Methods for preventing overheating of fluids exiting from bidet device

Abstract

The present invention comprises: (a) a step in which an outlet temperature sensor (220) installed in a hot water tank (200) of a bidet device detects the temperature inside the hot water tank (200); (b) a step in which the output of a heater (230) installed inside the hot water tank (200) and heating the fluid stored inside the hot water tank (200) is controlled in a preset manner based on the temperature detected in step (a); (c) a step in which the outlet temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature inside the hot water tank (200); (d) a step in which a drainage mode of the bidet device is performed according to the detection result based on the temperature detected in step (c); (e) a step in which the outlet temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature inside the hot water tank (200); (f) a step in which whether the fluid in the hot water tank (200) is overheated is determined in a preset manner based on the temperature detected in step (e). The present invention relates to a method for preventing overheating of a fluid discharged from a bidet device, comprising: (g) a step of determining whether to perform a cleaning mode of the bidet device based on whether the fluid is overheated as determined in step (f); and (g) a step of determining whether to perform a cleaning mode of the bidet device according to whether the fluid is overheated as determined in step (f).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for preventing overheating of a fluid discharged from a bidet device. Specifically, the invention relates to a method for determining overheating of a fluid using temperature and time, and for increasing the accuracy of determining whether the fluid is overheated by using a drainage algorithm. Background Technology

[0003] Conventional bidet hot water systems are classified into instantaneous water heating methods that immediately heat flowing water, storage-type methods consisting of a hot water tank and a sheath heater, and continuous water heating methods that combine instantaneous and storage-type methods.

[0004] Since an instantaneous water heater system requires a flow sensor for hot water control, problems related to water shortages can be prevented in advance by detecting the flow rate during a water cutoff, stopping the heater's operation, and halting control.

[0005] On the other hand, the storage type method does not require a separate flow sensor because it stores hot water in a tank and dispenses it while heating the stored water. Furthermore, since the hot water is naturally consumed as it is dispensed, there is no risk of hot water discharge accidents. Even if the water supply is cut off, heating stops when a certain temperature is reached, so hot water is not dispensed even after the cutoff condition is lifted, eliminating the risk of accidents.

[0006] The continuous hot water system (hybrid system), which combines instantaneous and storage-type methods, is an invention that improves upon the problem of temperature drop when the water in the conventional storage-type system is depleted by equipping it with a smaller tank and using a heater with higher power. Therefore, the continuous hot water system can continuously dispense hot water at a target temperature through the combination of the water output volume and the heater.

[0007] In continuous hot water systems, just like in storage tank systems, there is no flow sensor, so this does not pose a problem under normal circumstances. However, if the water supply is cut off, the temperature of the hot water tank rises due to latent heat even if the heater is turned off. Furthermore, the smaller tank size and higher heater capacity compared to storage tank systems cause the internal temperature to increase rapidly. If the water cutoff condition is lifted in this state, the heated water from the tank is discharged, which can lead to safety hazards.

[0008] The present invention relates to a control algorithm for preventing accidents caused by overheated hot water being discharged after the water supply is cut off or released in a continuous hot water system, particularly in a bidet device.

[0010] (Patent Document 1) Korean Registered Patent Document No. 10-1961634

[0011] (Patent Document 2) Korean Published Patent Document No. 10-2007-0101626

[0012] (Patent Document 3) Korean Published Patent Document No. 10-2014-0068480 The problem to be solved

[0014] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0015] Specifically, the present invention relates to a control algorithm for preventing accidents caused by the discharge of overheated hot water in a water supply interruption state where the water supply is cut off.

[0016] In addition, the present invention relates to a control algorithm for preventing accidents caused by the discharge of overheated hot water after water cutoff.

[0017] In addition, the present invention aims to increase the accuracy of determining whether a fluid is overheated.

