Water heater

Abstract

To provide a water heater that allows a correction temperature value reflecting a change in the temperature inside a bathroom to be used quickly using a temperature sensor provided inside a sealed housing.SOLUTION: A water heater includes: a sealed housing installed inside a bathroom; a temperature sensor provided inside the sealed housing; and a control device for controlling at least one of the environment of the bathroom and hot water supply for a bath. The control device includes: an amount-of-change calculation part for calculating an amount of change for correction of the measurement temperature of the temperature sensor in a stipulated target time; a correction value calculation part for calculating a correction value so that an absolute value of the correction value becomes greater as an absolute value of the amount of change for correction is greater; a temperature calculation part for calculating the sum of the amount of change for correction and the correction value as a correction temperature value for the bathroom; and an operation control part for controlling at least one of the environment of the bathroom and hot water supply for the bath using the correction temperature value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water heater.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water heater. According to the water heater, a sealed housing is provided in a bathroom, and a temperature sensor is provided inside the housing. Generally, there may be a difference between the actual temperature inside the housing and the actual temperature inside the bathroom. In the water heater, by assigning a fixed correction value to the measured temperature, which is the reading value of the temperature sensor, it becomes possible to easily detect the ambient temperature inside the bathroom.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the temperature inside the bathroom changes, the temperature inside the housing changes with a certain delay after the temperature inside the bathroom changes. However, in the water heater described in Patent Document 1, the fixed correction value is a value determined based on the distance between the heat source and the temperature sensor inside the housing. For this reason, when the temperature inside the bathroom changes, the water heater cannot quickly detect the temperature corresponding to the change.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a water heater that can quickly utilize a corrected temperature value reflecting a change in the temperature inside a bathroom by using a temperature sensor provided inside a sealed housing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The water heater according to the present disclosure includes an airtight housing installed inside a bathroom, a temperature sensor provided inside the airtight housing, and a control device that controls at least one of the bathroom environment and the hot water supply for the bathtub. The control device includes a change amount calculation unit that calculates a correction change amount for the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases, Measured temperature of the temperature sensor a temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the change amount and the correction value as the corrected temperature value for the bathroom, and an operation control unit that controls at least one of the bathroom environment and the hot water supply for the bathtub using the corrected temperature value. The correction value calculation unit calculates the product of the change amount for correction and the specified correction coefficient as the correction value It is such a thing. Moreover, the water heater according to the present disclosure includes an airtight housing installed inside the bathroom, a temperature sensor provided inside the airtight housing, and a control device that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub. The control device includes a change amount calculation unit that calculates a change amount for correction of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the change amount for correction increases, a temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, an operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub using the corrected temperature value, and a time change unit that calculates a first change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified comparison time and changes the length of the target time based on the first change amount. The time change unit is configured such that the target time becomes shorter as the absolute value of the first change amount increases Moreover, the water heater according to the present disclosure includes an airtight housing installed inside the bathroom, a temperature sensor provided inside the airtight housing, and a control device that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub. The control device includes a change amount calculation unit that calculates a change amount for correction of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the change amount for correction increases, a temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, an operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub using the corrected temperature value, and a time change unit that changes the target time to the time until the change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor becomes a second change amount from the reference time In addition, the water heater according to the present disclosure includes an airtight housing installed inside the bathroom, a temperature sensor provided inside the airtight housing, and a control device that controls at least one of the environment in the bathroom and the hot water supply for the bath. The control device includes a change amount calculation unit that calculates a correction change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases, a temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, and an operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment in the bathroom and the hot water supply for the bath using the corrected temperature value. When the absolute value of the correction value is equal to or greater than a first invalid threshold value, the operation control unit does not use the corrected temperature value for control until a first invalid time has elapsed since the correction value was calculated. In addition, the water heater according to the present disclosure includes an airtight housing installed inside the bathroom, a temperature sensor provided inside the airtight housing, and a control device that controls at least one of the environment in the bathroom and the hot water supply for the bath. The control device includes a change amount calculation unit that calculates a correction change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases, a temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, and an operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment in the bathroom and the hot water supply for the bath using the corrected temperature value. When the absolute value of the correction change amount is equal to or greater than a second invalid threshold value, the operation control unit does not use the corrected temperature value for control until a second invalid time has elapsed since the correction change amount was calculated. Further, the water heater according to the present disclosure includes an airtight housing installed inside the bathroom, a temperature sensor provided inside the airtight housing, and a control device that controls at least one of the bathroom environment and the hot water supply for the bath. The control device includes a change amount calculation unit that calculates a correction change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases, a temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, and an operation control unit that controls at least one of the bathroom environment and the hot water supply for the bath using the corrected temperature value. When the corrected temperature value is not included in the assumed temperature range, the operation control unit does not use the corrected temperature value for control. Further, the water heater according to the present disclosure includes an airtight housing installed inside the bathroom, a temperature sensor provided inside the airtight housing, a control device that controls at least one of the bathroom environment and the hot water supply for the bath, and a display that displays information. The control device includes a change amount calculation unit that calculates a correction change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, a correction value calculation unit that calculates a correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases, a temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, an operation control unit that controls at least one of the bathroom environment and the hot water supply for the bath using the corrected temperature value, and a display control unit that causes the display to display the corrected temperature value calculated by the temperature calculation unit. The display control unit causes the display to display the corrected temperature value in a first mode when the absolute value of the correction change amount is less than a third invalid threshold value, and causes the display to display the corrected temperature value in a second mode different from the first mode when the absolute value of the correction change amount is greater than or equal to the third invalid threshold value.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, by using the temperature sensor provided inside the airtight housing, the corrected temperature value reflecting the change in the temperature inside the bathroom can be quickly utilized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] A mode for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Redundant descriptions of such parts will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a dwelling to which the water heater in Embodiment 1 is applied. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sealed housing of the water heater in Embodiment 1.

