JP2018082791A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine in which an internal state confirmation or maintenance of a heater unit provided at a bottom part of a water tub is easily performed.SOLUTION: The washing machine comprises a washing machine body 11, a water tub 13 supported inside the washing machine body 11 and having a drain port at a bottom part, and a heater unit 32 arranged below the water tub 13 and communicating with the inner bottom part of the water tub 13. The heater unit 32 has a heater housing container 37 which houses a heater 38 for heating washing water inside, and a plurality of water channels which make an inner bottom part of the water tub 13 communicate with the heater housing container 37. The plurality of water channels are provided at positions where the washing water has a different temperature in a state in which a power source of the heater 38 is turned on, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine provided with a heated water generating device for heating washing water.

  Conventionally, this type of washing machine has increased cleaning power by activating detergent by heating the washing water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a water tank in a conventional washing machine described in Patent Document 1. FIG. FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a water tank with a heater of a conventional washing machine removed. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly in a state where a heater in a conventional washing machine is attached to the bottom of a water tub.

  In FIG. 12, the washing machine main body (not shown) supports the water tank 200 in a suspension and vibration-proof manner by a suspension (not shown). Inside the water tank 200, a washing machine / dehydration tank (not shown) is rotatably disposed.

  An inner bottom portion of the water tank 200 has a bulging portion 110 that bulges downward, and a heater 120 including a sheathed heater or the like is accommodated in the bulging portion 110. A drain outlet 113 is attached below the bulging portion 110.

  In the above configuration, the operation of the conventional washing machine adding process will be described.

  The laundry is put in the washing / dehydrating tank together with the necessary detergent, and an operation switch (not shown) is operated to start operation. When the operation is started, a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the water tank 200 by the water supply device.

  Subsequently, in order to dissolve the detergent, water supply stirring is performed in which the washing and dewatering tank rotates at a low speed.

  Thereafter, a heating process is performed in which the washing water is heated for a long time when the heater 120 generates heat.

  Since the detergent temperature is activated by increasing the water temperature of the washing water by the above-described soaking process, washing can be performed effectively.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a support member 140 that supports the heating unit 121 of the heater 120 is formed on the bottom surface of the water tank 200 of the conventional washing machine. The support member 140 is bent in accordance with the shape of a large number of bent heating parts 121 and supports the heating part 121 so as not to move. Further, the distal end portion 141 of the support member 140 is fastened to the boss 150 by the fastening member 143.

  Hereinafter, a method of attaching and separating the heater and water tank of the above-described conventional washing machine heater assembly will be described.

When the heater 120 is attached to the water tank 200, the heating unit 121 of the heater 120 is inserted from the outside of the water tank 200 into the bulging part 110 through the opening 130 at the bottom of the water tank 200. By inserting the heater 120 into the support member 140 in the bulging portion 110, the heater 120 is stably supported without moving.
When the insertion of the heater 120 is completed, the heater 120 is firmly supported and fixed in the bulging portion 110 by squeezing a nut that fixes the heater 120 and the washing and dewatering tub.

On the other hand, when the heater assembly is maintained, the heater 120 can be separated from the water tank 200 by a method opposite to the mounting operation described above.
That is, the heater 120 can be pulled out from the bulging portion 110 by loosening the nut, pulling the heater 120 and pulling it out from the bulging portion 110.

JP 2005-512742 A

  In the conventional configuration, when the maintenance of the heater assembly is performed, it is necessary to pull out the heater from the bulging portion. However, since the washing / dehydrating tub is disposed inside the aquarium, the heater is installed from the outside of the aquarium. When inserting, the inside of the water tank cannot be visually confirmed, and it cannot be confirmed whether or not the heater is securely attached to the support member on the bottom surface in the water tank. Moreover, since it is necessary to insert a heater in a water tank in the condition which cannot confirm the position of the support member inside a water tank, there exists a possibility that a heater may collide with a support member and be damaged.

  As described above, the conventional washing machine has a problem in convenience when maintaining the hot water generator.

  Then, the objective of this invention is providing the washing machine which can perform maintenance of a warm water production | generation apparatus easily.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a washing machine according to the present invention includes a washing machine main body, a water tank supported inside the washing machine main body and having a drain outlet at the bottom, and drainage connected to the drain outlet of the water tank. The drain cock unit is connected to a heater unit that communicates with the bottom of the water tank, the heater unit includes a heater that heats washing water, and a water channel that communicates with the bottom of the water tank. The water channel and the drain cock unit that are formed are configured to open at positions where the water temperature of the washing water is different from the heater unit.

  With this configuration, since the heater unit is provided separately from the water tank, it is possible to easily check the state of the heater unit and perform maintenance.

