KR102635735B1 - 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 that accommodates and protects a portion of the heating plate and the lead electrode so that the heating surface is exposed, and the other end of the lead electrode while being coupled to a side of the housing. A bracket for fixing the water while exposing it to the outside, and a water level sensor mounted on the housing to detect the water level in the water storage space, and mounted on the clothes manager so that the housing is located in the water storage space. It is configured to be driven when immersed in filled water to heat the water.

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 cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of a drum washing machine, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a heating device for a drum washing machine according to the prior art.

Referring to FIG. 1, a drum washing machine generally includes a cabinet (1) forming a receiving space therein, a water tank (2, or tub) installed inside the cabinet (1), and a rotatable water tank (2) inside the water tank (2). It includes a washing tub (3, or drum) disposed, a heating device (4), that is, a heater, installed between the water storage tank (2) and the washing tub (3), and a drive motor (5) that rotates the washing tub (3). In addition, the drum washing machine is provided with a water supply port and a detergent supply port at the top of the cabinet 1, and a drain port is provided at the bottom.

The heating device 4 is a sheath heater that boils water or generates steam for boiling, steam cleaning, or sterilization. Referring to FIG. 2, the heating device 4 includes a heating unit 11 that generates heat, and a bracket 12 that fixes one end of the heating unit 11 and mounts the heating device to the water storage tank 2 of the drum washing machine. ) and a terminal 13 that penetrates the bracket 12 and is connected to the end of the heating unit 11 to supply electricity. A coil-shaped heating wire (not shown) is provided inside the heating unit 11, and the heating wire is connected to the terminal 13 via a thermal fuse (not shown) to prevent overheating.

In a washing machine configured as above, the water storage tank 2 is supplied with cold water, and after the cold water is filled to the extent that the heating device 4 is sufficiently submerged, the heating device 4 is driven to heat the cold water. After the cold water is heated to a predetermined temperature, the washing machine starts to perform laundry. At this time, the heating device 4 is composed of a sheath heater with a thin pipe structure and can heat water even in a narrow space while sufficiently avoiding interference with the rotating washing tub 3.

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, the conventional heater applied to the drum washing machine is operated after the water storage tank is completely filled with water, that is, after the supply of washing water is completed. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that it takes a lot of time from the time the wash water starts to be supplied until the water is heated and the wash is performed.

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 waste of resources and environmental pollution.

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 object of the present invention is to provide a heating device for a clothes care machine that can shorten the time from when water starts to be supplied until it is heated and then washing is performed.

In addition, the present invention aims to provide a heating device for a clothes care machine that can be applied to a clothes care machine by replacing the heat generating device mounted on a conventional clothes care machine while improving heating efficiency.

In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide a heating device for a washing machine that minimizes resource waste by recycling even if defective parts 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, a bracket coupled to a side of the housing and fixing the other end of the lead electrode while exposing it to the outside, and mounted on the housing to level the water level in the storage space. It includes a water level sensor that detects, and is configured to be mounted on the clothes care machine so that the housing is located in the water storage space and driven to heat the water when immersed in water filled in the water storage space.

Additionally, the housing may form a concave water channel along the edge of the upper surface, and the water level sensor may be installed in the water channel to detect the level of water flowing into the water channel.

Additionally, the water channel may be configured to have a blocking wall formed at an outer end to cut off the external area, and allow water to flow in or be discharged to the outside through a through hole formed in the blocking wall.

Additionally, the water level sensor may be composed of a pair of electrode rods, one end of which extends inside the water channel and the other end of which is exposed to the outside of the bracket.

In addition, it may further include a resistance electrode layer formed on the surface of the heating plate that does not overlap the heating electrode layer 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.

The heating device of this embodiment 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, the heating device can detect the water supply level and heat the water when the water level reaches a heating level, thus shortening the time between heating and washing.

In addition, the heating device forms an avoidance groove in the case to prevent collision between the housing and the washing machine when the washing machine is running, and the sheath structure heating device can be replaced with a planar structure heating device without changing the structure of the conventional washing machine. You can.

In addition, the heating device 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.

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

1 is a diagram showing the general configuration of a drum washing machine;
Figure 2 is a diagram showing a heating device for a drum washing machine according to the prior art;
Figure 3 is a view from the top of the heating device for a drum washing machine according to this embodiment;
Figure 4 is a view of the heating device of Figure 3 viewed from the bottom;
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view in the AA direction of the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view in the BB direction of the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 8 is a diagram showing the heating device of Figure 3 immersed in washing water.

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 top, bottom, before, after, first, second, etc. indicate relative positions, directions, and orders, and their technical meaning is not limited by dictionary meaning.

Figures 3 and 4 are views from the top of the heating device for a drum washing machine according to this embodiment, Figure 5 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the heating device of Figure 3, and Figures 6 and 7 are views of the heating device of Figure 3. FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view showing the A-A direction and the B-B direction, is a view showing the heating device of FIG. 3 immersed in washing water.

First, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, 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 plate 110 that generates heat. A resistance electrode layer 130 formed on the upper surface of the heating plate 110 that does not overlap the electrode layer 120, a housing 140 that accommodates and protects the heating plate 110, and a water storage tank of the washing machine. It includes a bracket 150 mounted on (2) and a water level sensor 160 mounted on the housing. In addition, the heating device 100 includes a first sealing member 170 interposed between the heating plate 110 and the housing 140, and a second sealing member 180 interposed between the housing 140 and the bracket 150. ) further includes.

When power is supplied to the heating device 100 through a pair of first lead electrodes 121, 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 emitted through the heating plate 110 and heats 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. Therefore, if the heating plate 110 has a sufficient thickness to prevent thermal deformation, a plate structure can be formed. However, in this case, the heating plate 110 must have a thickness above a certain level, so the weight of the heating device becomes heavy and the manufacturing cost due to the material cost increases. There is a downside to rising.

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, so the thickness of the heating plate 110 can be reduced. However, it has the effect of preventing thermal 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 and 6, 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, and the contaminated wash water is discharged after washing is completed. At this time, since washing water should not remain on the concave heating surface 111, it is preferable that the concave heating surface 111 is installed facing downward. Accordingly, the surface (lower surface) of the heating plate 110 forms a heating surface 111 in the shape of a groove concave upward, and a heating space 111a is formed below it. At this time, when the water storage tank 2 of the washing machine 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 heating plate 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 preferably 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.

In addition, when the heating plate 110 of this embodiment is combined with the housing 140, a fastening means such as a screw may be used, but the heating plate 110 and the housing 140 are attached to the housing 140 due to their own structures. can be combined To this end, a plurality of fastening holes 113 are further formed in the reinforcing flange 112 of the heating plate 110, and a plurality of fastening protrusions 141 of a hook structure are formed in the housing 140 at positions corresponding to the fastening holes 113. ) is formed.

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 first electrode pads 121 with which the first lead electrode 122 is in contact.

The first lead electrode 122 is configured to supply power to the heating electrode layer 120, and a pair of conductive metal wires may be used. One end of the first lead electrode 122 is connected to the first electrode pad 121, and the other end penetrates the bracket 150 and is exposed to the outside to form the first lead terminal 123.

The resistance electrode layer 130 is formed by printing a conductive heating paste having a predetermined resistance on the surface of the heating plate 110 in an area where the heating electrode layer 120 is not formed. The resistance electrode layer 130 may have a strip shape with a predetermined width and length, and both ends provide a pair of second electrode pads 131 with which the second lead electrode 132 is in contact.

The resistance electrode layer 130 measures 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 130, 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 130 for this purpose may be formed by printing a conductive paste made of the same material as the heating electrode layer 120. Additionally, the resistance electrode layer 130 is connected to an external resistance measurement module through the second lead electrode 132.

Meanwhile, the resistance electrode layer 130 can be used to predict the temperature of water by measuring the resistance of the heating electrode layer 120, but can also function as another heating electrode layer that heats the heating plate 110. That is, the heating device 100 may be used to apply heat to a localized area using the heating plate 110, if necessary. In this case, the resistance electrode layer 130 is made of a conductive paste made of the same material as the heating electrode layer 120 and is formed in a relatively small area, so by applying power to the resistance electrode layer 130, the heating plate 110 is applied to a local area. It can cause fever. Accordingly, the resistance electrode layer 130 may be configured to be selectively connected to an external resistance measurement module or power supply module through the second lead electrode 132.

The second lead electrode 132 is configured to supply power to the resistance electrode layer 130. A pair of conductive metal wires may be used, with one end in contact with the second electrode pad 131 and the other end touching the second electrode pad 131. It penetrates the bracket 150 and is exposed to the outside to form the second lead terminal 133.

The housing 140 accommodates the heating plate 110, the first lead electrode 122, and the second lead electrode 132, 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.

Additionally, the housing 140 forms a concave groove-shaped water channel 142 along the edge of the upper surface, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7. The waterway 142 is cut off from the outside through the blocking wall 143 at the outer end, and is connected to the outside through the through hole 144 in the front of the housing 140. Therefore, when the water storage tank 2 is filled with water while the heating device 100 is mounted on the washing machine, water is filled in the water channel 142 through the through hole 144, and when the water is drained after the end of washing, the water is filled in the water channel 142. The water is drained again through the through hole 144. A water level sensor 160 is installed in the water channel 142 to detect the level of water filling the water storage tank 2.

Additionally, the housing 140 may have a concave curved upper surface and may be formed with an avoidance groove 145 through which the washing tub 3 of the washing machine is avoided. The avoidance groove 145 is formed as a curved surface in a direction corresponding to the circumferential surface of the washing tub 3, and preferably has a curvature corresponding to the circumferential surface of the washing tub 3.

