JP6675060B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with a heated water generator for heating washing water.

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a washing machine that enhances detergency by heating washing water. This washing machine includes a washing machine main body, a water tub suspended and suspended by a suspension inside the washing machine main body, and the like. A swelling portion swelling downward is provided at an inner bottom portion of the water tank, and a heater assembly is housed inside the swelling portion. The heater assembly includes a cavity formed in the bottom surface of the outer tub, a heater disposed in the cavity, and a sheet metal assembly disposed between the cavity and the heater. The sheet metal assembly includes a lower fixture and an upper fixture for fixing the heater. The lower fixture and the upper fixture are supported by sandwiching the heater from above and below.

  Thus, after a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the water tub, the heater generates heat, the temperature of the washing water rises, and the detergent is activated, so that washing can be performed effectively.

JP-T-2005-512742

  However, in the above-described conventional heater arrangement, the sheet metal assembly for reducing the radiation heat of the heater is fixed to the water tank by screwing. There is a problem of generating a problem.

  The present invention includes a heating water generating device capable of fixing a sheet metal member that covers the periphery of the heater and the heater housing container without screwing or welding, thereby causing water leakage damage due to melting of the heater housing container from the screw portion. And provide a highly reliable washing machine.

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes a washing machine main body, a water tub supported inside the washing machine main body and having a drain port at a bottom, a drain cock unit connected to the drain port of the water tub, and the drain cock unit. A heater unit that is connected to and communicates with the inner bottom of the water tub, wherein the heater unit has a heater housing container having an opening at one end, a heater attached to the heater housing container to heat washing water, A substantially U-shaped sheet metal member positioned between the heater housing container and the heater, a fixed gap is formed on a side surface of the sheet metal member, and a predetermined gap is formed from the opening on the one end side of the heater housing container. The strip-shaped rib is inserted into the heater storage container, and the strip-shaped rib extends in the insertion direction of the sheet metal member corresponding to the gap of the sheet metal member. The end on the one end side is formed to be narrower than the gap on the side of the sheet metal member, and the other end of the strip-shaped rib facing the one end is formed wider than the gap on the side of the sheet metal member. is there.

  With this configuration, since the sheet metal member can be fixed in the heater housing without fastening or welding the screws, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of water leakage damage due to melting of the heater housing from the screw portion.

  The washing machine provided with the heated water generation device of the present invention can fix the sheet metal member and the heater housing container without fastening screws or the like, thereby suppressing the occurrence of damage caused by water leakage and providing a highly reliable washing machine. .

Vertical sectional view of the washing machine in the first embodiment. Water tank bottom view of the washing machine and exploded perspective view of the heater unit Perspective view of the heater unit of the washing machine (A) Top view of the 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 Sectional view of the water tank bottom and heater unit of the washing machine Main part enlarged sectional view of the heater unit of FIG. 6 in the washing machine. Sectional view of the bottom of the water tank of the washing machine and the BB section of the heater unit in FIG. Enlarged sectional view of a main part of the heater unit of FIG. 8 in the washing machine. Partial sectional perspective view showing a flow of washing water in a heater unit of the washing machine. Graph of water temperature in the heater container of the washing machine and water temperature in the water tank Exploded perspective view of a heater unit of a washing machine according to a second embodiment. Sectional view of the bottom of the water tank, drain cock unit and heater unit of the washing machine Perspective view of the heater unit of the washing machine Perspective view of the heater unit of the washing machine Sectional drawing which shows the flow of washing water in the heater unit of the washing machine.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine main body, a water tub supported inside the washing machine main body and having a drain port at a bottom, a drain cock unit connected to the drain port of the water tub, and a drain cock unit connected to the drain cock unit. A heater unit communicating with an inner bottom of the water tank, wherein the heater unit has a heater container having an opening at one end, a heater attached to the heater container to heat washing water, and the heater A substantially U-shaped sheet metal member located between the housing container and the heater, a fixed gap is formed on a side surface of the sheet metal member, and the heater housing container has the opening at the one end side. A belt-like rib is inserted into a heater containing container, and the heater-containing container has a band-like rib extending in an insertion direction of the sheet-metal member corresponding to the gap of the sheet-metal member, and the one end side of the band-like rib is formed. The end is formed narrower than the gap on the side of the sheet metal member, and the other end facing the one end of the strip-shaped rib is formed wider than the gap on the side of the sheet metal member, so that screw fastening and welding can be performed. Thus, the sheet metal member can be fixed in the heater accommodating container. For this reason, the occurrence of water leakage damage due to melting from the screw portion of the heater housing container is suppressed, and a highly reliable washing machine is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the washing machine according to the first aspect, as the sheet metal member is inserted into the heater storage container from the opening at the one end side of the heater storage container, the gap between the sheet metal members is increased. With the configuration in which the end of the peripheral edge of the above-mentioned portion is fitted into the strip-shaped rib, the heater housing container and the sheet metal member can be firmly fixed.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the washing machine of the first or second aspect, the sheet metal member inserted into the heater housing container is provided by providing an extension rib on an upper surface and an inner surface lower of the inner surface of the heater housing container. And the heat of the sheet metal member heated by the heater can be suppressed from being directly transmitted to the upper surface of the inner wall and the lower portion of the inner wall of the heater container.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the washing machine according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, a lid is provided to open and close the opening of the heater storage container, and the lid is provided in the heater storage container. A convex rib positioned inside the heater accommodating container so as to cover the opening, wherein the convex rib has an inclined surface facing the sheet metal member accommodated in the heater accommodating container; The sheet metal member inserted into the heater housing container can be supported and fixed by the lid by adopting a configuration in which the inclination is made so as to approach the inner wall surface of the heater housing container from the tip end of the convex rib toward the opening. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, an unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of a well-known item or a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to prevent the following description from being unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

