Control apparatus, computer program, adjustment method, and control system

Abstract

To provide a novel technique capable of appropriately adjusting an opening degree of a flow control valve.SOLUTION: A control apparatus for adjusting an opening degree of a flow control valve may be provided. The control apparatus may adjust the opening degree so that an amount of correction of the opening degree during a specific period becomes larger as an absolute value of a difference between a target flow rate and a measured flow rate of a fluid in a flow path in which the flow control valve is disposed becomes larger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a mixing device that mixes hot water and cold water. The mixing device includes a water supply channel, a hot water supply channel, and a mixing channel through which the hot water and water flow from each channel. The water supply channel and the hot water supply channel each have a flow control valve that adjusts the opening of the channel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-148985 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above document does not disclose any method for adjusting the opening of a flow rate adjustment valve. This specification discloses a novel technique that can appropriately adjust the opening of a flow rate adjustment valve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device that adjusts the aperture of a flow rate control valve. The control device may adjust the aperture so that the greater the absolute value of a flow rate difference between a target flow rate value of a fluid in a flow path in which the flow rate control valve is disposed and a measured flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path, the greater the amount of correction of the aperture in a specific period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a plumbing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mixing device and a control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 shows a flowchart of a process executed by the control device of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 shows a flowchart of a process executed by the control device of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 shows a flowchart of a process executed by the control device of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] (Configuration of plumbing equipment) As shown in FIG. 1, the plumbing device 2 includes a plumbing fixture 4, a bowl 8 that receives water discharged from the plumbing fixture 4 and directs it to a drainage path, and a control system 1. The control system 1 includes a mixer 10 and a control device 40. FIG. 1 shows the plumbing fixture 4 and the bowl 8 in a perspective view. FIG. 1 illustrates the connection between the plumbing fixture 4 and the upstream side including the mixer 10, with the upstream side including the mixer 10 shown in a block diagram. The plumbing fixture 4 includes a faucet 5 that discharges water flowing from the mixer 10 into the bowl 8, and an operating device 6 that allows the user to adjust the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 5. The user can set the flow rate and temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 5 by operating the operating device 6. The operating device 6 transmits a signal indicating the flow rate and temperature set by the user to the mixer 10. The plumbing device 2 is used in a washbasin, kitchen unit, bathtub unit, etc.

[0008] (Configuration of mixing device) The mixer 10 is disposed between a pipe 102 communicating with a drinking water pipe and the faucet fitting 4. The mixer 10 is connected to each of the pipes 104, 106, and 110. Water is supplied from the pipe 102 to the water supply pipe 104. Water that has passed through the water heater 100 is supplied from the pipe 102 to the hot water supply pipe 106. The water heater 100 heats the water supplied from the pipe 102. Water that has passed through the water heater 100 flows through the hot water supply pipe 106. Hereinafter, the water that passes through the hot water supply pipe 106 will be referred to as "hot water" to distinguish it from the water that flows through the water supply pipe 104. Water that has passed through the mixer 10 flows through the mixing pipe 110. Hereinafter, the water that passes through the mixing pipe 110 (i.e., the water discharged from the faucet fitting 4) will be referred to as "mixed water" to distinguish it from the water that flows through the water supply pipe 104. The temperature of the mixed water is not particularly limited. The upper end of the mixing tube 110 is connected to the water fitting 4 .

[0009] As shown in Fig. 2, the mixing device 10 is provided with a hot water side temperature sensor 12, a hot water side flow rate adjustment valve 14, and a hot water side flow rate sensor 16 in a hot water supply pipe 106. The hot water side temperature sensor 12, the hot water side flow rate adjustment valve 14, and the hot water side flow rate sensor 16 are arranged in this order from the upstream side. The mixing device 10 is provided with a cold water side temperature sensor 18, a cold water side flow rate adjustment valve 20, and a cold water side flow rate sensor 22 in a water supply pipe 104. The cold water side temperature sensor 18, the cold water side flow rate adjustment valve 20, and the cold water side flow rate sensor 22 are arranged in this order from the upstream side. The mixing device 10 is provided with a mixing pipe 110 and a mixing temperature sensor 24.

