Environmental control facility

Abstract

To provide an environmental control facility that can provide preferable sleeping environment for each person when multiple people sleep in the same room.SOLUTION: An environmental control facility 10 according to the present invention is installed in a bedroom R that has a first sleeping space S1 and a second sleeping space S2, and includes a louver 40 that closes when separating the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2 and opens when connecting the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space, and a control device 30 that controls the opening-closing state of the louver 40 in response to environment changes that happen at least in either the first sleeping space S1 or the second sleeping space S2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to environmental control equipment, and particularly to environmental control equipment for controlling a sleep environment.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for controlling the environment when a resident of a house goes to bed in a bedroom, that is, the sleep environment, have already been developed conventionally. As an example, there is the technique described in Patent Document 1. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the sleep state of a resident is detected, environmental information such as temperature and humidity inside and outside the house is acquired, and based on the sleep state and the environmental state, the environment of the bedroom (sleep environment) while the resident is in bed is adjusted. By using such a technique, it becomes possible to provide a comfortable sleep environment according to changes in the sleep state of the resident.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a building such as a house, it can be assumed that a plurality of people such as family members go to bed in the same bedroom. In that case, the sleep environment changes due to the actions and situations of other people in the same room (for example, turning on the lighting or snoring), and as a result, it may affect the deep sleep level (quality of sleep) of the people sleeping in the same room. Therefore, when adjusting the sleep environment in the case where a plurality of people go to bed in the same room, it is preferable to be able to reduce as much as possible the influence that each person can exert on others.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to realize environmental control equipment that can provide a good sleep environment for each person when a plurality of people go to bed in the same room.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] According to the environmental control equipment of the present invention, the above problems are solved by being installed in a room having a first sleeping space and a second sleeping space, closing when partitioning the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space, and opening when connecting the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space; and a control device that controls the opening and closing state of the opening and closing device according to the change in the environment when the environment of at least one of the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space changes. In the environmental control equipment of the present invention configured as described above, when the environment of at least one of the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space changes, the opening and closing state of the opening and closing device is controlled according to the change in the environment. Thereby, the influence exerted on others sleeping in the same room by each person can be reduced.

[0007] Also, in the present invention, sensors that output signals according to the respective environments may be installed in each of the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space. In this case, when the control device detects a change in the environment based on the output signal from the sensor, it may identify the environment after the change and control the opening and closing state according to the environment after the change. According to the above configuration, using the sensors provided in each sleeping space, the change in the environment in the sleeping space can be appropriately detected. As a result, when a change in the environment is detected, the opening and closing state of the opening and closing device can be appropriately controlled according to the environment after the change.

[0008] Also, in the present invention, when any one of the environmental items such as the on / off of lighting, temperature and humidity, and loudness of sound in at least one of the sleeping spaces changes and satisfies the conditions, the control device may control the opening and closing state according to the environmental item that satisfies the conditions. According to the above configuration, the opening and closing state of the opening and closing device can be controlled according to the on / off of lighting, temperature and humidity, and loudness of sound in each sleeping space.

[0009] Also, in the present invention, among a plurality of environmental items including lighting on / off, temperature / humidity, and sound volume, when one environmental item satisfies the condition for closing the opening / closing device and, among the plurality of environmental items, the other environmental items satisfy the condition for opening the opening / closing device, the control device may control the opening / closing device to the closed state. According to the above configuration, when the condition for closing the opening / closing device and the condition for opening the opening / closing device are simultaneously satisfied, control by the control device is performed with priority given to closing the opening / closing device. Thereby, for each of a plurality of people sleeping in the same room, more appropriate and reasonable control of the sleep environment is performed.

[0010] Also, in the present invention, when a space user is present in at least one of the sleeping spaces, the control device acquires sleep information corresponding to the sleep state of the space user, and when the environment of at least one of the sleeping spaces changes, the control device may control the open / closed state according to the sleep state specified from the sleep information and the change in the environment. According to the above configuration, the sleep environment can be adjusted in consideration of the sleep state of the space user.

[0011] Also, in the present invention, air from the air conditioner may be supplied to each of the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space. In this case, the control device may control the temperature, humidity, or air volume of the air supplied from the air conditioner according to the change in temperature at the sleeping location in each of the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space. According to the above configuration, by adjusting the temperature and humidity of each sleeping space, a more comfortable sleep environment can be provided.