[0011] The water heater 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the dwelling 100. The water heater 1 supplies hot and cold water from faucets and the like installed in places such as the kitchen, washroom, and bathroom 101 of the dwelling 100. Also, the water heater 1 supplies hot and cold water to a bathtub for bathing installed in the bathroom 101 in the dwelling 100. As an example, the water heater 1 is a storage-type water heater that supplies hot and cold water stored in a hot water storage tank. The water heater 1 includes a hot water supply unit 2, a control device 3, a bathroom interface 4, and an interface outside the bathroom 5. The water heater 1 may further include a bathroom heater 6.

[0012] The hot water supply unit 2 generates hot water from a water source and sends out hot and cold water with the temperature adjusted to faucets and the like. For example, when the water heater 1 is a storage-type water heater, the hot water supply unit 2 includes a heat pump device that generates hot water, a hot water storage tank that stores hot water, piping that connects each device so that hot and cold water passes through, and actuators such as pumps. The control device 3 controls at least one of the environment in the bathroom 101 and the hot water supply for the bathtub by controlling the entire water heater 1. The control device 3 is provided with a processing circuit having a processor and a memory. Each function of the control device 3 is realized by the program stored in the memory being processed by the processor. To realize each of these functions, the control device 3 may also use dedicated hardware.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the bathroom interface 4 is attached to the bathroom wall 102 of the bathroom 101. The bathroom interface 4 is attached facing the inside of the bathroom 101 with respect to the surface of the bathroom wall 102. That is, at least a part of the surface of the bathroom interface 4 on the side of the bathroom 101 is attached facing the inside of the bathroom 101 and is exposed to the air inside the bathroom 101. The bathroom interface 4 includes an airtight housing 4a, a substrate 4b, a display 4c, and a temperature sensor 4d.