[0018] In addition, the present invention is intended to address the problem of the continuous hot water system developed to overcome the limitation of not being able to reach the target temperature when the hot water in the hot water tank is depleted, which was a problem in the storage type. means of solving the problem

[0020] One embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is,

[0021] A method according to the present invention comprises: (a) a step in which an outlet temperature sensor (220) installed in a hot water tank (200) of a bidet device detects the temperature inside the hot water tank (200); (b) a step in which the output of a heater (230) installed in the hot water tank (200) and heating the fluid stored inside the hot water tank (200) is controlled in a preset manner based on the temperature detected in step (a); (c) a step in which the outlet temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature inside the hot water tank (200); (d) a step in which a drainage mode of the bidet device is performed according to the detection result based on the temperature detected in step (c); (e) a step in which the outlet temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature inside the hot water tank (200); (f) a step in which whether the fluid in the hot water tank (200) is overheated is determined in a preset manner based on the temperature detected in step (e). and (g) a step of determining whether to perform a cleaning mode of the bidet device based on whether the fluid is overheated as determined in step (f); a method for preventing overheating of a fluid discharged from a bidet device is provided.

[0022] Additionally, the bidet device preferably comprises: a hot water tank (200); an inlet valve (100) for controlling the supply of fluid to the hot water tank (200); an outlet passage (240) which is a passage through which fluid stored in the hot water tank (200) is discharged; a drain pipe (310) which is in communication with the outlet passage (240) and discharges fluid toward a receiving portion of the bidet device; a cleaning pipe (320) which is in communication with the outlet passage (240) and sprays fluid toward a cleaning target; and a flow switching valve (300) which controls the communication of any one of the outlet passage (240), the cleaning pipe (320), and the drain pipe (310).

[0023] Additionally, in step (d) above, if the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is greater than the preset over-rise prevention temperature (T3) and the duration for which the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) is detected is greater than the preset time, it is preferable to further include: (d1) a step in which the inlet valve (100) is operated to block the supply of fluid to the hot water tank (200); and (d2) a step in which the flow path switching valve (300) is operated so that the water outlet flow path (220) and the drain pipe (310) are connected, and the remaining fluid in the hot water tank (200) is discharged through the drain pipe (310).

[0024] Additionally, the above step (d) further includes, after the above step (d2), the step (d3) in which the inlet valve (100) is operated to allow fluid supply to the hot water tank (200), and the fluid supplied to the hot water tank (200) is discharged through the drain pipe (310); and the above step (e) further includes the step in which the discharge temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature of the fluid discharged in the above step (d3).

[0025] In addition, in step (d) above, if the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is lower than the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) or the duration for which the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) is detected is less than or equal to a preset time, it is preferable to repeat step (a).

[0026] Additionally, the above step (d) further includes, after the above step (d2), the step (d3) in which the inlet valve (100) is operated to allow fluid supply to the hot water tank (200), and the fluid supplied to the hot water tank (200) is discharged through the drain pipe (310); and the above step (e) further includes the step in which the discharge temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature of the fluid discharged in the above step (d3).

[0027] In addition, in step (d) above, if the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is lower than the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) or the duration for which the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) is detected is less than or equal to a preset time, it is preferable to repeat step (a).

[0028] Additionally, step (f) includes a step in which the fluid is determined to be overheated when the temperature detected in step (e) is greater than the safety temperature (T0), and step (g) includes a step in which the cleaning mode of the bidet device is not performed when the fluid is determined to be overheated in step (f), and it is preferable that the safety temperature (T0) is a temperature lower than the overheating prevention temperature (T3).

[0029] Additionally, step (f) includes a step in which the fluid is determined not to be overheated when the temperature detected in step (e) is less than the safety temperature (T0), and step (g) includes, when the fluid is determined not to be overheated in step (f), (g1) a step of detecting the temperature at the water outlet temperature sensor (220); and (g2) a step in which the cleaning mode is determined when the temperature detected in step (g1) is greater than the target temperature (T1), and it is preferable that the target temperature (T1) is a temperature less than the over-rising prevention temperature (T3).

[0030] Additionally, the above step (f) further includes a step in which the fluid is determined not to be overheated if the temperature detected in the above step (e) is greater than the safety temperature (T0) and lower than the target temperature (T1), and the duration for which the detected temperature is detected is longer than or equal to a preset time, and it is preferable that the safety temperature (T0) is a temperature lower than the target temperature (T1).