  The washing machine of the present invention can easily check the state of the inside of the heater unit provided at the bottom of the water tank and perform maintenance.

Longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine in the first embodiment Water tank rear view of the washing machine and exploded perspective view of the heater unit Perspective view of heater unit of the washing machine (A) Top view of heater unit of the washing machine, (b) AA sectional view of the heat unit in FIG. 4 (a) of the washing machine. Sectional view of the heater unit of the washing machine Cross section of the bottom of the water tank and the heater unit of the washing machine The principal part expanded sectional view of the heater unit of the washing machine The bottom of the water tank of the washing machine, and the BB cross-sectional view of the heater unit in FIG. The principal part expanded sectional view of the heater unit of the washing machine Partial sectional perspective view showing the flow of washing water in the heater unit of the washing machine Graph of the water temperature in the heater container of the washing machine and the water temperature in the water tank Perspective view of a water tank in a conventional washing machine Rear perspective view of water tank with heater of same washing machine removed A heater assembly in which the heater in the washing machine is mounted on the bottom of the water tank

  1st invention is equipped with the washing machine main body, the inside of the said washing machine main body, the water tank which has a drain outlet in a bottom part, and the drain cock unit connected with the said drain outlet of the said tank, The said drain cock The unit is connected to a heater unit that communicates with the bottom of the water tank, and the heater unit includes a heater that heats washing water, and a water channel that communicates with the bottom of the water tank is formed, and the water channel and the drain cock unit Each of the heater units can be easily checked and maintained in the heater unit by opening the heater unit at a position where the washing water temperature is different.

  In particular, the second aspect of the present invention flows into the heater container by providing the water channel and the drain cock unit of the washing machine of the first aspect of the present invention in the vicinity of both ends of the heater built in the heater unit. The washing water can be efficiently heated while effectively using the radiant heat of the heater.

  3rd invention incorporates the washing machine main body, the water tank which is supported in the inside of the said washing machine main body, and has a drain outlet in a bottom part, and the heater which heats wash water inside is connected with the inner bottom part of the said water tank. A heater unit, wherein the heater unit communicates with the bottom of the water tank by a plurality of water channels, and each of the plurality of water channels opens to a position where the washing water temperature is different from the heater unit. In addition, it is possible to easily check the status inside the heater unit and perform maintenance.

  In the fourth invention, in particular, the plurality of water channels of the washing machine of the third invention are provided at least near both ends of the heater built in the heater unit, so that the washing water flowing into the heater container is Heating can be efficiently performed while effectively using the radiant heat of the heater.

(Embodiment 1)
The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[1-1. Constitution]
[1-1-1. Structure of washing machine]
1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

  In FIG. 1, the washing machine main body 11 has a water tank 13 supported by a suspension 12 for vibration isolation. Inside the water tub 13, a washing / dehydrating tub 15 serving both as a washing tub and a dewatering tub is rotatably provided. The washing / dehydrating tub 15 has a pulsator 18 rotatably disposed at the bottom.

A transmission mechanism 20 is disposed on the outer bottom of the water tank 13. The transmission mechanism 20 includes a reduction gear (not shown) for washing, a switching clutch (not shown) for the washing / dehydrating shaft 14, and a brake (not shown) for stopping the washing / dehydrating tub 15. Built in.

  A motor 21 is attached to the outer bottom portion of the water tank 13, and a motor-side pulley 22 is attached to the motor 21. A mechanical pulley 23 is connected to the washing / dehydrating shaft 14, and the motor pulley 22 and the mechanical pulley 23 are connected to each other by a belt 24. With the above configuration, the power of the motor 21 is transmitted to the washing / dehydrating shaft 14 via the belt 24. Further, by controlling the switching clutch, it is possible to realize a state in which only the pulsator 18 is rotated using the motor 21 and a state in which the pulsator 18 and the washing and dewatering tub 15 are simultaneously rotated.

  An upper frame 25 is disposed on the upper part of the washing machine body 11. A laundry loading / unloading port 26 for communicating the washing / dehydrating tub 15 and the outside is formed at a substantially central portion of the upper frame 25, and the laundry loading / unloading port 26 is covered with a door body 27 so as to be freely opened and closed. It has been broken. On the rear side of the upper frame 25, an operation display unit 29 is provided for performing various input settings and displaying the setting contents. A water supply valve 30, a water injection case 31, and the like that can be opened and closed by electromagnetic force are disposed inside the upper frame 25 on the rear side.

  Inside the washing machine main body 11 is a control device (not shown) that controls the motor 21 and the like, sequentially controls a series of steps of washing, rinsing, and dewatering, and controlling the water temperature of the washing water (not shown). (Not shown).