  The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter.

[table of contents]
1. Embodiment 1
1-1. Configuration 1-1-1. Configuration of washing machine 1-1-2. Configuration of heater unit 1-2. Operation of washing machine 1-3. Flow of washing water in heater unit 1-4. Checking the state of the heater unit and maintenance method 1-5. 1. Water temperature detection method in the water tank Embodiment 2
2-1. Configuration of heater unit 2-2. 2. Flow of washing water in the heater unit Other Embodiments (Embodiment 1)
The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[1-1. Constitution]
[1-1-1. Configuration of washing machine]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a washing machine main body 11 has a water tub 13 internally suspended and vibration-proof supported by a suspension 12. Inside the water tub 13, a washing and dewatering tub 15 serving as a washing tub and a dewatering tub is rotatably provided. The washing and dewatering tub 15 has a pulsator 18 rotatably disposed at the bottom thereof.

  A transmission mechanism 20 is provided on the outer bottom of the water tank 13. The transmission mechanism 20 includes therein 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 and dewatering tub 15. Built-in.

A motor 21 is attached to the outer bottom 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-side 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, a state in which only the pulsator 18 is rotated by using the motor 21 and a state in which the pulsator 18 and the washing and dewatering tub 15 are simultaneously rotated can be realized.

  An upper frame 25 is provided at an upper portion of the washing machine main body 11. At a substantially central portion of the upper frame 25, a laundry inlet / outlet 26 for communicating the washing / dewatering tub 15 with the outside is formed, and the laundry inlet / outlet 26 is opened and closed by a door body 27. Have been done. On the rear side of the upper frame 25, an operation display unit 29 for performing various input settings and displaying the set contents is provided. A water supply valve 30 and a water injection case 31 that can be opened and closed by electromagnetic force are disposed inside the rear side of the upper frame 25.

  Inside the washing machine main body 11, a control device (not shown) having a control means (not shown) for controlling a motor 21 and the like to sequentially control a series of steps of washing, rinsing, and dehydrating, and for controlling a temperature of washing water. (Not shown).

  A fluid balancer 16 is provided above the washing / dewatering tub 15. A back plate 17 is detachably provided on the back of the washing machine body 11 so as to cover the back opening (inspection port) 11a.

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

[1-1-2. Configuration of heater unit]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heater unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4A is a top view of the heater unit of the washing machine, and FIG. 4B is a heat unit of FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater unit of the washing machine, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of the water tub and the heater unit of the washing machine, and FIG. 7 is a main part of the heater unit of FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a water tank of the washing machine, and a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of the heater unit in FIG. 4A. FIG. It is.

  Hereinafter, the heater unit 32 of the present embodiment will be described.

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, the heater unit 32 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped heater housing container 37 having both ends opened in the longitudinal direction, a heater 38 inserted from one opening of the heater housing container 37, and a heater housing container 37. It comprises a sheet metal member 36 inserted from the other opening of 37 and covering the heater 38, and a lid 51 covering the other opening into which the sheet metal member 36 is inserted.

  Hereinafter, each component will be described.

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

  Near the heater insertion opening 37b on the upper surface of the heater container 37, a cylindrical outflow path 37g communicating with the second drain port 33b at the bottom of the water tank 13 is formed.

