Environmental control system

Abstract

To provide an environment control system capable of controlling an in-bed environment in consideration of a sleeping position of a user.SOLUTION: An environment control system for controlling an in-bed environment by wind sent from a blower includes: sleeping position detection means for detecting a sleeping position of a user; and a plurality of temperature / humidity sensors disposed at different positions in the vicinity of the user for detecting the temperature and humidity. The environment control system specifies a temperature / humidity sensor whose degree of proximity with the user satisfies a predetermined condition of the plurality of temperature / humidity sensors on the basis of a result of the detection by the sleeping position detection means, and controls a wind sending operation of the blower on the basis of the detection result by the specified sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an environmental control system for controlling the environment inside a bed.

Background Art

[0002] It is known that a person rests the brain by lowering the deep body temperature during sleep. The deep body temperature decreases by increasing the blood flow to the hands and feet after falling asleep to release the heat in the body to the outside, and at the same time, by lowering the surface temperature of the body through sweating. Along with the decrease in the deep body temperature, the person shifts from light sleep (REM sleep) to deep sleep (non-REM sleep), and wakes up after repeating light sleep and deep sleep about 4 to 5 times.

[0003] The rate of decrease in the deep body temperature at the time of transition to the first deep sleep (the first non-REM sleep) immediately after falling asleep is faster than the rate of decrease in the deep body temperature at the time of transition to deep sleep after the second time, and it is known that the higher the rate of decrease in the deep body temperature at this time, the better the quality of sleep. As the environment inside the bed formed between the mattress and the futon, it is said that a temperature range of 32°C to 33°C and a humidity range of 40 to 60% are preferable.

[0004] By maintaining this environment of temperature and humidity (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "temperature and humidity"), the water generated by sweating evaporates quickly, and the body temperature regulation is properly performed. When the temperature and humidity inside the bed are higher than the above range, it becomes difficult for sweat to evaporate, and it becomes difficult to adjust the temperature by sweating. As a result, the deep body temperature cannot be sufficiently lowered, so a good quality of sleep cannot be obtained. When the temperature and humidity inside the bed are lower than the above range, the deep body temperature during non-REM sleep drops too much, and one may wake up due to cold.

[0005] To solve these problems, there are known technologies that adjust the temperature and humidity inside the bedding according to the sleep rhythm, which alternates between light and deep sleep. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mattress ventilation system that includes a sleep information acquisition unit that acquires information on the sleep depth of the mattress user and an airflow control unit that controls the airflow inside the mattress, wherein the airflow control unit increases the airflow during periods of deep sleep (periods when sweating increases in order to lower core body temperature) compared to periods of light sleep. This makes it easier to achieve airflow control that takes temperature and humidity into good balance, and to maintain a comfortable environment inside the bedding. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-118627 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Focusing on the user's sleeping position (the position in which the user sleeps), it is assumed that most users sleep on their backs or on their sides. However, even in these cases, the preferred sleeping position changes from time to time, and the sleeping position also changes as the user turns over during sleep. Therefore, in order to control the bedding environment more appropriately, it is desirable to control the bedding environment while taking the user's sleeping position into consideration.

[0008] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an environmental control system that can control the environment inside the bed while taking into account the user's sleeping position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The environmental control system according to the present invention is an environmental control system that controls the environment inside a bed by wind supplied from a blower, and comprises a sleeping position detection means for detecting the sleeping position of the user, and a plurality of temperature and humidity sensors arranged at different positions near the user for detecting temperature and humidity, and is configured to identify from the plurality of temperature and humidity sensors that satisfy predetermined conditions in terms of proximity to the user based on the detection result of the sleeping position detection means, and to control the blowing operation of the blower based on the detection result of the identified sensor.