  A fluid balancer 16 is disposed in the upper part of the washing and dewatering tank 15. A back plate 17 is detachably disposed on the back surface of the washing machine body 11 so as to cover the back surface opening (inspection port) 11a.

  FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the water tub of the washing machine in Embodiment 1, and an exploded perspective view of the heater unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom of the water tank 13 has a first drain port 33a and a second drain port 33b.

[1-1-2. Heater unit configuration]
3 is a perspective view of the heater unit of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 4 (a) is a top view of the heater unit of the washing machine, and FIG. 4 (b) is a heat unit in FIG. 4 (a). FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the heater unit of the washing machine, FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the bottom of the water tank and the heater unit of the washing machine, and FIG. 7 is a main part of the heater unit of FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view, FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the water tank of the washing machine, and a BB sectional view of the heater unit in FIG. 4A, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of the heater unit of FIG. It is.

  Below, the heater unit 32 of Embodiment 1 is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the heater unit 32 is fixed at a position where the back plate 17 can be removed and maintained on the outer bottom portion on the back side of the water tank 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the heater unit 32 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped heater housing container 37 that is open at both ends in the longitudinal direction, a heater 38 that is inserted from one opening of the heater housing container 37, and a heater housing container. The sheet metal member 36 is inserted through the other opening 37 and covers the heater 38, and the lid 51 covers the other opening into which the sheet metal member 36 is inserted.

  Below, each component is demonstrated.

[A. Heater container 37]
The heater container 37 is made of a heat-resistant resin and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with both ends in the longitudinal direction opened. Of the openings in the longitudinal direction of the heater container 37, one opening is a heater insertion opening 37 b into which the heater 38 is inserted, and the other opening is a sheet metal member insertion in which the sheet metal member 36 is inserted and covered by the lid 51. This is an opening 37c.

  In the vicinity of the heater insertion opening 37b on the upper surface of the heater container 37, a cylindrical outflow passage portion 37g communicating with the second drainage port 33b at the bottom of the water tank 13 is formed.

  In the vicinity of the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c on the side surface adjacent to the surface having the outflow path portion 37g, a drain cock connection opening 37a communicating with the drain cock unit 34 is provided. The drain cock unit 34 and the heater container 37 are detachably attached by screw fastening (not shown) or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drain cock unit 34 is welded and fixed by a welding boss 45 at a position where the inlet 34 a communicates with the first drain port 33 a at the bottom of the water tank 13. The water tank 13 and the heater container 37 are connected in communication via a drain cock unit 34. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4B, the drain cock unit 34 has a drain path opening 34c. The drainage channel side opening 34 c is connected to the drainage channel 41. By opening a drain valve (not shown) of the drain cock unit 34, the wash water in the water tank 13 and the heater container 37 is drained to the outside of the washing machine body 11 through the drain path 41.

  In the present embodiment, the water tank 13 and the drain cock unit 34 are welded and fixed. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be detachably attached by screw fastening or the like.

[B. Sheet metal member 36]
As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet metal member 36 surrounding the heater 38 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with both ends in the longitudinal direction opened. The sheet metal member 36 is inserted into the heater housing 37 from the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c in the forward direction.

  Since the radiant heat generated from the heater 38 is conducted and diffused through the sheet metal member 36, the risk that the heat concentrates and melts in a part of the heater housing container 37 to generate holes can be reduced.

  The sheet metal member 36 is composed of two sheet metal parts. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, one end of the sheet metal member 36 is spot welded along a spot weld portion 42 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the other end of the sheet metal member 36 has a separation portion 36 a that is not welded and has a constant gap. Therefore, the sheet metal member 36 is substantially U-shaped. The sheet metal member 36 is formed with a support piece 40 recessed inward by bending. The heater 38 accommodated in the heater accommodating container 37 is fixed by the support piece 40 so as not to move.

  A method for fixing the sheet metal member 36 and the heater container 37 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a belt-like rib 37 d is formed on the inner wall of the heater housing 37 so as to correspond to the position of the separating portion 36 a in a state where the sheet metal member 36 is inserted into the heater housing 37. . When the sheet metal member 36 is inserted into the heater accommodating container 37 from the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c in the forward direction, the strip-shaped rib 37d is positioned in the separation portion 36a.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the width dimension W of the strip-shaped rib 37 d at the position where it abuts on the sheet metal member 36 in the state where the sheet metal member 36 is inserted into the heater housing container 37 is from the rear side toward the front side. And wide.