[0031] Additionally, the above step (g2) preferably further includes a step of re-performing the above step (g1) after controlling the output of the heater (230) when the temperature detected in the above step (g1) is lower than or equal to the target temperature (T1).

[0032] Additionally, the above step (b) further includes: a step in which the heater (230) is operated and the output of the heater (230) is controlled when the temperature detected in the above step (a) is less than the off temperature (T2); and a step in which the heater (230) is turned off when the temperature detected in the above step (a) is greater than the off temperature (T2); and preferably, the off temperature (T2) is a temperature less than the over-rise prevention temperature (T3).

[0033] In addition, it is preferable that the above safety temperature (T0) is smaller than the target temperature (T1), the above target temperature (T1) is smaller than the off temperature (T2), and the above off temperature (T2) is smaller than the over-rise prevention temperature (T3).

[0034] In addition, the present invention preferably provides a bidet device in which the above method is performed. Effects of the invention

[0036] The method according to the present invention is,

[0037] It can prevent damage to the user, including burns, caused by the discharge of overheated hot water.

[0038] The target temperature can be reached when the hot water in the hot water tank is depleted, which was a problem in the storage type.

[0039] By using time and temperature, it is possible to accurately determine whether the hot water being discharged is overheated, and to determine whether the water supply is cut off based on whether the hot water is overheated.

[0040] By using time and temperature and the drainage mode, it is possible to accurately determine whether the hot water being discharged is overheated during the water cutoff operation, and to determine whether the water is in a cutoff or post-cutoff state based on whether the hot water is overheated. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0042] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a hot water tank and a flow switching valve. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the temperature according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a method for determining overheating of a fluid according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a method for determining overheating of a fluid according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0043] Hereinafter, "water cutoff" means a state in which water is not supplied to the inlet valve (100), and may include cases that occur due to a power outage or mechanical failure.

[0044] Hereinafter, "cleaning mode" refers to a method in which the discharged fluid comes into direct contact with the user's body and includes both general cleaning for anal cleansing and feminine cleansing for female genital cleansing.

[0045] Hereinafter, "off" may include both stopping or causing to stop the operation of the device. For example, turning off a heater means that the operation of the heater is stopped.

[0046] Hereinafter, "overheating of fluid" means a condition in which the temperature of the fluid rises and, upon contact with the user's body, may cause damage such as burns.

[0047] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0049] The configuration of a bidet device for explaining a method to prevent overheating of the fluid discharged from the bidet device according to the present invention includes an inlet valve (100), a hot water tank (200), and a flow path switching valve (300).

[0050] With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of a bidet device according to the present invention will be described.

[0052] The inlet valve (100) refers to a valve capable of supplying or blocking fluid to the hot water tank (200). The inlet valve (100) may be connected to an inlet passage (140) connected to the hot water tank (200). The inlet valve (100) may be operated to allow the supply of fluid to the hot water tank (200) or to block the supply of fluid to the hot water tank (200). At this time, the fluid may be water, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] The hot water tank (200) refers to a space that regulates the temperature of the fluid supplied from the inlet valve (100) and stores the fluid. The hot water tank (200) includes an inlet temperature sensor (210), an outlet temperature sensor (220), and a heater (230).

[0055] According to the present invention, the hot water tank (200) may not include a flow sensor and may have a relatively smaller capacity than a storage type or instantaneous hot water tank, but the present invention is not limited to a continuous hot water type.

[0056] The inlet temperature sensor (210) can measure the temperature of the fluid supplied from the inlet valve (100). The inlet temperature sensor (210) may be installed in a location close to the inlet valve (100) of the hot water tank (200) or in the inlet passage (140), and may be located inside the hot water tank (200) as illustrated. It is sufficient for the inlet temperature sensor (210) to be installed in a location suitable for measuring the temperature of the supplied fluid, and is not limited to what is illustrated.

[0057] The water outlet temperature sensor (220) can measure the temperature inside the hot water tank (200). Additionally, the water outlet temperature sensor (220) can measure the temperature of the fluid being discharged.