[0010] This configuration makes it possible to control the bedding environment while considering the user's sleeping position. The bedding environment refers to the temperature and humidity of the space the user is in contact with while sleeping. If bedding is placed below the user (mattress, futon, etc.) and above the user (blanket, comforter, etc.), then the temperature and humidity of the space enclosed by these bedding items is considered the bedding environment.

[0011] Furthermore, in the environmental control system with the above configuration that controls the environment inside the bedding when sleeping on the bedding, the sleeping position detection means may have a plurality of pressure sensors arranged at different positions when viewed from above on the bedding, and the sleeping position of the user may be detected based on which of the plurality of pressure sensors has reached a predetermined reference value.

[0012] More specifically, the above configuration may be such that each of the plurality of temperature and humidity sensors is arranged in correspondence with each of the plurality of pressure sensors, and the temperature and humidity sensor corresponding to the pressure sensor whose detection result has reached the reference value is identified as satisfying the predetermined condition. More specifically, the above configuration may be such that each of the plurality of temperature and humidity sensors is arranged below the corresponding pressure sensor in the bedding.

[0013] More specifically, the above configuration may be such that at least some of the multiple pressure sensors are positioned at different locations in the width direction so that it is possible to detect whether the user is lying on their back or on their side.

[0014] More specifically, the above configuration may also include the bedding made of a three-dimensional filament assembly obtained by three-dimensionally fusing together filaments made of thermoplastic resin, and the blower configured to blow air into the inside of the bedding.

[0015] More specifically, the above configuration may include a ventilated cover body that covers the bedding, and the air blown into the bedding by the blower body flows upward through the cover body. More specifically, the above configuration may include a configuration in which the blower body is driven based on the detection of a change in the user's sleeping position by the sleeping position detection means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the environmental control system of the present invention, it is possible to control the environment inside the bed while taking into account the user's sleeping position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the environmental control system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a view of the AA' section shown in Figure 1, as seen by the arrow. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system in environmental control system 1. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram for when the user is lying on their back. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram for when the user is lying on their side. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operation control according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operation control according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions (directions orthogonal to each other) are as shown in each figure. In the example of this embodiment, the up-down direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the mattress formed in a plate shape, the front-back direction corresponds to the height direction of a user taking a supine sleeping posture on the mattress, and the left-right direction corresponds to the width direction of the user.

[0019] 1. First Embodiment First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an environmental control system 1 according to the first embodiment (a cross-sectional view when cut by a plane that bisects the bedding approximately in the left-right direction). FIG. 2 is a view taken in the direction of the A-A' cross-section shown in FIG. 1, and shows the approximate position of a user taking a supine sleeping posture by a broken line. FIG. 3 is a block diagram regarding the configuration of the control system in the environmental control system 1. As shown in these figures, the environmental control system 1 includes a mattress 2, a mattress cover 3, a blower 4, an on-mattress pressure measuring device 5, an in-mattress temperature and humidity measuring device 6, an outside-mattress temperature and humidity sensor 7, and a control device 8.

[0020] The mattress 2 (a form of bedding) is a mattress formed of a filament three-dimensional conjugate obtained by three-dimensionally fusion-bonding filaments made of a thermoplastic resin. The filament three-dimensional conjugate has good air permeability and is also easy to wash, etc., so it is excellent in terms of being cleanly usable. Since the manufacturing method, etc. of the filament three-dimensional conjugate are known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Thus, the mattress 2 is composed of a conjugate of elastic filaments having a large number of voids. The entire outer surface of the mattress 2 is covered with a mattress cover 3 (a cover body formed of a thin fabric) having good air permeability.

[0021] The ventilation device 4 is configured to blow air into the mattress 2 and has an intake fan 4a and an exhaust fan 4b. The intake fan 4a is installed on the front edge of the mattress 2, and the exhaust fan 4b is installed on the rear edge of the mattress 2. When these fans 4a and 4b are driven to rotate, air flows from the front outside to the inside of the mattress 2, and at least a portion of this air flows into the upper sleeping environment space (the space in contact with the user) through the mattress cover 3, which has good ventilation. In addition, air flows from the sleeping environment space downwards through the mattress cover 3, passes through the inside of the mattress 2, and is discharged to the rear outside. The greater the airflow from the ventilation device 4 (or the longer the airflow time), the more the sleeping environment space is ventilated with the outside and the temperature and humidity decrease.