  The width dimension W1 of the end of the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c (rear side) of the belt-shaped rib 37d in FIG. 7 is larger than the separation width of the separation portion 36a in a state where the sheet metal member 36 is accommodated in the heater accommodating container 37. It is narrowly formed. The width dimension W2 of the heater insertion opening 37b side (front side) end of the strip-shaped rib 37d in FIG. 7 is wider than the separation width of the separation portion 36a in a state where the sheet metal member 36 is housed in the heater housing container 37. It is formed as follows. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the inner wall lower surface 39a of the heater container 37 is directed upward from the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c side (rear side) toward the heater insertion opening 37b side (front side). 39b is gradually inclined downward. Therefore, as the sheet metal member 36 is inserted from the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c side (rear side) toward the heater insertion opening 37b side (front side), the separation width of the separation part 36a becomes narrower.

  With the above configuration, when the sheet metal member 36 is inserted into the heater housing container 37 from the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c side (rear side) toward the heater insertion opening 37b side (front side), a strip-shaped rib is inserted from the middle of the insertion. The width W of 37 d is wider than the separation width of the separation portion 36 a of the sheet metal member 36. Therefore, by press-fitting the sheet metal member 36 into the heater accommodating container 37, the end of the separating portion 36a of the sheet metal member 36 is recessed into the belt-shaped rib 37d. In this manner, the sheet metal member 36 can be supported and fixed in the heater accommodating container 37, and the sheet metal member 36 can be prevented from rattling during the dewatering rotation of the washing and dewatering tank 15.

  In Embodiment 1, the sheet metal member 36 is configured by spot welding two sheet metals, but may be configured by molding one sheet metal, for example.

[C. Heater 38]
The heater 38 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The heater 38 is inserted from the heater insertion opening 37 b of the heater container 37.

  The heater 38 includes a heating part 38a, a terminal part 38b, and a connection part 38c.

  The heating unit 38 a is located inside the heater container 37 and generates heat for heating the washing water in the heater container 37. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 38a is bent many times on the same plane. With the above configuration, since the surface area of the heating unit 38a is increased, the washing water can be efficiently heated.

  The terminal part 38b is electrically connected to the heating part 38a. The terminal portion 38b is electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) located outside the heater housing 37 and a control device (not shown). The electric power from the external power source is supplied to the heating unit 38a through the terminal unit 38b.

  The connection part 38c is interposed between the heating part 38a and the terminal part 38b. The connecting portion 38c is provided with a flexible member 38d having a size corresponding to the heater insertion opening 37b of the heater container 37. In FIG. 8, the heater 38 can be fixed in the heater container 37 by tightening the nut 43 in a state where the heating portion 38 a is inserted into the heater insertion opening 37 b. That is, by tightening the nut 43, a forward force is applied to the bolt 44 and the pressure contact plate 47 welded to the bolt 44, and the flexible member 38d is compressed in the front-rear direction, so that it expands in the circumferential direction. The heater insertion opening 37b can be sealed. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the washing water in the heater storage container 37 from leaking from the heater insertion opening 37b. The flexible member 38d is formed of packing such as rubber that is elastically deformed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a temperature detection unit 56 that measures the water temperature in the heater container 37 is disposed in the connection unit 38 c. The temperature detection unit 56 includes a thermistor or the like.

[D. Lid 51]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lid body 51 detachably covers the sheet metal member insertion opening 37 c of the heater housing container 37 by screw fastening (not shown).

  In order to remove the lid 51 and check the inside of the heater container 37 and maintain the heater unit 32, the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c covered by the lid 51 has a rear opening 11a of the washing machine main body 11. It is provided on the back side.

  The sheet metal member insertion opening 37 c covered by the lid 51 is attached to a position facing the heater 38 inserted into the heater housing container 37. By setting it as the said structure, the state of the heater 38 can be easily visually recognized by removing the cover body 51 from the heater accommodating container 37. FIG.

  The lid 51 is formed with an inclined rib 51 a that presses the sheet metal member 36 inserted into the heater housing 37 against the inner wall surface of the heater housing 37. The sheet metal member insertion opening 37c side (rear side) end of the sheet metal member 36 inserted into the heater accommodating container 37 is widened toward the inner wall lower surface 39a and the inner wall upper surface 39b by the inclined rib 51a.

  In addition, ribs 37e that support the sheet metal member 36 are extended and formed on the inner wall lower surface 39a and the inner wall upper surface 39b of the heater containing container 37 with the heater containing container 37 attached to the bottom of the water tank 13. The rib 37e prevents the heat of the sheet metal member 36 heated by the heater 38 from being directly transmitted to the inner wall lower surface 39a and the inner wall upper surface 39b.

  With the above configuration, the sheet metal member 36 is supported and fixed by the inclined rib 51 a and the rib 37 e by covering the sheet metal member insertion opening 37 c with the lid 51 in a state where the sheet metal member 36 is inserted into the heater housing container 37. The Therefore, the sheet metal member 36 is prevented from swinging in the heater housing container 37.