[0012] In the present invention, the opening / closing device may be disposed between a first sleeping space and a second sleeping space in a room and may include a louver having a plurality of movable plates. In this case, the louver may open when adjacent movable plates are separated from each other and may close when adjacent movable plates are in contact with each other. Further, in each of the plurality of movable plates, it is preferable that a contact portion that contacts an adjacent movable plate is constituted by a cushioning material. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the sound (collision sound) generated when the movable plates come into contact with each other, and it is possible to suppress awakening a person who is sleeping due to the sound.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the environmental control equipment of the present invention, when a plurality of people sleep in the same room, it is possible to provide a good sleeping environment for each person.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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[0015] <<Regarding the environmental control equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention>> Hereinafter, the environmental control equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment relates to a technology for controlling the environment in a room used for sleeping by people, such as a bedroom, that is, a sleep environment. More specifically, it relates to a technology for controlling the sleep environment in a room where multiple people can sleep simultaneously.

[0016] In addition, in this specification, the concept of "device" includes a single device that exhibits a specific function by itself, as well as a combination of multiple devices that are distributed and exist independently while collaborating (cooperating) to exhibit a specific function.

[0017] Also, the case where the building in which the environmental control equipment according to this embodiment is used is a house will be assumed for explanation. Here, the house may be a detached house or one dwelling unit in an apartment building. Note that the present invention is applicable to buildings other than houses, such as public facilities like nursing facilities and hospitals, stores, offices, etc., as long as they have a room where multiple people can sleep simultaneously.

[0018] The environmental control equipment according to this embodiment (hereinafter, environmental control equipment 10) is used in the bedroom R of a house. The bedroom R is a space where multiple people can sleep simultaneously. In other words, a plurality of sleeping spaces are provided in the bedroom R. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, beds 12 are installed for each sleeping space. Hereinafter, of the plurality of sleeping spaces, one of two adjacent sleeping spaces will be referred to as the first sleeping space S1, and the other will be referred to as the second sleeping space S2.

[0019] In addition, in the present embodiment, there are a plurality of residents in the house, and each resident sleeps in the assigned sleeping space in the bedroom R. That is, the residents of the house correspond to the users of the sleeping space (space users). In the following description, an example will be given and described with the case where there are two residents in the house and two sleeping spaces are provided in the bedroom R as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0020] In the bedroom R, lighting 14 is installed in each of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2 as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, an air conditioner 16 is installed in the bedroom R, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an air outlet 18 for the air supplied from the air conditioner 16 is provided in each of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2. In each of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2, air from the air conditioner 16 is supplied through the air outlet 18. In the present embodiment, one air conditioner 16 is installed in one of the sleeping spaces, and air is supplied from this air conditioner 16 to each of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2. However, it is not limited to this, and an air conditioner 16 may be individually installed in each sleeping space of the bedroom R.

[0021] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, an opening degree adjusting device 20 for adjusting the opening degree of the air outlet 18 is installed in each air outlet 18. The opening degree adjusting device 20 is a known device such as a movable shutter or the like, and the opening degree can be adjusted by the operation of a motor (not shown). The motor of the opening degree adjusting device 20 is remotely controlled by a control device 30 described later, whereby the opening degree of the opening degree adjusting device 20 is adjusted, and the air volume blown from the air conditioner 16 to the sleeping space is adjusted.

[0022] In addition, in each of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2, as shown in FIG. 1, a sensor that outputs a signal according to the environment in the space is installed. Here, "environment" is a concept that indicates the influence on a person in the sleeping space of the bedroom R, particularly external stimuli that may cause a sleeper to wake up midway. Specifically, it includes the light environment, sound environment, temperature and humidity environment, etc. In this embodiment, the on / off of the lighting, temperature and humidity, and the magnitude of the sound (volume or sound pressure) in the sleeping space are treated as an example of the environment. In the following, the on / off of the lighting, temperature and humidity, and the magnitude of the sound in each sleeping space are referred to as "a plurality of environmental items".

[0023] Each sleeping space is provided with a sensor for each environmental item. Specifically, as a sensor that outputs a signal according to the on / off of the lighting 14 in the sleeping space, a lighting switch sensor 22 is attached to the switch of the lighting 14 in each sleeping space. This lighting switch sensor 22 outputs a signal according to the on / off of the lighting 14.

[0024] In addition, as a sensor that outputs a signal according to the magnitude of the sound detected in the sleeping space, a sound sensor 24 is installed in each of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2.