[0022] The mattress pressure measuring device 5 has nine pressure sensors, from the first pressure sensor 5a to the ninth pressure sensor 5i (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as pressure sensors 5x). These pressure sensors 5x are each positioned at different locations when viewed from above, near the top surface of the mattress 2.

[0023] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the three pressure sensors 5x, the first pressure sensor 5a to the third pressure sensor 5c, are arranged in a front-to-back spacing in the central and front-facing area of ​​the mattress 2. The three pressure sensors 5x, the fourth pressure sensor 5d to the sixth pressure sensor 5f, are arranged in a front-to-back spacing in the left-to-front-facing area of ​​the mattress 2. The three pressure sensors 5x, the seventh pressure sensor 5g to the ninth pressure sensor 5i, are arranged in a front-to-back spacing in the right-to-front-facing area of ​​the mattress 2.

[0024] With this arrangement, as shown in Figure 4, when the user assumes a supine sleeping position on the mattress 2, the first pressure sensors 5a to the third pressure sensors 5c are easily pressed by the user, the fourth pressure sensors 5d to the sixth pressure sensors 5f are easily pressed near the user's left shoulder or left arm, and the seventh pressure sensors 5g to the ninth pressure sensors 5i are easily pressed near the user's right shoulder or right arm.

[0025] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, when the user assumes a left-facing lateral sleeping position on the mattress 2, the first pressure sensors 5a to the sixth pressure sensors 5f are easily pressed by the user's left side, but the seventh pressure sensors 5g to the ninth pressure sensors 5i are not pressed by the user. Also, when the user assumes a right-facing lateral sleeping position on the mattress 2, the first pressure sensors 5a to the third pressure sensors 5c and the seventh pressure sensors 5g to the ninth pressure sensors 5i are easily pressed by the user's right side, but the fourth pressure sensors 5d to the sixth pressure sensors 5f are not pressed by the user. In this way, the mattress pressure measuring device 5 is capable of detecting the user's sleeping position (the user's position when lying down on the mattress 2).

[0026] The mattress temperature and humidity measuring device 6 has nine temperature and humidity sensors, from the first temperature and humidity sensor 6a to the ninth temperature and humidity sensor 6i (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as temperature and humidity sensors 6x). Temperature and humidity sensors are sensors that detect temperature and humidity. Each temperature and humidity sensor 6x is positioned at a different location when viewed from above in the mattress 2. More specifically, the nth temperature and humidity sensor (n is an integer from 1 to 9) is positioned directly below the nth pressure sensor. In this way, each of the multiple temperature and humidity sensors 6x corresponds to each of the multiple pressure sensors 5x, and is positioned below the corresponding pressure sensor 5x.

[0027] The mattress external temperature and humidity sensor 7 is located on the outside of the mattress 2 and detects the temperature and humidity outside the sleeping environment. The control device 8 is composed of a calculation control device and the like, and as shown in Figure 3, controls the airflow operation of the blower 4 (in this embodiment, the rotation speed and rotation time of each fan 4a, 4b) based on the information obtained from the mattress top pressure measuring device 5, the mattress internal temperature and humidity measuring device 6, and the mattress external temperature and humidity sensor 7.

[0028] Controlling the rotational speed of each fan 4a and 4b corresponds to controlling the airflow rate of the blower 4, and controlling the rotational time of each fan 4a and 4b corresponds to controlling the airflow time of the blower 4. Generally, the temperature and humidity of the bedding environment decrease as the airflow rate or airflow time increases. However, the airflow operation may be controlled by controlling only one of the airflow rate or airflow time of the blower 4.