[0014] The airtight housing 4a forms the outer shell of the bathroom interface 4. If moisture, water, etc. enter the inside of the airtight housing 4a, there is a risk that electronic devices and the like will malfunction. Therefore, the airtight housing 4a is formed so that its inside is in a sealed state. Note that the airtight housing 4a may be provided with minute holes or the like in order to suppress internal pressure fluctuations and to pass wiring to the outside. However, even if minute holes or the like are provided, the airtight housing 4a is considered to be in a "sealed internal state". That is, what the "sealed internal state" means includes not only a state in which the internal space of the bathroom 101, which is the external space of the airtight housing 4a, and the internal space of the airtight housing 4a are completely blocked, but also a state in which, although there are minute holes or gaps on the surface of the airtight housing 4a, sufficient heat exchange by gas movement does not occur between the inside and the outside of the airtight housing 4a. The overall heat transfer from the outside to the inside of the airtight housing 4a is achieved by heat transfer from the fluid including the air in the external space to the members of the airtight housing 4a, followed by heat transfer from the members of the airtight housing 4a to the internal air. For example, when the temperature inside the bathroom 101 rises, the inside of the airtight housing 4a is heated by the air in the bathroom 101 via the members of the airtight housing 4a and the temperature rises. Therefore, the structure of the airtight housing 4a is such that it takes time for the temperature of the internal air to follow the change after the temperature of the external air fluctuates.

[0015] The substrate 4b is provided inside the sealed housing 4a. The substrate 4b can communicate with the control device 3. For example, the substrate 4b receives an operation from an operation button (not shown) provided on the bathroom interface 4 and transmits a signal indicating the operation content to the control device 3. The display 4c is a display. The display 4c is controlled by the substrate 4b to display information such as hot water supply settings on the screen.

[0016] The temperature sensor 4d is provided inside the sealed housing 4a. For example, the temperature sensor 4d is a sensor such as a thermocouple or a thermistor connected to the substrate 4b. The temperature sensor 4d is preferably provided at a position close to the outer shell of the sealed housing 4a and away from the heat generating components included in the sealed housing 4a. The temperature sensor 4d measures the temperature of the air inside the sealed housing 4a for the purpose of obtaining the temperature of the internal space of the bathroom 101.

[0017] The interface 5 outside the bathroom is provided in a space other than the bathroom 101, such as a kitchen or a corridor (not shown) in the dwelling 100. The interface 5 outside the bathroom includes a display 5a which is a display. Information such as hot water supply settings is displayed on the display 5a. Although not shown, the interface 5 outside the bathroom is provided with a speaker for notifying sound.

[0018] When the water heater 1 includes the in - bathroom heater 6, the in - bathroom heater 6 is provided in the bathroom 101. For example, the in - bathroom heater 6 generates warm air and blows it into the bathroom 101 to adjust the temperature of the air in the bathroom 101. The operation of the in - bathroom heater 6 may be controlled by the control device 3 or may be controlled by another controller that has obtained the temperature inside the bathroom 101 from the control device 3.

[0019] The temperature measured by the temperature sensor 4d is used by the control device 3 for various controls. For example, when the temperature inside the bathroom 101 is too low, the control device 3 notifies, via the interface 5 outside the bathroom, that the temperature of the bathroom 101 is low, and proposes to open the lid of the bathtub to raise the temperature of the bathroom 101, etc. In this case, the control device 3 may also notify a proposal to raise the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub above the set value in consideration of the heat transferred to the air in the bathroom 101. When the water heater 1 is equipped with the in-bathroom heater 6, the in-bathroom heater 6 is controlled based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 4d.

[0020] For example, in winter, before taking a bath, the user tries to raise the temperature inside the bathroom 101 by opening the lid of the bathtub and checks the temperature of the bathroom 101 displayed on the display 5a before taking a bath. However, since the temperature sensor 4d measures the temperature inside the sealed housing 4a, the actual temperature of the air in the bathroom 101 often differs from the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 4d. If the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 4d is regarded as the temperature of the bathroom 101 as it is, since the temperature inside the sealed housing 4a changes with a delay from the temperature change inside the bathroom 101, an acquisition error will occur in each control by the amount of the delay. Therefore, the time until the user takes a bath may be delayed. In the present embodiment, the control device 3 creates a correction value based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 4d, and calculates a corrected temperature value using the measured temperature and the correction value. The control device 3 uses the corrected temperature value for various controls such as displaying it on the display 5a.

[0021] Next, the control device 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the water heater in Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the outline of the operation of the control device of the water heater in Embodiment 1.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 3 includes, as its functions, a temperature acquisition unit 31, a change amount calculation unit 32, a correction value calculation unit 33, a temperature calculation unit 34, an operation control unit 35, and a display control unit 36.

