KR102635728B1 - Heating device for clothing management - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating device applied to a clothes care machine such as a washing machine or refresher and used to instantaneously heat water. This embodiment relates to a heat generating device installed in the water storage space inside the clothes care machine to heat water. , a heating plate having a predetermined thickness and forming a heating surface on the outer surface, a heating electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the heating surface opposite to the heating surface of the heating plate while providing an electrode pad on one side, one end of which is the electrode A lead electrode connected to a pad to supply power to the heating electrode layer, a housing for accommodating and protecting a portion of the heating plate and the lead electrode so that the heating surface is exposed, and a portion of the lead electrode coupled to a side of the housing. It includes a bracket that fixes the other end while exposing it to the outside, and is mounted on the clothes care machine so that the housing is located in the water storage space, and is configured to heat water while submerged in water filled in the water storage space.

Description

Heating device for clothing management}

The present invention relates to a heating device, and more specifically, to a heating device that is applied to clothes care machines such as washing machines or refreshers and is used to instantaneously heat water.

In general, clothes care machines include washing machines, dryers, refreshers, etc. Washing machines are largely pulsator-type washing machines that wash by water currents generated by rotating a plate-shaped pulsator and rotating a drum that is laid down. Depending on the type, it is classified into a drum washing machine that uses the washing water supplied into the drum and the drop and friction of the laundry.

Among these, drum washing machines have fewer tangles than pulsator-type washing machines, and the amount of washing water and detergent required during the washing process is small, so user demand is rapidly increasing. In such a drum washing machine, a water tank or tub is installed in the interior space of the cabinet forming the exterior, and the washing tank or drum is rotatably installed inside the water tank.

Meanwhile, a drum washing machine is also being released that generates hot water on its own inside the washing machine by installing a heater on the bottom of the water tank to heat the washing water and turn it into hot water. Therefore, even if cold water flows into the water storage tank in winter, the heater operates and heats the water to an appropriate temperature for washing, so there is no need to separately connect it to a faucet that discharges hot water.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a heater for a clothes care machine according to the prior art.

Referring to FIG. 1, a heater according to the prior art applied to a washing machine consists of a sheath heater, and specifically, a heating part 1 that generates heat, and one end of the heating part 1. It includes a bracket (2) for fixing and mounting the heater to the housing of the clothes care machine, and a terminal (3) that penetrates the bracket (2) and is connected to the end of the heating unit (1) to supply electricity. A coil-shaped heating wire (not shown) is provided inside the heating unit 1, and the heating wire is connected to the terminal 3 via a thermal fuse (not shown) to prevent overheating. The heater configured as described above is applied to a clothes care machine to boil water or generate steam for boil washing, steam cleaning, or sterilization.

Meanwhile, the tap water supplied domestically contains lime components. Due to the heat generated when the heater boils the water, the lime components contained in the water (this is called 'hard water') adhere to the surface of the high-temperature heater, forming a lime layer. is formed. This lime layer caused by hard water blocks the contact between the thermal fuse and water, so the heat from the heating wire is directly transferred to the thermal fuse, causing the thermal fuse to not operate correctly and shortening the life of the heater.

In addition, conventional heaters have the disadvantage that defective parts generated during the product manufacturing process are not recycled and are discarded as waste materials, resulting in a waste of resources.

Korean Patent No. 10-1437968 Korean Patent No. 10-1996527

The present invention was proposed to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a heating device for a clothes care machine that can solve the problem of malfunction and shortened lifespan due to limescale.

In addition, the present invention aims to provide a heating device for a clothes care machine that minimizes resource waste by recycling defective parts even if they are generated during the manufacturing process.

In order to solve the above problems, this embodiment is a heating device that is mounted in the water storage space inside the clothes care machine and heats water. The heating plate has a predetermined thickness and forms a heating surface on the outer surface, and has a heating plate on one side. A heating electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the heating surface opposite to the heating surface of the heating plate while providing an electrode pad, a lead electrode with one end connected to the electrode pad to supply power to the heating electrode layer, so that the heating surface is exposed. A housing that accommodates and protects the heating plate and a portion of the lead electrode, and a bracket coupled to a side of the housing and fixing the other end of the lead electrode while exposing it to the outside, wherein the housing is positioned in the water storage space. It is mounted on the clothes care machine and is configured to heat water while submerged in water filled in the water storage space.

Additionally, the heating surface may be formed by bending the central area of the heating plate to be concave inward.