[0029] Next, the control flow of the air blowing operation of the blower 4 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0030] The control device 8 acquires information on the pressure detection values ​​from each of the first to ninth pressure sensors 5x at the present time (step S1), and monitors whether any of the pressure detection values ​​are within a predetermined range Ps (step S2). This predetermined range Ps is set to a range in which the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor 5x falls when the mattress 2 is supporting the user's areas that sweat excessively (areas that tend to sweat relatively easily) above the pressure sensor 5x.

[0031] More specifically, if the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 5x is too low (less than 19.8 mmHG in this embodiment), it is assumed that at the position of the pressure sensor 5x, the user is either not touching the mattress 2 or is only lightly touching it, and the mattress 2 is not supporting the user's areas of heavy sweating. On the other hand, if the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 5x is too high (55 mmHG or higher in this embodiment), it is assumed that at the position of the pressure sensor 5x, only the user's bones are touching the mattress 2, and the mattress 2 is not supporting the user's areas of heavy sweating. In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined range Ps is set to 19.8 to 55 mmHG. However, the specific range of the predetermined range Ps is not limited to this.

[0032] When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 5x is within the predetermined range Ps, it is assumed that the upper side of the pressure sensor 5x on the mattress 2 is being pressed against the user's area of ​​heavy sweating. On the other hand, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 5x is outside the predetermined range Ps, it is assumed that the upper side of the pressure sensor 5x on the mattress 2 is not being pressed against the user's area of ​​heavy sweating.

[0033] From this, when the user assumes a supine sleeping position on mattress 2, the pressure detection values ​​of the first pressure sensors 5a to the ninth pressure sensors 5i may fall within the predetermined range Ps. On the other hand, when the user assumes a left-facing lateral sleeping position on mattress 2, the pressure detection values ​​of the first pressure sensors 5a to the sixth pressure sensors 5f may fall within the predetermined range Ps, but the pressure detection values ​​of the seventh pressure sensor 5g to the ninth pressure sensor 5i will not fall within the predetermined range Ps. Furthermore, when the user assumes a right-facing lateral sleeping position on mattress 2, the pressure detection values ​​of the first pressure sensors 5a to the third pressure sensors 5c and the seventh pressure sensor 5g to the ninth pressure sensor 5i may fall within the predetermined range Ps, but the pressure detection values ​​of the fourth pressure sensor 5d to the sixth pressure sensor 5f will not fall within the predetermined range Ps.

[0034] Thus, the pattern of pressure sensor 5x in which the detected pressure value falls within the predetermined range Ps differs depending on whether the user is lying on their back, on their left side, or on their right side. Therefore, for example, if the pressure detection value of at least one of the pressure sensors in the central column (1st pressure sensor 5a to 3rd pressure sensor 5c), at least one of the pressure sensors in the left column (4th pressure sensor 5d to 6th pressure sensor 5f), and at least one of the pressure sensors in the right column (7th pressure sensor 5g to 9th pressure sensor 5i) is within a predetermined range Ps, the user's sleeping position is supine; if the pressure detection value of at least one of the pressure sensors in the central column and at least one of the pressure sensors in the left column is within a predetermined range Ps, the user's sleeping position is left-facing lateral position; and if the pressure detection value of at least one of the pressure sensors in the central column and at least one of the pressure sensors in the right column is within a predetermined range Ps, the user's sleeping position is right-facing lateral position. In this way, the user's sleeping position can be determined.