  The heater unit 32 is configured as described above.

[1-2. Operation of washing machine]
Next, the operation of the washing machine according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The user opens the door body 27, puts clothes into the washing / dehydrating tub 15 from the laundry input / exit 26, closes the door body 27, and operates the operation display unit 29 to start the hot water washing course.

  When the washing process is started, the water supply valve 30 is opened, and water is poured into the water tank 13 from the water pouring case 31. The injected water flows into the heater accommodating container 37 from the first drain port 33a and the second drain port 33b at the bottom of the water tank 13.

  Here, in the warm water washing course, a rinsing and dehydrating process is executed after the washing process with heated water by the heater 38 is completed.

  In the warm water washing course, when the water in the water tank 13 reaches a predetermined water level by pouring water into the water tank 13, the heater 38 of the heater unit 32 is turned on. The control device controls the temperature of the washing water by turning the heater 38 on and off according to the temperature of the washing water in the water tank. About the detection method of the water temperature in a tank, [1-5. This will be described in [Method for detecting water temperature in water tank].

When the water temperature in the water tank 13 reaches a predetermined temperature M1 (for example, 55 ° C.), the heater 38 is turned off.
Set to FF. In addition, when the measured water temperature in the water tank falls to a predetermined temperature M2 or lower (for example, 53 ° C. or lower), the heater 38 is turned on. By the above method, the washing water in the water tank 13 can be adjusted to a predetermined water temperature.

  The predetermined temperatures M1 and M2 may be set for each operation course (for example, a sterilization course or a mud dirt course). By changing the predetermined temperatures M1 and M2 depending on the driving course, the washing water can be adjusted to a water temperature suitable for the purpose of each driving course.

  By opening the drain cock of the drain cock unit 34, the washing water is drained to the outside of the washing machine body 11. Here, since the washing water in the water tank 13 flows out of the washing machine main body 11 through the drain cock unit 34, the outflow path portion 37g, and the heater storage container 37, the inside of the heater storage container 37 at the time of drainage. It is possible to suppress washing water and foreign matter from staying.

  Further, after the hot water washing is completed, the operation of adding water to the washing and dewatering tank 15 and stirring by the pulsator 18 until the water temperature in the water tank 13 becomes a predetermined temperature or lower (for example, 50 ° C. or lower) may be repeated. Good. When the water temperature in the water tank 13 becomes 50 ° C. or lower, the drain valve of the drain cock unit 34 is opened, and the washing water is drained to the outside of the washing machine body 11. When the water temperature in the water tank 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (for example, 50 ° C. or higher) and the water level in the water tank 13 reaches a limit, temporary drainage is performed for a predetermined time.

  With the above configuration, drainage can be performed with the water temperature lowered even in an environment in which drainage drips down to the road surface.

  On the other hand, if the outflow path 37g of the heater container 37 is blocked by clothes lint or the like, the flow of water between the heater container 37 and the water tank 13 may be hindered. When the flow of water between the heater container 37 and the water tank 13 is inhibited, it is assumed that the heater unit 32 is overheated even though the water temperature in the water tank is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature M1. In such a case, when the measured water temperature of the temperature detector 56 that detects the water temperature in the heater container 37 reaches the heater overheat set temperature (for example, 95 ° C.), the heater 38 is controlled to be turned off. Thus, overheating in the heater unit 32 can be prevented, and generation of scale and deterioration of the heater container 37 can be suppressed.

[1-3. Flow of washing water in the heater unit]
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the flow of washing water in the heater unit of the washing machine in the first embodiment.

  The flow of the washing water in the heater unit 32 when the heater 38 is turned on in the hot water washing course will be described with reference to FIG.

  An outflow path portion 37g that communicates with the inner bottom portion of the water tank 13 is formed on the base side of the heating portion 38a on the upper surface of the heater housing container 37, and the inner bottom portion of the water tank 13 is formed on the side of the tip of the heating portion 38a on the side surface of the heater housing container 37. A drain cock unit 34 that communicates with is connected.

  The washing water heated in the heater container 37 and having a high water temperature rises in the heater container 37.

Here, since the distance from the heater 38 is closer to the drain cock connection opening 37a than the outflow path portion 37g, the water temperature in the heater housing container 37 is the drain cock when the heater 38 is turned on. The outflow path portion 37g is higher than the connection opening portion 37a. Therefore, the MS Gothic (headline font-Japanese) washing water that has risen in the heater storage container 37 is discharged to the water tank 13 through the outflow path portion 37g as indicated by an arrow D in FIG.

