CN101166864B

CN101166864B - A structure of water level sensor for steam generator in drum washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN101166864B
Application number: CN2006800144891A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 曹基喆
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2005-05-23
Filing date: 2006-03-15
Publication date: 2012-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-15
Also published as: KR20060120816A; KR101203064B1; CN101166864A; ES2621562T3

Abstract

The present invention relates to laundry machines, such as washing machines or dryers, for washing or dryning laundry. The steam generator (50) for a laundry machine includes a housing (80) formed to provide a space for holding water, a heater (55) for heating the water to generate steam, a water level sensor (60) for sensing a water level of the water held in the housing, and a stability maintaining member (70) for maintaining a stable state of the water at a portion to be sensed by the water level sensor (60).

Description

The structure that is used for the level in steam generator sensor of roller washing machine

Technical field

The present invention relates to washing machine; For example be used to wash or the washing machine or the dryer of drying clothes, more specifically, relate to a kind of steam generator of washing machine; Wherein near the washings the level sensor will remain on stable status, break down to prevent the water level sensor.

Background technology

Usually, washing machine or dryer are used for washing or drying clothes.

In washing machine; Have agitating type washing machine and drum-type washing machine; The former is that the water that when the agitator of dish type rotates, produces circulation comes washing clothes, and the latter comes washing clothes through the pressure that produces washings and clothing with friction in horizontal tub when column barrel rotates.

Recently, develop that a kind of steam washs or the washing machine of dry cleaning through spraying.

In various washing machines, the roller washing machine of selecting to have steam generator is described as an example.

Referring to Fig. 1, the washing machine with prior art of steam generator have washing machine exterior case 10, horizontal support in casing 10, be used for keeping water column barrel 20, to be installed in the CD-ROM drive motor (not shown) of cylinder 30 in the bucket 20, head roll 30 and to be used for rotating mode be the steam generator 50 that cylinder 30 provides steam.

There are opening of laundry 13 and door 11 in casing 10 front portions, and laundry opening 13 is connected with cylinder 30 inside, are used for putting into/take out clothing, and door 11 is mounted to the edge forwards to rotatable, is used for opening/closing clothing opening 13.

Simultaneously,, have feed water valve 15 and the water supply hose 25 that is connected to outer water tube (not shown), be used for supplying water to bucket 20 in a side of drum-type washing machine.

Steam generator 50 is connected to water supply hose 25, is used for water is introduced wherein, and adds hot water supplies to cylinder 30 with generation steam.

Steam generator 50 also has steam supply pipe 53 in the one of which side, is used for the steam that steam generator 50 produces is guided and is sprayed onto in the cylinder 30.

Preferably, steam supply pipe 53 has the end of nozzle form, so that steam successfully is sprayed onto in the cylinder 30, and preferably, this end is exposed to the inboard of cylinder 30, with to exhaust steam wherein.

Simultaneously, for the steam that stops the inside that is sprayed to cylinder 30 directly contacts with clothing, preferably, steam supply pipe 53 links to each other with a side on cylinder 30 tops.

To describe steam generator 50 in detail according to accompanying drawing 2 and 3.

Referring to Fig. 2, steam generator 50 is provided with the heater 55 that is used for forming lower case 81, the upper body 82 that matches with the top of lower case 81 in outside and water space and is used for heating steam generator 50 interior institute waters.

Upper body 82 has the water inlet 52a that is connected to feed water valve in a side, is used for water is introduced steam generator 50, has the outlet 52b that is connected to steam supply pipe 53 at opposite side simultaneously, is used for the steam that produces is supplied to bucket 20.

Referring to Fig. 3, heater 55 is installed in the downside of upper body 82, is used for when introducing the complete submergence of water of steam generator 50, adding hot water.

Side in upper body 82 is equipped with: level sensor 60 is used for the water level of sensing water wherein; With a temperature sensor 57, be used for measuring by the water of heater 55 heating and the temperature of steam.

Temperature sensor 57 is also measured the temperature of the steam of steam generator 50 generations, if temperature is higher than the power supply that reference temperature will be cut off heater 55, to stop heater 55 overheated.

Level sensor 60 is measured the water level of the water in the steam generator 50, to keep a suitable water level.

In other words, if the water level of the water in the steam generator 50 is lower than reference value, feed water valve 15 is opened to supply water; And; If the water level of the water in the steam generator 50 is higher than reference value, feed water valve 15 is closed stopping and being supplied water, and makes heater 55 work to produce steam.