[0010] The hot water side temperature sensor 12, the water side temperature sensor 18, and the mixed water temperature sensor 24 are each a thermistor. The hot water side temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature of hot water passing through the hot water supply pipe 106. Hereinafter, the temperature detected by the hot water side temperature sensor 12 will be referred to as the hot water temperature Th. The water side temperature sensor 18 detects the temperature of water passing through the water supply pipe 104. Hereinafter, the temperature detected by the water side temperature sensor 18 will be referred to as the water temperature Tc. The mixed water temperature sensor 24 detects the temperature of the mixed water passing through the mixing pipe 110. Hereinafter, the temperature of the mixed water detected by the mixed water temperature sensor 24 will be referred to as the mixed water temperature Tm.

[0011] The hot water side flow control valve 14 switches between communication and blockage between the path in the hot water supply pipe 106 and the mixing pipe 110. The hot water side flow control valve 14 includes a valve element 15 and a hot water side stepping motor 17. The opening of the valve element 15 is adjusted according to the temperature and flow rate of the mixed water to be supplied to the faucet fitting 4. When the valve element 15 is closed, the path in the hot water supply pipe 106 is blocked from the mixing pipe 110. When the valve element 15 is open, the path in the hot water supply pipe 106 is connected to the mixing pipe 110. The amount of hot water flowing from the path in the hot water supply pipe 106 into the mixing pipe 110 can be adjusted depending on the opening of the valve element 15. The opening of the valve element 15 can be adjusted in stages. The hot water side stepping motor 17 moves the valve element 15 by rotating the motor. Therefore, the hot water side flow control valve 14 can adjust the opening of the valve element 15 by changing the rotation amount of the hot water side stepping motor 17.

[0012] The water-side flow rate control valve 20 switches between communication and blockage between the path in the water supply pipe 104 and the mixing pipe 110. The water-side flow rate control valve 20 includes a valve element 21 and a water-side stepping motor 23. The opening of the valve element 21 is adjusted according to the temperature and flow rate of the mixed water to be supplied to the faucet fitting 4. When the valve element 21 is closed, the path in the water supply pipe 104 is blocked from the mixing pipe 110. When the valve element 21 is open, the path in the water supply pipe 104 is connected to the mixing pipe 110. The amount of hot water flowing from the path in the water supply pipe 104 into the mixing pipe 110 can be adjusted depending on the opening of the valve element 21. The opening of the valve element 21 can be adjusted in stages. The water-side stepping motor 23 moves the valve element 21 by rotating the motor. Therefore, the water-side flow rate control valve 20 can adjust the opening of the valve element 21 by changing the rotation amount of the water-side stepping motor 23.

[0013] The hot water side flow sensor 16 and the cold water side flow sensor 22 each include an impeller. Each flow sensor 16, 22 detects the flow rate based on the rotation speed of its respective impeller. The type of each flow sensor 16, 22 is not particularly limited. For example, each flow sensor 16, 22 may detect the flow rate using ultrasound. The hot water side flow sensor 16 is disposed in the hot water supply pipe 106 and detects the flow rate of hot water passing through the hot water supply pipe 106. Hereinafter, the hot water flow rate detected by the hot water side flow sensor 16 will be referred to as the hot water flow rate Qh. The cold water side flow sensor 22 is disposed in the water supply pipe 104 and detects the flow rate of water passing through the water supply pipe 104. Hereinafter, the water flow rate detected by the cold water side flow sensor 22 will be referred to as the water flow rate Qc.

[0014] (Configuration of the operation device) As shown in Fig. 2, the operation device 6 includes a wired interface 41 and an operation unit 42. Below and in the drawings, the interface will be referred to as "I / F." The wired I / F 41 is an I / F for performing wired communication with the control device 40. In a modified example, the operation device 6 may include a wireless I / F instead of the wired I / F.

[0015] (Control device configuration) The control device 40 is a device for controlling the mixing device 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 40 includes a control unit 30, a wired I / F 32, and a memory .

[0016] The control unit 30 executes various processes in accordance with a program 35 stored in the memory 34. The control unit 30 is also electrically connected to the wired I / F and the memory 34, and can control the operation of each of these elements. The memory 34 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, etc. The memory 34 stores various programs. The memory 34 also stores a flow rate adjustment table 36.