[0023] The temperature acquisition unit 31 acquires information on the measured temperature measured by the temperature sensor 4d. For example, the temperature acquisition unit 31 acquires information on the measured temperature from the temperature sensor 4d at regular time intervals such as every 0.5 seconds. The change amount calculation unit 32 calculates, as a correction change amount, a correction change amount that is the amount by which the measured temperature has changed during the passage of the target time for each prescribed target time. The correction value calculation unit 33 calculates a correction value for correcting the measured temperature based on the correction change amount. For example, the correction value calculation unit 33 calculates a correction value for each target time. The temperature calculation unit 34 calculates the sum of the measured temperature and the correction value as the corrected measured temperature, and uses it as the corrected temperature value. The operation control unit 35 performs various controls related to controlling the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub, operating the bathroom heater 6, etc. using the corrected temperature value. The display control unit 36 controls the information displayed on the display 4c and the display 5a. Specifically, for example, the display control unit 36 causes the calculated corrected temperature value to be displayed on the display 4c and the display 5a.

[0024] Due to the nature of heat transfer, the greater the temperature difference between the inside of the sealed housing 4a and the inside of the bathroom 101, the greater the amount by which the temperature inside the sealed housing 4a changes per unit time. That is, the greater the absolute value of the correction change amount, the greater the absolute value of the temperature value to be corrected with respect to the measured temperature at a certain point in time.

[0025] Therefore, the correction value calculation unit 33 calculates the correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases. For example, when the temperature of the bathroom 101 is rising and the correction change amount is positive, the calculation is performed such that the larger the correction change amount, the larger the positive correction value. For example, when the temperature of the bathroom 101 is falling and the correction change amount is negative, the calculation is performed such that the smaller the correction change amount, the smaller the negative correction value. Specifically, when calculating the first correction value when the absolute value of the correction change amount is greater than the first correction threshold, the correction value calculation unit 33 performs the calculation of the first correction value such that the absolute value of the first correction value is greater than the absolute value of the second correction value. Here, the second correction value is the correction value calculated when the absolute value of the correction change amount is less than or equal to the first correction threshold.

[0026] As an example of a specific calculation method for the correction value, the correction value calculation unit 33 calculates the product of the correction change amount and a specified correction coefficient as the correction value. The correction coefficient is preset for each bathroom interface 4. The correction coefficient is a number that reflects the difficulty of heat transfer between the air inside the bathroom 101 and the air inside the sealed housing 4a. The correction coefficient may be determined so that the larger the value, the more difficult it is for the heat transfer to occur. The correction coefficient is determined by the material of the member constituting the outer shell of the sealed housing 4a, the position where the temperature sensor 4d is provided inside the sealed housing 4a, and the like. For example, the correction coefficient may be determined by conducting an experiment in which a temperature difference is provided between the internal temperature and the external temperature of a device simulating the bathroom interface 4 and the internal temperature and the external temperature are compared. Note that the correction value calculation unit 33 may use, not only a function in which the correction value is proportional to the correction change amount, but also a function in which the correction value monotonically increases with respect to the correction change amount in an arbitrary correction change amount or target value range, to calculate the correction value from the correction change amount.

[0027] For example, the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 starts after the correction change amount is calculated. In step S1, the temperature acquisition unit 31 of the control device 3 acquires information on the measured temperature from the temperature sensor 4d.

[0028] Thereafter, in step S2, the change amount calculation unit 32 determines whether or not the target time has elapsed since the time when the previous correction change amount was calculated. If the target time has not elapsed in step S2, the operations after step S1 are performed.

[0029] If the target time has elapsed in step S2, the operation in step S3 is performed. In step S3, the change amount calculation unit 32 calculates the correction change amount.

[0030] Thereafter, in step S4, the correction value calculation unit 33 calculates a correction value based on the correction variation amount. Thereafter, in step S5, the temperature calculation unit 34 calculates a corrected temperature value based on the measured temperature and the correction value. Thereafter, in step S6, the operation control unit 35 and the display control unit 36 of the control device 3 use the corrected temperature value for various controls. For example, in step S6, the corrected temperature value is displayed on the display 4c and the display 5a as the temperature of the bathroom 101. Thereafter, the operation of the flowchart ends.