  In order to compensate for the high-temperature washing water discharged from the heater storage container 37 to the water tank 13, the low-temperature and heavy specific washing water in the water tank 13 is upstream of the drain cock upstream of the drain cock of the drain cock unit 34 from the inlet 34a. It passes through the path 34b and flows into the inner bottom portion of the heater container 37 (arrow C in FIG. 10). The washing water flowing into the heater container 37 is heated by effectively using the radiant heat of the heater 38 while flowing from the vicinity of the tip of the heating portion 38a of the heater 38 to the vicinity of the root, so that the washing water is efficiently heated. Can be made.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the outflow path portion 37g is positioned above the drain cock connection opening 37a, so that the low-temperature washing water flowing from the water tank 13 into the heater storage container 37 and the heater storage container 37 By utilizing the difference in specific gravity with the high-temperature washing water flowing out to the water tank 13, the hot water can be circulated efficiently.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the upper end of the outflow path portion 37 g is located above the inflow port 34 a of the drain cock unit 34. With the above configuration, the pressure difference between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the outflow passage portion 37g is larger than the pressure difference between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the drain cock front passage 34b. Hot washing water easily flows out from the outflow path portion 37g to the water tank 13. For this reason, warm water can be circulated more efficiently.

  As described above, by providing two paths (inlet 34a and outflow path portion 37) for connecting the water tank 13 and the heater container 37 at positions where the distance from the heater 38 is different, the washing water in each path is provided. By utilizing the difference in water temperature, the washing water in the water tank 13 and the washing water in the heater accommodating container 37 can be circulated by natural convection. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and reduce the cost without requiring an external force such as a pump.

  Further, since the heater container 37 has a smaller capacity than the water tank 13, the temperature of the washing water in the heater container 37 is higher by the heater 38 than the washing water in the water tank 13, and the water temperature becomes higher. Therefore, bacteria and the like contained in the wash water flowing into the heater container 37 can be effectively sterilized.

  Furthermore, by rotating the pulsator 18 at regular intervals, the washing water in the water tank 13 can be stirred, and the water temperature in the water tank 13 can be made uniform.

  In the first embodiment, the larger the opening area of the first drain port 33a and the second drain port 33b, the more the circulation of the washing water between the heater unit 32 and the water tank 13 can be activated. However, when the first drainage port 33a and the second drainage port 33b are formed in a perfect circle shape and the opening area is increased, the welding boss 45, the female screw 46, and the like around the first drainage port 33a and the second drainage port 33b. In order to interfere, it is necessary to greatly modify the bottom of the water tank 13.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the first drainage port 33a is formed in an approximately elliptical shape, so that the opening area of the first drainage port 33a is increased without changing the positions of the welding boss 45 and the female screw 46. it can. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently circulate the washing water in the water tank 13 and the heater container 37 at a low cost without investing a large amount of molds.

  Further, the cross-sectional area of the outflow path portion 37g may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the drain cock front path 34b. Since the hot wash water in the heater storage container 37 has a larger volume than the cold wash water in the water tank 13, the heater storage container 37 is increased by increasing the cross-sectional area of the outflow path portion 37g through which the high temperature wash water passes. The washing water and the washing water in the water tank 13 can be circulated efficiently.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the inner wall lower surface 39a on the bottom side of the heater container 37 is gradually inclined downward from the heater insertion opening 37b toward the drain cock connection opening 37a. With the above configuration, during draining, the washing water in the heater accommodating container 37 flows toward the drain cock connection opening 37a and flows out of the washing machine main body 11 through the drain cock unit 34 and the drain path 41. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing water and foreign matter from staying in the heater container 37 during drainage.

[1-4. Heater unit status check and maintenance method]
There is a possibility that heated water in the heater accommodating container 37 cannot flow out to the water tank 13 when foreign matters such as lint generated from clothing adhere to the heater 38 or block the outflow path portion 37g. . In addition, a problem may occur in the components of the heater unit 32. Therefore, confirmation of the state in the heater unit 32 and repair are needed as needed.

  Below, the state confirmation and the maintenance method in the heater unit 32 are demonstrated.

  In order to check the state of the heater unit 32, the back plate 17 covering the back opening 11a on the rear side of the washing machine body 11 is removed, and the lid of the heater container 37 attached to the bottom of the water tank 13 from the back opening 11a. Remove the body 51. Since the heater container 37 and the lid 51 are fixed by screw fastening, the lid 51 can be removed by removing the screw.

  By the above method, the state of the heater 38 in the heater container 37 can be confirmed from the back surface opening portion 11a of the washing machine body 11, and lint attached to the surface of the heater 38 can be removed as necessary. Therefore, since it is not necessary to attach or detach the lead wire connector connected to the heater 38, the heater 38 can be easily checked and maintained.

  Further, when it is desired to repair or replace the sheet metal member 36, the sheet metal member 36 can be removed by pulling it out from the heater container 37.