Additionally, the heating surface may have an inclined structure with different depths at which it is concavely bent.

Additionally, the heating plate may form a reinforcing flange whose edges are bent inward.

Additionally, the heating electrode layer may be formed by printing heating paste on the surface of the heating plate.

In addition, the heating device for the clothes care machine further includes a resistance electrode layer formed on the surface of the heating plate between the heating electrode layers to predict the temperature of the heated water by measuring the resistance of the heating electrode layer according to the temperature of the heating plate. can do.

Additionally, the resistance electrode layer may be configured to function as a heating electrode layer that heats the surface of a local area of the heating plate when power is applied.

The heating device of the present invention is composed of a planar heating element and can improve heating efficiency.

In addition, the heating device of the present invention is composed of a planar heating element, which minimizes the formation of a lime layer and prevents malfunction or damage caused by the lime layer.

In addition, the heating device of the present invention applies a bending structure to the heating plate to form a heating surface, so that a relatively thin plate can be used, which is advantageous for weight reduction and can reduce manufacturing costs.

Additionally, the heating device of the present invention can prevent product damage caused by air pockets by minimizing the formation of air pockets between the device and the water surface.

In addition, the heating device of the present invention forms a heating electrode layer by printing heating paste on a planar plate, so that even if a defect occurs during the manufacturing process, the printed layer can be removed and reused, thereby preventing waste of resources.

1 is a perspective view showing a heater for a clothes care machine according to the prior art;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the drum washing machine according to this embodiment;
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a heating device according to this embodiment;
Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view showing the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the heating plate of the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the AA direction of the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the BB direction of the heating device of Figure 3.

The technical problems achieved by the present invention and its implementation will become clear by the preferred embodiments described below. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be examined in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

It should be understood that the differences in this embodiment, described later, are not mutually exclusive. That is, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the specific shape, structure, and characteristics described may be implemented in other embodiments with respect to one embodiment, and the positions of individual components within each disclosed embodiment. Alternatively, it should be understood that the arrangement may be changed, and similar reference numbers in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions across various aspects, and the length, area, thickness, etc. may be exaggerated for convenience. In the description of this embodiment, expressions such as up, down, before, after, etc. indicate relative positions or directions, and their technical meaning is not limited by dictionary meaning.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of the drum washing machine according to this embodiment.

Referring to the drawing, the drum washing machine 10 of this embodiment includes a cabinet 11 forming a receiving space therein, a water storage tank 12 (or tub) installed inside the cabinet 11, and the water storage tank 12. It includes a washing tub (13, or drum) rotatably disposed inside, a heating device (100) installed between the water storage tank (12) and the washing tub (13), and a drive motor (14) that rotates the washing tub (13). . In addition, the drum washing machine 10 is provided with a water supply port and a detergent supply port at the top of the cabinet 11, and a drain port is provided at the bottom.

In the washing machine 10 configured as described above, the water storage tank 11 is filled with cold water being supplied to the inside, and after the cold water is filled to the extent that the heating device 100 is sufficiently submerged, the heating device 100 is driven to heat the filled cold water. . After the cold water is heated to a predetermined temperature, the washing machine 10 is driven to perform washing. The heating device 100 is mounted at the bottom of the water storage tank 11, so it remains submerged in water even during washing to continuously heat the water. You can. The heating device 100 of this embodiment is composed of a planar heater, and the configuration of the heating device will be described in detail below.

Figures 3 and 4 are a perspective view and a bottom perspective view showing the heating device according to this embodiment, and Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the internal structure and main part of the heating plate of the heating device of Figure 3, and Figures 7 and 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the A-A direction and B-B direction of the heating device of FIG. 3.

Referring to these drawings, the heating device 100 of this embodiment includes a heating plate 110 that generates heat, a heating electrode layer 120 formed on one surface (upper surface) of the heating plate, and a heating electrode layer 120. A pair of lead electrodes 130 connected to both ends to supply power, a housing 140 for accommodating and protecting the heating plate 110, and a heating device 100 are placed in the water storage tank 11 of the washing machine 10. Includes a bracket 150 mounted on. When power is supplied to the heating device 100 through a pair of lead electrodes, high-temperature heat is generated in the heating electrode layer 120 as a current flows along the heating electrode layer 120, and the generated heat is heated through the heating plate ( 110), it heats the water in contact with the surface.