  A drain cock connecting opening 37a communicating with the drain cock unit 34 is provided near the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c on the side surface adjacent to the surface having the outflow path portion 37g. The drain cock unit 34 and the heater accommodating container 37 are detachably attached by screwing (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 inflow port 34a communicates with the first drain port 33a at the bottom of the water tank 13. The water tank 13 and the heater accommodating container 37 are connected to each other through a drain cock unit 34. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4B, the drain cock unit 34 has a drain passage-side opening 34c. The drain passage opening 34 c is connected to the drain passage 41. By opening a drain valve (not shown) of the drain cock unit 34, the washing water in the water tub 13 and the heater container 37 is drained to the outside of the washing machine main 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, but 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 in which both ends in the longitudinal direction are open. The sheet metal member 36 is inserted into the heater housing 37 from the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c toward the front.

  Since the radiant heat generated from the heater 38 is conducted and diffused through the sheet metal member 36, the risk that heat is concentrated and melted in a part of the heater accommodating 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 longitudinal spot weld portion 42. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the other end of the sheet metal member 36 has a separation portion 36a which is not welded and has a constant gap. Therefore, the sheet metal member 36 has a substantially U shape. The sheet metal member 36 has a support piece 40 that is recessed inward by bending. The heater 38 housed in the heater housing 37 is fixed by the support piece 40 so as not to move.

  A method of fixing the sheet metal member 36 and the heater housing 37 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 5, strip-shaped ribs 37 d are formed on the inner wall of the heater housing 37 so as to extend corresponding to the positions of the separation portions 36 a when 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 located at the separated portion 36a.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in a state where the sheet metal member 36 is inserted into the heater accommodating container 37, the width dimension W of the band-shaped rib 37 d at a position where it contacts the sheet metal member 36 is from the rear side to the front side. It is formed to be wide.

The width dimension W1 of the end of the band-shaped rib 37d shown in FIG. 7 on the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c side (rear side) is larger than the separation width of the separation portion 36a when the sheet metal member 36 is housed in the heater housing 37. It is formed narrow. The width dimension W2 of the end of the belt-shaped rib 37d on the heater insertion opening 37b side (front side) in FIG. 7 is wider than the separation width of the separation portion 36a when the sheet metal member 36 is housed inside the heater housing 37. It is formed as follows. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower surface 39a of the inner wall of the heater container 37 rises upward from the side of the sheet metal member opening 37c (rear side) to the side of the heater insertion opening 37b (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 smaller.

  With the above configuration, when the sheet metal member 36 is inserted from the side of the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c (rear side) to the side of the heater insertion opening 37b (front side) in the heater accommodating container 37, the band-shaped rib is inserted in the middle of the insertion. The width W of 37d is wider than the separation width of the separation portion 36a of the sheet metal member 36. Then, by pressing the sheet metal member 36 into the heater accommodating container 37, the end of the peripheral edge of the separation portion 36a of the sheet metal member 36 is fitted into the belt-shaped rib 37d. Thus, the sheet metal member 36 can be supported and fixed in the heater accommodating container 37.

  In the present embodiment, the sheet metal member 36 is formed by spot welding two sheet metals, but may be formed 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 37b of the heater container 37.

  The heater 38 includes a heating section 38a, a terminal section 38b, and a connection section 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 section 38a is bent many times on the same plane. With the above configuration, the surface area of the heating section 38a is increased, so that the washing water can be efficiently heated.

  The terminal section 38b is electrically connected to the heating section 38a. Further, the terminal portion 38b is electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) located outside the heater container 37 and a control device (not shown). Electric power from an external power supply is supplied to the heating section 38a via the terminal section 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. 8, the heater 38 can be fixed in the heater container 37 by tightening the nut 43 in a state where the heating unit 38a is inserted into the heater insertion opening 37b. That is, by tightening the nut 43, a forward force is applied to the bolt 44 and the press-contact plate 47 welded to the bolt 44, and the flexible member 38d is compressed in the front-rear direction and 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 housing 37 from leaking from the heater insertion opening 37b. The flexible member 38d is formed of a packing such as rubber that is elastically deformed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a temperature detector 56 for measuring the water temperature in the heater container 37 is provided in the connection part 38c. The temperature detection unit 56 includes a thermistor and the like.

[D. Lid 51]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cover 51 removably covers the sheet metal member insertion opening 37 c of the heater housing 37 by screwing (not shown).

In order to check the inside of the heater accommodating container 37 by removing the lid 51 and perform maintenance of the heater unit 32, the sheet metal member insertion opening 37 c covered by the lid 51 is attached to the washing machine main body 11.
The rear opening 11a is provided on the rear side.

  The sheet metal member insertion opening 37c covered by the lid 51 is attached to a position facing the heater 38 inserted into the heater accommodating container 37. With the above configuration, the state of the heater 38 can be easily visually recognized by removing the lid 51 from the heater housing container 37.