[0058] The water outlet temperature sensor (220) may be installed in a location close to the flow switching valve (100) or in the water outlet flow path (240), and may be located inside the hot water tank (200) as illustrated. The location of the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is not limited to that illustrated.

[0059] The water outlet temperature sensor (220) can measure the temperature of the hot water tank (200) or the fluid discharged from the hot water tank (200). The water outlet temperature sensor (220) can measure the temperature of the fluid that has been overheated in the heater (230) according to the present invention, and can use this to perform a method to prevent overheating of the fluid discharged from the bidet device. This will be described later.

[0060] At this time, the inlet temperature sensor (210) and the outlet temperature sensor (220) can detect the temperature around the sensor in addition to the fluid being supplied or discharged, so they can be configured as contact type as well as non-contact type sensors.

[0061] The heater (230) can control the temperature of the supplied fluid. The heater (230) can increase the temperature of the fluid. At this time, the heater (230) may be a sheath heater in the shape of a tube in which a heating wire is embedded in a coil shape within a metal protective tube and filled together with an insulating material, and the heating wire and the protective tube are insulated, but is not limited thereto. When the present invention is configured as a continuous hot water system, the capacity of the heater (230) can be set relatively high. For example, the capacity of the heater (230) may be set to 143cc at 1800W power, 250cc at 1500W power, and 500cc at 800W power, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] The discharge path (240) refers to a passage through which fluid stored in the hot water tank (200) is discharged, and can be connected to the hot water tank (200) and can be connected to the flow switching valve (300).

[0064] The flow switching valve (300) refers to a valve capable of switching the flow path to either the drain pipe (310) or the cleaning pipe (320), which are flow paths through which fluid discharged from the hot water tank (200) moves to be drained. For example, the flow switching valve (300) can switch the flow path to the drain pipe (310) to drain the fluid discharged from the hot water tank (200).

[0065] The drain pipe (310) is connected to the water outlet channel (240) and can discharge fluid toward the receiving portion of the bidet device.

[0066] The cleaning pipe (320) is connected to the water outlet channel (240) and can spray fluid toward the object to be cleaned. The cleaning pipe (320) may include a female cleaning pipe (320a) which is a channel for female cleaning or a general cleaning pipe (320b) which is for general cleaning.

[0067] The Euro switching valve (300) may be installed in communication with the Euro tank (200) via the water outlet path (240), but is not limited thereto.

[0069] The control unit refers to a configuration capable of controlling all of the inlet valve (100), hot water tank (200), inlet temperature sensor (210), outlet temperature sensor (220), heater (230), and flow path switching valve (300) according to the present invention. The control unit is installed inside the bidet device, and its location is not limited.

[0070] The control unit can receive control information from the inlet valve (100), hot water tank (200), inlet temperature sensor (210), outlet temperature sensor (220), heater (230), and flow path switching valve (300), respectively.

[0071] Depending on the control of the control unit, the heater (230) can be operated in a general control mode.

[0072] At this time, the general control mode means an operation in which, when the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) described later exceeds the target temperature (T1) and is below the off temperature (T2), the heater (230) is controlled by lowering at least one of the output and temperature of the heater (230), and when the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is below the target temperature (T1) described later, the output and temperature of the heater (230) are maintained. At this time, the output and temperature of the heater (230) may be reduced by a preset value. At this time, the preset output or temperature may have different values ​​depending on the detected temperature.

[0074] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the control of a heater according to a set temperature.

[0075] FIG. 2 illustrates that the safety temperature (T0) is smaller than the target temperature (T1), the target temperature (T1) is smaller than the off temperature (T2), the off temperature (T2) is smaller than the over-rise prevention temperature (T3), and the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) is smaller than the error temperature (T4).

[0077] The safe temperature (T0) refers to a temperature such that even if a fluid having the safe temperature (T0) comes into contact with the user's body, the user does not feel a sensation of heat. The safe temperature (T0) is set lower than the target temperature (T1). For example, the safe temperature (T0) may be a temperature of about 15 to 25°C, but is not limited thereto.