[0017] The flow rate adjustment table 36 associates the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value (e.g., "A1 or more," "A2 or more and less than A1," etc.), the valve disc opening correction amount (e.g., "10," "5," "0"), and the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening (e.g., "first time Tth1," "second time Tth2"). The control device 40 can adjust the combination of the valve disc opening correction amount and the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening to four levels depending on the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value. For example, if the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is A1 or more, the control device 40 can determine the valve disc opening correction amount to be 10 steps and the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening to be the first time Tth1. If the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is greater than or equal to A2 and less than A1, the control device 40 can determine the amount of correction to the valve disc opening to be 5 steps and the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening to be the first time Tth1. If the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is greater than or equal to A3 and less than A2, the control device 40 can determine the amount of correction to the valve disc opening to be 5 steps and the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening to be the second time Tth2. The second time Tth2 is longer than the first time Tth1. If the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is less than A3, the control device 40 can determine the amount of correction to the valve disc opening to be 0 steps (i.e., no rotation) and the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening to be the second time Tth2. In a modified example, the control device 40 may be able to adjust the combination of the opening degree of the valve element and the time interval for changing the opening degree of the valve element in two stages, three stages, five stages or more stages.

[0018] The amount of correction to the valve disc opening is adjusted according to the amount of rotation of the stepping motor. The amount of rotation of the hot water side stepping motor 17 in one step operation is calculated by multiplying the stepping angle by the number of steps (i.e., how many steps it rotates). The number of steps is determined according to the number of input pulses input to the stepping motor. For example, when a predetermined number of input pulses (e.g., two) are input to the stepping motor, it rotates one step. When a predetermined number of input pulses X times (X is an integer greater than or equal to 1) are input to the stepping motor, it rotates X steps. As the number of input pulses decreases, the number of steps also decreases. In other words, the amount of rotation of the stepping motor in one step operation is determined according to the number of input pulses.

[0019] This will be explained with reference to specific numerical values. When the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is equal to or greater than A1, the control device 40 determines the amount of correction of the valve disc opening to be 10 steps, and determines the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening to be the first time Tth1. In other words, the control device 40 corrects the valve disc opening by 10 steps at the first time Tth1. Next, when the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is equal to or greater than A2 and less than A1, the control device 40 determines the amount of correction of the valve disc opening to be 5 steps, and determines the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening to be the first time Tth1. In other words, the control device 40 corrects the valve disc opening by 5 steps at the first time Tth1. Therefore, the control device 40 adjusts the opening so that the correction amount of the opening during the specific period (i.e., the first time Tth1) increases as the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value increases.

[0020] When the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is equal to or greater than A3 and less than A2, the control device 40 determines the correction amount of the valve disc opening to be five steps, and determines the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening to be the second time Tth2. In other words, the control device 40 corrects the valve disc opening by five steps during the second time Tth2. The second time Tth2 is longer than the first time Tth1. For example, assume that the second time Tth2 is twice the value of the first time Tth1. In this case, correcting the valve disc opening by five steps during the second time Tth2 is equivalent to correcting the valve disc opening by 2.5 steps during the first time Tth1. In this way, the control device 40 adjusts the opening so that the correction amount of the opening during the specific period (first time Tth1) increases as the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate increases.

[0021] The control device 40 stores in the flow rate adjustment table 36 a first combination in which the correction amount of the valve disc opening is 10 and the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening is a first time Tth1, and a second combination in which the correction amount of the valve disc opening is 5 and the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening is also a first time Tth1. The first and second combinations differ in the correction amount of the valve disc opening. In this way, by changing only the correction amount of the valve disc opening, the opening is adjusted so that the correction amount of the opening in a specific period increases as the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value increases.

[0022] The control device 40 stores a third combination in the flow rate adjustment table 36, in which the correction amount of the valve disc opening is 5 and the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening is a second time Tth2. The second and third combinations differ in the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening. In this way, by changing only the time interval for correcting the valve disc opening, the opening is adjusted so that the correction amount of the opening in the specific period increases as the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value increases.

[0023] The relationship between the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value and the correction amount of the opening for the specific period (first time Tth1) may be nonlinear. Specifically, the correction amount of the opening for the specific period when the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is a first value is defined as the first correction amount. The change in the opening for the specific period when the absolute value is a second value that is X times the first value is defined as the second correction amount. The second correction amount may be Y times the first correction amount. X and Y are greater than 1 and different from each other.

[0024] The wired I / F 32 is an I / F for performing wired communication with each device. The wired I / F 32 is wiredly connected to the wired I / F 41 of the operating device 6, and to the hot water side temperature sensor 12, the hot water side stepping motor 17 of the hot water side flow rate control valve 14, the hot water side flow rate sensor 16, the cold water side temperature sensor 18, the cold water side stepping motor 23 of the cold water side flow rate control valve 20, the cold water side flow rate sensor 22, and the mixing temperature sensor 24 of the mixing device 10. In a modified example, the control device 40 may be provided with a wireless I / F instead of the wired I / F.