  The lid 51 is formed with an inclined rib 51 a (convex rib) for pressing the sheet metal member 36 inserted into the heater housing container 37 against the inner wall surface side of the heater housing container 37. The inclined rib 51a (convex rib) has an inclined surface facing the sheet metal member 36 accommodated in the heater accommodating container 37, and the inclined surface extends from the front side to the rear side in FIG. It is inclined to approach. With the above-described configuration, the end (on the rear side) of the sheet metal member 36 inserted into the heater container 37 on the sheet metal member insertion opening 37c side is formed on the inner wall lower surface 39a and the inner wall upper surface 39b by the inclined rib 51a (convex rib). Spread toward.

  In a state where the heater container 37 is attached to the bottom of the water tank 13, a rib 37e for supporting the sheet metal member 36 is formed to extend on the inner wall lower surface 39a and the inner wall upper surface 39b of the heater container 37. 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 insertion opening 37c is covered with the lid 51 in a state where the sheet metal member 36 is inserted into the heater accommodating container 37, so that the inclined metal members 51a (convex ribs) and the ribs 37e allow the sheet metal member 36 to be inserted. 36 is fixedly supported. Therefore, swinging of the sheet metal member 36 in the heater container 37 is suppressed.

  The heater unit 32 is configured as described above.

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

  The user opens the door 27, puts clothes into the washing and dewatering tub 15 from the laundry loading / unloading port 26, closes the door 27, operates the operation display unit 29, and starts a warm water washing course.

  When the washing process is started, the water supply valve 30 is opened, and water is injected from the water injection case 31 into the water tank 13. The injected water flows into the heater 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, after the washing step with the heating water by the heater 38 is completed, the rinsing and dehydrating steps are executed.

  In the hot water washing course, when the water in the water tub 13 reaches a predetermined water level due to water injection into the water tub 13, the heater 38 of the heater unit 32 is turned on. The control device controls the temperature of the washing water by controlling ON / OFF of the heater 38 according to the temperature of the washing water in the water tub. For the method of detecting the water temperature in the water tank, see [1-5. Water Temperature Detection Method 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. Further, 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 tub 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 stain course). By changing the predetermined temperatures M1 and M2 depending on the operation course, the washing water can be adjusted to a water temperature suitable for the purpose of each operation course.

  Further, after the completion of the hot water washing, the operation of adding water to the washing and dewatering tub 15 and stirring with the pulsator 18 is repeated until the water temperature in the water tub 13 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, 50 ° C. or lower). Good. When the water temperature in the water tub 13 becomes 50 ° C. or lower, the drain valve of the drain cock unit 34 opens, and the washing water is drained to the outside of the washing machine main 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.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to drain the water in a state where the temperature of the water is lowered, even in an environment where the drainage drips onto the road surface.

  On the other hand, if the outflow path 37g of the heater housing container 37 is blocked by lint or the like of clothing, the flow of water between the heater housing container 37 and the water tank 13 may be obstructed. When the flow of water between the heater housing 37 and the water tank 13 is obstructed, a case where the inside of 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 is assumed. In such a case, control is performed so that the heater 38 is turned off when the measured water temperature of the temperature detecting unit 56 that detects the water temperature in the heater container 37 reaches the heater overheat set temperature (for example, 95 ° C.). Thus, overheating in the heater unit 32 can be prevented.

[1-3. Washing water flow in 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 warm water washing course will be described with reference to FIG.

  An outlet path portion 37g communicating with the inner bottom of the water tank 13 is formed at the base of the heating section 38a on the upper surface of the heater container 37, and the inner bottom of the water tank 13 is formed on the side of the tip of the heating section 38a on the side of the heater container 37. And a drain cock unit 34 communicating with the drain cock.

  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 connecting opening 37a than to the outflow path part 37g, when the power of the heater 38 is turned on, the water temperature in the heater accommodating container 37 becomes equal to the drain cock. The outflow path 37g is higher than the connection opening 37a. Therefore, the washing water that has risen inside the heater housing container 37 is discharged to the water tub 13 through the outflow path portion 37g as shown by the arrow D in FIG.

  In order to supplement the high-temperature washing water discharged from the heater accommodating container 37 to the water tub 13, the low-temperature and heavy-weight washing water in the water tub 13 is supplied from the inflow port 34a to the drain cock upstream of the drain cock of the drain cock unit 34 in front of the drain cock. Through the path 34b, it flows into the bottom inside the heater container 37 (arrow C in FIG. 10). The washing water that has flowed into the heater container 37 is heated by effectively utilizing 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 done.