[0079] The target temperature (T1) refers to a temperature that must be achieved in the cleaning mode, and means a temperature at which the user feels a warm sensation when the fluid having the target temperature (T1) comes into contact with the user's body. As illustrated in FIG. 2, it means a temperature higher than the safety temperature (T0). The cleaning mode is a mode that cleans by coming into contact with the user's body, and the target temperature (T1) may be a temperature of approximately 25 to 35°C, but is not limited thereto, and may be set to a temperature at which the user feels a lukewarm or warm sensation.

[0080] The control unit can lower the capacity of the heater (230) by performing a general control operation of the heater (230) when the target temperature (T1) is reached.

[0082] The off temperature (T2) refers to a temperature at which the heater (230) is turned off to prevent excessive temperature rise. The off temperature (T2) does not refer to a temperature that causes damage to the user, but refers to a temperature at which, even if the heater (230) is turned off at the off temperature (T2), if the fluid whose temperature has risen due to the latent heat remaining in the heater (230) comes into contact with the user, it may cause damage to the user, including burns. The off temperature (T2) may be a temperature of about 35 to 45°C, but is not limited thereto, and may be set to a temperature at which the user feels a sensation of heat.

[0083] The control unit can perform a general control operation of the heater (230) at a temperature below the off temperature (T2), and at a temperature exceeding the off temperature (T2), the control unit can perform an operation to turn off the heater (230).

[0085] Error temperature (T4) means a very high temperature of the fluid detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220). Error temperature (T4) may be a temperature of 50°C or higher, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] At the error temperature (T4), an error operation may be displayed on the bidet device, and it may be indicated that there is a problem with the bidet device.

[0088] The over-rise prevention temperature (T3) refers to a temperature range between the off temperature (T2) and the error temperature (T4). If the temperature of the fluid detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is above the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) and the time during which a temperature higher than the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) is detected is maintained for longer than a preset time, the control unit may terminate the cleaning mode. The over-rise prevention temperature (T3) may be a temperature of approximately 45 to 50°C, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] Using FIGS. 3 and 4, a method for preventing overheating of a fluid discharged from a bidet device according to the present invention will be described.

[0092] FIG. 3 describes a method for determining that the fluid is overheated and terminating the cleaning mode when the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is above the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) and the duration for which the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) is detected is greater than a preset time.

[0093] At this time, the determination that the fluid is overheated may mean that the overheating of the fluid is caused by a water cutoff state or by use after a water cutoff state, but is not limited thereto and may include all other cases, such as cases caused by an operational error of the device.

[0095] The control unit determines the mode entered by the user. The entered mode may include a cleaning mode and a drainage mode, and the cleaning mode may include a general cleaning mode and a female cleaning mode. In this case, the cleaning mode may include all modes in which fluid comes into contact with the user.

[0097] The control unit can control the heater (230) in the hot water tank (200) in general mode when the input mode is a cleaning mode. At this time, when the input mode is a mode in which the user does not come into contact with the fluid, such as a drainage mode or a drying mode, the control unit can terminate the method for preventing over-increase during water cutoff according to the present invention because no problem occurs due to latent heat in the hot water tank (200).

[0099] A water outlet temperature sensor (220) installed in the hot water tank (200) of the bidet device detects the temperature of the discharged fluid or the temperature of the hot water tank (200).

[0100] Based on the detected temperature, the output of a heater (230) installed in the hot water tank (200) and heating the fluid stored in the hot water tank (200) can be controlled in a preset manner.

[0101] The control unit can determine whether the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is greater than the off temperature (T2).

[0102] If the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is greater than the off temperature (T2), the heater (230) may be turned off. This will be described later in the following paragraph.

[0103] When the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is below the off temperature (T2), the heater (230) may operate in a general control mode. At this time, when the heater (230) operates in a general control mode and the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) reaches the target temperature (T1), the flow path switching valve (300) may be switched to the cleaning pipe (320) to perform a cleaning mode.

[0104] At this time, the control unit receives the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) in real time, and even if the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is below the off temperature (T2), it can perform the operation of turning off the heater (230) when the temperature detected thereafter reaches the off temperature (T2).