[0035] In the environmental control system 1, the first to third pressure sensors 5c in the central column, the fourth to sixth pressure sensors 5f in the left column, and the seventh to ninth pressure sensors 5g in the right column are positioned at different locations in the width direction (left-right direction) so that it is possible to detect whether the user is sleeping in a supine or lateral position. The mattress pressure measuring device 5, which has each pressure sensor 5x, serves as a means for detecting the user's sleeping position and can also detect whether the user is sleeping in a supine or lateral position. Therefore, the environmental control system 1 can control the airflow operation of the air blower 4 according to the user's sleeping position, and can also take the sleeping position into consideration at that time. In addition, the position and number of each pressure sensor 5x may be adjusted according to the characteristics of each user's body type and sleeping position in order to detect the user's sleeping position and sleeping posture with greater accuracy.

[0036] If any of the detected pressure values ​​are within a predetermined range Ps (Yes in step S2), the control device 8 identifies the temperature and humidity sensor 6x directly below the pressure sensor 5x whose pressure detected value was within the predetermined range Ps (i.e., the temperature and humidity sensor 6x corresponding to the pressure sensor 5x) (step S3). This process corresponds to identifying among multiple temperature and humidity sensors 6x that are sufficiently close to the user's sweaty areas (those whose proximity to the user satisfies predetermined conditions). Furthermore, the control device 8 calculates each heat index U from the current temperature detected value Mt and humidity detected value Mh of each temperature and humidity sensor 6x identified in step S3 (step S4).

[0037] This heat index U is a value calculated for each temperature and humidity sensor 6x, and is calculated, for example, by the following equation (1). U = k1 × Mt + k2 × Mh ... (1) However, k1 and k2 are pre-set positive values. As is clear from equation (1), the larger the temperature detection value Mt, the larger the heat index U, and the larger the humidity detection value Mh, the larger the heat index U. A higher heat index U indicates a higher temperature or humidity in the bedding environment.

[0038] In step S4, if temperature detection values ​​Mt are obtained from multiple temperature and humidity sensors 6x, the highest or average of these values ​​may be considered as the temperature detection value Mt for calculating the heat index U. Similarly, if humidity detection values ​​Mh are obtained from multiple temperature and humidity sensors 6x, the highest or average of these values ​​may be considered as the humidity detection value Mh for calculating the heat index U. Furthermore, if a temperature and humidity sensor 6x corresponding to a part of the user's torso closer to the center (a part that is expected to sweat more easily) is set, and multiple temperature detection values ​​Mt or humidity detection values ​​Mh are obtained, the detection value of this set temperature and humidity sensor 6x may be given priority when calculating the heat index U.

[0039] Next, the control device 8 determines whether the maximum value Ux of each heat index U calculated above is greater than or equal to a predetermined value Uz (step S5). If the result is that the maximum value Ux is less than the predetermined value Uz (No in step S5), it is determined that airflow by the air blower 4 is not necessary at this time, and the control device 8 returns to the process of step S1 described above. On the other hand, if the maximum value Ux is greater than or equal to the predetermined value Uz (Yes in step S5), it is determined that airflow by the air blower 4 is necessary at this time, and the control device 8 then calculates the cooling index W from the temperature detected values ​​Rt and Rh of the mattress external temperature and humidity sensor at this time (step S6).

[0040] This cooling index W can be calculated, for example, by the following equation (2). W = k³ × Rt + k⁴ × Rh ... (2) However, k3 and k4 are pre-set positive values. As is clear from equation (2), the larger the temperature detection value Rt, the larger the cooling index W, and the larger the humidity detection value Rh, the larger the cooling index W. A larger cooling index W indicates that the temperature or humidity in the surrounding space (outside the space of the bedding environment) is higher.

[0041] Next, the control device 8 calculates the fan speed Fr and fan rotation time Ft from the maximum value Ux and the cooling index W (step S7). These fan speed Fr and fan rotation time Ft are calculated, for example, by the following equations (3) and (4). Fr = k5 × Ux - k6 × W ... (3) Ft = k7 × Ux - k8 × W ... (4) However, k5 to k8 are pre-set positive values. As is clear from equations (3) and (4), the larger the maximum value Ux, the larger the fan speed Fr and fan rotation time Ft, and the larger the cooling index W, the smaller the fan speed Fr and fan rotation time Ft. As shown in equations (1) to (4) above, the higher the temperature or humidity of the bedding environment is compared to the surrounding space, the more desirable it is to lower the temperature or humidity of the bedding environment, so the fan speed Fr and fan rotation time Ft are set to be larger.