[0025] In addition, as a sensor that outputs a signal according to the temperature of the sleeping space, a mattress temperature sensor 26 is arranged inside the mattress of the bed 12 in each sleeping space. This mattress temperature sensor 26 outputs a signal according to the temperature at the sleeping place in each sleeping space, specifically, the temperature inside the mattress of the bed 12 (the temperature inside the mattress). Note that the mattress temperature sensor 26 may measure the temperature and humidity inside the mattress and output a signal according to the measurement result.

[0026] Further, a sleep sensor 28 is further disposed within the bed 12 of each sleeping space. This sleep sensor 28 detects the sleep state of the occupant (such as the wakefulness during sleep and the classification of sleep quality, etc.) while the occupant is on the bed 12, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected sleep state. Note that the sleep sensor 28 is not limited to being built into the bed 12, and may be something that the occupant can wear (for example, a wristband-type sleep sensor).

[0027] The output signals from the above-described respective sensors are transmitted toward a control device 30 described later through the in-house network. The control device 30 has a function of determining whether there is a change in the environment in each sleeping space based on the output signals from the respective sensors (particularly, the lighting switch sensor 22, the sound sensor 24, and the in-bed temperature sensor 26). Further, the control device 30 has a function of analyzing the output signal from the sleep sensor 28 to acquire sleep information. The sleep information is information that changes according to the sleep state of the occupant (specifically, the occupant whose sleep state is detected by the sleep sensor 28), and specifically, information regarding wakefulness and the classification of sleep quality (whether it is REM sleep or non-REM sleep), etc. Note that the sleep state refers to whether the person is sleeping or not, and the depth of sleep, etc.

[0028] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a louver 40 as an opening / closing device is installed in the bedroom R. The louver 40 is a blind-type partition member shown in FIG. 3, and is disposed between the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2 in the bedroom R, specifically, at an intermediate position between the sleeping spaces. As shown in FIG. 4, the louver 40 closes when partitioning the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2, and opens when connecting the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the louver 40 is configured by arranging a plurality of long plates (slats) in the horizontal direction, specifically, in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the two beds 12 are arranged. Among the plurality of long plates, the long plates located at both ends of the louver 40 are fixed plates (fixed plates 42), and the other long plates are movable plates (movable plates 44). A plurality of movable plates 44 are arranged in the louver 40. Each movable plate 44 has a substantially zigzag shape as shown in FIG. 5 and rotates within a range of about 90 degrees around a rotation axis 46 along the vertical direction. One end of the rotation range of the movable plate 44 corresponds to the closed position for closing the louver 40, and the other end corresponds to the open position for opening the louver 40.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, above each movable plate 44, a guide 50 made of a long rod is provided. As can be seen from FIG. 5, two guides 50 are provided in pairs. One guide 50 supports one end portion in the width direction of the movable plate 44 from above, and the other guide 50 supports the other end portion in the width direction of the movable plate 44 from above. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, at each longitudinal end of the pair of guides 50, a connecting link 52 for connecting the guides 50 to each other is attached. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, a louver motor 54 is connected to the central portion of the connecting link 52. The louver motor 54 is a motor that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions.

[0031] When the louver motor 54 rotates, the connecting link 52 rotates in conjunction with it, and the pair of guides 50 connected to the connecting link 52 linearly move along their longitudinal directions. At this time, the pair of guides 50 linearly move in opposite directions to each other. As a result, each movable plate 44 supported by the pair of guides 50 rotates around the rotation axis 46 connected to the central portion of each movable plate 44.

[0032] Note that the rotation range of the connecting link 52 is about 90 degrees. One end of the rotation range corresponds to the closed position for closing the louver 40, and the other end corresponds to the open position for opening the louver 40. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, stoppers 56 are disposed at one end and the other end of the rotation range of the connecting link 52, respectively. When the connecting link 52 reaches one end or the other end of the rotation range, the stopper 56 disposed at that position contacts and locks the connecting link 52.

[0033] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, each movable plate 44 has contact portions 48 at both ends in the width direction of each movable plate 44. The contact portion 48 is configured by making each of both ends in the width direction of each movable plate thinner than the central portion in the width direction and attaching a cushion material 48a to the downstream end face. The downstream end face is the end face located more downstream in the clockwise rotation direction when the movable plate 44 is viewed from above. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, in each movable plate 44, the contact portion 48 on one end side in the width direction and the contact portion 48 on the other end side in the width direction are provided so as to have a point-symmetrical positional relationship with respect to the central portion of each movable plate 44 (specifically, the portion to which the rotation shaft 46 is connected).