[0106] The water outlet temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature of the hot water tank (200) or the discharged fluid again.

[0107] As described above, if the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is greater than the off temperature (T2), the heater (230) is turned off.

[0108] After the heater (230) is turned off, the control unit can determine that the fluid is overheated if the temperature detected again by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is greater than the overheat prevention temperature (T3) and a preset time has elapsed. Therefore, the cleaning mode can be terminated due to the temperature overheating caused by the latent heat of the heater (230).

[0109] After the heater (230) is turned off, the control unit may operate the heater (230) in a general control mode if the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is lower than the off temperature (T2). At this time, when the heater (230) operates in a general control mode and the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) reaches the target temperature (T1), the flow path switching valve (300) may be switched to perform a cleaning mode.

[0110] At this time, the pre-set time may be referred to as n seconds, and the value of n may be 2 or greater, but is not limited thereto.

[0112] The control unit can return to the operation step of turning off the heater (230) when the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is lower than the over-rising prevention temperature (T3) or lower than a preset time, and can repeatedly measure the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220).

[0113] At this time, if the temperature detected again by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is lower than the off temperature (T2), the heater (230) may operate in a general control mode. At this time, when the heater (230) operates in a general control mode and the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) reaches the target temperature (T1), the flow path switching valve (300) may be switched so that a cleaning mode can be performed.

[0114] At this time, if the temperature detected again by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is greater than the overheating prevention temperature (T3) and a preset time has passed, it is determined that the fluid has overheated and the cleaning mode can be terminated.

[0116] FIG. 4 describes a method for determining that the fluid has overheated and terminating the cleaning mode when the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is greater than the overheating prevention temperature (T3) and the duration for which the overheating prevention temperature (T3) is detected is greater than the preset time, and when the water outlet temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature greater than the safety mode (T0) even after operating the drainage mode.

[0117] That is, FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for operating the drainage mode thereafter, only when the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) in FIG. 3 is maintained above the over-rising prevention temperature (T3) for a preset time or longer. Otherwise, it operates in the same manner as the flowchart in FIG. 3.

[0119] Based on the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220), a drainage mode is performed.

[0120] When the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) exceeds the over-rise prevention temperature (T3) after a preset time, the inlet valve (100) operates to block the fluid supplied to the hot water tank (200), and the fluid previously supplied remains in the hot water tank (200).

[0121] When the inlet valve (100) is operated to block the fluid supplied to the hot water tank (200), the fluid valve (300) is switched to the drain pipe (310). When switched to the drain pipe (310), the remaining fluid can be drained. That is, the remaining fluid, whose temperature has risen due to the latent heat remaining in the hot water tank (200), can be drained. While draining the fluid, the discharge temperature of the remaining fluid can be lowered.

[0122] After draining the fluid, the inlet valve (100) operates to supply fluid to the hot water tank (200), and the outlet temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature of the newly supplied fluid rising in the hot water tank (200).

[0123] At this time, if the fluid overheating is due to a short circuit, the water outlet temperature sensor (220) can detect the fluid remaining in the hot water tank (200) or the temperature around the water outlet temperature sensor (220) because the fluid is not supplied to the hot water tank (200) even if the inlet valve (100) is opened.

[0124] Based on the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220), the overheating of the fluid of the bidet device can be determined by a preset method.

[0125] If the detected temperature is higher than the safety temperature (T0), the control unit determines that the fluid continues to overheat and that latent heat remains in the hot water tank (200), and terminates the cleaning mode.

[0126] At this time, the standard for the detected temperature is set to the safety temperature (T0) because the hot water tank (200) and the fluid can be sufficiently cooled by first draining the fluid whose temperature has risen due to the latent heat remaining in the hot water tank (200), so if the detected temperature measured thereafter is higher than the safety temperature (T0), it can be determined that the fluid continues to overheat.