As described above, by providing two paths (the inlet 34a and the outlet path 37) connecting the water tank 13 and the heater container 37 at positions different in distance from the heater 38, the washing water in each path is provided. The washing water in the water tub 13 and the washing water in the heater container 37 can be circulated by natural convection utilizing the difference in water temperature. For this reason, the number of parts can be reduced without requiring external force such as a pump, and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, since the capacity of the heater container 37 is smaller than that of the water tub 13, the temperature of the washing water in the heater container 37 is higher than that of the washing water in the water tub 13 by the heater 38, and the water temperature is higher. Therefore, bacteria contained in the washing water flowing into the heater container 37 can be effectively sterilized.

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

  In the present embodiment, the larger the opening area of the first drain port 33a and the second drain port 33b, the more active the circulation of the washing water between the heater unit 32 and the water tub 13 can be. However, when the first drain port 33a and the second drain port 33b are formed in a perfect circular shape and the opening area is enlarged, the first drain port 33a, the welding boss 45 and the female screw 46 around the second drain port 33b, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to remodel the bottom of the water tank 13 greatly.

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

  As shown in FIG. 8, the lower surface 39a of the inner wall 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, at the time of drainage, the washing water in the heater housing 37 flows toward the drain cock connecting opening 37a, and flows out of the washing machine main body 11 through the drain cock unit 34 and the drain passage 41. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing water and the foreign matter from staying in the heater container 37 at the time of drainage.

[1-4. How to check heater unit status and maintenance]
Heating water in the heater container 37 may not be able to flow out to the water tank 13 due to relatively large foreign matter such as lint generated from clothes adhering to the heater 38 or blocking the outflow path 37g. . Further, there may be a case where a defect occurs in the components of the heater unit 32. Therefore, it is necessary to check the state inside the heater unit 32 and repair it as needed.

  Hereinafter, a method of checking the state of the inside of the heater unit 32 and performing maintenance will be described.

  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 main 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 screwing, the lid 51 can be removed by removing the screw.

  According to the above-described method, the state of the heater 38 in the heater accommodating container 37 can be confirmed from the rear opening 11a of the washing machine main body 11, and if necessary, lint and the like attached to the surface of the heater 38 can be removed. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach or detach the lead wire connector connected to the heater 38, so that it is possible to easily check and maintain the heater 38.

  Further, when the sheet metal member 36 is to be repaired or replaced, the sheet metal member 36 can be removed by pulling out the sheet metal member 36 from the heater accommodating container 37.

  Further, 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 detachably attached. With the above configuration, when it is necessary to remove foreign matter that has entered the heater unit 32 or when the heater unit 32 needs to be replaced, the washing machine main body 11 is turned sideways and By removing the heater unit 32 from the water tank 13 and the drain cock unit 34, the maintenance of the heater unit 32 alone becomes possible. In addition, 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 water tank]
FIG. 11 is a graph of the water temperature in the heater container of the washing machine and the water temperature in the water tub 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 capacity of the heater container 37 is smaller than that of the water tank, the temperature of the water in the heater container 37 is usually higher by 10 to 40 ° C. than the temperature of the water in the water tank 13. As the time elapses, the water temperature in the water tank 13 and the water temperature in the heater container 37 gradually become uniform.

  Hereinafter, a method of estimating the water temperature in the water tank 13 using the temperature detection unit 56 provided in the heater 38 will be described.

  In the warm water washing course, when a predetermined water level is reached by pouring water into the water tank 13, the heater unit 32 is turned on. The time at this time is defined as Ta0. Next, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the heater 38 was turned on (the time at this time is defined as Ta1), the heater 38 is turned off. After the heater 38 is turned off, after a lapse of a predetermined time 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), the temperature is detected by the temperature detection unit 56. 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 clothing, and the like. For example, when the output of the heater is 1500 W, the amount of water in the water tank 13 is 66 L, and the amount of clothing is 5 kg, and when heating from an initial water temperature of 20 ° C. to a predetermined temperature of 55 ° C., it takes about 130 minutes.

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

  By turning off the heater 38 for a predetermined time and then rotating the pulsator 18 for a predetermined time, the washing water in the water tub 13 is agitated, and the water temperature difference between the water tub 13 and the heater container 37 can be promoted. Therefore, the water temperature difference between the heater container 37 and the inside of the water tank 13 is reduced in a short time, and the water temperature in the water tank 13 can be accurately detected.

  According to the above method, the temperature of the washing water in the water tub 13 can be adjusted using the temperature detection unit 56 that measures the temperature of the water in the heater housing 37. Therefore, there is no need to dispose a water temperature detecting section in the water tank, and a low-cost and highly reliable washing machine can be provided.

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

After the water supply into the water tank 13 is completed, the first energizing 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 energizing time. Here, the heater 38 may be kept ON for the first energizing time or may be operated intermittently.