[0034] In the louver 40, the plurality of movable plates 44 rotate while being synchronized with each other. When each movable plate 44 rotates and reaches the closed position, as shown in the upper figure of FIG. 4, adjacent movable plates 44 and the movable plate 44 located at the outermost end and the fixed plate 42 are in contact with each other without a gap. Strictly speaking, the widthwise end portions of the respective plates overlap each other. As a result, the louver 40 is in a closed state, and the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2 are in a state of being partitioned from each other (that is, spatially blocked). In such a state (blocked state), it is possible to suppress the influence of the environment in one sleeping space from reaching the other sleeping space. That is, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the sleep of others in the same bedroom R due to the actions of the occupants in the bedroom R (specifically, actions such as turning on the lighting 14 or snoring).

[0035] Conversely, when each movable plate 44 rotates and reaches the open position, as shown in the lower diagram of Fig. 4, adjacent movable plates 44 are separated from each other, and a gap is formed between the movable plates 44. As a result, the louver 40 is in an open state, and the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2 are in a continuous state with each other (that is, spatially connected). In such a state (open state), through the gap between the movable plates 44, one sleeping space can be seen from the other sleeping space, so the spatiality and interiority (aesthetic appearance) of the entire bedroom R can be ensured.

[0036] Also, when adjacent movable plates 44 come into contact with each other, that is, when the louver 40 closes, each movable plate 44 comes into contact with the movable plate 44 arranged adjacent to it at the contact portion 48. Here, as described above, the contact portion 48 is constituted by the cushion material 48a. Therefore, the sound (collision sound) when the movable plates 44 come into contact with each other can be reduced, and it is possible to prevent the sleeping occupants from being awakened halfway due to the sound.

[0037] The materials of the fixed plate 42 and the movable plate 44 constituting the louver 40 are not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoint of ensuring the shielding property of the sleeping space by the louver 40, it is preferable that they are materials excellent in light shielding property, sound insulation property, and heat insulation property. For example, each of the fixed plate 42 and the movable plate 44 may be configured by filling a soundproof material (sound absorbing material) and a heat insulating material in a hollow exterior case.

[0038] The control device 30 is a controller that controls the opening and closing state of the louver 40 in order to adjust the sleeping environment in the bedroom R. The control device 30 is composed of a computer and is constituted by, for example, an in-house terminal (specifically, a personal computer for personal use, or a workstation, etc.), or a home gateway, etc. Note that the control device 30 may be constituted by one computer, or may be constituted by a plurality of computers arranged in parallel and distributed.

[0039] Further, the control device 30 may be constituted by an external computer, for example, a server computer. In that case, the server computer constituting the control device 30 may be a server computer for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). In this case, when necessary information is input at the client terminal, the above server computer performs various processes and calculations based on the input information, and the calculation result is output on the client terminal side. That is, the function of the server computer that is the control device 30 can be utilized on the client terminal side.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 30 has a function of remotely controlling the louver motor 54. By controlling the louver motor 54, the opening / closing state of the louver 40 is controlled, and more specifically, the opening and closing of the louver 40 are switched. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the control device 30 has a function of remotely controlling the air conditioner 16 and the opening degree adjustment device 20 (strictly speaking, the motor built in the opening degree adjustment device 20). By controlling the air conditioner 16 and the opening degree adjustment device 20, the temperature, humidity, or air volume of the air supplied from the air conditioner 16 to each sleeping space is controlled. Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, the control device 30 may control the lighting 14 installed in the bedroom R. Specifically, the timing at which the lighting 14 lights up when the switch of the lighting 14 is turned on, and the brightness (illuminance) of the lighting 14 may be controlled.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 30 is communicably connected to each of a lighting switch sensor 22, a sound sensor 24, a temperature sensor 26 inside the bed, and a sleep sensor 28 installed in each of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2. The control device 30 receives output signals from the above sensors at any time or periodically via the in-house network, and acquires information based on the received signals. More specifically, the control device 30 determines the presence or absence of environmental changes in each of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2 based on the output signals from the lighting switch sensor 22, the sound sensor 24, and the in-bed temperature sensor 26. Further, the control device 30 acquires the sleep information of the occupant based on the output signal from the sleep sensor 28.

[0042] When the environment of at least one of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2 changes, the control device 30 controls the opening and closing state of the louver 40 according to the environmental change. More specifically, the control device 30 detects the environmental change in at least one of the sleeping spaces based on the output signals from the above-described sensors. Then, the control device 30 identifies, as the changed environment, a change in the on / off state of the lighting 14, a change in temperature and humidity, or a change in the sound volume in at least one of the sleeping spaces, and controls the opening and closing state of the louver 40 according to the changed environment.