Simultaneously, the level sensor 60 of correlation technique is provided with: Socket casing (receptaclehousing) 61, and it is done is the outside of level sensor, and is used for the level sensor 60 of correlation technique is fixed to steam generator 50; With the

electrode

62,63 and 64 of the downside that extends downward Socket casing 61, be used for the water level of the water in the sensing steam generator 50.

Electrode 62,63 and 64 is installed on from the proper height of upper body 82 bottoms, is used for the water level of the water in the sensing steam generator 50.

Yet the steam generator of drum-type washing machine has following point.

At first, connect according to water level and during the electrode of fixed different length level sensor sensing water level at water.

If, and during foam forms and breaks, be sprayed onto level sensor by the water boiling formation foam of heater heating, the continuous generation that then forms and break along with foam, the water that forms between the electrode is used for connecting the electrode of level sensor.In view of the above, level sensor makes a mistake when the sensing height of water level, causes the fault of level sensor.

Secondly, if exotic is piled up, then get into steam generator and the exotic that mixes with water can influence the level in steam generator sensor on level sensor.

In other words, the exotic that gets into steam generator from the outside is deposited on the level sensor, can influence the sensitivity and the mechanical life of level sensor.

Summary of the invention

The purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of washing machine with steam generator, it has the structure of the fault that can prevent level sensor.

The object of the invention can realize that this steam generator comprises through a kind of steam generator that is used for washing machine is provided: housing forms the space that is provided for keeping water; Heater is used for adding hot water to produce steam; Level sensor, the water level of the water that is used for keeping in the sensing housing; And stable holding element, being used for keeping will be by the stable state of the water at the part place of level sensor sensing.

The dividing plate of stability holding element for forming around level sensor.

Dividing plate is divided into space that heater is installed and the space that level sensor is installed with housing.

Preferably, dividing plate is around level sensor.

This dividing plate is spaced apart from housing bottom.

Simultaneously, level sensor can be measured peak level and lowest water level, and comprises public electrode, is used for measuring the low water level electrode of lowest water level and is used for measuring the high water level electrode of peak level.

Dividing plate centers on three electrodes of level sensor individually.

The position of dividing plate above the least significant end of high water level electrode has through the hole, is used for making the rate of climb of dividing plate inside/outside side water level identical.

Dividing plate has slit, and this slit is formed on the least significant end of low water level electrode in the scope of the least significant end of high water level electrode.

In another aspect of this invention, a kind of steam generator that is used for washing machine comprises: housing, have be linked together with the upper body and the lower case in the space that is formed for keeping water; Heater is arranged in lower case, is used for adding hot water to produce steam; Level sensor is positioned on the upper body, is used for the water level of water sensing; And dividing plate, be arranged in each of upper body and lower case, be used for around level sensor.

Level sensor can be measured peak level and lowest water level.

At least one of the dividing plate of upper body and lower case be around level sensor, and level sensor comprises public electrode, is used for measuring the low water level electrode of lowest water level and is used for measuring the high water level electrode of peak level.

In this case, the position of dividing plate above the least significant end of high water level electrode has through the hole equally, is used for making the rate of climb of dividing plate inside/outside side water level identical.

Slit in dividing plate on the housing of upper and lower has from the least significant end of low water level electrode to the least significant end scope of high water level electrode.

In this case, only be formed with slit in the dividing plate on upper body, or only be formed with slit in the dividing plate on lower case, or all be formed with slit in the dividing plate on upper body and lower case.

Dividing plate on the upper body centers on the outside of the dividing plate on the lower case, or the dividing plate on the lower case centers on the outside of the dividing plate on the upper body.

Dividing plate centers on three electrodes of level sensor individually.

In another aspect of this invention, a kind of steam generator that is used for washing machine comprises: first space segment provides water is remained on space wherein, and has the heater that heating remains on water wherein; Second space segment provides water is remained on space wherein, and has and be used for the level sensor of water level of water sensing; And first connected component, be used for making first space segment and second space segment to be connected, so that the water that keeps in first space segment and second space segment is risen with identical speed.

This steam generator further comprises second connected component, is used for making first space segment identical with air pressure in second space segment.

In this case, level sensor comprises public electrode equally, is used for measuring the low water level electrode of lowest water level and is used for measuring the high water level electrode of peak level.

The present invention can solve the problem that exists in the correlation technique.