[0025] (Processing by the control device; Figures 3 to 5) 3 to 5, a process for supplying mixed water to the faucet fitting 4 by the control device 40 controlling the mixing device 10 will be described. In this embodiment, when the operating device 6 is operated by a user, the control device 40 starts the process of FIG.

[0026] In S10, the control device 40 determines whether the hot water side lock mode is ON and the cold water side lock mode is ON. If the hot water side lock mode is ON and the cold water side lock mode is ON (YES in S10), the control device 40 proceeds to processing S12. If the hot water side lock mode is ON and the cold water side lock mode is not ON (NO in S10), the control device 40 proceeds to processing S20.

[0027] In S12, the control device 40 identifies the set flow rate Qset and set temperature Tset of the mixed water to be supplied to the faucet fitting 4. Next, the control device 40 calculates the target flow rate Qht of hot water and the target flow rate Qct of water based on the set temperature Tset, the set flow rate Qset, the hot water temperature Th, and the water temperature Tc. The target flow rate Qht of hot water and the target flow rate Qct of water are calculated by the method described in Patent Document 1 (JP 2022-148985 A).

[0028] Next, the control device 40 calculates the predicted temperature Tmf of the mixed water using the following equation 1. Tmf={(Th×Qh)+(Tc×Qc)} / (Qh+Qc) … Formula 1

[0029] The control device 40 determines whether the temperature difference between the calculated predicted mixed water temperature Tmf and the set temperature Tset exceeds a first threshold. The first threshold is 1°C. In a modified example, the first threshold may be less than 1°C or more than 1°C. If the temperature difference between the predicted mixed water temperature Tmf and the set temperature Tset exceeds the first threshold (YES in S12), the process proceeds to S14. If the temperature difference between the predicted mixed water temperature Tmf and the set temperature Tset is equal to or less than the first threshold (NO in S12), the process returns to S10 without executing S14.

[0030] In S14, the control device 40 sets the hot water side lock mode and the cold water side lock mode to OFF. After the process of S18 ends, the process returns to S10.

[0031] In S20, the control device 40 executes the mixed water preparation process (see Figs. 4 and 5). In the process for preparing the mixed water, the control device 40 simultaneously starts the process related to the hot water flowing in the hot water supply pipe 106 shown in Fig. 4 and the process related to the water flowing in the water supply pipe 104 shown in Fig. 5. When S20 ends, the process returns to S10.

[0032] (Processing of hot water flowing through hot water supply pipe 106; Figure 4) Of the mixed water adjustment processes, the process related to the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 106 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, in S30, the control device 40 determines whether the hot water side lock mode is ON. If the hot water side lock mode is OFF (NO in S30), the process proceeds to S32. If the hot water side lock mode is ON (YES in S30), the process in Fig. 4 ends without executing the processes of S32 to S60.

[0033] In S32, the control device 40 determines whether the time measured by the first timer has reached a first predetermined time. The first predetermined time is a time interval for correcting the opening of the valve element 15, which is determined in S50 (described later). Specifically, when the time interval for correcting the opening of the valve element 15, which is determined in S50, is a first time Tth1, the control device 40 determines whether the first time Tth1 has elapsed based on the measurement by the first timer. If it is determined that the first predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S32), the control device 40 proceeds to processing in S34. If it is determined that the first predetermined time has not elapsed, the control device 40 ends the processing in FIG. 4 without executing the processing from S34 onwards.

[0034] In S34, the control device 40 calculates the target flow rate Qht of hot water using a method similar to that in S12 of FIG.

[0035] In S36, the control device 40 acquires the hot water flow rate Qh from the hot water side flow rate sensor 16. Next, the control device 40 determines the absolute value of the difference between the target hot water flow rate Qht determined in S34 and the acquired hot water flow rate Qh.

[0036] In S38, the control device 40 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the target hot water flow rate Qht and the hot water flow rate Qh, which was determined in S36, is less than a second threshold value. Although not particularly limited, the second threshold value is a value smaller than A3. In a modified example, the second threshold value may be A3 or greater. If the absolute value of the difference between the target hot water flow rate Qht and the hot water flow rate Qh is less than the second threshold value (YES in S38), the process proceeds to S40. If the absolute value of the difference between the target hot water flow rate Qht and the hot water flow rate Qh is greater than or equal to the second threshold value (NO in S38), the process proceeds to S42.

