JP4396437B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine including a heater that heats water and supplies hot water.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 5, this type of washing machine is provided with a hot water boiling means 2 in a part of the washing tub 1 and a water temperature detection thermistor 3 as a detection means for detecting the temperature of water supplied into the washing tub 1. The controller (not shown) for controlling the hot water boiling means 2 according to the information from the detection means 3 is provided. Here, 4 is a water tap, 5 is a water supply port (for example, refer patent document 1).

  In the above configuration, the water temperature in the washing tub 1 is detected by the water temperature detection thermistor 3, and if it is equal to or lower than the preset water temperature, the heater is driven by the control device to warm the water temperature in the washing tub 1, thereby cleaning effect It is the structure which realizes the washing which raised the.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, water supply means 6 for supplying water into the washing tub 10, water temperature detection means 7 for detecting the temperature of the water supplied by the water supply means 6, and hot water in the washing tub 10. It comprises a hot water supply means 8 to be supplied and a hot water temperature detection means 9 for detecting the temperature of the hot water supplied by the hot water supply means, and an in-tank temperature detection means 11 for detecting the temperature of the hot water stored in the washing tub 10. The control means (not shown) for controlling the supply of water or hot water by the water supply means 6 or the hot water supply means 8 is used (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In the above configuration, the water temperature in the washing tub 10 is controlled to a predetermined temperature by controlling the supply of hot water from a separately provided hot water heater or the like.
JP-A-5-161781 JP 7-148386 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, some of the washing tub portions are heated to mix hot water and water on the hot water supply side in the washing tub or to heat the washing tub to warm the stored water in the washing tub. There was a problem of damaging the fabric of clothes.

  An object of the present invention is to wash without damaging clothes, which are laundry, by instantaneously heating water to be supplied and supplying hot water with appropriate temperature to a washing tub.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention is a washing machine in which a heater with an appropriate temperature control function is arranged in a water supply path from a water supply opening to a washing tub , wherein the heater is a rod-shaped heating element. A flow path provided on the outer periphery of the flow path, a case constituting the flow path, a spiral guide for converting the flow direction into the swirl direction in the flow path, and a flow velocity accelerating means for increasing the flow velocity at least in a part of the flow path The heat exchanger is provided with

  In the washing machine of the present invention, by providing a heater with an appropriate temperature control function in the water supply path from the water supply port to the washing tub, the water to be supplied is instantaneously heated to supply the appropriate temperature water to the washing tub. Since it is heated only at the time of use, it can reduce power consumption and can be washed so as not to damage the clothes that are to be washed.

A first invention is a washing machine in which a heater with an appropriate temperature control function is arranged in a water supply path from a water supply port to a washing tub , wherein the heater includes a flow path provided on an outer periphery of a rod-shaped heating element, and the flow By providing a heat exchanger comprising a case constituting a path, a spiral guide that converts the flow direction into the swirl direction in the flow path, and a flow velocity accelerating means that increases the flow velocity at least in part of the flow path In the water supply path from the water supply port to the washing tub, the water to be supplied is instantaneously heated and supplied with the appropriate temperature water to the washing tub, so that it can be heated only during use, so it can have low power consumption, Since the temperature can be instantly controlled to an appropriate temperature, it can be washed without damaging the clothes that are to be washed.

Further, by integrating the heating element and the flow path, it is possible to reduce the size, increase the flow rate of water flowing through the flow path of the heater, and prevent the scale from adhering.
Furthermore, the direction of flow is a swirling flow that is always deflected and the flow velocity is increased, so that the turbulent state continues and the boundary layer of water, which is a heating element and fluid, is very narrow. Therefore, accumulation of scale and the like can be prevented.

