperature sensor 114, a temperature sensor 115, and a temperature sensor. Device 204.

The control unit 300 is composed of memories such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU reads the program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes it, thereby controlling the operations of each part of the pet temperature regulating device 100 . The timer unit 301 measures time. The memory unit 302 stores programs executed by the control unit 300 and various parameters, charts, and the like used by the control unit 300 . The control unit 300 is a control substrate provided in the electronic control box 205 together with the timer 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. By controlling each part such as the sensor 204, the sheet portion 102a can be adjusted to a temperature zone that is comfortable for the pet (hereinafter also referred to as a comfortable temperature zone).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating each function of the control unit 300 for realizing automatic temperature control by the pet temperature regulating device 100 . As shown in FIG. 6 , the control unit 300 includes a conduction rate acquisition unit 310 , an outside 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 control device 100, when the cooling mode or the heating mode is started, after a specific time has elapsed, the following steps are performed: handle. The specific time refers to the time until reaching the predicted temperature when energization is performed at the 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 storage unit 302 .

The outside temperature detection unit 320 obtains the outside 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 electric conduction rate E1, respectively. The predicted temperature Th1' refers to the temperature reached by energizing the temperature sensor 114 at the position where the temperature sensor 114 is arranged. Similarly, the predicted temperature Th2' refers to the temperature reached by energizing the temperature sensor 115 at 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, and obtains 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, the predicted temperature Th1' and the outside air temperature Th3, and the correspondence between the sheet temperature Th2 and the predicted temperature Th2' and the outside air temperature Th3. The reference table shown in FIG. 7 is a value set in advance through experiments or the like, and is stored in the memory unit 302 .

The reference table shown in Fig. 7(a) shows the correspondence between each temperature in the cooling 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 each temperature 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℃.

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

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

The determination unit 360 determines whether the temperature difference ΔTh1 is larger than a specific threshold value T1. Furthermore, the determination unit 360 determines whether the temperature difference ΔTh2 is larger than a specific threshold value T1. The specific threshold T1 is a value set in advance through experiments or the like, and is, for example, set to a temperature that at least rises (for example, 2° C.) based on the body temperature of the pet mounted on the sheet portion 102 a. The specific threshold T1 is set to the same value regardless of the operation mode (cooling mode or heating mode) and the outside temperature Th3. However, the threshold is not limited to this, and the threshold may be set for each operation mode and the outside temperature Th3.

When the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh1 is larger than the specific threshold value T1, it is assumed that the pet is present in the area on the 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 T1, it is assumed that there is no pet in the area on the one end side of the sheet portion 102a.

Similarly, when the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh2 is larger than the specific threshold T1, it is assumed that the pet is present 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 there is no pet in the area on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a. Thereby, the determination part 360 detects the presence or absence of the pet in the plurality of areas of the sheet part 102a.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the pet's posture, the pet's temperature sensation, and temperature control. As shown in FIG. 8(a) , when the temperature of the sheet portion 102a has not yet reached a temperature zone that is comfortable for the pet, the pet brings its entire 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 larger than the specific threshold value T1, the sheet portion 102a has not reached the comfortable temperature zone. The state of not reaching the comfortable temperature zone refers to the state in which the pet feels hot when in the air-conditioning mode, and the state in which the pet feels cold in the heating mode.

When the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are larger than the specific threshold value T1, the operation control unit 370 increases the energization rate E1 by the specific energization rate. specific power-ups Rate is a preset value, for example, it refers to 10%. Accordingly, since the temperature of the sheet portion 102a can be brought close to the comfortable temperature zone, a more comfortable temperature environment for the pet can be provided.

As shown in FIG. 8(b) , when the temperature of the sheet portion 102a falls within the comfortable temperature zone, the pet becomes in a relaxed posture centered on the side where the temperature change due to the energization of the temperature adjustment portion is large. The sheet portion 102a is centered on one end side. That is, when only the temperature difference ΔTh1 is larger than the specific threshold value T1, it is assumed that the temperature of the sheet portion 102a belongs to the comfortable temperature zone. The state belonging to the comfortable temperature zone refers to the state in which the pet feels comfortable. In addition, by forming the wall portion 103a on the side where the temperature change due to the energization of the temperature adjustment portion is large, when the pet has a habit of preferring the corner portion (wall portion 103a), the pet can be induced to use the sheet portion 102a One end side is close to the center.