[0042] Next, the control device 8 drives the blower 4 at the calculated fan speed Fr (revolutions per unit time) and fan rotation time Ft (length of time) (step S8). As a result, the intake fan 4a and exhaust fan 4b of the blower 4 rotate at the fan speed Fr for the fan rotation time Ft. Once the process of step S8 is completed, the control device 8 returns to the process of step S1.

[0043] Furthermore, the specific procedure for calculating the fan rotation speed Fr and fan rotation time Ft described above can be modified in various ways, such as by taking into account whether the user's sleeping position is supine or lateral. For example, when the user is sleeping in a supine position, the airtightness of the space in the sleeping environment formed between the mattress 2 and the comforter tends to be higher (and therefore the temperature and humidity tend to rise) compared to when the user is sleeping in a lateral position. Therefore, if the user's sleeping position is determined to be "supine" based on the detection results of each pressure sensor 5x, a predetermined coefficient may be multiplied in the calculation process of step S7 so that the fan rotation speed Fr or fan rotation time Ft is higher than when it is determined to be "lateral".

[0044] A specific example of controlling the airflow operation of the aforementioned blower 4 will be explained below, based on an example of the use of the environmental control system 1.

[0045] The control device 8 monitors whether the pressure detected by any of the pressure sensors 5x is within a predetermined range Ps (see steps S1 to S2). In this situation, when the user assumes a lying position on the mattress 2, the pressure is applied to the areas of the user that sweat excessively, causing the pressure detected by any of the pressure sensors 5x to fall within the predetermined range Ps (Yes in step S2). At this time, depending on the user's lying position, the pressure detected by any of the pressure sensors 5x will fall within the predetermined range Ps.

[0046] Subsequently, by identifying the temperature and humidity sensors 6x directly below the pressure sensor 5x whose pressure detection value was within a predetermined range Ps (step S3), temperature and humidity sensors 6x that are not pressed by the user's sweaty areas are excluded, and only the temperature and humidity sensors 6x that are pressed by the user's sweaty areas are identified. This identifies the temperature and humidity sensors 6x that are close to the user's sweaty areas, i.e., the temperature and humidity sensors 6x that are greatly affected by the heat and moisture from the user's sweat. Then, by calculating each heat index U from the detection values ​​of each identified temperature and humidity sensor 6x (step S4), information on the heat index U that accurately reflects the effects of the heat and moisture from the user's sweat is obtained.

[0047] Then, if the maximum value Ux of each heat index U is greater than or equal to a predetermined value Uz (Yes in step S5), the blower 4 is driven at the fan speed Fr and fan rotation time Ft (step S8), lowering the temperature and humidity of the bedding environment and controlling the bedding environment to a comfortable state. When the fan speed Fr and fan rotation time Ft are calculated, the maximum value Ux of the heat index U, which accurately reflects the effects of heat and moisture from sweat emitted by the user, is taken into consideration, making it easy to calculate these values ​​appropriately.

[0048] Furthermore, each time steps S3 and S4 are performed, a heat index U is calculated according to the user's sleeping position at that time, and the airflow operation of the blower 4 is controlled based on this calculation result. Therefore, even if the user turns over in their sleep and their sleeping position changes, the airflow operation of the blower 4 can be appropriately controlled in accordance with this change.

[0049] 2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The environmental control system according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the environmental control system according to the first embodiment, except for the flow of operation control of the blower 4. In the following description, emphasis will be placed on explaining the differences from the first embodiment, and explanations of points common to the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0050] The control flow of the air blowing operation of the blower 4 in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 7. Note that the processing of steps S1 to S8 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted here.