In other words, the present invention keeps stable status through making near the heated washings the level sensor, can prevent the fault that level sensor possibly caused by the foam that the water boiling forms.

Thereby, also can prevent the damage of product that causes by fault or heater overload and the power consumption of the increase that is easy to cause.

In addition, avoid to prolong the mechanical life of level sensor through the protection level sensor from the influence of the outside exotic of introducing of steam generator.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 representes the perspective schematic view of the roller washing machine of correlation technique;

Fig. 2 representes to be used for the perspective view of steam generator of the roller washing machine of correlation technique;

The perspective view of the internal structure of steam generator in Fig. 3 presentation graphs 2;

Fig. 4 representes the perspective view according to the internal structure of the steam generator of first preferred embodiment of the invention;

The sectional view of the key component of Fig. 5 presentation graphs 4 middle water level sensor units;

Fig. 6 representes the perspective view according to the internal structure of the steam generator of second preferred embodiment of the invention;

The sectional view of the key component of Fig. 7 presentation graphs 6 middle water level sensor units;

Fig. 8 representes the perspective view according to the internal structure of the steam generator of third preferred embodiment of the invention;

The sectional view of the key component of Fig. 9 presentation graphs 8 middle water level sensor units;

Figure 10 representes the perspective view according to the internal structure of the steam generator of four preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 representes the sectional view of the key component of Figure 10 middle water level sensor unit;

Figure 12 representes the sectional plain-view drawing according to the internal structure of the steam generator of fifth preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 representes the sectional plain-view drawing according to the internal structure of the steam generator of fifth preferred embodiment of the invention; And

Figure 14 representes the sectional plain-view drawing according to the internal structure of the steam generator of sixth preferred embodiment of the invention.

The Reference numeral of critical component in the accompanying drawing:

50: steam generator; 55: heater;

57: temperature sensor; 60: level sensor;

61: Socket casing; 62: public electrode;

63: low water level electrode; 64: high water level electrode

70: dividing plate; 80: housing

81: lower case; 82: upper body

The specific embodiment

Now will be in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, its example is shown in the drawings.

For ease, in various washing machines, will illustrate and describe roller washing machine.

To the washing machine steam generator according to first preferred embodiment of the invention be described according to attaching Figure 4 and 5.

Referring to Figure 4 and 5, steam generator comprises: have the space that is used to keep water housing 80, be used for adding hot water with the heater 55 that produces steam, be used for water sensing water level level sensor 60 and be used at the stable holding element that will keep the stable state of water by the part place of level sensor sensing.

In this embodiment, the foam that forms as the water that is used for stoping by heater 55 heating directly splashes the stable holding element of level sensor 60, and the employing dividing plate separates the part that has level sensor 60 in the housing other parts with housing.

As the outside of steam generator and keep on the outside of housing 80 of water, have Socket casing 61 and be installed in the level sensor 60 below the Socket casing 61.

Level sensor has a plurality of

electrodes

62,63 and 64.

In order to measure the steam generator temperature inside, in the outside of housing 80 temperature sensor 57 is installed, and the electrode in housing 80 62,63 and 64 around have a dividing plate 70.

Simultaneously, housing 80 has the upper body 82 and lower case 81 that is combined together, and Socket casing 61 makes

electrode

62,63 and 64 be placed in the housing 80 from the outside installation of upper body.

As shown in the figure, dividing plate is positioned at around the

electrode

62,63 and 64 of upper body 82.

Referring to Fig. 4, the dividing plate of washing machine steam generator according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention is round level sensor, and has the bottom of an opening.

Dividing plate 70 allows water in the steam generator to flow into the inboard of dividing plate 70 from the bottom of upper body 82 with predetermined distance d separately.

Then, flow into the inboard water of dividing plate 70, inject the inboard of dividing plates 70, promote water level along a plurality of

electrodes

62,63 and 64 of level sensor through its open bottom.

Simultaneously, in Socket casing 61, have public electrode 62, low water level electrode 63 and high water level electrode 64, as the level sensor of measuring water level.

Electrode

62,63 and 64 is installed in suitable height respectively, with the water level of the water in the sensing steam generator 50.

For example, in the

electrode

62,63 and 64, public electrode 62 is to be used for the reference electrode of sensing water level, and low water level electrode 63 is used for the sensing low water level, and high water level electrode 64 is used for the sensing high water level.

The length with low water level electrode 63 is identical or longer at least for the length of requirement public electrode 62.