[0043] More specifically, when the on / off state of the lighting 14 in at least one of the sleeping spaces changes (switches), the control device 30 can detect the change based on the output signal from the lighting switch sensor 22. Also, when the sound volume in at least one of the sleeping spaces changes, the control device 30 can detect the change based on the output signal from the sound sensor 24. Further, when the temperature in at least one of the sleeping spaces, strictly speaking, the in-bed temperature of the bed 12 changes, the control device 30 can detect the change based on the output signal from the in-bed temperature sensor 26. If the in-bed temperature sensor 26 can measure the temperature and humidity inside the bed, the control device 30 may detect the change in the temperature and humidity inside the bed based on the output signal from the in-bed temperature sensor 26.

[0044] And when any one of the plurality of environmental items described above changes and satisfies a predetermined condition, the control device 30 controls the opening / closing state of the louver 40 according to the environmental item that satisfies the condition. Here, the condition is preset as a control condition for the opening / closing state of the louver 40 and is stored in the memory of the computer constituting the control device 30 or the like. Also, in the present embodiment, the condition is set for each environmental item and is stored in a state associated with the corresponding environmental item.

[0045] Further, in the present embodiment, when one of the plurality of environmental items satisfies the condition for closing the louver 40 and another of the plurality of environmental items satisfies the condition for opening the louver 40, that is, when the opening / closing control of the louver 40 may conflict (not be consistent). In such a case, the control device gives priority to controlling the louver 40 to the closed state.

[0046] Also, in the present embodiment, when a resident (space user) exists in at least one of the sleeping spaces, the control device 30 acquires the sleep information of the resident based on the output signal from the sleep sensor 28 installed in the sleeping space where the resident is located. And when the environment of at least one of the sleeping spaces changes, the control device 30 controls the opening / closing state of the louver 40 according to the acquired sleep information and the change in the environment.

[0047] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the control device 30 detects changes in the temperature inside the beds (that is, the temperature at the sleeping place) in each of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2 based on the output signal from the in-bed temperature sensor 26. In this case, the control device 30 controls the air conditioner 16 and the opening degree adjustment device 20 according to the change in the temperature inside the beds, and controls the temperature, humidity, or air volume of the air supplied from the air conditioner 16 to each sleeping space.

[0048] Next, the flow of the environmental control process (hereinafter referred to as the environmental control flow) using the above-described environmental control equipment 10 will be described. Among the environmental control flows, the main processes proceed according to the flow shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, in the environmental control flow, first, based on the output signals from the sleep sensors 28 installed in each of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2, the control device 30 identifies the presence or absence of occupants, that is, sleepers, in each sleeping space of the bedroom R (S001). If there is a sleeper in any of the sleeping spaces (Yes in S002), the control device 30 determines the number of sleepers, in other words, whether the sleeping space where the sleeper is located is one or two (S003).

[0049] The subsequent steps differ depending on the determination result in step S003. Specifically, if there is currently one sleeper (No in S003), that is, if the occupant is sleeping in one of the sleeping spaces, the control device 30 identifies the corresponding condition from the control condition table A (S004) and executes control based on the control content corresponding to the identified condition (S005). Here, the corresponding condition refers to the condition that is satisfied at that time among the plurality of conditions defined in the control condition table.

[0050] On the other hand, if there are currently two sleepers (Yes in S003), that is, if the occupants are sleeping in each of the two sleeping spaces, the control device 30 identifies the corresponding conditions for each of the control condition tables B and C (S006, S007). Then, the control device 30 determines whether the control contents match between the corresponding condition in the control condition table B and the corresponding condition in the control condition table C (S008). If the control contents match between the conditions, the control device 30 executes control based on each control content (S009). Conversely, if the control contents differ between the conditions, the control device 30 executes control with priority given to setting the opening / closing state of the louver 40 to the closed state (S010).

[0051] Hereinafter, each of control condition tables A to C will be described. For the sake of easy understanding in the following description, a case will be taken as an example where the occupant sleeping in the first sleeping space S1 is Mr. X and the occupant sleeping in the second sleeping space S2 is Mr. Y.

[0052] (Control Condition Table A) Control condition table A is referred to when there is currently one sleeper. As shown in FIG. 9, it defines the conditions regarding the on / off of the lighting 14 in each sleeping space and the control content set for each condition. The control device 30 detects the change in the on / off of the lighting 14 in each sleeping space based on the output signal from the lighting switch sensor 22 of each sleeping space, and determines which condition among the conditions defined in control condition table A is satisfied.