[0127] However, even after the detected temperature is detected to be higher than the safety temperature (T0), the control unit may not immediately terminate the cleaning mode. After detecting a temperature greater than the safety temperature (T0), the control unit may determine that the fluid is not overheated if the subsequently detected temperature is greater than the safety temperature (T0) and lower than the target temperature (T1), and the duration for which the detected temperature is detected is longer than or equal to a preset time.

[0128] At this time, even if the temperature is higher than the safety temperature (T0), it is lower than the target temperature (T1), and as the time during which the detected temperature is detected continues and the temperature is maintained, it is determined that the temperature does not rise further due to the latent heat of the hot water tank (200), and thus it can be determined that the latent heat of the hot water tank (200) does not remain sufficient to overheat the fluid.

[0129] Additionally, the control unit may determine that the fluid is not overheated even if the temperature measured by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is greater than the safety temperature (T0) after a period of time, if the temperature of the fluid detected is greater than the safety temperature (T0) and lower than the target temperature (T1).

[0130] At this time, even if the temperature of the fluid was previously measured to be higher than the safety temperature (T0), if the temperature of the fluid measured over time is greater than the safety temperature (T0) and lower than the target temperature (T1), it is determined that the temperature will not rise further due to the latent heat of the hot water tank (200), and it can be determined that the latent heat of the hot water tank (200) does not remain sufficient to overheat the fluid.

[0131] The fluid determined to be underheated can be adjusted to a target temperature (T1), which is a temperature suitable for the cleaning mode, according to the general control mode of the heater (200). At this time, when the fluid temperature is between the safe temperature (T0) and the target temperature (T1), there is no problem with using it, but the operation of reheating is performed to satisfy the user's fluid temperature.

[0133] Whether the cleaning mode of the bidet device is performed can be determined depending on whether the fluid is overheated.

[0134] If the temperature of the newly supplied fluid is lower than the safety temperature (T0), the fluid can be determined not to be overheated. At this time, the control unit can operate the inlet valve (100) to stop the supply of fluid to the hot water tank (200) and operate the heater (200) to operate in a general control mode. That is, since a fluid with a temperature lower than the safety temperature (T0) can feel cold when it comes into contact with the user's body, the control unit can adjust the temperature to a temperature suitable for the cleaning mode before activating the cleaning mode.

[0135] After controlling the heater (200), if the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is higher than the target temperature (T1), the control unit can switch the flow path switching valve (300) to the female washing pipe (320a) or the general washing pipe (320b). After switching the flow path, the control unit can open the inlet valve (100) to fully perform the washing mode.

[0136] Even after controlling the heater (200), if the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor (220) is lower than the target temperature (T1), the control unit can control the heater (200) again in a normal control mode.

[0138] For the time being, the present specification has been described with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily understand and reproduce the present invention; however, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible from the embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0140] 100: Inlet valve 140: Inlet Euro 200: Hot water tank 210: Inlet temperature sensor 220: Outlet water temperature sensor 230: Heater 240: Outflow path 300: Euro switching valve 310: Drain pipe 320: Cleaning tube 320a: Female cleansing tube 320b: General cleaning pipe T0: Safe temperature T1: Target temperature T2: Off temperature T3: Overheating prevention temperature T4: Error temperature

