KR102635740B1 - Heating device for clothing management - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating device applied to a clothes care machine and used to instantaneously heat water. This embodiment relates to a heat generating device that is installed in the water storage space inside the clothes care machine and heats water, and has a predetermined thickness. A heating plate having a heating plate forming a heating surface on the outer surface, a heating electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the heating plate on the opposite side of the heating surface while providing a pair of first electrode pads on one side, so that the heating surface is exposed. It has a housing that couples the heating plate to the lower opening, a bracket that is coupled while sealing the side opening of the housing, and a first contact terminal at one end and a first lead terminal at the other end, and penetrates the bracket while passing through the bracket. It includes a pair of first lead electrodes integrally coupled to a bracket, and the housing has a pair of first close contact protrusions formed on an inner surface thereof, so that when the bracket is coupled, the first close protrusions contact the first contact terminal. It is configured to contact the first electrode pad by applying pressure.

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.

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 present invention aims to provide a heating device for a clothes care machine that can prevent malfunction due to non-contact by improving the contact rate of electrode terminals.

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 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.

This embodiment to solve the above problems is a heating device that is mounted in the water storage space inside the clothes care machine and heats water. The heating plate is a plate with a predetermined thickness and forms a heating surface on the outer surface, and is provided 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 a pair of first electrode pads, a housing coupling the heating plate to a lower opening so that the heating surface is exposed, and a side opening of the housing A bracket coupled while sealing the bracket, and a pair of first lead electrodes having a first contact terminal at one end and a first lead terminal at the other end and penetrating the bracket and integrally coupled to the bracket; , The housing is configured to have at least one pair of first close contact protrusions formed on the inner surface to press the first contact terminal to the first electrode pad to improve contact force.

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 a relatively highly inclined structure in an area where the first electrode pad is formed.

In addition, the heating device includes a resistance electrode layer formed on the surface of the heating plate between the heating electrode layers while providing a pair of second electrode pads on one side, a second contact terminal at one end and a second contact terminal at the other end. It further includes a pair of second lead electrodes having a lead terminal and penetrating the bracket and being integrally coupled to the bracket, wherein the housing has at least one pair of second close contact protrusions formed on an inner surface of the housing to contact the second contact terminal. It may be configured to improve contact force by pressing the second electrode pad.

In addition, the housing forms a water channel that has a through hole and is cut off from the external area by a blocking wall, and the heating device further includes a water level sensor installed in the water channel to detect the level of water flowing into the water channel. can do.

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.

Additionally, in the heating device, the lead electrode and the electrode layer come into contact during the assembly process of the bracket and the housing, thereby preventing malfunction due to contact defects.

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 perspective view showing a heating device for a drum washing machine according to the prior art;
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a heating device for a drum washing machine according to this embodiment;
Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the bracket module, which is the main part of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view showing the durability structure of the case, which is the main part of the heating device according to this embodiment;
Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views showing the assembly process of the heating device according to this embodiment.

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.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a heating device for a drum washing machine according to this embodiment, Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the heating device of Figure 3, and Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the bracket module, which is the main part of Figure 3.

3 and 4, 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 ( A resistance electrode layer 130 formed on the upper surface of the heating plate 110 that does not overlap with 120, a housing 140 that accommodates and protects the heating plate 110, and a heating device 100 are placed in the water tank 2 of the washing machine. ), a bracket 150 mounted on the bracket 150, a first lead electrode 160 coupled to the bracket 150 to supply power to the heating electrode layer 120, and a first lead electrode 160 coupled to the bracket 150 to supply power to the resistance electrode layer 130. It includes a second lead electrode 170 that supplies and a water level sensor 180 that is coupled to the bracket 150 and detects the level of water filling the water storage space of the washing machine.

The heating device 100 is a planar heater, and when power is supplied through a pair of first lead electrodes 130, current flows along the heating electrode layer 120, generating high temperature heat in the heating electrode layer 120. And the generated heat is emitted through the heating plate 110 and 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 (see 111 in FIG. 7) that heats the water in contact. . As an example, the heating plate 110 is made of a square plate made of SUS material, and the central area forms a bent structure in which the central area is concavely recessed into a square shape as shown in FIG. 4, and the concave groove formed by bending is the heating surface 111. provides.

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. Since thermal deformation of the heating plate 110 becomes more noticeable the thinner the material is, there is a limit to how thin the heating plate 110 can be to prevent thermal deformation. Therefore, if the heating plate 110 has a sufficient thickness to prevent thermal deformation, a simple 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 manufacturing costs depend on the material cost. There is a downside to this rise.