[0053] Then, the control device 30 sets the control content corresponding to the satisfied condition. For example, when the condition that while Mr. Y is sleeping, Mr. X enters the bedroom R and turns on the lighting 14 in the first sleeping space S1 is satisfied, the control content of switching the louver 40 from the open state to the closed state is set. This is because the recommended value of brightness during sleep is 30 lux or less, while the brightness when the lighting 14 is on is usually about 100 lux. If the lighting 14 lights up while the occupant is sleeping in the bedroom R, there is a possibility of causing the occupant to wake up midway, which is reflected.

[0054] Also, when the condition that while Mr. Y is sleeping, Mr. X turns off the lighting 14 in the first sleeping space S1 and goes to bed is satisfied, the control content of switching the louver 40 from the closed state to the open state is set.

[0055] After the control content is set by the above procedure, the control device 30 controls the open / closed state of the louver 40 based on the set control content. Note that it is preferable for the control device 30 to control the opening / closing state of the louver 40 and also control the lighting timing of the lighting 14. For example, when X enters the bedroom R and turns on the lighting 14 in the first sleeping space S1 while Y is sleeping, the control device 30 may control the louver 40 to the closed state and then turn on the lighting 14, or control the lighting 14 so that the illuminance gradually increases.

[0056] (Control condition table B) The control condition table B is referred to when there are two sleepers at the current time. As shown in FIG. 10, it defines the conditions regarding the loudness of sound and sleep information (specifically, classification of sleep quality) in each sleeping space, and the control content set for each condition. The control device 30 detects a change in the loudness of sound in each sleeping space based on the output signal from the sound sensor 24 in each sleeping space. Also, the control device 30 acquires sleep information about the occupants sleeping in each sleeping space based on the output signal from the sleep sensor 28 in each sleeping space. Further, the control device 30 determines which of the conditions defined in the control condition table B are satisfied based on the changed loudness of sound and the acquired sleep information.

[0057] Then, the control device 30 sets the control content corresponding to the satisfied condition. For example, when X or Y is in REM sleep, the control content of closing the louver 40 is set regardless of the loudness of sound in each sleeping space. This reflects that although the recommended value of sound during sleep is 40 dB or less, even a sound of 40 dB or less may cause a mid-sleep awakening during REM sleep, which is a light sleep.

[0058] Also, when Mr. X and Mr. Y are in non-REM sleep, if the sound level in any of the sleeping spaces is 45 dB or higher, control content is set to close the louver 40. This reflects that the recommended sound level during non-REM sleep is 45 dB or lower, while the sound of a person's snoring is on average 46.2 dB, and intermittent sounds may cause arousal even during deep non-REM sleep.

[0059] Also, when Mr. X and Mr. Y are in non-REM sleep, if the sound level in each sleeping space is less than 45 dB, control content is set to open the louver 40. Control content is set based on the control condition table B according to the above procedure.

[0060] (Control Condition Table C) The control condition table C is referred to when there are two sleepers at the current time. As shown in FIG. 11, it defines the conditions regarding the temperature (specifically, the temperature inside the bed) in each sleeping space and the control content set for each condition. The control device 30 detects the change in the temperature inside the bed in each sleeping space based on the output signal from the in-bed temperature sensor 26 of each sleeping space, and determines which of the conditions defined in the control condition table C are satisfied.

[0061] Then, the control device 30 sets the control content corresponding to the satisfied condition. For example, assume that the temperature inside the bed in one of the two sleeping spaces is 29 - 34°C and the temperature inside the bed in the other is 35°C or higher. In this case, control content is set to close the louver 40, lower the temperature of the air supplied to the air conditioner 16 in the sleeping space where the temperature inside the bed is 35°C or higher, and increase the air volume. This reflects that the ideal indoor temperature during sleep is 20 - 26°C, the ideal humidity is 50 - 60%, and the ideal temperature inside the bed is 29 - 34°C.

[0062] Also, assume that the temperature inside one of the two sleeping spaces is 29 to 34°C, and the temperature inside the other sleeping space is 28°C or lower. In this case, the louver 40 is set to the closed state, and the control content of raising the temperature of the air supplied to the sleeping space where the temperature inside the bed is 28°C or lower and decreasing the air volume is set. Also, assume that the temperature inside one of the two sleeping spaces is 35°C or higher, and the temperature inside the other sleeping space is 28°C or lower. In this case, the louver 40 is set to the closed state, and the opening adjustment device 20 for the sleeping space where the temperature inside the bed is 28°C or lower is fully closed, and the opening adjustment device 20 for the sleeping space where the temperature inside the bed is 35°C or higher is fully opened. The control content is set.