  The second invention is a washing machine in which a heater with an appropriate temperature control function is provided in the bypass route of the water supply route from the water supply port of the first invention to the washing tub, so that the water supply route that is the main pipeline is at once. While supplying water, hot water that has passed through a heater can be supplied from the bypass path, and the washing tub can be filled quickly.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in particular, the switching valve for switching between the water supply path and the bypass path is provided in the bypass path of the water supply path from the water supply port to the washing tub with the heater with the appropriate temperature control function of the first or second invention. When the water temperature is warm or when you want to supply water quickly, supply water all at once from the main water supply route, and when the water temperature is low, separate it from supplying hot water through the heater from the bypass route. Can be used according to the usage conditions.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in particular, the heater with the appropriate temperature control function of the first aspect or the second aspect is provided in a bypass path of a water supply path from a water supply port to a washing tub, and a flow rate ratio between the water supply path and the bypass path is set. By making the washing machine provided with a variable flow rate control valve, the amount of water heated by the heater can be adjusted, so that the temperature of the water can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature range, and appropriate temperature control can be performed.

  In the fifth invention, in particular, the heater with the appropriate temperature control function of the first invention or the second invention is provided in the bypass path of the water supply path from the water supply port to the washing tub, and the flow rate ratio between the water supply path and the bypass path is set. A washing machine comprising: a variable flow rate control valve; a water temperature detecting means for detecting a water temperature after being heated by the heater; and a controller for controlling the flow rate control valve by a signal from the water temperature detecting means. Thus, the amount of water to be heated by the heater can be adjusted, and by adjusting the flow rate proportional control valve from the temperature detection of the water temperature, it can be adjusted to a predetermined temperature range and appropriate temperature control can be performed.

  In the sixth aspect of the invention, in particular, the heater according to any one of the first to fifth aspects can be adjusted instantaneously to an appropriate temperature by adopting an instantaneous type, and a tank for keeping heat is unnecessary and is small. In addition, there is no heat loss and high efficiency and low power consumption can be achieved.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in particular, the heater of the sixth aspect of the invention is an instantaneous type heater in which water is heated by a heater for heating, and the water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means provided on the downstream side of the flow path is By adopting a configuration with an optimal temperature control function that controls the energization of the heater for optimal temperature, water can be adjusted to a water temperature that is suitable for washing that is set instantly, eliminating the need for a tank to keep warm. In addition to being able to reduce the size, there is no heat loss and high efficiency and low power consumption.

In the eighth aspect of the invention, in particular, the heating element according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is a sheathed heater, whereby high reliability and downsizing can be realized at low cost.

In the ninth aspect of the invention, in particular, the heating element according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is a ceramic heater, so that high reliability and downsizing can be realized at low cost.

Following, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a water supply port 12 for supplying water and a switching valve 16 for branching a water supply route from the water supply port 12 to the washing tub 13 into a main water channel 14 and a bypass channel 15 are provided. A heater 17 with a control function is provided. Here, 18 is a switching valve of the bypass path 15, 19 is a hot water discharge port, 20 is a detergent dispenser, 21 is a detergent discharge port, 22 is a control circuit that performs waterway switching, flow rate and temperature adjustment, and control related to washing. , 23 is a drain outlet.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the heater 17 with an appropriate temperature control function includes a sheathed heater 24 as a heating element that heats water as a fluid, and a cylinder that forms a flow path 25 surrounding the outer periphery of the sheathed heater 24. And a spring 27 as a turbulent flow generating means for forming the flow path 25 in a spiral shape. The water inlet 28, the water outlet 29, the electrode terminals 30 and 31 of the sheathed heater 24, and an O-ring 32 for sealing the flow path 25 are provided. Moreover, the arrow in a figure shows the flow of water and is comprised as a heat exchanger which converts water into hot water.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the heater 17 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is installed in the corner portion 33 of the washing machine in the vertical direction to save space. The switching valve 16 is configured to also serve as a flow rate control valve that varies the flow rate ratio between the main water passage 14 and the bypass passage 15 of the water supply passage.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. First, water is supplied from the water supply port 12, and part of the water is supplied to the bypass path 15 by the switching valve 16 that also serves as a flow rate control valve. The supplied water is heated to an appropriate temperature by the instantaneous heater 17. Here, the appropriate temperature control function of the heater 17 is to perform energization control of the heater for heating so that the water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means 34 provided on the downstream side of the flow path becomes a temperature suitable for washing. is there.