The determination unit 360 determines that only the temperature difference ΔTh1 is larger than the specific threshold value T1, and the operation control unit 370 maintains the energization rate E1. Thereby, a temperature environment comfortable for the pet can be maintained. In addition, in the present embodiment, similarly when the determination unit 360 determines that the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are equal to or less than the 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 the specific threshold value T1, this 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 where the temperature change is large due to the energization of the temperature adjustment unit, and moves to the side where the temperature change is large due to the energization of the temperature adjustment unit. The pet moves to the side where the temperature change is small, and the pet exists centered on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a. That is, when only the temperature difference ΔTh2 is larger than the specific threshold value T1, it is assumed that the temperature of the sheet portion 102a exceeds the comfortable temperature zone. The state exceeding the comfort temperature zone refers to the state in which the pet feels a little cold when in the air-conditioning mode, and the state in which the pet feels a little hot when in the heating mode.

When the determination unit 360 determines that only the temperature difference ΔTh2 is larger than the specific threshold value T1, the operation control unit 370 reduces the energization rate E1 by the specific energization rate. The specific energization rate is a preset value, for example, 10%. Accordingly, since the temperature of the sheet portion 102a can be brought close to the comfortable temperature zone, a more comfortable temperature environment for the pet can be provided.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing automatic temperature control of the pet temperature control device 100 . In the processing of FIG. 9 , as an example, the user operates the operating tool to start the cooling mode or the heating mode, and the energization rate E1 at the start of operation is set to an initial energization rate (for example, 50%) that is preset through experiments or the like. . The initial energization rate is stored in the memory unit 302 . After the automatic temperature control operation is started and a specific time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S101. The specific time refers to the time until the predicted temperature when energization is performed at the energization rate E1 is reached.

The energization rate acquisition unit 310 acquires the energization rate E1 stored in the operation of the storage unit 302 (step S101). At the time when the operation starts, the initial energization rate stored in the storage unit 302 is acquired. The outside air temperature detection unit 320 receives the detection signal from the temperature sensor 204 and detects 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 detection signals from the temperature sensor 114 and the temperature sensor 115 respectively 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 larger 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 larger than the specific threshold value T1 (YES in step S106), the operation control unit 370 increases the energization rate E1 by the specific energization rate (step S106). S107).

In step S107, if the energization rate E1 is changed, after the specific time has elapsed, 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, plus the temperature change when the pet changes its posture. time to the sheet portion 102a (for example, five minutes). In step S107, the changed energization rate E1 is associated with the change time and date and stored in the storage unit 302.

The determination unit 360 does not determine that both the temperature difference ΔTh1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 are equal to or greater than the specific threshold value T1 (NO in step S106 ). The determination unit 360 determines whether the temperature difference ΔTh1 is the specific threshold value. or less than T1, and whether the temperature difference ΔTh2 is greater than a specific threshold value 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 to E1 decreases the specific energization rate (step S109).

In step S109, if the energization rate E1 is changed, after the specific time has elapsed, 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, plus the temperature change when the pet changes its posture. time to the sheet portion 102a (for example, five minutes). In step S109, the changed energization rate E1 is associated with the change time and date and stored in the storage unit 302.

If the determination unit 360 does not determine 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 (NO in step S108 ), the operation control unit 370 maintains the power supply. rate E1 (step S110).

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

In this manner, the control unit 300 controls the temperature adjustment unit based on the presence or absence of the object (pet) in each area. In this embodiment, the sensor unit is composed of a plurality of temperature sensors that detect the temperature of each area of the sheet unit 102a. The control unit 300 detects the target object (pet) in each area based on the temperature difference between the detected temperature of the temperature sensor and the predicted temperature at the position where the temperature sensor is arranged in a state where the target object (pet) is not present. ) exists or not. 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 target object (pet). Then, the posture of the pet is determined based on the presence/absence result (judgment result) of the object (pet) in each area, and the temperature adjustment unit is controlled. Therefore, even if the temperature at which the subject (pet) feels comfortable changes due to changes in the external environment (temperature and humidity, etc.), individual differences or types of the subject (pet), changes in the physical condition of the subject (pet), etc., the temperature at which the subject (pet) feels comfortable can be changed. The temperature of the sheet portion 102a is adjusted to a temperature that is comfortable for the subject (pet). In addition, although the sensor unit 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 target object (pet). For example, it may be at least one of a weight sensor, a distance sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. Sensor composition.