[0037] In S40, the control device 40 sets the hot water side counter to 0. The hot water side counter counts the number of consecutive times that the absolute value of the difference between the target hot water flow rate Qht and the hot water flow rate Qh is less than the second threshold value.

[0038] In S42, the control device 40 increments the hot water side counter by one.

[0039] In S50, the control device 40 identifies the amount of correction to the opening of the valve element 15 stored in the flow rate adjustment table 36 in association with the absolute value of the difference between the target hot water flow rate Qht and the hot water flow rate Qh, which was identified in S36, and the time interval for correcting the opening of the valve element 15. For example, if the identified absolute value is greater than or equal to A2 and less than A1, the control device 40 determines the amount of correction to the opening of the valve element 15 to be five steps, and determines the time interval for correcting the opening of the valve element 15 to be the first time Tth1.

[0040] In S52, the control device 40 drives the hot water side stepping motor 17 based on the correction amount of the opening of the valve element 15 determined in S50. Specifically, if the correction amount of the opening of the valve element 15 determined in S50 is 5, the control device 40 moves the valve element 15 in the opening direction by 5 steps by supplying input pulses for 5 steps to the hot water side stepping motor 17. In another example, if the correction amount of the opening of the valve element 15 determined in S50 is 0, the control device 40 does not drive the hot water side stepping motor 17.

[0041] In S54, the control device 40 starts a first timer. The first timer measures how much time has passed since the process of S52 was executed. If the hot water side stepping motor 17 was driven in S52, the first timer measures how much time has passed since the hot water side stepping motor 17 was driven, i.e., since the opening of the valve element 15 was corrected.

[0042] In S56, the control device 40 determines whether the value of the hot water side counter is M. In this embodiment, M is 3, but in modified examples it may be 2 or 4 or more. If the control device 40 determines that the value of the hot water side counter is M (YES in S56), the control device 40 proceeds to S60. If the control device 40 determines that the value of the hot water side counter is not M (NO in S56), the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0043] In S60, the control device 40 sets the hot water side lock mode to ON. When the process of S60 ends, the process of FIG. 4 ends.

[0044] (Processing of water flowing through the water supply pipe 104; Figure 5) Of the mixed water adjustment processes, the process related to the water flowing through the water supply pipe 104 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, in S130, the control device 40 determines whether the water side lock mode is ON. If the water side lock mode is OFF (NO in S130), the process proceeds to S132. If the water side lock mode is ON (YES in S130), the process in Fig. 5 ends without executing the processes of S132 to S160.

[0045] In S132, the control device 40 determines whether the time measured by the second timer has reached a second predetermined time. The second predetermined time is a time interval for correcting the opening of the valve element 21, which is determined in S150 (described later). Specifically, when the time interval for correcting the opening of the valve element 21, which is determined in S150, is a second time Tth2, the control device 40 determines whether the second time Tth2 has elapsed based on the measurement by the second timer. If it is determined that the second predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S132), the control device 40 proceeds to processing in S134. If it is determined that the second predetermined time has not elapsed, the processing in FIG. 5 is terminated without executing the processing from S134 onwards.

[0046] In S134, the control device 40 calculates the target flow rate Qct of water using a method similar to that in S12 of FIG.

[0047] In S136, the control device 40 acquires the water flow rate Qc from the water-side flow rate sensor 22. Next, the control device 40 determines the absolute value of the difference between the target water flow rate Qct determined in S134 and the acquired water flow rate Qc.

[0048] In S138, the control device 40 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the target water flow rate Qct and the water flow rate Qc, which was determined in S136, is less than a third threshold. Although not particularly limited, the third threshold is a value smaller than A3. In a modified example, the third threshold may be A3 or greater. If the absolute value of the difference between the target water flow rate Qct and the water flow rate Qc is less than the third threshold (YES in S138), the process proceeds to S140. If the absolute value of the difference between the target water flow rate Qct and the water flow rate Qc is greater than or equal to the third threshold (NO in S138), the process proceeds to S142.

[0049] In S140, the control device 40 sets the water-side counter to 0. The water-side counter counts the number of consecutive times that the absolute value of the difference between the target water flow rate Qct and the water flow rate Qc remains less than the third threshold value.

[0050] In S142, the control device 40 increments the water-side counter by one.