The heating plate 110 for this purpose is made of a material that has insulating properties and excellent thermal conductivity. In addition, the heating plate 110 is composed of a plate with a predetermined thickness, the central area is bent concavely, and the concave surface (lower surface) forms a heating surface 111 that heats water in contact. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the heating plate 110 is made of a square plate made of SUS material and has a bent structure in which the central area is concavely recessed into a square shape, and the concave groove formed by bending provides a heating surface (111).

Meanwhile, when high-temperature heat is generated in the heating electrode layer 120, a large temperature difference occurs in the heating plate 110 between the central area where the electrode layer is formed and the edge area where the electrode layer is not formed, and this temperature difference causes the plate to The shape may change as it bends or twists. Thermal deformation of the heating plate 110 due to such temperature deviation becomes more noticeable the thinner the material is, so the heating plate 110 with a simple plate structure has limitations in reducing the thickness to prevent thermal deformation. In the end, since it must have a thickness above a certain level, the weight of the heating device becomes heavy, and the manufacturing cost increases due to the material cost.

However, when bending processing is applied as in the present embodiment to form a concave heating surface 111 in the central area, both sides of the heating surface 111 function as reinforcing ribs, thereby reducing the thickness of the heating plate 110 and maintaining heat. It has the effect of preventing deformation. For example, the heating plate 110 of this embodiment may have a thickness of 0.6 mm or less, and no deformation due to heat occurs even at this thin thickness.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 8, the heating plate 110 of this embodiment has a concave heating surface 111 that has an inclined surface structure. That is, the heating space 111a below the heating plate 110 formed by the concave groove is formed relatively deep on one side and becomes shallower toward the other side.

The heating device 100 operates while submerged in water inside the washing machine 10, and the contaminated wash water is discharged after washing is completed. At this time, since washing water should not remain on the concave groove heating surface 111, the concave heating surface 111 must be installed with the concave heating surface 111 facing downward. Accordingly, the surface of the heating plate 110 forms a heating surface 111 in the shape of a concave upward groove, and a heating space 111a is formed below it. Accordingly, when the water reservoir 11 of the washing machine 10 is filled with water, an air pocket may be formed in the concave heating space 111a.

On the other hand, when the heating surface 111 is formed horizontally parallel to the water surface, air pockets are formed in the entire area of the heating surface 111, and even if the water storage tank 11 is filled with water, it does not come into contact with the heating surface 111. The heating plate 110 may overheat and be damaged. However, when the heating surface 111 has an inclined surface structure as in the present embodiment, the air pocket is formed only in the uppermost part of the heating space 111a, so the space in which the air pocket can be formed is minimized to prevent the air pocket from forming. Overheating and damage to the heater plater 110 can be prevented.

In addition, the heating plate 110 of this embodiment is finished so that an edge end is bent or curled to one side to form a reinforcing flange 112. This reinforcing flange 112 can also prevent deformation of the heating plate 110. The reinforcing flange 112 is formed at a lower height than the heating surface 111 so as not to interfere with the process of forming the heating electrode layer 120 on the heating surface 111.

The heating electrode layer 120 may be formed by printing a conductive heating paste having a predetermined resistance on the surface of the heating plate 110. As shown, the surface of the heating plate 110 on the opposite side of the heating surface 111 (top surface) ) is formed in The heating electrode layer 120 may have a strip shape with a predetermined width and length, and both ends provide a pair of electrode pads 121 to which the lead electrode 130 is connected.

In addition, a resistance electrode layer 160 may be further formed between the heating electrode layers 120 to measure the resistance of the heating electrode layer 120 according to temperature to predict the temperature of the heated water. In general, resistance varies depending on temperature, so the heating plate 110, which heats water by measuring the resistance of the heating electrode layer 120, which changes depending on the temperature of the heating plate 110 through the resistance electrode layer 160, is predetermined. The power supplied to the heating electrode layer 120 is controlled so that it can be heated to a constant temperature. The resistance electrode layer 160 for this purpose may be formed by printing a conductive paste made of the same material as the heating electrode layer. To this end, both ends of the resistance electrode layer 160 may be connected to an external resistance measurement module through other lead electrodes.

Meanwhile, the resistance electrode layer 160 can be used to predict the temperature of water by measuring the resistance of the heating electrode layer 120, but may also be configured as another heating electrode layer that heats the heating plate 110. That is, the heating plate 110 of the heating device applied to the clothes care machine may be used to apply heat to a local area, if necessary. In this case, since the resistance electrode layer 160 is made of a conductive paste of the same material as the heating electrode layer 120 and is formed in a relatively small area, power is applied to the resistance electrode layer 160 to apply the heating plate 110 to the local area. It can cause fever.