  The heater unit 32 and the water tank 13, and the heater unit 32 and the drain cock unit 34 are fastened by screws or the like (not shown) and are detachably attached. With the above configuration, when it is necessary to remove foreign matter that has entered the heater unit 32, or when it is necessary to replace the heater unit 32, the washing machine body 11 is laid down from the bottom of the washing machine body 11. By removing the heater unit 32 from the water tank 13 and the drain cock unit 34, the heater unit 32 alone can be maintained. Further, since only the damaged parts of the heater unit 32 can be maintained, the time and cost required for repair can be reduced.

[1-5. Water temperature detection method in the aquarium]
FIG. 11 is a graph of the water temperature in the heater container of the washing machine and the water temperature in the water tank in the first embodiment.

  When the heater 38 is turned on, the water in the heater container 37 is heated by the heater 38. Since the heater container 37 has a smaller volume than the water tank, the water temperature in the heater container 37 is normally 10 to 40 ° C. higher than the water temperature in the water tank 13, but the heater 38 is turned off for a predetermined time. When the time has elapsed, the water temperature in the water tank 13 and the water temperature in the heater container 37 are gradually made uniform.

  Below, the estimation method of the water temperature in the water tank 13 using the temperature detection part 56 arrange | positioned at the heater 38 is demonstrated.

In the hot water washing course, the heater unit 32 is turned on when a predetermined water level is reached by pouring water into the water tank 13. The time at this time is Ta0. Next, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heater 38 was turned on (the time at this time is Ta1), the heater 38 is turned off. After the heater 38 is turned off, the temperature detection unit 56 stores the heater after a predetermined time has elapsed when the water temperature in the heater container 37 and the water temperature in the water tank 13 become substantially uniform (the time at this time is Ta2). By measuring the water temperature of the container 37, the water temperature in the water tank 13 can be estimated.

  It is desirable to calculate the ON time (Ta0 to Ta1) of the heater 38 based on the output of the heater 38, the amount of water in the water tank 13, the amount of clothes, and the like. For example, when the heater output is 1500 W, the amount of water in the water tank 13 is 66 L, the amount of clothing is 5 kg, and heating from an initial water temperature of 20 ° C. to a predetermined temperature of 55 ° C. is about 130 minutes.

  The predetermined time (Ta1 to Ta2) for turning off the heater 38 is preferably 1 to 5 minutes, for example.

  By rotating the pulsator 18 for a predetermined time after the heater 38 is turned off for a predetermined time, the washing water in the water tank 13 is stirred, and the equilibrium of the water temperature difference between the water tank 13 and the heater storage container 37 can be promoted. Therefore, the water temperature difference between the heater container 37 and the water tank 13 is reduced in a short time, and the water temperature in the water tank 13 can be accurately detected.

  Next, a control method for adjusting the wash water in the water tank 13 to a predetermined target set water temperature (for example, 53 ° C.) using the temperature detection unit 56 will be described.

  After the water supply into the water tank 13 is completed, the first energization time of the heater 38 is calculated from the amount of water supplied in the water tank 13 and the water temperature, and the heater 38 is turned on for the first energization time. Here, the heater 38 may continue to be turned ON during the first energization time, or may be intermittently operated.

  Within the first energization time, the temperature rise rate Vt of the wash water in the water tub 13 is calculated from the estimated water temperature of the wash water in the water tub 13 by the temperature detector 56. A second temperature of the heater 38 until the washing water in the water tank reaches the target set water temperature from the water temperature T1 in the water tank 13 after the temperature increase rate Vt and the first energization time end (time Tb1 at this time). The energization time is calculated. Here, the heater 38 may continue to be turned ON during the second energization time, or may be intermittently operated.

  After the heater 38 is kept ON for the second energization time, the temperature detection unit 56 estimates the water temperature T2 in the water tank 13 and compares it with the target set water temperature. When the water temperature T2 is lower than the target set water temperature, the heater 38 is turned on for a predetermined time, and the inside of the water tank 13 is estimated again by the temperature detector 56. When the water temperature T2 is higher than the target set water temperature, the heater 38 is turned off for a predetermined time, and the inside of the water tank 13 is estimated by the temperature detection unit 56 again.