If public electrode 62 and low water level electrode 63 are immersed in the steam generator 50 under water, then when electric current low water level signal of level sensor 60 generations during through water.

If water level rises to submergence high water level electrode 64, then level sensor 60 produces a high water level signal.

Referring to Fig. 5, if because there is air pressure to form in the dividing plate 70, then water can not flow into the inboard of dividing plate 70, thus be provided with one through hole 70a at the upside of dividing plate 70, especially, in the position that is higher than high water level electrode 64 bottoms.

Simultaneously, Fig. 6 to 11 representes washing machine steam generator according to other embodiments of the present invention respectively.

In other words, shown in accompanying drawing, steam generator is also directly introduced dividing plate 70 inside with washings, and measures the water level of the washings of introducing dividing plate 70 inside smoothly through level sensor 60.Different with first embodiment is, slit 70b or 70c is set replaces passing through hole 70a on the dividing plate 70.

That is,, comprise the vertical slits 70b on the dividing plate 70 that is positioned on the upper body 82 and dividing plate 70 sidewalls according to the washing machine steam generator of second preferred embodiment of the invention referring to Fig. 6 and 7.

In this case, in order from the lowest water level to the peak level, to measure, be greater than at least from the length H1 of the least significant end of bottom to the high water level electrode 64 of upper body 82 from the length H2 of bottom to the slit of upper body 82.

Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show the steam generator according to third preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Fig. 8 and 9; Steam generator comprises dividing plate 70 and slit 70c; Dividing plate is formed on upper body 82 respectively respect to one another and the lower case 81; Slit is formed on the dividing plate 70 that is arranged on upper and

lower housing

82 and 81, with the least significant end of least significant end to the high water level electrode 64 that comprises low water level electrode 63.

In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, preferably, slit 70c be formed on upper body 82 respectively respect to one another and the lower case 81 dividing

plate

71 and 72 each in, thereby it is continuous to be connected with each other.

Certainly,, also can on one of last

lower clapboard

71 and 72, be formed with slit, so that there is not the dividing plate of slit not block another dividing plate that wherein is formed with slit (with reference to following description) although do not illustrate.

In this case, in order to strengthen the structure of dividing plate 70, the dividing plate 70 that is positioned on the upper body 82 can form round the outside that is positioned at the dividing plate 70 on the lower case 81, and vice versa.

Referring to Figure 10 and 11, be different from the foregoing description, dividing plate 77 is one by one

round electrode

62,63 and 64.

In this case, dividing plate 77 is spaced apart with predetermined distance d from lower case 81 bottoms equally, and have open bottom be positioned at dividing plate 77 upsides pass through hole 70d, be used for making water level can with dividing plate 77 outsides with identical speed rising.

Certainly, in this case,, can form through hole 70d or slit equally although there is not detailed icon.

Simultaneously, Figure 12,13 and 14 expressions all have the housing 101 of two separate space A and B and 102 structure, place the housing 102 interior level sensors 60 of placing of heater 55, the second space B in the housing 101 of the first space A.

Equally in such cases, between the housing 102 of the housing 101 of the first space A and second space B, respectively upside and downside have first through hole (not shown) with second through hole (not shown), make the water level can be with identical speed rising in two spaces.

Figure 14 representes that housing is positioned at central dividing plate 90 and is divided into two spaces.

Working condition according to washing machine steam generator of the present invention will be described below.

Behind the input washing procedure, washings are incorporated into steam generator 50 through water supply hose 25 (see figure 1)s.

Then, heater 55 is started working, with heated scrub water.

In this case; Preferably; The control module that provides for washing machine is programmed; Make heater 55 only be set to when water level when the washings that inject is higher than the lowest water level of requirement and open, and the temperature that senses washings when temperature sensor 57 is closed through temperature sensor 57 when reaching predetermined temperature.

Then, when the steam of the washings generation of heating is introduced in cylinder 30 through steam supply pipe 53, carry out washing procedure.

That is, steam is sprayed directly on the clothing, carries out dipping, sterilization and the dry-cleaning of clothing.

When washings were introduced in the steam generator 50, washings also were introduced in dividing plate inside through the opening or the slit on the dividing plate of dividing plate downside, and the rate of climb of water level is identical with the dividing plate outside.

In view of the above, public electrode on the dividing plate 70 62 and low water level electrode 63 be submerged to introduce dividing plate washings under water, the electric current that in

electrode

62,63 and 64, flows is through washings sensing low water level or high water level.