The lead electrode 130 supplies power to the heating electrode layer 120, and a pair of conductive metal wires may be used. One end of the lead electrode 130 is connected to the electrode pad 121, and the other end penetrates the bracket 150 and is exposed to the outside to form the lead terminal 131.

The housing 140 accommodates the heating plate 110 and the lead electrode 130, insulates and protects them from the outside, and is made of a non-conductive material with high heat resistance. The housing 140 forms a sufficient space to accommodate the heating plate 110 therein, and accommodates the heating plate 110 at its lower portion while exposing the heating surface 111 of the heating plate 110.

The heating plate 110 is coupled to the housing 140 via a sealing member 141. Since an opening is formed at the bottom of the housing 140 to expose the heating surface 111, when the heating plate 110 is coupled, water may flow in through the opening and cause a short circuit. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a sealing member 141 is inserted between the housing 140 and the heating plate 110 to seal the space between the housing 140 and the heating plate 110. The sealing member 141 may be made of a silicone material with high heat resistance and elasticity.

The bracket 150 is coupled to the housing 140 to seal the side opening of the housing 140, fixes the pair of lead electrodes 130, and allows the heating device 100 to be mounted on the water storage tank 11. . In addition, when the bracket 150 is coupled to the water tank 11, it is coupled via a sealing member 151 to prevent leakage of water filling the water tank 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heating device 100 configured as described above is fastened so that the housing 140 is located inside the water storage tank, and the water storage tank 11 is filled with water so that the heating device 100 is submerged inside. It is driven by and heats the water. The heating device 100 generates heat through the heating plate to the surface area, thereby minimizing the formation of limescale due to hard water. Since there is no separate thermal fuse inside the housing, malfunction, damage, and shortened lifespan due to limescale are prevented. It can be prevented.

In addition, even if a defect in the heating electrode layer occurs during the manufacturing process of the heating device 100, the heating plate can be reused by removing only the printed layer forming the heating electrode layer, thereby minimizing resource waste.

In addition, the heating device 100 applies a bending structure to the heating plate to form a heating surface, thereby preventing deformation due to high temperature while using a thin plate.

Meanwhile, in the description of the heating device of this embodiment, an example of application to a drum washing machine is explained, but the heating device can be applied to various types of clothes care machines, such as a refresher, that manage clothes by heating water or generating steam. .

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described as described above, various modifications and other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. These modifications and other embodiments are to be considered and included in the appended claims without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

10: washing machine 11: water tank
100: heating device
110: Heating plate 111: Heating surface
112: Reinforcement flange
120: heating electrode layer 121: electrode pad
130: lead electrode 131: lead terminal
140: housing
150: bracket
160: resistance electrode layer
141, 151: Sealing member

Claims (7)

In the heating device installed in the water storage space inside the clothes care machine to heat water,
A heating plate having a predetermined thickness and forming a heating surface on the outer surface;
a heating electrode layer formed on an inner surface of the heating plate opposite the heating surface while providing an electrode pad on one side;
a lead electrode whose one end is connected to the electrode pad to supply power to the heating electrode layer;
a housing that accommodates and protects a portion of the heating plate and the lead electrode so that the heating surface is exposed; and,
A bracket coupled to a side of the housing and fixing the other end of the lead electrode while exposing it to the outside,
The heating surface is bent concavely inward so that the central area of the heating plate varies in depth,
A heating device for a clothes care machine, wherein the housing is mounted on the clothes care machine so that it is located in the water storage space and heats water while submerged in water filled in the water storage space. delete delete The method of claim 1, wherein the heating plate,
Heating device for a clothes care machine, forming a reinforcing flange with edges bent inward. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating electrode layer is:
A heating device for a clothes care machine, which is formed by printing a heating paste on the surface of the heating plate. According to claim 1,
A heating device for a clothes care machine, further comprising a resistance electrode layer formed on the surface of the heating plate between the heating electrode layers to predict the temperature of heated water by measuring the resistance of the heating electrode layer according to the temperature of the heating plate. According to claim 6,
The resistance electrode layer is configured to function as a heating electrode layer that heats the surface of a local area of the heating plate when power is applied.

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