Claims

Claim 1 (a) a step in which an outlet temperature sensor (220) installed in the hot water tank (200) of a bidet device detects the temperature inside the hot water tank (200); (b) a step in which the output of a heater (230) installed in the hot water tank (200) and heating the fluid stored inside the hot water tank (200) is controlled in a preset manner based on the temperature detected in step (a); (c) a step in which the outlet temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature inside the hot water tank (200); (d) a step in which a drainage mode of the bidet device is performed according to the detection result based on the temperature detected in step (c); (e) a step in which the outlet temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature inside the hot water tank (200); (f) a step in which whether the fluid in the hot water tank (200) is overheated is determined in a preset manner based on the temperature detected in step (e); and (g) a step of determining whether to perform a cleaning mode of the bidet device based on whether the fluid is overheated as determined in step (f); wherein step (f) includes a step of determining that the fluid is not overheated when the temperature detected in step (e) is less than the safety temperature (T0); wherein step (g) includes, when the fluid is determined not to be overheated in step (f), (g1) a step of detecting the temperature at the water outlet temperature sensor (220); and (g2) a step of determining whether to perform the cleaning mode when the temperature detected in step (g1) is greater than the target temperature (T1); wherein step (f) further includes a step of determining that the fluid is not overheated when the temperature detected in step (e) is greater than the safety temperature (T0) and lower than the target temperature (T1), and the duration for which the detected temperature is detected is greater than or equal to a preset time; and wherein the safety temperature (T0) is a temperature lower than the target temperature (T1). A method for preventing overheating of a fluid discharged from a bidet device. Claim 2 A method for preventing overheating of fluid discharged from a bidet device according to claim 1, wherein the bidet device comprises: a hot water tank (200); an inlet valve (100) for controlling the supply of fluid to the hot water tank (200); an outlet channel (240) which is a passage through which fluid stored in the hot water tank (200) is discharged; a drain pipe (310) which is in communication with the outlet channel (240) and discharges fluid toward a receiving portion of the bidet device; a cleaning pipe (320) which is in communication with the outlet channel (240) and sprays fluid toward a cleaning target; and a channel switching valve (300) which controls the communication of any one of the outlet channel (240), the cleaning pipe (320), and the drain pipe (310). Claim 3 In claim 2, the method for preventing overheating of fluid discharged from a bidet device further comprises: (d1) a step in which the inlet valve (100) is operated to block the supply of fluid to the hot water tank (200) when, in step (d), the temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor (220) is greater than a preset overheating prevention temperature (T3) and the duration for which the overheating prevention temperature (T3) is detected is greater than a preset time; and (d2) a step in which the flow path switching valve (300) is operated so that the outlet flow path (240) and the drain pipe (310) are connected, and the fluid remaining in the hot water tank (200) is discharged through the drain pipe (310). Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the above step (d) further comprises, after the above step (d2), the step (d3) in which the inlet valve (100) is operated to allow fluid supply to the hot water tank (200), and the fluid supplied to the hot water tank (200) is discharged through the drain pipe (310); and the above step (e) further comprises the step in which the discharge temperature sensor (220) detects the temperature of the fluid discharged in the above step (d3), a method for preventing overheating of fluid discharged from a bidet device. Claim 5 A method for preventing overheating of a fluid discharged from a bidet device, wherein, in step (d), if the temperature detected by the discharge temperature sensor (220) is lower than the overheating prevention temperature (T3) or the duration for which the overheating prevention temperature (T3) is detected is less than or equal to a preset time, step (a) is performed again. Claim 6 A method for preventing overheating of a fluid discharged from a bidet device, wherein in paragraph 3, step (f) includes a step of determining that the fluid is overheated when the temperature detected in step (e) is greater than the safety temperature (T0), and step (g) includes a step of determining that the cleaning mode of the bidet device is not performed when the fluid is determined to be overheated in step (f), and the safety temperature (T0) is a temperature lower than the overheating prevention temperature (T3). Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A method for preventing overheating of a fluid discharged from a bidet device, wherein, in claim 1, the step (g2) further comprises the step of controlling the output of the heater (230) and then re-performing the step (g1) when the temperature detected in the step (g1) is lower than or equal to the target temperature (T1). Claim 10 In claim 3, the above step (b) further comprises: a step in which, if the temperature detected in step (a) is less than the off temperature (T2), the heater (230) is operated and the output of the heater (230) is controlled; and a step in which, if the temperature detected in step (a) is greater than the off temperature (T2), the heater (230) is turned off; wherein the off temperature (T2) is a temperature less than the over-rise prevention temperature (T3), a method for preventing overheating of a fluid discharged from a bidet device. Claim 11 A method for preventing overheating of a fluid discharged from a bidet device, wherein, in claim 6, the safety temperature (T0) is smaller than the target temperature (T1), the target temperature (T1) is smaller than the off temperature (T2), and the off temperature (T2) is smaller than the over-rising prevention temperature (T3). Claim 12 A bidet device in which a method according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 6 and paragraphs 9 through 11 is performed.

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