[0063] Also, when the temperature inside the beds of both of the two sleeping spaces is 35°C or higher, the control content of lowering the temperature of the air supplied to each sleeping space is set. Also, when the temperature inside the beds of both of the two sleeping spaces is 28°C or lower, the control content of raising the temperature of the air supplied to each sleeping space is set. The control content is set based on the control condition table C according to the above procedure.

[0064] And in the present embodiment, as described above, the control device 30 determines whether the control content set based on the control condition table B and the control content set based on the control condition table C match (S008 in FIG. 8). When the above two control contents match, the control device 30 controls the opening / closing state of the louver 40, the operating conditions of the air conditioner 16, and the opening degree of the opening adjustment device 20 based on each control content. On the contrary, when the above two control contents are different, the control device 30 executes control that prioritizes setting the opening / closing state of the louver 40 to the closed state.

[0065] <<Regarding the effectiveness of this embodiment>> According to the environmental control equipment 10 described above, when multiple occupants sleep in one bedroom R, a good sleeping environment can be provided for each occupant. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the environment of at least one of the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2 changes, specifically, when the on / off state of the lighting 14, the temperature and humidity, and the sound volume change, the opening / closing state of the louver 40 is controlled according to the change in the environment. Thereby, the influence exerted by each occupant on others sleeping in the same bedroom R can be reduced. As a result, the middle-of-the-night awakening of the occupants during sleep due to environmental changes can be suppressed. For example, even when another person turns on the lighting 14 when entering the bedroom R, the middle-of-the-night awakening of the occupants already sleeping in the bedroom R at that time can be suppressed. Similarly, even when another person snores, talks in their sleep, or makes other sounds during sleep, or when the indoor temperature and humidity change due to the actions of others (for example, changing the settings of the air conditioner 16, etc.), the middle-of-the-night awakening of the sleeping occupants can be suppressed.

[0066] Moreover, with the configuration of this embodiment, it is not necessary to detect the entry of the occupant into the bedroom R, and thus it is not necessary to install a sensor (specifically, a human presence sensor) for that purpose. Therefore, an environmental control equipment 10 with a simpler configuration is realized. Furthermore, since the sensor group used in the environmental control equipment 10 is installed collectively in the bedroom R, it is not necessary to install sensors at each location in the house. Also in this regard, the configuration of the environmental control equipment 10 is simplified.

[0067] Also, in this embodiment, when the control content set for one environmental item does not match the control content set based on other environmental items among a plurality of environmental items (the on / off state of the lighting 14, the temperature and humidity, and the sound volume), the control device 30 executes control that prioritizes setting the opening / closing state of the louver 40 to the closed state. Thereby, the influence caused by the actions of others on the sleeping occupants can be more effectively suppressed, so that a more appropriate and reasonable control of the sleeping environment is realized.

[0068] <<Regarding Other Embodiments>> So far, one embodiment of the environmental control equipment of the present invention has been described. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist. Also, equivalents of the present invention are of course included therein.

[0069] Regarding the control pattern of the opening and closing state of the louver 40 (i.e., the control content defined in the control condition table) described in the above embodiment, it is merely an example, and the opening and closing state of the louver 40 may be controlled with control content different from the above-described content.

[0070] Also, in the above embodiment, the sleep sensor 28 is used to acquire information (sleep information) regarding the sleep state of the occupant, and the opening and closing state of the louver 40 is controlled according to the sleep information and the environmental changes in each sleeping space. However, it is not limited thereto, and the sleep sensor 28 may not be installed and the sleep information may not be used when controlling the opening and closing state of the louver 40. In this case, the configuration of the environmental control equipment 10 can be simplified more because the sleep sensor 28 is not installed, and in this respect, it is more preferable than the above embodiment. On the other hand, if the sleep information is used as in the above embodiment, the opening and closing state of the louver 40 can be controlled with appropriate control content according to the sleep state of the occupant. In this respect, the above embodiment is more preferable.