  By the above method, the temperature of the washing water in the water tub 13 can be adjusted using the temperature detector 56 that measures the water temperature in the heater container 37. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a water temperature detection part in the water tank, and a low-cost and highly reliable washing machine can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the drainage cock unit 34 and the outflow path portion 37g formed in the heater accommodating container 37 form a connection path between the water tank 13 and the heater accommodating container 37, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something. For example, an inflow path portion and an outflow path portion may be formed in the heater accommodating container 37, and the water tank 13 and the heater accommodating container 37 may be directly communicated without using the drain cock unit 34. At that time, the drain cock unit 34 may be connected to the bottom surface or the side surface of the heater housing container 37 in a state where the heater housing container 37 is attached to the bottom of the water tank 13.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the water temperature is detected in the water tank 13 by the temperature detection unit 56 disposed in the heater housing container 37 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the water tank 13 The water temperature in the water tank 13 may be measured by disposing a water tank temperature detection unit including a thermistor or the like in the inside or the drain cock unit 34.

  In the present embodiment, there are two connection paths between the water tank 13 and the heater storage container 37, the drain cock unit 34 and the outflow path portion 37g, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the water tank Three or more connection paths between the heater 13 and the heater storage container 37 may be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the sheet metal member 36 is configured by molding two sheet metals, but may be configured by one sheet metal, for example.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the lid 51 is provided in the opening on the back side of the washing machine main body 11 of the heater container 37 in the state where the heater unit 32 is attached to the outer bottom surface of the water tank 13 has been described. The lid 51 only needs to be provided in a direction in which there is an openable / closable opening of the washing machine main body 11 in the heater accommodating container 37. Therefore, the opening in the heater container 37 that is opened and closed by the lid 51 may be formed on the front surface side of the washing machine body 11 or may be formed on the side surface side of the washing machine body 11.

  In the present embodiment, the first drainage port 33a is formed in a substantially elliptical shape, but the second drainage port may be formed in a substantially elliptical shape, or the first drainage port 33a and the second drainage port 33a. The drain port 33b may be substantially elliptical.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the inner bottom portion of the water tank 13 and the heater housing container 37 are communicated to circulate hot water by natural convection has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heater storage container 37 and the washing / dehydrating tub 15 are communicated with each other via a circulation pump, and the washing water warmed in the heater storage container 37 is caused to flow into the washing / dehydrating tub 15 by the circulation pump. It is good also as a structure which circulates.

  In the present embodiment, a guide body that allows the washing water in the water tank 13 to flow into the inlet 34a of the drain cock unit 34 may be provided. With the above-described configuration, the washing water can be efficiently allowed to flow from the water tank 13 into the heater accommodating container 37 using the centrifugal force generated by driving the pulsator 18.

  In the present embodiment, a vertical washing machine has been described as an example of a washing machine, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be a drum type washing machine.

  As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technique disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments that have been changed, replaced, added, omitted, and the like. Moreover, it is also possible to combine each component demonstrated in the said Embodiment 1, and it can also be set as a new embodiment.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can be applied not only to home use but also to a business use washing machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Washing machine main body 12 Suspension 13 Water tank 14 Washing / dehydrating shaft 15 Washing and dewatering tank 17 Back plate 16 Fluid balancer 18 Pulsator 20 Transmission mechanism 21 Motor 22 Motor side pulley 23 Mechanical side pulley 24 Belt 25 Upper frame body 26 Loading of laundry Outlet 27 Door 29 Operation display section 30 Water supply valve 31 Water injection case 32 Heater unit 33a First drain port 33b Second drain port 34 Drain cock unit 34a Inlet 34b Drain cock front path 34c Drain path side opening 36 Sheet metal Member 36a Spacing part 37 Heater container 37a Drain cock connection opening 37b Heater insertion opening 37c Sheet metal member insertion opening 37d Strip rib 37e Rib 37g Outflow path part 38 Heater 38a Heating part 38b Terminal part 38c Connection part 38d Possible Flexible member 3 a inner wall lower surface 39b inner wall upper surface 40 supporting piece 41 drainage path 42 spot welds 43 nut 44 bolt 45 welded boss 46 female screw 51 lid 51a inclined rib 56 temperature detector

Claims (4)

The washing machine body,
A water tank supported inside the washing machine body and having a drain outlet at the bottom,
A drain cock unit connected to the drain port of the water tank,
The drain cock unit is connected to a heater unit communicating with the bottom of the water tank,
The heater unit has a built-in heater for heating washing water, and a water channel communicating with the bottom of the water tank is formed,
Each of the water channel and the drain cock unit is opened in a position where the temperature of the washing water is different from the heater unit. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein each of the water channel and the drain cock unit is provided in the vicinity of both ends of the heater built in the heater unit. The washing machine body,
A water tank supported inside the washing machine body and having a drain outlet at the bottom,
A heater unit containing a heater that communicates with the inner bottom of the water tank and heats washing water therein;
The heater unit communicates with the bottom of the water tank by a plurality of water channels, and each of the plurality of water channels opens to a position where the water temperature of the washing water is different from that of the heater unit. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of water passages are provided at least near both ends of the heater built in the heater unit.

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