[0051] In S150, the control device 40 identifies the amount of correction to the opening of the valve element 21, which is stored in the flow rate adjustment table 36 in association with the absolute value of the difference between the target water flow rate Qct and the water flow rate Qc, which was identified in S136, and the time interval for correcting the opening of the valve element 21. For example, if the identified absolute value is greater than or equal to A3 and less than A2, the control device 40 determines the amount of correction to the opening of the valve element 21 to be five steps, and determines the time interval for correcting the opening of the valve element 21 to be the second time Tth2.

[0052] In S152, the control device 40 drives the water-side stepping motor 23 based on the amount of correction to the opening of the valve element 21 determined in S150. Specifically, if the amount of correction to the opening of the valve element 21 determined in S150 is 5, the control device 40 supplies input pulses for 5 steps to the water-side stepping motor 23, thereby moving the valve element 21 in the opening direction by 5 steps. In another example, if the amount of correction to the opening of the valve element 21 determined in S150 is 0, the control device 40 does not drive the water-side stepping motor 23.

[0053] In S154, control device 40 starts a second timer. The second timer measures how much time has passed since the processing of S152 was executed. If water-side stepping motor 23 was driven in S152, the second timer measures how much time has passed since water-side stepping motor 23 was driven, i.e., since the opening of valve element 21 was corrected.

[0054] In S156, the control device 40 determines whether the value of the water side counter is N. In this embodiment, N is 3, but in modified examples it may be 2 or 4 or more. If the control device 40 determines that the value of the water side counter is N (YES in S156), it proceeds to S160. If the control device 40 determines that the value of the water side counter is not N (NO in S156), it ends the processing of FIG. 5.

[0055] In S160, the control device 40 sets the water side lock mode to ON. When the processing of S160 ends, the processing of FIG. 5 ends.

[0056] (Effects of this embodiment) With the above configuration, the control device 40 adjusts the opening of the valve element 15 so that the larger the absolute value of the difference between the target hot water flow rate Qht through the hot water supply pipe 106 in which the hot water side flow rate adjustment valve 14 is located and the hot water flow rate Qh, the larger the correction amount of the opening of the valve element 15 for a specific period. Furthermore, the control device 40 adjusts the opening of the valve element 21 so that the larger the absolute value of the difference between the target water flow rate Qct through the water supply pipe 104 in which the cold water side flow rate adjustment valve 20 is located and the cold water flow rate Qc, the larger the correction amount of the opening of the valve element 21 for a specific period. With this configuration, the control device 40 can shorten the time from when it starts adjusting the opening until the hot water flow rate Qh reaches the target hot water flow rate Qht. Furthermore, the control device 40 can shorten the time from when it starts adjusting the opening until the cold water flow rate Qc reaches the target water flow rate Qct. Therefore, the mixed water with the set flow rate Qset and set temperature Tset to be supplied to the faucet fitting 4 can be adjusted relatively quickly. This improves the responsiveness of the flow rate and temperature.

[0057] With the above configuration, the control device 40 adjusts the correction amount of the opening of the valve element 15 for a specific period by changing at least one of the correction amount of the opening of the valve element 15 of the hot water side flow control valve 14 and the time interval for correcting the opening of the valve element 15 of the hot water side flow control valve 14. When only the correction amount of the valve element opening is changed, there is no need to change the time interval for correcting the opening of the valve element 15, which makes it possible to relatively simplify the processing of the control device 40. The control device 40 achieves the same effect with respect to the valve element 21 of the cold water side flow control valve 20.

[0058] When only the time interval for correcting the opening of valve element 15 is changed, particularly when the time interval is short, the responsiveness of the flow rate and temperature improves. When the time interval is long, the hot water side stepping motor 17 does not need to be operated excessively, improving the durability of the hot water side stepping motor 17. The same effect is achieved for the cold water side stepping motor 23.

[0059] With the above configuration, the relationship between the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value and the correction amount of the opening for the specific period is nonlinear, which improves the responsiveness of the flow rate and temperature compared to when the relationship between the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value and the correction amount of the opening for the specific period is linear.

[0060] With the above configuration, the control device 40 does not execute the process of S52 in Figure 4 if the correction amount for the valve disc 15 determined in S50 is 0, i.e., if the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is less than the predetermined value A3. The control device 40 does not move the valve disc 15 if the absolute value of the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is less than the predetermined value A3. With this configuration, when the difference between the target flow rate value and the measured flow rate value is relatively small, the hot water side stepping motor 17 does not need to be moved excessively, thereby improving the durability of the hot water side stepping motor 17. The same effect is achieved for the cold water side stepping motor 23.