[0031] Note that in step S6, when a specified invalid condition is satisfied, the control device 3 may not use the corrected temperature value for various controls always or until a specified time has elapsed. In this case, the control device 3 may continue the immediately preceding control content while not using the corrected temperature value for various controls. That is, the control device 3 may use the corrected temperature value used until immediately before for the current control. Alternatively, when the invalid condition is satisfied, the control device 3 may use the value of the measured temperature for control instead of the corrected temperature value.

[0032] As a first example of the operation according to the invalid condition, when the absolute value of the correction value is equal to or greater than a specified first invalid value, the operation control unit 35 does not use the corrected temperature value for control until a specified first invalid time has elapsed since the correction value was calculated. For example, a time equal to or longer than the target time may be set as the first invalid time. The first invalid time may be set to a time not exceeding twice the target time.

[0033] As a second example of the operation according to the invalid condition, when the absolute value of the correction variation amount is equal to or greater than a second invalid threshold value, the operation control unit 35 does not use the corrected temperature value for control until a specified second invalid time has elapsed since the correction variation amount was calculated. For example, the same time as the first invalid time may be set as the second invalid time.

[0034] As a third example of the operation under the invalid condition, when the corrected temperature value is not included in the specified assumed temperature range, the operation control unit 35 does not use the corrected temperature value for control. The assumed temperature range is the temperature range assumed as the temperature inside the bathroom 101. For example, the assumed temperature range is from minus 10°C to plus 50°C.

[0035] Note that in step S6, the modes of the corrected temperature value displayed on the display 4c and the display 5a may be different depending on whether the absolute value of the correction variation is less than the specified caution threshold value or greater than or equal to the caution threshold value. It is expected that the smaller the absolute value of the temperature change amount, the closer the corrected temperature value is to the actual temperature inside the bathroom 101. By doing so, it is possible to notify the user whether the displayed corrected temperature value is reliable.

[0036] For example, when the absolute value of the correction variation is less than the caution threshold value, the display control unit 36 displays the corrected temperature value on the display 4c and the display 5a in the first mode. When the absolute value of the correction variation is greater than or equal to the caution threshold value, the display control unit 36 displays the corrected temperature value on the display 4c and the display 5a in the second mode. The first mode and the second mode are preferably related to each other. For example, on the display 4c and the display 5a, the character "confirmed value" may be displayed near the corrected temperature value as the first mode, and the character "estimated value" may be displayed near the corrected temperature value as the second mode. For example, on the display 4c and the display 5a, the corrected temperature value may be continuously lit and displayed as the first mode, and the corrected temperature value may be displayed with flashing as the second mode.

[0037] According to the first embodiment described above, the water heater 1 includes a sealed housing 4a, a temperature sensor 4d, and a control device 3. The control device 3 has a change amount calculation unit 32, a correction value calculation unit 33, a temperature calculation unit 34, and an operation control unit 35. In the control device 3, the correction value is calculated such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the change amount for correction increases, and a corrected temperature value is calculated based on the correction value. For example, when the temperature of the bathroom 101 rises rapidly and the difference between the temperature inside the bathroom 101 and the temperature inside the sealed housing 4a increases, the temperature inside the sealed housing 4a changes greatly in a short time. The control device 3 regards such a change amount inside the sealed housing 4a as the temperature difference between the inside of the bathroom 101 and the inside of the sealed housing 4a at the current time, that is, the temperature difference to be corrected, and calculates the corrected temperature value. At this time, the water heater 1 does not use the values of sensors other than the temperature sensor 4d. Therefore, the water heater 1 can quickly use the corrected temperature value that reflects the change in the temperature inside the bathroom 101 using only the temperature sensor 4d. As a result, the water heater 1 can use the temperature inside the bathroom 101 with a simple configuration and with the influence of the measurement delay of the temperature rise taken into account accurately.

[0038] Further, the correction value calculation unit 33 calculates the product of the change amount for correction and the correction coefficient as the correction value. Therefore, the correction value can be calculated with a small calculation load.

[0039] Further, the operation control unit 35 may not use the corrected temperature value for control when the absolute value of the correction value is equal to or greater than the first invalid threshold value. When the absolute value of the correction value is large, since the difference between the temperature inside the bathroom 101 and the temperature inside the sealed housing 4a is large, the correction accuracy tends to deteriorate. In order not to use the corrected temperature value for control in such a case, the water heater 1 can suppress the use of a temperature with a large error.