In such a configuration, the capacity capable of energizing the washing machine is set to an upper limit of 1500 W due to the breaker of the distribution board in the case of a household washing machine. And the capacity | capacitance which can supply with electricity to a heater from it will decrease further, if the electric power to electric components, such as a motor built in the washing machine, is deducted. For example, if 1200 W can be used for the heater, about 540 mL / min is the limit to increase the water temperature by 30 deg. Then, it takes about 20 minutes to fill a volume of about 10 L with water, which is too time consuming and has a practical problem. Therefore, it is understood that the capacity is insufficient to heat all the water used for washing to an appropriate temperature.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a small amount of water is heated by passing a part of the water from the water supply path to the bypass path 15 by the switching valve 16 and used as water for dissolving the detergent or the like. Of course, it is well known that it can also serve to warm the temperature of water used for washing.

  For example, if the water temperature is 5 ° C, the detergent used for washing is difficult to dissolve, so water is heated to an appropriate temperature (eg, 35 ° C) with a heater, and the detergent and hot water added from the detergent input device 20 are mixed. By doing so, the detergent is easy to dissolve. The laundry solution can be washed without damaging the cloth of the clothes by discharging the detergent solution with the detergent dissolved into the washing tub 13. Furthermore, since water can be heated instantaneously to make hot water that dissolves the detergent, there is no waste of storing hot water, and low power consumption can be realized. Here, although given as an example at 35 ° C., the water temperature is controlled by a control circuit having an appropriate temperature control function at a temperature that does not cause burns (about 45 ° C. or less).

  In addition to dissolving the detergent, the hot water heated by the heater is used and mixed with the water in the main water channel 14, so that the temperature of the water discharged to the washing tub 13 is made suitable for washing. Can be washed to effectively remove dirt.

  Furthermore, by discharging the hot water heated by the heater 17 directly to the washing tub 13, the washing tub 13 can be sterilized by heating to obtain sterilization and sterilization. Of course, even at a temperature of 45 ° C., when the lid (not shown) of the washing tub 13 is open, burns and the like are prevented from occurring as control for not discharging. However, when a full-fledged disinfection effect is to be obtained, the temperature (for example, about 60 ° C.) can be further increased. This also uses an instantaneous heater, so by reducing the flow rate, hot water can be instantly made and a high disinfection action can be obtained.

  As described above, since the flow rate can be accurately adjusted by the switching valve 16 as the flow rate control valve, water according to the flow rate to be used can be passed through the heater, and the control to achieve an appropriate temperature can be accurately performed. Can be done.

  In addition, a spring 27 as a spiral guide is wound around the flow path 25 so that the scale does not adhere to the heater of the heater, thereby increasing the flow velocity. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, a spring that enters from a water inlet 28 provided at a side surface position eccentric from the center of the case 26, flows into the outer periphery of the sheathed heater 24, and further spirally disposed along the outer periphery. 27, the outer periphery turns spirally and flows again, and is discharged again from the discharge port 29 provided on the side surface.

  Here, the spring 27 arranged in a spiral shape acts as a flow velocity acceleration means. In other words, the cross-sectional area of the flow path constituting the pitch of the springs is swirled at a pitch such that the cross-sectional area of the donut-shaped flow path formed between the case 26 and the sheathed heater 24 is narrower. As a result, the flow velocity of the swirling flow spirally along the spring is accelerated and faster than that without the spring, and a turbulent flow is generated.