[0061] According to the above configuration, in S12 of FIG. 3, the control device 40 calculates the predicted mixed water temperature Tmf based on the target hot water flow rate Qht and the target cold water flow rate Qct. If the temperature difference between the calculated predicted mixed water temperature Tmf and the set temperature Tset exceeds a predetermined threshold (YES in S12), the control device 40 sets the hot water side lock mode and the cold water side lock mode to OFF. In this way, even after the hot water side lock mode and the cold water side lock mode are set to ON and the adjustment of the opening of the valve elements 15, 21 is stopped, the control device 40 resumes adjusting the opening if the predicted mixed water temperature Tmf exceeds the first threshold. Therefore, the opening of the flow rate control valve can be appropriately adjusted.

[0062] (Correspondence) The hot water supply pipe 106 and the water supply pipe 104 are each an example of a "flow path." The target hot water flow rate Qht and the target cold water flow rate Qct are each an example of a "target flow rate value" and a "measured flow rate value." The hot water flow rate Qh and the cold water flow rate Qc are each an example of a "measured flow rate value." The first time Tth1 and the second time Tth2 are each an example of a "specific period." The predetermined value A3 is an example of a "first predetermined value." The first threshold value is an example of a "predetermined threshold value."

[0063] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0064] A first aspect relates to a control device that adjusts the aperture of a flow rate adjustment valve. The control device may adjust the aperture so that the larger the absolute value of a flow rate difference between a target flow rate value of a fluid in a flow path in which the flow rate adjustment valve is disposed and a measured flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path, the larger the correction amount of the aperture in a specific period of time.

[0065] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the control device may adjust the amount of correction of the opening degree in the specific period by changing at least one of the amount of correction of the opening degree and the time interval for correcting the opening degree of the flow control valve.

[0066] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the control device may control the rotation amount of a stepping motor disposed in the flow rate adjustment valve by controlling the number of input pulses input to the stepping motor. The flow rate adjustment valve may adjust the opening degree according to the rotation amount of the stepping motor. The correction amount of the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve may include a change in the number of input pulses.

[0067] As a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the specific period may be shorter as the absolute value is larger.

[0068] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the correction amount of the opening during the specific period when the absolute value is a first value may be a first correction amount. When the absolute value is a second value that is X times the first value, the correction amount of the opening during the specific period may be a second correction amount that is Y times the first correction amount. X and Y may be greater than 1 and may be different from each other.

[0069] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control device may stop correcting the opening degree when the absolute value is equal to or less than a first predetermined value.

[0070] In a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the control device may resume adjusting the opening degree when, after the correction of the opening degree is stopped while the absolute value is equal to or less than the first predetermined value, the temperature difference between the temperature of the fluid after merging with a specific flow path different from the flow path and the set temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0071] In an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the control device may be configured such that the temperature of the fluid after merging with a specific flow path different from the flow path includes a temperature based on a target flow rate value of the flow path and a target flow rate value of the specific flow path.

[0072] A ninth aspect relates to a computer program for a control device that adjusts the aperture of a flow rate regulation valve. The computer program may cause a computer of the control device to function to adjust the aperture such that the greater the absolute value of the flow rate difference between a target flow rate value of a fluid in a flow path in which the flow rate regulation valve is disposed and a measured flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path, the greater the amount of correction of the aperture in a specific period of time.

[0073] A tenth aspect relates to a method for adjusting an aperture of a flow rate regulation valve, and the method may adjust the aperture such that the larger the absolute value of a flow rate difference between a target flow rate value of a fluid in a flow path in which the flow rate regulation valve is disposed and a measured flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path, the larger the correction amount of the aperture in a specific period of time.

[0074] An eleventh aspect relates to a control system for discharging water under the control of a control device. The control system may include a flow rate regulation valve disposed in a flow path and regulating the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the flow path, and a control device adjusting the aperture of the flow rate regulation valve. The control device may adjust the aperture so that the correction amount of the aperture in a specific period increases as the absolute value of the flow rate difference between a target flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path in which the flow rate regulation valve is disposed and a measured flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path increases.

[0075] Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0076] (1) The mixing device 10 may have an on-off valve in the mixing tube 110 downstream of the mixing temperature sensor 24. The on-off valve is a solenoid valve. The on-off valve is connected to the control device 40 and can open and close the flow path of the mixing tube 110.