[0040] Further, when the absolute value of the correction variation amount is equal to or greater than the second invalid threshold value, the operation control unit 35 may not use the corrected temperature value for control. When the absolute value of the correction variation amount is large, since the difference between the temperature inside the bathroom 101 and the temperature inside the sealed housing 4a is large, the correction accuracy is likely to deteriorate. In order not to use the corrected temperature value for control in such a case, the water heater 1 can suppress the use of a temperature with a large error.

[0041] Further, when the corrected temperature value is not included in the assumed temperature range, the operation control unit 35 may not use the corrected temperature value for control. The assumed temperature range is set so that a value not included in the assumed temperature range is clearly an abnormal value. Therefore, when the temperature sensor 4d malfunctions, is disturbed by solar radiation, is disturbed by hot water being poured, etc., and the temperature sensor 4d is abnormal or the correction variation amount is not normal, it is possible to suppress the corrected temperature value calculated from affecting other functions.

[0042] Further, the water heater 1 includes at least one of a display 4c and a display 5a. The corrected temperature value is displayed on the at least one display. Therefore, the user can quantitatively know the current temperature inside the bathroom 101. For example, when the user intends to take a bath after preheating the inside of the bathroom 101 in winter, the user can determine the timing to start taking a bath with reference to the corrected temperature value displayed on the display 5a. Since the temperature change inside the bathroom 101 is taken into account in the corrected temperature value compared to the case where temperature correction is not performed, the user can know earlier by the amount of delay correction, which is the correction value, that the bathroom 101 has warmed up.

[0043] Further, the corrected temperature value is displayed on the display 4c and the display 5a in different manners according to the magnitude of the absolute value of the correction variation amount. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the reliability of the displayed corrected temperature value.

[0044] Note that the technical means of the present disclosure is applicable to the water heater 1 that is not a hot water storage type. Further, at least one of the functions included in the control device 3 may be provided in the bathroom interface 4.

[0045] Embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the water heater in Embodiment 2. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts as those in Embodiment 1, and the description of those parts is omitted.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, in Embodiment 2, the control device 3 further includes a time changing unit 40 as a function. The time changing unit 40 changes the length of the target time based on the change amount of the measured temperature. The time changing unit 40 may change the length of the target time at an arbitrary timing. Note that the time changing unit 40 is configured to satisfy at least one of the conditions that the length of the changed target time is equal to or less than the maximum time and equal to or greater than the minimum time. As an example, the maximum time is set to 10 minutes. The minimum time is set to 10 seconds. In this case, the time changing unit 40 changes the length of the target time so that the changed target time is 10 seconds or more and 10 minutes or less. The change amount calculation unit 32 calculates a correction change amount using the changed target time.

[0047] As a first example of the method in which the target time is changed, the time changing unit 40 is configured such that the shorter the absolute value of the first change amount of the measured temperature changed during the specified comparison time, the longer the determination time. In other words, the time changing unit 40 is configured such that the larger the absolute value of the first change amount, the shorter the determination time. Specifically, when the absolute value of the first change amount is greater than a specified first correction threshold value, the time changing unit 40 sets a time shorter than the preset target time as the changed target time. When the absolute value of the first change amount is smaller than a specified second correction threshold value, the time changing unit 40 sets a time longer than the preset target time as the changed target time. The comparison time may be shorter than the target time or the same as the target time.

[0048] As a second example of the method in which the target time is changed, the time change unit 40 sets the target time to the time from the reference time until the absolute value of the change amount of the measured temperature becomes the second change amount. In this case, the control device 3 calculates the correction value and the corrected temperature value each time the absolute value of the measured temperature changes by the second change amount. For example, the time at which the corrected temperature value was calculated last time may be set as the reference time. Any value may be set as the second change amount.

[0049] According to the second embodiment described above, the control device 3 further includes a time change unit 40. The time change unit 40 may change the length of the target time so that the larger the absolute value of the first change amount is, the shorter the target time becomes. Therefore, when the temperature change per unit time in the bathroom 101 is large, by increasing the number of corrections per unit time, the water heater 1 can improve the followability of the corrected temperature value with respect to the actual temperature inside the bathroom 101. Also, when the temperature change per unit time in the bathroom 101 is small, by reducing the number of corrections per unit time, the water heater 1 can reduce the calculation load.