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 FIG. 4, the heating plate 110 of this embodiment has a concave heating surface 111 that has an inclined surface structure. That is, the heating space (see 111a in FIG. 7) 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, 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 reservoir 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 2 is filled with water, it does not come into contact with the heating surface 111. The heating plate 110 may be overheated and 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. At this time, it is preferable that the heating surface of the area where the electrode pads 121 and 131 are formed is inclined so that it is positioned relatively high.

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 160 is in contact.

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 between the heating electrode layers 120, that is, the 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 170 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 170.

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 170.

In this way, even if a defect occurs in the heating electrode layer 120 and the resistance electrode layer 130 formed by printing a conductive paste during the printing process, the heating plate 110 can be reused by washing the printed layer. Therefore, resource waste due to defects in the manufacturing process can be minimized and environmental pollution can be prevented.

The housing 140 couples the heating plate 110 through the opening on the lower side, and couples the bracket 150 with the opening on the side. In addition, the housing () accommodates the heating plate 110, the first lead electrode 160, and the second lead electrode 170, 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. In addition, the housing 140 forms a fastening protrusion 141 on the side to which the heating plate 110 can be coupled. The fastening protrusions 141 may have a hook shape and are formed in plural numbers at positions corresponding to the fastening holes 113 of the heating plate 110.

Additionally, the housing 140 forms a concave groove-shaped water channel 142 along the edge of the upper surface. 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 180 is installed in the water channel 142 to detect the level of water filling the water storage tank 2.

Additionally, the housing 140 may form an avoidance groove 145 whose upper surface has a concave curved shape. 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.

In addition, the housing 140 has at least one pair of internal electrodes for pressing the first lead electrode 160 and the second lead electrode 170 into contact with the first electrode pad 121 and the second electrode pad 131, respectively. A first close contact protrusion (see 146 in FIG. 6) and at least one pair of second close contact protrusions (refer to 147 in FIG. 6) are formed. The specific configuration and function of the contact protrusions 146 and 147 will be described later.

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 120 and 130 are exposed, and secures the first and second lead electrodes 120 and 130, and serves as a heating device ( 100) can be installed in the water tank (2). Additionally, the bracket 150 may be provided with a fastening means 151 for fastening to the housing 140 in the central area.

The first lead electrode 160 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 160 extends inside the housing 140 to form a first contact terminal 161 and is in contact with the first electrode pad 121, and the other end is connected to the bracket 150. It penetrates and is exposed to the outside to form a first lead terminal 162, which is connected to a power supply module (not shown).

The second lead electrode 170 is configured to supply power to the resistance electrode layer 130, and a pair of conductive metal wires may be used. One end of the second lead electrode 170 extends inside the housing 140 to form a second contact terminal 171 and is in contact with the second electrode pad 131, and the other end is connected to the bracket 150. It penetrates and is exposed to the outside to form a second lead terminal 172, which is selectively connected to a resistance measurement module or a power supply module.

The water level sensor 180 is configured to detect the level of water (washing water) filled in the water storage tank so that the heating device can be driven. When water is detected by the water level sensor 180, 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 is used. Therefore, in the process of filling the water storage tank 2 with water, The heating device can be driven. 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 180 for this purpose may be composed of a pair of electrode rods, one end of which extends inside the water channel 142 of the housing 140 and the other end exposed to the outside of the bracket 150, and it detects the water level. Any means that can do so are not limited to this and can be composed of various types of sensors.

Additionally, the water level sensor 180 is installed in the waterway 142 protected from the outside by the blocking wall 143. In general, waves (waves) are generated in the process of filling the water tank 2 with water, and the accuracy of water level detection can be greatly reduced by the waves. Therefore, when the waterway 142 is protected by the barrier wall 143, severe waves are generated in the water filling the outside of the waterway 142, but the water flowing into the waterway 142 does not generate waves and the water level is constant. As it rises, the accuracy of water level detection can be improved.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the bracket 150 fixes the first lead electrode 160, the second lead electrode, and the water level sensor 180, and they form an integrated module. In addition, one end of the first lead electrode 160, the second lead electrode 170, and the water level sensor 180 extends to the inside of the bracket 150, and the other end extends to the outside of the bracket 150. exposed. The bracket 150 is made of an injection molded insulating material, and the first lead electrode 160, the second lead electrode, and the water level sensor 180 are made of a conductive metal material, so they are the first lead electrode 160, The second lead electrode and the water level sensor 180 can be formed as one piece through a double injection process using insert water.

Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view showing the durability structure of the case, which is the main part of the heating device according to this embodiment, and Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views showing the assembly process of the heating device according to this embodiment.