In addition, the sheet portion 102a is divided into a plurality of areas, and the presence or absence of the target object (pet) can be detected in each area, thereby making it possible to determine the posture of the target object (pet) on the sheet portion 102a. Thereby, the temperature can be adjusted based on the body posture of the pet. Furthermore, when the sheet portion 102a is divided into a plurality of regions, the area in which the temperature change due to the energization of the temperature adjusting portion is relatively large (in this embodiment, the area on the one end side of the sheet portion 102a), and a region (in this embodiment, the region on the other end side of the sheet portion 102a) that has a relatively small temperature change even if the same power supply is applied, so that it can be operated in either the cooling mode or the heating mode. The situation can also Perform the same controls. In addition, since the cooling mechanism or heating mechanism as the temperature adjustment unit can be concentrated and arranged on one end side, a simple structure can be achieved, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving long-term reliability. Furthermore, since the posture that the pet feels comfortable can be controlled in the same way regardless of the air-conditioning mode or the heating mode, the pet's comfortable posture movement in this device becomes the same throughout the year, which can relieve the pet's stress.

Alternatively, 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 larger than the specific threshold T1 and the temperature difference ΔTh2 is smaller 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 until the energization rate E1 is reduced to a specific energization rate (for example, 30%). operation. Accordingly, when it is determined that the pet is not in the sheet portion 102a, the energy saving mode is set, thereby suppressing power consumption.

When operating in the energy-saving mode, the determination unit 360 may determine the presence or absence of the pet every time a specific time passes. When the presence of the pet is determined, the energization rate E1 may be changed to a specific energization rate (for example, The initial energization rate) or the energization rate before switching to the energy-saving mode is configured to repeat the automatic temperature control shown in Figure 9.

In addition, although the initial energization rate is a value set in advance through experiments or the like, it is not limited to this. During operation, the optimal energization rate in the comfortable temperature zone may be extracted from the energization rate accumulated in the memory unit 302 (the energization rate with the determination result of the determination unit 360 added) through automatic learning, and the extracted energization rate may be used. It is used as the initial energization rate in the next operation. For example, each time the energization rate E1 is maintained, the outside air temperature Th3 and the energization rate E1 may be stored in the storage unit 302 , and the time during which the current outside air temperature continues to be maintained may be extracted from the energization rate stored in the storage unit 302 . It is the longest energization rate, and this energization rate is updated as the initial energization rate. Alternatively, from the energization rates stored in the memory unit 302, the energization rate that is the mode value in the current outside air temperature may be extracted. The energization rate is updated as the initial energization rate. Thereby, the initial energization rate can be updated to the optimal energization rate in the comfortable temperature zone, and the temperature can be adjusted smoothly in the next operation.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiment, a configuration that exhibits the same functions and effects, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

T1: threshold

△Th1: Temperature difference

△Th2: temperature difference

Claims (5)

A temperature adjustment device for pets, which includes: a temperature adjustment part including at least one of a cooling mechanism or a heating mechanism; a sheet part including a region where the temperature changes by energizing the temperature adjustment part; and a region where the temperature changes due to the energization. The temperature change is smaller in other areas than the one area; the wall part is arranged on the side of the one area of the thin sheet part and bulges upward; the sensor part is used to detect the temperature change in the one area of the thin sheet part and the other areas. respectively detect the presence or absence of the object; and the control unit controls the temperature adjustment part based on the presence or absence of the object in each area, and the sensor unit detects the presence of the object in the other area. In this case, the control unit changes the energization rate to the temperature adjustment unit. The pet temperature adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein when the sensor unit detects the presence of the object in the one area and the other area, the control unit increases the temperature adjustment unit. energization rate. The temperature regulating device for pets according to claim 1, wherein when the sensor unit does not detect the presence of the object in the one area and detects the presence of the object in the other area , the control unit reduces the energization rate of the temperature adjustment unit. The temperature regulating device for pets according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor unit is composed of a plurality of temperature sensors that detect the temperature of each area respectively; the control unit is In each of the regions, the presence or absence of the object is detected 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 arranged in a state where the object is not present. The temperature adjustment device for pets according to claim 4, which includes: an external temperature sensor to detect the external temperature; and The control unit obtains the predicted temperature from the outside air temperature sensor and the energization rate of the temperature adjustment unit.