[0050] Also, the time change unit 40 may change the target time to the time from the reference time until the change amount of the measured temperature becomes the second change amount. Therefore, when the temperature change per unit time in the bathroom 101 is large, by increasing the number of corrections per unit time, the water heater 1 can improve the followability of the corrected temperature value with respect to the actual temperature inside the bathroom 101. Also, when the temperature change per unit time in the bathroom 101 is small, by reducing the number of corrections per unit time, the water heater 1 can reduce the calculation load.

[0051] Incidentally, the time change unit 40 may receive a setting change of the value of the second change amount at an arbitrary timing. For example, the setting change may be made by the user via the bathroom interface 4 or the interface outside the bathroom 5. In this case, the smaller the value of the second change amount, the better the followability of the corrected temperature value with respect to the actual temperature change in the bathroom 101. On the other hand, in this case, the influence of measurement noise in the correction change amount becomes large, so that the corrected temperature value frequently varies. The larger the value of the second change amount, the worse the followability. On the other hand, in this case, the variation of the corrected temperature value is less likely to occur. By accepting the setting change of the second change amount, such a trade-off between followability and tolerance to variation can be set according to the user's feeling of use.

[0052] Summarizing the above description, the possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the following configurations shown as appendices. (Appendix 1) A sealed housing installed inside the bathroom, A temperature sensor provided inside the sealed housing, A control device that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub, Comprising The control device A change amount calculation unit that calculates a correction change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, A correction value calculation unit that calculates the correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases, A temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the correction change amount and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, An operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub using the corrected temperature value, A water heater having (Appendix 2) The correction value calculation unit of the water heater according to Appendix 1, which calculates the correction value as the product of the correction change amount and a specified correction coefficient. (Appendix 3) The control device Calculate a first change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified comparison time, and a time change unit that changes the length of the target time based on the first change amount. Further comprising The time change unit is a water heater according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, configured such that the longer the absolute value of the first change amount, the shorter the target time. (Supplementary Note 4) The control device A time change unit that changes the target time to the time from the reference time until the change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor reaches a second change amount. A water heater according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, further comprising (Supplementary Note 5) When the absolute value of the correction value is equal to or greater than a first invalid threshold value, the operation control unit does not use the corrected temperature value for control until a first invalid time elapses after the correction value is calculated. A water heater according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 4. (Supplementary Note 6) When the absolute value of the correction change amount is equal to or greater than a second invalid threshold value, the operation control unit does not use the corrected temperature value for control until a second invalid time elapses after the correction change amount is calculated. A water heater according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 4. (Supplementary Note 7) When the corrected temperature value is not within the assumed temperature range, the operation control unit does not use the corrected temperature value for control. A water heater according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 4. (Supplementary Note 8) A display for displaying information Further comprising The control device A display control unit that causes the display to display the corrected temperature value calculated by the temperature calculation unit. A water heater according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 7, further having (Supplementary Note 9) The display control unit When the absolute value of the correction change amount is less than a third invalid threshold value, the corrected temperature value is displayed on the display in the first mode. The water heater according to appended note 8, which causes the display device to display the corrected temperature value in a second mode different from the first mode when the absolute value of the correction change amount is greater than or equal to the third invalid threshold value.

Explanation of Signs

[0053] 1 Water heater, 2 Water supply unit, 3 Control device, 4 Bathroom interface, 4a Sealed housing, 4b Substrate, 4c Display, 4d Temperature sensor, 5 Interface outside the bathroom, 5a Display, 6 Heating in the bathroom, 31 Temperature acquisition unit, 32 Change amount calculation unit, 33 Correction value calculation unit, 34 Temperature calculation unit, 35 Operation control unit, 36 Display control unit, 40 Time change unit, 100 Dwelling, 101 Bathroom, 102 Bathroom wall

Claims

1. A sealed housing installed inside the bathroom, A temperature sensor provided inside the sealed housing, A control device for controlling at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub, comprising, The control device, A change amount calculation unit that calculates a correction change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, A correction value calculation unit that calculates the correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases, A temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, An operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub using the corrected temperature value, having, The correction value calculation unit calculates the correction value as the product of the correction change amount and a specified correction coefficient. A water heater.