  During the first energization time, the temperature rise rate Vt of the washing water in the water tub 13 is calculated from the estimated water temperature of the washing water in the water tub 13 by the temperature detecting unit 56. The second heating of the heater 38 from the water temperature T1 in the water tub 13 after the temperature increase speed Vt and the first energization time is completed (the time at this time is Tb1) until the washing water in the water tub reaches the target set water temperature. Is calculated. Here, the heater 38 may be kept on during the second energization time or may be operated intermittently.

  After the heater 38 continues to be turned on for the second energizing time, the temperature detector 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 detection unit 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 again by the temperature detection unit 56.

  According to the above-described method, it is possible to detect overheating of the heater and adjust the temperature of the washing water in the water tub 13 with only the temperature detection unit 56 provided in the heater housing 37. Therefore, a low-cost and highly reliable washing machine can be provided.

(Embodiment 2)
In the washing machine according to the first embodiment, the heater housing container 37 and the inner bottom surface of the water tub 13 are connected by two routes, and the heated washing water in the heater housing container 37 and the washing water in the water tub 13 circulate. The configuration was adopted. However, in the first embodiment, it is necessary to provide the water tank 13 with a plurality of drain ports. Therefore, the washing machine according to the second embodiment is configured such that the heater housing container and the bottom surface in the water tub are connected by one path.

  Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is referred to for a vertical sectional view of the washing machine.

  The washing machine according to the first embodiment has a first drain port 33a and a second drain port 33b at the bottom of the water tub 13, but the bottom of the water tank 113 of the washing machine according to the second embodiment has It has a drain 133. The other configuration of the washing machine according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the washing machine according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

[2-1. Configuration of heater unit]
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a heater unit of the washing machine, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a water tank bottom, a drain cock unit, and a heater unit of the washing machine. FIGS. It is a perspective view.

  Hereinafter, the heater unit 132 of the washing machine according to the second embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the heater unit 132 is fixed to a position on the outer bottom on the back side of the water tank 113 where maintenance can be performed by removing the back plate 17.

  The heater unit 132 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped heater container 137 having both ends opened in the longitudinal direction, a heater 138 inserted from one opening of the heater container 137, and a heater container 137. It comprises a sheet metal member 136 inserted from the other opening and covering the heater 138, and a lid 151 covering the opening into which the sheet metal member 136 is inserted.

Hereinafter, each component will be described. Note that the heater 138 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the heater 38 according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[A. Heater container 137]
The heater accommodating container 137 is made of a heat-resistant resin, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose both ends in the longitudinal direction are open.

  A drain cock connection opening 137a communicating with the drain cock unit 134 is provided near the sheet metal member insertion opening 137c on the side surface on the longitudinal direction side of the heater housing container 137. In the washing machine according to the first embodiment, a cylindrical outflow path portion 37g communicating with the second drain port 33b at the bottom of the water tank 13 is formed on the upper surface of the heater container 37. Such a path is not formed in the container 137. The other configuration of the heater container 137 is the same as the configuration of the heater container 37 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the drain cock unit 134 is detachably attached to a drain 133 at the bottom of the water tank 13 and a screw. As shown in FIG. 13, a part of the drain cock unit 134 is formed in a substantially L-shape extending toward the heater container 137, and the water tank 113 and the heater container 137 communicate with each other through the drain cock unit 134. It is connected. As shown in FIG. 13, the drain cock unit 134 is provided with a partition wall 146 that separates a path communicating from the water tank 113 in the drain cock unit 134 to the heater container 137. The partition wall 146 includes a vertical portion 146a and a horizontal portion 146b extending from a lower end of the vertical portion 146a toward the heater 138, and is formed in a substantially L-shape. Due to the partition wall 146, a water channel in the drain cock unit 134 is formed into an inflow path 135a located to the left of the vertical portion 146a and below the horizontal portion 146b, and an outflow channel located above the horizontal portion 146b and to the right of the vertical portion 146a. It is separated into a path 135b.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the inclination angle of the inner wall upper surface 139b of the heater storage container 137 and the inclination angle of the inner wall lower surface 139a are formed at substantially the same angle. With the above configuration, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, even if the heater container 137 is turned upside down, it can be used by inserting it into the bottom of the water tank 113 via the drain cock unit 134. Therefore, the heater unit 132 can be arranged for each washing machine model in consideration of the center of gravity of vibration, the arrangement of components, and the like.

[B. Sheet metal member 136]
As shown in FIG. 12, the sheet metal member 136 surrounding the heater 138 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose one end in the longitudinal direction is open. The sheet metal member 136 is formed by molding one sheet metal part into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in FIG. 13, one end of the sheet metal member 136 in the longitudinal direction has a separation portion 136a having a fixed gap without being welded. A fixing bracket 140 for supporting and fixing the heater 138 is welded to the inner surface of the sheet metal member 136. The heater 138 accommodated in the heater accommodating container 137 is fixed by the fixture 140 so as not to move.