First, referring to FIG. 6, the housing 140 has a first close contact protrusion 146 and a second close contact protrusion 147 formed on the inner upper surface. The first contact protrusion 146 and the second contact protrusion 147 press the first lead electrode 160 and the second lead electrode 170 to form the first electrode pad 121 and the second electrode pad 131, respectively. contact with. The first contact protrusion 146 is formed at a position corresponding to the first electrode pad 121, and the second contact protrusion 147 is formed at a position corresponding to the second electrode pad 131. The first close protrusion 146 and the second close protrusion 147 are formed to protrude downward from the inner upper surface of the housing, and enter to press the first lead electrode 160 and the second lead electrode 170. It is formed to form a gentle slope with respect to the direction.

In the heating device 110 of this embodiment, a heating plate 110 is coupled to the lower opening of the housing 140, and a bracket 150 on which a lead electrode is integrally formed is coupled to the side opening. In the process of coupling the bracket 150, the first and second lead electrodes 160 and 170 are configured to contact and electrically connect to the heating electrode layer 120 and the resistance electrode layer 130.

Looking in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 , first, the heating plate 110 is coupled to the housing 140 via the first sealing member 148 . The heating plate 110 and the housing 140 may be coupled to each other using a structure of a fastening hole 113 and a fastening protrusion 141, but are not limited to this and various types of fastening means such as screws may be applied. In addition, a heating electrode layer 120 and a resistance electrode layer 130 having a pair of first and second electrode pads 121 and 131 are formed on the upper surface of the heating plate 110.

Additionally, a second sealing member 149 is previously coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 140 to which the bracket 150 is coupled. The second sealing member 149 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.

Then, the bracket 150 to which the first lead electrode 160, the second lead electrode 170, and the water temperature sensor 180 are combined is coupled to the side of the housing 140. At this time, the first contact terminal 161 of the first lead electrode 160 and the second contact terminal 171 of the second lead electrode 170 are inserted into the housing 140, and the first electrode pad 121 and It becomes close to the second electrode pad 131.

Then, when the bracket 150 is completely coupled to the housing 140, the first contact terminal 161 of the first lead electrode 160 and the second contact terminal 171 of the second lead electrode 170 are connected as shown in FIG. 8. ) is pressed by the first contact protrusion 146 and the second contact protrusion 147, respectively, and is in contact with the first electrode pad 121 and the second electrode pad 131.

Even though the first contact terminal 161 and the second contact terminal 171 have a shape that protrudes downward, especially when each electrode pad 121 and 131 is formed on the reverse inclined surface of the heating plate 110 as in the present embodiment, , Even though each of the contact terminals 161 and 171 is located on the electrode pads 121 and 131, it may be spaced apart from the electrode pads 121 and 131 in the vertical direction. Due to this structure of the heating plate 110, it is difficult for the contact terminals 161 and 171 to contact the electrode pads 121 and 131. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the close contact protrusions 146 and 147 press the contact terminals 161 and 171 downward, so that each contact terminal 161 and 171 can be brought into contact with the electrode pads 121 and 131, and the lead is connected at the same time as the bracket 150 is coupled. Electrical connection between the electrodes 160 and 170 and each electrode layer 120 and 130 can be made.

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: Reinforcement flange 113: Fastening hole
120: heating electrode layer 121: first electrode pad
130: resistance electrode layer 131: second electrode pad
140: Housing 141: Fastening protrusion
142: waterway 143: blocking wall
144: through hole 145: avoidance groove
146: first close protrusion 147: second close protrusion
148: first sealing member 149: second sealing member
150: Bracket 151: Fastening means
160: first lead electrode 161: first contact terminal
170: second lead electrode 171: second contact terminal
180: Water level sensor

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 a pair of first electrode pads on one side;
a housing that couples the heating plate to the lower opening so that the heating surface is exposed;
A bracket coupled to seal the side opening of the housing;
A pair of first lead electrodes having a first contact terminal at one end and a first lead terminal at the other end, penetrating through the bracket and integrally coupled to the bracket,
The housing is configured to have at least one pair of first close contact protrusions formed on its inner surface to press the first contact terminal to the first electrode pad to improve contact force,
The heating surface is formed by bending the central area of the heating plate to be concave inward. delete According to claim 1,
The heating surface is a heating device for a clothes care machine, wherein the area where the first electrode pad is formed has a relatively high slope structure. According to claim 1,
A resistance electrode layer formed on the surface of the heating plate between the heating electrode layers while providing a pair of second electrode pads on one side; and
It further includes a pair of second lead electrodes having a second contact terminal at one end and a second lead terminal at the other end, and penetrating through the bracket and integrally coupled to the bracket,
The housing is configured to have at least one pair of second close contact protrusions formed on an inner surface to improve contact force by pressing the second contact terminal with the second electrode pad. According to claim 1,
The housing has a through hole and forms a water channel cut off from the external area by a blocking wall,
A heating device for a clothes care machine, further comprising a water level sensor installed in the waterway to detect the water level of water flowing into the waterway.

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