[0051] Once step S8 is complete, the control device 8 acquires information on the pressure detection values ​​from each of the first to ninth pressure sensors 5x at the current time (step S9), and determines whether any of the pressure detection values ​​from each pressure sensor 5x are within a predetermined range Ps (step S10). If none of the pressure detection values ​​are within the predetermined range Ps (No in step S10), the control device 8 returns to the process of step S1.

[0052] On the other hand, if any of the pressure detection values ​​are within the predetermined range Ps (Yes in step S10), the control device 8 then determines whether the pressure sensor 5x whose pressure detection value was within the predetermined range Ps is different from the previous one (step S11). That is, it is determined whether the pressure sensor 5x whose pressure detection value was within the predetermined range Ps during the execution of the process in step S10 is different from the pressure sensor 5x whose pressure detection value was within the predetermined range Ps during the execution of the most recent process in step S2 or S10 (i.e., the equivalent process performed the previous time).

[0053] If it is determined that the results are the same (No in step S11), the control device 8 returns to the process in step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the results are different (Yes in step S11), it is assumed that the user has turned over in their sleep. In that case, the control device 8 drives the blower 4 to compensate for the delay in detecting the rise in temperature and humidity after turning over (step S12), and then returns to the process in step S1.

[0054] Here, we will explain the "delay in detecting temperature and humidity rise after turning over in sleep" mentioned above. When the process of step S1 is performed after the user turns over in sleep, the process of step S3 identifies the pressure sensor 5x that is pressed against the area of ​​heavy sweating of the user after turning over, and in the process of step S4, each heat index U is calculated from the temperature detection value Mt and humidity detection value Mh of the temperature and humidity sensor 6x directly below it (that is, the temperature and humidity sensor 6x located below the area of ​​heavy sweating of the user after turning over in sleep, which will be conveniently referred to as the "specific temperature and humidity sensor"), and the fan rotation speed Fr and fan rotation time Ft are calculated based on each heat index U (step S7).

[0055] However, after the user turns over in their sleep, there is a time lag before the effect of the rise in temperature and humidity of the bedding environment due to the user's body temperature and sweat reaches the specific temperature and humidity sensor. This time lag is the main cause of the specific temperature and humidity sensor's detection delay (error between the actual temperature and humidity of the bedding environment and the value detected by the specific temperature and humidity sensor). As a result, the temperature detection value Mt and humidity detection value Mh become smaller than their original values, which may lead to insufficient driving of the blower device 4 (rotation speed and rotation time of each fan 4a, 4b). Therefore, in this embodiment, the process in step S12 is performed to minimize such insufficient driving of the blower device 4. In this way, in this embodiment, the blower device 4 is driven based on the detection of a change in the user's sleeping position, making it possible to minimize the problem caused by the delay in detecting the rise in temperature and humidity after the user turns over in their sleep.

[0056] In step S12, various configurations can be used to determine how much the blower 4 is driven. For example, it may be driven with a preset fan speed and fan rotation time, or it may be driven with a fan speed and fan rotation time calculated from a predetermined calculation formula depending on the situation. In this embodiment, the blower 4 is driven with the fan speed Fr and fan rotation time Ft calculated in the most recent step S7.

[0057] 3. Others As described above, the environmental control system 1 according to each embodiment is a system that controls the environment inside the bed by wind sent from a blower 4, and comprises a sleeping position detection means for detecting the user's sleeping position, and a plurality of temperature and humidity sensors 6a to 6i arranged at different positions near the user to detect temperature and humidity. Based on the detection result of the sleeping position detection means, the environmental control system 1 identifies a temperature and humidity sensor 6a to 6i whose proximity to the user satisfies a predetermined condition, and controls the airflow operation of the blower 4 based on the detection result of the identified temperature and humidity sensor 6x. Therefore, the environmental control system 1 makes it possible to control the environment inside the bed while taking into account the user's sleeping position.