That is to say that if the water level in the steam generator 50 progressively rises, so that water level reaches the least significant end of high water level electrode 64, the electric current that then flows produces the high water level signal.

When washings are heated by heater, if the temperature of washings is higher than certain temperature, the washings that the are introduced in steam generator generation significant foam of can seething with excitement.Shown in accompanying drawing, on plane, the installation site of the level sensor in the dividing plate is different from heater.

Therefore, the washings foam of heater formation can directly not shifted to electrode.

In a word, the washings in the dividing plate 70 only are in certain state of temperature, and are promptly enough high to produce steam, still keep stable state and do not produce foam.

In other words; Though in not having the structure of dividing plate, washings can produce fault seething with excitement between electrode and being sprayed on the electrode during level sensor sensing water level; But as the present invention; Have under the situation of dividing plate around level sensor at steam generator, because near the washings the electrode are very stable, the fault that can stop level sensor to produce because of the boiling of washings water.

The present invention can have multiple modification and variation and not deviate from the spirit and the scope of invention, and this will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Like this, the invention is intended to cover modification and the variation that drops in claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Industrial applicibility

The present invention relates to washing machine, for example be used for washing or the washing machine or the dryer of drying clothes, more specifically, relate to the steam generator that is used for washing machine, be used for operating smoothly the level sensor in the steam generator.

Dividing plate around the level sensor stops near the foam arrival level sensor by the washings generation of heater heating.

In other words, keep stable state, can stop level sensor when the sensing water level, to break down through making the washings that contact with level sensor.

Claims

1. steam generator that is used for washing machine comprises:

Housing forms this housing to be provided for keeping the space of water;

Heater is used for heating said water to produce steam;

Level sensor is used for sensing to remain on the water level of the said water in the said housing; Wherein, said level sensor comprises public electrode, is used for measuring the low water level electrode of lowest water level and is used for measuring the high water level electrode of peak level; And

Dividing plate; This shelf-shaped becomes surrounds said level sensor; Being used for keeping will be by the stable state of the water at the part place of said level sensor sensing, and wherein, said dividing plate has through hole and slit; Saidly be positioned at the position of the least significant end top of said high water level electrode through the hole, said slit is formed on least significant end from said low water level electrode in the scope of the least significant end of said high water level electrode.

2. steam generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said dividing plate is divided into the space that space that said heater is installed in it and Qi Nei are equipped with said level sensor with said housing.

3. steam generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said dividing plate is opened from the bottom interval of said housing.

4. steam generator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said dividing plate surrounds three electrodes of said level sensor individually.

5. steam generator that is used for washing machine comprises:

Housing, this housing have be linked together with the upper body and the lower case in the space that is formed for keeping water;

Heater is arranged in said lower case, is used for heating said water to produce steam;

Level sensor is positioned on the said upper body, is used for the water level of the said water of sensing; And

Dividing plate is respectively formed on said upper body respect to one another and the said lower case, is used for surrounding said level sensor.

6. steam generator as claimed in claim 5, wherein, said level sensor can be measured peak level and lowest water level.

7. steam generator as claimed in claim 5, wherein, at least one of the said dividing plate of said upper body and said lower case surrounded said level sensor.

8. steam generator as claimed in claim 5, wherein, said level sensor comprises:

Public electrode;

Low water level electrode is used for measuring said lowest water level; With

High water level electrode is used for measuring said peak level.

9. steam generator as claimed in claim 8, wherein, the position of said dividing plate above the least significant end of said high water level electrode has through the hole.

10. steam generator as claimed in claim 8, wherein, the said dividing plate on the housing of said upper and lower has the slit that extends to the least significant end of said high water level electrode from the least significant end of said low water level electrode.

11. steam generator as claimed in claim 10 wherein, only is formed with said slit in the said dividing plate on said upper body.

12. steam generator as claimed in claim 10 wherein, only is formed with said slit in the said dividing plate on said lower case.

13. steam generator as claimed in claim 10 wherein, all is formed with said slit in the said dividing plate on said upper body and said lower case.

14. steam generator as claimed in claim 5, wherein, the said dividing plate on the said upper body surrounds the outside of the said dividing plate on the said lower case.

15. steam generator as claimed in claim 5, wherein, the said dividing plate on the said lower case surrounds the outside of the said dividing plate on the said upper body.

16. steam generator as claimed in claim 15, wherein, said dividing plate surrounds three electrodes of said level sensor individually.