In general, a drum washing machine is equipped with a drive motor 5 having a rotation axis on one side of the cabinet 1, and the washing tub 3 is arranged horizontally with one side coupled to the rotation axis. At this time, as the rotation axis rotates, the washing tub (3) also rotates. One side of the washing tub (3) is fixed and rotates by the rotating shaft, but the other side (door side) slightly shakes and changes the actual radius of the washing tub (3). It rotates with a larger trajectory. In addition, the heating device 100 is coupled so that the heating area overlaps with the washing tub 3 and is located at the bottom of the washing tub 3. In order to efficiently utilize the space inside the washing machine, it is coupled at a position as close to the washing tub 3 as possible. do.

At this time, since the washing tub 3 rotates in a trajectory larger than the actual radius, there is a risk that the washing tub 3 may collide with the heating device, that is, the housing 140. Therefore, in the heating device 100 of this embodiment, an avoidance groove 145 having a concave curved surface corresponding to the circumferential surface of the washing tub 3 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 140, so that the housing 140 and the washing tub 3 are connected when the washing machine is driven. ) can prevent collisions or interference. In addition, the heating device 100 of this embodiment has an avoidance groove 145 formed in the housing 140, so that the sheath-structured heating device (see FIG. 2) can be converted into a planar-structured heating device without changing the structure of a conventional washing machine. It can be replaced with (see Figure 3), enabling compatibility of heating devices.

The bracket 150 is coupled to the housing 140 to seal the side opening of the housing 140 where the first and second lead electrodes 122 and 133 are exposed, and secures the first and second lead electrodes 122 and 133, and serves as a heating device ( 100) can be installed in the water tank (2).

The water level sensor 160 is configured to detect the level of water (washing water) filled in the water storage tank so that the heating device can be driven. That is, when water is detected by the water level sensor 160, the water is filled to the level at which the heating device 100 can be operated, that is, the water level at which the heating device 100 is submerged, so the water storage tank 2 is filled with water. A heating device may be activated during the process. Therefore, since the heating device 100 is driven in advance to heat the water before the water storage tank is completely filled with a washable amount of water, the time to heat the water to a washable temperature can be shortened. The water level sensor 160 for this purpose may be composed of a pair of electrode rods with one end extending inside the waterway and the other end exposed to the outside of the bracket, and may be composed of various types of sensors as long as it is a means of detecting the water level. It can be.

In addition, the water level sensor 160 is installed in the waterway 142 protected from the outside by the blocking wall 143. In general, in the process of filling the water tank 2 with water, severe waves (waves) are generated, and the accuracy of water level detection can be greatly reduced by the waves. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, when the waterway 142 is protected by the blocking wall 143, waves W are generated severely in the water filled outside the waterway 142, but the water flowing into the waterway 142 The accuracy of water level detection can be improved because the water level rises at a constant rate without generating waves.

The first sealing member 170 is intervened between the heating plate 110 and the housing 140 to seal between the heating plate 110 and the housing 140. The second sealing member 180 is intervened between the housing 140 and the bracket 150 to seal the space between them, and at the same time, when the bracket 150 is coupled to the water tank 2, the housing 140 and the water tank 2 By sealing the space between them, leakage of water filling the water tank (2) is prevented. The first and second sealing members 160 and 170 may be made of silicon material with high heat resistance and elasticity.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heating device 100 configured as described above is fastened so that the housing 140 is located inside the water storage tank 2, and the heating device 100 begins to be immersed inside the water storage tank 2. It runs while doing so 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 applied to a 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.

100: heating device
110: Heating plate 111: Heating surface
112: reinforcing rib 113: fastening hole
120: heating electrode layer 121: first electrode pad
122: first lead electrode 123: first lead terminal
130: heating electrode layer 131: second electrode pad
132: second lead electrode 133: second lead terminal
140: Housing 141: Fastening protrusion
142: waterway 143: barrier
144: through hole 145: avoidance groove
150: bracket
160: Water level sensor
170: first sealing member
180: second sealing member

Claims (5)

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;
a bracket coupled to a side of the housing and fixing the other end of the lead electrode while exposing it to the outside; and,
It includes a water level detection sensor mounted on the housing to detect the water level in the water storage space,
The housing forms a concave water channel along the edge of the upper surface,
The water level sensor is installed in the waterway and is configured to detect the level of water flowing into the waterway. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the waterway is:
A heating device for a clothes care machine, wherein a blocking wall is formed at the outer end to cut off the external area, and is configured to allow water to flow into the inside or discharge to the outside through a through hole formed in the blocking wall. The method of claim 1 or 3, wherein the water level sensor is:
A heating device for a clothes care machine, comprising a pair of electrode rods, one end of which extends inside the water channel and the other end of which is exposed to the outside of the bracket. 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 that does not overlap the heating electrode layer and predicting the temperature of the heated water by measuring the resistance of the heating electrode layer according to the temperature of the heating plate.

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