2. A sealed housing installed inside the bathroom, A temperature sensor provided inside the sealed housing, A control device for controlling at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub, comprising, The control device, A change amount calculation unit that calculates a correction change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, A correction value calculation unit that calculates the correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases, A temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, An operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub using the corrected temperature value, A time change unit that calculates a first change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified comparison time and changes the length of the target time based on the first change amount. comprising a water heater that has a time change unit configured to shorten the target time as the absolute value of the first change amount increases.

3. A sealed housing installed inside a bathroom, a temperature sensor provided inside the sealed housing, and a control device configured to control at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub. comprising The control device includes a change amount calculation unit configured to calculate a correction change amount of the measurement temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, a correction value calculation unit configured to calculate the correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases, a temperature calculation unit configured to calculate the sum of the measurement temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, an operation control unit configured to control at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub using the corrected temperature value, and a time change unit configured to change the target time to the time from the reference time until the change amount of the measurement temperature of the temperature sensor becomes a second change amount. A water heater comprising the above.

4. A sealed housing installed inside a bathroom, a temperature sensor provided inside the sealed housing, and a control device configured to control at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub. comprising The control device includes a change amount calculation unit configured to calculate a correction change amount of the measurement temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, a correction value calculation unit configured to calculate the correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases, a temperature calculation unit configured to calculate the sum of the measurement temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, an operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the supply of hot water to the bath using the corrected temperature value; Equipped with When the absolute value of the correction value is equal to or greater than a first invalid threshold, the operation control unit does not use the correction temperature value for control until a first invalid time has elapsed since the correction value was calculated.

5. A sealed housing installed inside a bathroom; A temperature sensor provided inside the sealed housing; A control device for controlling at least one of the bathroom environment and the hot water supply to the bath; Equipped with The control device includes: a change amount calculation unit that calculates a correction change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time; a correction value calculation unit that calculates the correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the correction change amount increases; a temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the correction value as a corrected temperature value of the bathroom; an operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the supply of hot water to the bath using the corrected temperature value; Equipped with When the absolute value of the correction change amount is equal to or greater than a second invalid threshold, the operation control unit does not use the correction temperature value for control until a second invalid time has elapsed since the correction change amount was calculated.

6. A sealed housing installed inside a bathroom; A temperature sensor provided inside the sealed housing; A control device for controlling at least one of the bathroom environment and the hot water supply to the bath; Equipped with The control device includes: a change amount calculation unit that calculates a correction change amount of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time; A correction value calculation unit that calculates the correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the change amount for correction increases; A temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom; An operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub using the corrected temperature value; Comprising; A water heater that, when the corrected temperature value is not included in the assumed temperature range, causes the operation control unit not to use the corrected temperature value for control. **Claim 7** A display for displaying information; Further comprising; The control device; A display control unit that causes the display to display the corrected temperature value calculated by the temperature calculation unit; The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising. **Claim 8** A sealed housing installed inside the bathroom, A temperature sensor provided inside the sealed housing, A control device that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub, A display for displaying information, Comprising; The control device; A change amount calculation unit that calculates a change amount for correction of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor at a specified target time, A correction value calculation unit that calculates the correction value such that the absolute value of the correction value increases as the absolute value of the change amount for correction increases, A temperature calculation unit that calculates the sum of the measured temperature of the temperature sensor and the correction value as the corrected temperature value of the bathroom, An operation control unit that controls at least one of the environment of the bathroom and the hot water supply of the bathtub using the corrected temperature value, A display control unit that causes the display to display the corrected temperature value calculated by the temperature calculation unit, Comprising; The display control unit, When the absolute value of the correction variation amount is smaller than the third invalid threshold value, in the first aspect, the corrected temperature value is displayed on the display, When the absolute value of the correction variation amount is equal to or greater than the third invalid threshold value, a water heater that causes the corrected temperature value to be displayed on the display in a second aspect different from the first aspect.

Images