  The sheet metal member 136 may be configured by, for example, welding two sheet metals by spot welding or the like.

  The method of fixing the sheet metal member 136 and the heater container 137 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[C. Lid 151]
As shown in FIG. 13, the lid 151 removably covers the sheet metal member insertion opening 137 c of the heater container 137 by fastening a screw or the like (not shown).

  An inclined rib 51a (convex rib) is formed on the lid 51 of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. However, such a rib is provided on the lid 151 of the washing machine according to the second embodiment. Not formed. Other configurations of the lid 151 according to the second embodiment are the same as the configuration of the lid 51 according to the first embodiment.

  The heater unit 132 is configured as described above.

[2-2. Washing water flow in heater unit]
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flow of the washing water in the heater unit of the washing machine according to the second embodiment. The flow of the washing water in the heater unit 32 in a state where the heater 38 is turned on in the hot water washing course will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a drain cock unit 134 communicating with the inner bottom of the water tank 113 is connected to a longitudinal side surface of the heater housing container 137. As shown in FIG. 13, a partition wall 146 is provided inside the drain cock unit 134. The partition wall 146 is formed in a substantially L-shape extending downward toward the heater 138. By the partition wall 146, low-temperature washing water in the inflow path 135a flowing from the water tank 113 to the heater container 137 and high-temperature washing water in the outflow path 135b flowing from the heater container 137 to the water tank 113 are Mixing in the drain cock unit 134 is prevented, and washing water can be efficiently circulated.

  When the heater 138 is turned on in a state in which the washing water is filled in the heater housing 137, the washing water in the heater housing 137 is heated by the heater 138 and rises in the heater housing 137. As shown by an arrow B, the water is discharged from the outflow path 135b to the water tank 13.

  On the other hand, in order to supplement the high-temperature washing water discharged from the heater accommodating container 137 to the water tub 113, the low-temperature and heavy-weight washing water in the water tub 113 passes through the inflow path 135a as shown by an arrow A in FIG. It flows into the storage container 137. Since the heated washing water in the heater container 137 moves upward, the low-temperature washing water in the water tub 113 easily flows into the bottom of the heater container 137 from the inflow path 135a.

  The washing water that has flowed into the heater storage container 137 is heated by the heater 138, rises in the heater storage container 137, and flows out of the outflow path 135b into the water tub 113.

  As described above, the heater housing container 137 and the bottom of the water tub 113 are communicated by one path, and the washing water is circulated by natural convection due to the temperature difference of the washing water. Thus, a common mold for the water tank 113 can be used. For this reason, the manufacturing cost at the time of development for realizing the hot water specification function can be reduced. Furthermore, an external heater unit 132 can be provided as needed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the upper end of the vertical portion 146a is located above the inflow port 134a. With the above configuration, the high-temperature washing water discharged from the outflow path 135b to the water tub 113 can be suppressed from entering the inflow path 135a, so that the washing water in the water tub can be efficiently heated.

  Further, by rotating the pulsator 18 at regular intervals, the washing water in the water tub 113 is agitated, and the water temperature in the water tub 113 and the water temperature in the heater container can be made uniform in a short time.

As shown in FIG. 16, the upper surface 39b of the inner wall of the heater container 137 on the water tank 13 side (upper side) gradually moves from the heater insertion opening 37b toward the drain cock connection opening 137a toward the water tank side (upper side). It is inclined. With the above configuration, when the washing water is supplied into the heater housing container 37, the air accumulated in the heater housing container 37 is easily discharged from the heater housing container 37 toward the water tub 13. Therefore, the accumulation of air in the heater container 37 can be prevented, and the risk of empty heating can be reduced.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the first and second embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like are made. Further, it is also possible to form a new embodiment by combining the components described in the first and second embodiments.

  Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

  In the first embodiment, the drainage cock unit 34 and the outflow path portion 37g formed in the heater storage container 37 form a connection path between the water tank 13 and the heater storage container 37, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not something. For example, an inflow path portion and an outflow path portion may be formed in the heater container 37, and the water tank 13 and the heater container 37 may be directly connected without the drain cock unit 34. In this case, the drain cock unit 34 may be connected to the bottom or the side of the heater container 37 in a state where the heater container 37 is attached to the bottom of the water tank 13. Further, three or more connection paths between the water tank 13 and the heater container 37 may be provided.