[0077] (2) In S12 of Fig. 3, the predicted mixed water temperature Tmf does not have to be calculated based on the target hot water flow rate Qht and the target cold water flow rate Qct. In this case, the control device 40 only needs to determine whether the temperature difference between the mixed water temperature Tm acquired by the mixed water temperature sensor 24 and the set temperature Tset exceeds the first threshold value.

[0078] The technical elements described in at least one of the specification and drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies exemplified in at least one of the specification and drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1: Control system, 2: Plumbing equipment, 4: Faucet fittings, 5: Faucet, 6: Operating device, 8: Bowl, 10: Mixing device, 12: Hot water side temperature sensor, 14: Hot water side flow rate control valve, 15: Valve body, 16: Hot water side flow rate sensor, 17: Hot water side stepping motor, 18: Hot water side temperature sensor, 20: Hot water side flow rate control valve, 21: Valve body, 22: Hot water side flow rate sensor, 23: Hot water side stepping motor, 24: Mixing temperature sensor, 30: Control unit, 32: Wired interface, 34: Memory , 35: Program, 36: Flow rate adjustment table, 40: Control device, 41: Wired interface: 42: Operation unit, 100: Hot water supply device, 102: Piping, 104: Water supply pipe, 106: Hot water supply pipe, 110: Mixing pipe, Qc: Water flow rate, Qct: Target water flow rate, Qh: Hot water flow rate, Qht: Target hot water flow rate, Qset: Set flow rate, Tc: Water temperature, Th: Hot water temperature, Tm: Mixed water temperature, Tmf: Predicted temperature, Tset: Set temperature, Tth1: First time, Tth2: Second time

Claims

1. A control device that adjusts the opening degree of a flow rate control valve, a control device that adjusts the opening so that the greater the absolute value of a flow rate difference between a target flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path in which the flow control valve is disposed and a measured flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path, the greater the amount of correction of the opening in a specific period.

2. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the amount of correction of the opening degree in the specific period is adjusted by changing at least one of the amount of correction of the opening degree and a time interval for correcting the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve.

3. the control device controls the number of input pulses input to a stepping motor disposed in the flow rate adjustment valve, thereby controlling the rotation amount of the stepping motor; the flow rate adjustment valve adjusts the opening degree in accordance with the rotation amount of the stepping motor; The control device according to claim 2 , wherein the amount of correction of the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve includes a change in the number of the input pulses.

4. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the larger the absolute value, the shorter the specific period.

5. the correction amount of the opening degree during the specific period when the absolute value is a first value is a first correction amount; the correction amount of the opening in the specific period when the absolute value is a second value that is X times the first value is a second correction amount that is Y times the first correction amount; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein X and Y are greater than 1 and different from each other.

6. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the correction of the opening degree is stopped when the absolute value is equal to or less than a first predetermined value.

7. 7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein, after the correction of the opening degree is stopped in a state in which the absolute value is equal to or less than the first predetermined value, the adjustment of the opening degree is resumed when a temperature difference between the temperature of the fluid after merging with a specific flow path different from the flow path and a previously set temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold.

8. The control device according to claim 7 , wherein the temperature of the fluid after merging with the specific flow path different from the flow path includes a temperature based on a target flow rate value of the flow path and a target flow rate value of the specific flow path.

9. A computer program for a control device that adjusts the opening degree of a flow rate control valve, The computer of the control device a computer program that functions to adjust the opening so that the greater the absolute value of the flow rate difference between a target flow rate value of a fluid in a flow path in which the flow control valve is arranged and a measured flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path, the greater the amount of correction of the opening in a specific period of time.

10. A method for adjusting the opening degree of a flow rate control valve, comprising: an adjustment method for adjusting the opening such that the larger the absolute value of the flow rate difference between a target flow rate value of a fluid in a flow path in which the flow control valve is disposed and a measured flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path, the larger the correction amount of the opening in a specific period of time.

11. A control system that discharges water under the control of a control device, a flow rate control valve disposed in the flow path and controlling the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path; a control device that adjusts the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve, The control device adjusts the opening so that the larger the absolute value of the flow rate difference between a target flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path in which the flow control valve is arranged and a measured flow rate value of the fluid in the flow path, the larger the correction amount of the opening in a specific period of time.

Images