[0071] Also, in the above embodiment, as the temperature and humidity in each sleeping space, the temperature and humidity at the sleeping place in each sleeping space, specifically, the temperature and humidity inside the mattress of the bed 12 (the temperature and humidity inside the sleeping area) are adopted, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the temperature and humidity in the space away from the bed 12 and other devices in each sleeping space, that is, the room temperature and the indoor humidity, may be adopted as the temperature and humidity in each sleeping space.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, as the environment of each sleeping space in the bedroom R, the on / off state of the lighting 14, the temperature and humidity, and the sound volume in each sleeping space are adopted, and the opening / closing state of the louver 40 is controlled according to changes in these. However, among the above three environmental items, one or two of them may not be adopted. Also, environmental items other than the above may be included. For example, the opening / closing state of the louver 40 may be controlled according to changes in the odor (smell) in each sleeping space. Further, for devices other than the lighting 14 in each sleeping space, for example, the opening / closing state of the louver 40 may be controlled according to changes in the illuminance (brightness) caused by the use of a TV, smartphone, or the like.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the opening / closing device is the louver 40 configured by arranging a plurality of movable plates 44 that can rotate around the rotation axis 46. However, the opening / closing device is not limited to this, and it may be an opening / closing device other than the louver 40, such as an up-and-down moving shutter, a door that opens and closes in the left-right direction, or a partition that expands and contracts like an accordion curtain.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the case where there are two sleeping spaces in the bedroom R is described as an example. However, the number of sleeping spaces included in the bedroom R may be three or more. In that case, an opening / closing device such as the louver 40 is provided between two adjacent sleeping spaces (that is, the first sleeping space S1 and the second sleeping space S2), and the opening / closing state of each opening / closing device may be controlled according to changes in the environment of each sleeping space. Note that in this case, it is not necessary to place the opening / closing device at all positions between the sleeping spaces. In other words, in a bedroom including three or more sleeping spaces, there may be two sleeping spaces that are continuously connected at all times without an opening / closing member intervening between them.

[0075] Regarding a plurality of embodiments including the above-described modifications, the elements and features of each embodiment may be combined as appropriate. That is, among the above-described plurality of embodiments, the configuration in any one of the embodiments may be applicable to other embodiments, and the effects brought about by that configuration may be similarly achieved.

Description of Symbols

[0076] 10 Environmental control equipment 12 Bed 14 Lighting 16 Air conditioner 18 Outlet 20 Opening degree adjustment device 22 Lighting switch sensor (sensor) 24 Sound sensor (sensor) 26 In-bed temperature sensor (sensor) 28 Sleep sensor 30 Control device 40 Louver (opening / closing device) 42 Fixed plate 44 Movable plate 46 Rotating shaft 48 Contact part 48a Cushion material 50 Guide 52 Connecting link 54 Louver motor 56 Stopper R Bedroom (room) S1 First sleeping space S2 Second sleeping space

Claims

1. An environmental control facility installed in a room having a first sleeping space and a second sleeping space, the environmental control facility comprising: an opening / closing device that closes when partitioning the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space and opens when making the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space continuous; and a control device that controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing device in response to a change in the environment when the environment of at least one of the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space changes.

2. Sensors for outputting signals corresponding to the respective environments are installed in each of the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space. The control device identifies the environment after the change when detecting the change in the environment based on the output signal from the sensor, and controls the opening / closing state according to the environment after the change. The environmental control facility according to Claim 1.

3. When any one of the environmental items among the on / off state of lighting, temperature / humidity, and sound volume in the at least one sleeping space changes and satisfies a condition, the control device controls the opening / closing state according to the environmental item that satisfies the condition. The environmental control facility according to Claim 1.

4. When one environmental item among a plurality of environmental items including the on / off state of lighting, temperature / humidity, and sound volume satisfies the condition for closing the opening / closing device, and another environmental item among the plurality of environmental items satisfies the condition for opening the opening / closing device, the control device controls the opening / closing device to be in a closed state. The environmental control facility according to Claim 3.

5. When a space user is present in the at least one sleeping space, the control device acquires sleep information that changes based on the sleep state of the space user, and when the environment of the at least one sleeping space changes, controls the opening / closing state according to the sleep state specified from the sleep information and the change in the environment. The environmental control facility according to Claim 1.

6. Air from an air conditioner is supplied to each of the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space. The control device controls the temperature, humidity, or air volume of the air supplied from the air conditioner in response to a change in temperature at the sleeping location in each of the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space. The environmental control facility according to Claim 1.

7. ​ The opening / closing device is disposed between the first sleeping space and the second sleeping space in the room and has a louver having a plurality of movable plates. The louver opens when adjacent movable plates are spaced apart from each other and closes when adjacent movable plates are in contact with each other. The environmental control equipment according to claim 1, wherein in each of the plurality of movable plates, a contact portion that contacts the adjacent movable plate is constituted by a cushioning material.

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