Further, the flow path space surrounded by the case 26 and the sheathed heater 24 has a cross section with a large aspect ratio, and when the distance through which the fluid flows becomes longer, the rectifying effect is gradually activated and the flow tends to become a laminar flow. However, in the present invention, the flow direction is a swirling flow that is always deflected and the flow velocity is increased, so that the turbulent state continues, and the boundary layer between the sheathed heater 24 and the fluid water is a boundary layer. The area becomes very narrow, and accumulation of scales and the like can be prevented. And since it is a cylindrical case, it can be installed in the corner 33 of the washing tub,
Even a configuration provided with a heater can be downsized.

  In addition, although demonstrated with the sheathed heater, the same effect can be acquired even if it uses a ceramic heater. As shown in FIG. 4, in the case of a ceramic heater, by using a cylindrical ceramic heater 35, flow paths 36 and 37 are provided on the inner periphery and outer periphery of the heater, respectively, and a reciprocal flow path configuration is obtained. Here, 38 is a water inlet, 39 is a discharge port, 40 is an electrode terminal, and 41 is a water drain plug. A swirl flow is formed by providing a swirl plate 42 on the outer periphery of the ceramic heater 35, and the scale is difficult to adhere. The swivel plate 42 can also be formed of a spring, like the sheathed heater. Further, by providing both the water inlet 38 and the outlet 39 in the upward direction, connection to the water supply path can be made from one direction, and assembly and installation can be simplified.

  In addition, although the description has been given for the vertical automatic washing machine, it should be noted that a drum washing machine of horizontal or diagonal placement can be configured with the same idea.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention has a structure in which the heater with the appropriate temperature control function is disposed in the water supply path from the water supply port to the washing tub, so that water to be supplied reaches the washing tub from the water supply port. In the water supply route, by supplying water at an appropriate temperature instantly to the washing tub, it is heated only at the time of use, so it can be reduced in power consumption and can be instantly controlled at an appropriate temperature. It can be washed without damaging clothing.

Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention Cross section of the heater of the washing machine AA sectional view of the washing machine shown in FIG. Sectional drawing of the other example of the heater of the washing machine Cross section of a conventional washing machine Cross-sectional view of a washing machine showing another conventional example

12 Water supply port 13 Washing tub 14 Water supply route 15 Bypass route 16 Switching valve (flow rate control valve)
17 Heater 22 Control circuit (controller)
24 sheathed heater 25 flow path 26 case 27 spring (flow velocity acceleration means)
34 Water temperature detection means 35 Ceramic heater

Claims (9)

In a washing machine in which a heater with an appropriate temperature control function is disposed in a water supply path from a water supply port to a washing tub, the heater includes a flow path provided on an outer periphery of a rod-shaped heating element, and a case constituting the flow path. A washing machine as a heat exchanger comprising a spiral guide for changing the flow direction in the swirl direction in the flow path, and a flow speed accelerating means for increasing the flow speed in at least a part of the flow path . The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a heater with an appropriate temperature control function is disposed in a bypass route of a water supply route from the water supply port to the washing tub. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a heater with an appropriate temperature control function is provided in a bypass path of a water supply path from the water supply port to the washing tub, and includes a switching valve that switches between the water supply path and the bypass path. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a flow rate control valve configured to provide a heater with an appropriate temperature control function in a bypass route of a water supply route from a water supply port to a washing tub, and to change a flow rate ratio between the water supply route and the bypass route. . A heater with an appropriate temperature control function is provided in the bypass path of the water supply path from the water supply port to the washing tub, the flow rate control valve for changing the flow rate ratio of the water supply path and the bypass path, and the water temperature after being heated by the heater The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a water temperature detecting means for detecting; and a controller for controlling the flow rate control valve based on a signal from the water temperature detecting means. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heater is an instantaneous type. Instantaneous heaters have an appropriate temperature control function that controls the energization of the heater so that the temperature of the water detected by the water temperature detecting means provided on the downstream side of the flow path becomes an appropriate temperature by heating the water with the heater for heating. The washing machine according to claim 6 provided. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the heating element is a sheathed heater. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the heating element is a ceramic heater.

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