[0058] Furthermore, the environmental control system 1 according to each embodiment controls the environment inside the bed when sleeping on the bedding (mattress 2), and the sleeping position detection means has a plurality of pressure sensors 5a to 5i arranged at different positions when viewed from above on the bedding, and the sleeping position of the user is detected based on whether the detection result of any of these pressure sensors reaches a predetermined reference value (corresponding to the lower limit of a predetermined range Ps). Therefore, according to the environmental control system 1, it is possible to detect the sleeping position of the user by utilizing the plurality of pressure sensors 5a to 5i.

[0059] Furthermore, in each embodiment of the environmental control system 1, each of the multiple temperature and humidity sensors 6a to 6i is arranged in correspondence with each of the multiple pressure sensors 5a to 5i, and the temperature and humidity sensor 6x corresponding to the pressure sensor 5x whose detection result has reached the reference value is identified as satisfying the predetermined conditions. As a result, the environmental control system 1 can appropriately control the airflow operation of the air blower 4 based on the detection results of the temperature and humidity sensors 6x located near the user's areas of heavy sweating, regardless of the user's sleeping position. The positions in which the pressure sensors and temperature and humidity sensors are arranged are not particularly limited as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention, but it is desirable that at least some of these sensors be arranged in positions corresponding to areas of heavy sweating such as the user's back or armpits, and in positions where body pressure is applied.

[0060] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, the above embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated not by the above description of embodiments, but by the claims, and should be understood to include all modifications that fall within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0061] This invention can be used in environmental control systems that control the environment within a sleeping area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Environmental control system 2 mattresses 3 Mattress cover 4. Blower 4a Intake fan 4b Exhaust fan 5. Mattress pressure measuring device 5a~5i, 5x pressure sensor 6. Mattress temperature and humidity measuring device 6a~6i,6x Temperature and Humidity Sensor 7. Mattress external temperature and humidity sensor 8 Control device

Claims

1. An environmental control system that controls the environment in a bed by air blown from a blower, a sleeping position detection means for detecting a sleeping position of a user; a plurality of temperature and humidity sensors disposed at different positions near the user to detect temperature and humidity; An environmental control system characterized by identifying one of the multiple temperature and humidity sensors whose degree of proximity to the user meets a predetermined condition based on the detection result of the sleeping position detection means, and controlling the air blowing operation of the air blower device based on the detection result of the identified sensor.

2. 2. The environmental control system according to claim 1, which controls the environment in the bed when the user sleeps on the bedding, The lying position detection means An environmental control system characterized by having multiple pressure sensors arranged at different positions on the bedding when viewed from above, and detecting the user's sleeping position based on which of the multiple pressure sensors' detection results reaches a predetermined standard value.

3. the plurality of temperature and humidity sensors are arranged corresponding to the plurality of pressure sensors, 3. The environmental control system according to claim 2, wherein the temperature and humidity sensor corresponding to the pressure sensor whose detection result reaches the reference value is identified as satisfying the predetermined condition.

4. 4. The environmental control system according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of temperature and humidity sensors is disposed below the corresponding pressure sensor in the bedding.

5. 5. The environmental control system according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the pressure sensors are arranged at different positions in the width direction so as to be able to detect whether the user's sleeping position is supine or lateral.

6. The bedding is made of a three-dimensional filament bonded body obtained by three-dimensionally fusing and bonding filaments made of a thermoplastic resin; 6. The environmental control system according to claim 1, further comprising: the air blower configured to blow air into the inside of the bedding.

7. A breathable cover body is provided to cover the bedding, 7. The environmental control system according to claim 6, wherein the air sent into the bedding by the air blowing device flows upward through the cover body.

8. 8. The environmental control system according to claim 1, wherein the air blower is driven based on the detection of a change in the user's sleeping position by the sleeping position detection means.

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