  In the first embodiment, the first drain port 33a is formed in a substantially elliptical shape. However, the second drain port 33b may be formed in a substantially elliptical shape, or the first drain port 33a and the second drain port 33a may be formed. May be substantially elliptical.

  In the first embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the water temperature is detected in the water tank 13 by the temperature detection unit 56 disposed in the heater housing. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A water tank temperature detecting unit constituted by a thermistor or the like may be provided to measure the water temperature in the water tank 13.

  In the second embodiment, the drain cock unit 134 forms a connection path between the water tank 113 and the heater container 137, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by forming a path portion that communicates with the drain port at the bottom inside the water tank 113 in the heater container 137, the water tank 113 and the heater container 137 may be directly connected without the drain cock unit 134 interposed therebetween. In that case, it is good to arrange a partition wall inside a course part. Further, the path of the heater container 137 is formed in a substantially L-shape, and the side surface of the heater container 137 and the bottom surface of the water tub 113 are communicated with each other, so that the low-temperature washing water in the water tub 113 can be supplied from the inflow path 135a through the heater. It becomes easy to flow into the bottom of the storage container 137. Further, the drain cock unit 134 may be connected to the bottom or side surface of the heater housing 137 in a state where the heater housing 137 is attached to the bottom of the water tank 113.

  In the second embodiment, the configuration is described in which the upper end of the vertical portion 146a of the partition wall 146 is located above the inflow port 134a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper end of the vertical portion 146a is not limited thereto. May be located below the inflow port 134a.

In the first and second embodiments, with the heater units 32 and 132 attached to the outer bottom surfaces of the water tanks 13 and 113, the lids 51 and 151 are provided in the back opening 11a of the washing machine main body 11 of the heater container 37. The described configuration has been described. The lid 51 may be provided in a direction in which the opening of the washing machine main body 11 that can be opened and closed in the heater container 37 is provided. Therefore, the openings of the heater housing containers 37 and 137 opened and closed by the lids 51 and 151 may be formed on the front side of the washing machine main body 11 or may be formed on the side surfaces of the washing machine main body 11.

  In Embodiments 1 and 2, 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.

  It should be noted that the above-described embodiment is intended to exemplify the technology in the present disclosure, and thus various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or the equivalents thereof.

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

11 Washing machine main body 11a Back opening (inspection opening)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Suspension 13 Water tank 14 Washing / dewatering shaft 15 Washing / dewatering tank 17 Back plate 16 Fluid balancer 18 Pulsator 20 Transmission mechanism part 21 Motor 22 Motor side pulley 23 Mechanical side pulley 24 Belt 25 Upper frame body 26 Laundry loading / unloading port 27 Door Body 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 Separator 37 Heater storage container 37a Drain cock connection opening 37b Heater insertion opening 37c Sheet metal member insertion opening 37d Strip-shaped rib 37e Rib 37g Outflow path 38 Heater 38a Heating section 38b Terminal section 38c Connection section 38d Flexible member 39a Inner wall lower surface 3 b inner wall upper surface 40 supporting piece 41 drainage path 42 spot welds 43 nut 44 bolt 51 lid 51a inclined rib 56 temperature detector

Claims (4)

Washing machine body,
A water tub supported inside the washing machine body and having a drain at the bottom,
A drain cock unit connected to the drain port of the water tank,
A heater unit connected to the drain cock unit and communicating with the inner bottom of the water tank,
The heater unit includes a heater storage container having an opening at one end, a heater mounted in the heater storage container for heating washing water, and a substantially U-shaped sheet metal member positioned between the heater storage container and the heater. And having
A fixed gap is formed on a side surface of the sheet metal member, and is inserted into the heater housing container from the opening on the one end side of the heater housing container,
In the heater accommodating container, a band-shaped rib is formed to extend in an insertion direction of the sheet metal member corresponding to the gap of the sheet metal member, and the end of the band-shaped rib on one end side is larger than a gap on a side surface of the sheet metal member. A washing machine in which the other end of the strip-shaped rib is formed narrower and opposite to the one end of the band-shaped rib and is wider than a gap on a side surface of the sheet metal member. As the sheet metal member is inserted into the heater housing container from the opening on the one end side of the heater housing container, an end of the peripheral portion of the gap of the sheet metal member is recessed into the band-shaped rib. The washing machine according to claim 1. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein an extension rib is provided on an inner wall upper surface and an inner wall lower surface of the heater accommodating container. A lid is provided for opening and closing the opening of the heater container, and the lid is provided with a convex rib positioned inside the heater container while covering the opening of the heater container. The convex rib has an inclined surface facing the sheet metal member housed in the heater container, and the inclined surface approaches the inner wall surface of the heater container from the tip of the convex rib toward the opening. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the washing machine is inclined as described above.

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