KR20070059429A - Control method for preventing fire of wash machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A fire prevention control method of a washing machine is provided to prevent a steam heater or a washing heater from being overheated even in wrong operation of a fuse, to prevent a fire accident caused by latent heat in steam or washing water, and to prevent surrounding components from being damaged due to the fire. A fire prevention control method of a washing machine comprises five steps. The first step is for detecting inner temperature of a steam generator supplying steam to a tub and judging overheated condition of a steam heater(S3,S4). The second step is for judging overheated condition of the steam heater if detected temperature is over a set temperature to cut electric power to the steam heater(S6). The third step is for warning the overheated condition of the steam heater(S7). The fourth step is for opening a water supply valve to add washing water into the steam generator(S8). The fifth step is for closing the water supply valve if the overheated condition of the steam heater is solved by adding washing water, and cutting electric power to the whole washing machine(S11,S12).

Description

Control method for preventing fire of wash machine

1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine equipped with a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a plan view showing an open top surface of a washing machine equipped with a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a flowchart illustrating a fire prevention control method of a washing machine having a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a flowchart illustrating a fire prevention control method of a washing machine having a steam generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine equipped with a laundry heater according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a flowchart illustrating a fire prevention control method of a washing machine having a laundry heater according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

<Explanation of symbols on main parts of the drawings>

1,70: washing machine 2: cabinet

6: tub 8: drum

19: gasket 20: water supply

22: water supply valve assembly 24: water supply hose

26: detergent supply unit 28: steam supply hose

29: nozzle 40: steam generator

42: casing 44: heater

46: temperature sensor 48: water level sensor

72: washing heater 74: temperature sensor

The present invention relates to a fire prevention control method of a washing machine, and in particular, the risk of fire due to overheating of a washing heater or a steam heater during boiled washing or steam washing is prevented, and as a latent heat of the washing water heated by the washing heater and the steam heater. The present invention relates to a fire prevention control method of a washing machine, in which damage to a component may be prevented.

In general, a washing machine is a device that washes laundry by washing, rinsing, dehydrating, etc. to remove contamination from clothes, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as 'laundry') using water, detergent, and mechanical action. to be.

Such washing machines are classified into agitator type, pulsator type, and drum type washing machines according to the washing method.

The stirring washing machine is laundry while the washing rod towered in the center of the washing tank is rotated to the left and right, the vortex washing machine is to wash the laundry while the disk-shaped pulsator formed in the lower portion of the washing tank is rotated to the left and right, the drum washing machine tub The laundry is washed while the drum arranged horizontally inside the.

Meanwhile, recently, a washing machine equipped with a laundry heater has been released. When water (hereinafter, referred to as 'washing water') is supplied into a washing tub or a tub through a water supply device of the washing machine, the washing water is washed by the washing heater. The heating is performed to boil the laundry.

In the washing machine equipped with the washing heater, since the temperature of the washing water is increased by the washing heater during washing, the activation of the detergent is promoted to improve the washing performance as well as the sterilization performance of the laundry.

In addition, recently, a washing machine equipped with a steam generator has been released. When water (hereinafter referred to as 'steam water') is supplied to a steam generator through a water supply device of the washing machine, steam is generated by the steam generator. The steam is generated and supplied to the inside of the tub or tub during washing and rinsing.

The steam heater for generating steam by heating the steam water is disposed inside the steam generator as described above.

Therefore, since the internal temperature of the washing tub or tub is increased by the high temperature steam during washing and rinsing, the washing machine equipped with the steam generator promotes the activation of the detergent to improve the washing performance and the rinsing performance as well as the packing of the laundry. This improves the amount of washing water used.

In general, the washing machine includes a temperature sensing device for detecting internal temperatures of the steam generator and the tub to determine overheating of the steam heater and the washing heater, and a safety device for preventing a fire due to overheating of the steam heater and the washing heater. It is provided.

As the temperature sensing device, a temperature sensor that senses the internal temperature of the steam generator and the tub, or a thermostat that senses the heat generated by the steam heater and the laundry heater is typically used.

The safety device is a fuse installed inside the steam heater and the laundry heater (Fuse) bar, the fuse is short-circuited when the steam heater and the washing heater overheating to prevent the risk of fire.

That is, when the steam heater and the washing heater are abnormally overheated to such an extent that the control of the steam heater and the washing heater is impossible, the fuse is shorted and the steam heater and the washing heater are completely lost.

However, a conventional washing machine equipped with a steam generator or a washing heater has a problem in that the risk of fire increases because an abnormal overheating of the steam heater and the washing heater cannot be eliminated when the fuse is incorrectly assembled or a defective product is used. .

In addition, even when the fuse is normally operated when the steam heater and the washing heater are abnormally overheated, the operation of the steam heater and the washing heater is stopped, there is a risk of fire due to the latent heat of the steam water and the washing water. There is a problem that heat damage of the component occurs.

That is, when the steam heater and the washing heater are abnormally overheated, since the steam water and the washing water are heated to a very high temperature, a fire may occur due to the latent heat inherent in the steam water and the washing water, It is transmitted to the peripheral parts of the laundry heater to cause heat damage and thermal deformation of the parts.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is an abnormal overheating phenomenon of the steam heater or the washing heater, even when the fuse of the steam heater or the washing heater malfunctions when the steam heater or the washing heater is abnormally overheated. This prevents to provide a fire prevention control method of the washing machine can be reduced the risk of fire.

Another object of the present invention, even if the fuse of the steam heater or laundry heater is operating normally when the steam heater or the laundry heater overheats, the risk of fire due to latent heat inherent in the steam water or the washing water is reduced, It is to provide a fire protection control method of the washing machine that can be prevented damage to the parts.

Still another object of the present invention is to easily and quickly eliminate abnormal overheating of the steam heater and the washing heater only by controlling the water supply of the washing machine even if a separate safety device for eliminating abnormal overheating of the steam heater and the washing heater is not additionally installed in the washing machine. To provide a fire protection control method of the washing machine can be.

Fire prevention control method of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention for realizing the above object is an overheating step of detecting the internal temperature of the steam generator for supplying steam to the tub and determines the overheat state of the steam heater, When the temperature detection value is detected to be above the set temperature, the steam heater is determined to be in an overheated state, and a power cutoff step in which the power of the steam heater is cut off, and an additional water supply valve is opened so that washing water is additionally supplied into the steam generator. When the washing water is additionally supplied by the water supply valve and the overheated state of the steam heater is eliminated, the water supply valve is sealed and the washing stop step is cut off the power of the washing machine.

The fire prevention control method of the washing machine may further include an overheat warning step in which an overheat state of the steam heater is warned when the temperature detection value is detected above the set temperature in the overheat detection step.

In the washing stop step, if the temperature detection value is detected to be less than the set temperature, it is determined that the overheat state of the steam heater is eliminated.

Unlike the above, in the washing stop step, it is determined that the overheat state of the steam heater is eliminated when the opening time of the water supply valve is longer than the set time.

In addition, the fire protection control method of the washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention is an overheat detection step of determining the overheat state of the washing heater by detecting the internal temperature of the tub, and the washing when the temperature detection value is detected above the set temperature A power cut-off step in which the heater is determined to be overheated and the power of the laundry heater is cut off, an additional water supply step in which a water supply valve is opened to additionally supply wash water to the inside of the tub, and additional wash water is supplied by the water supply valve When the overheated state of the laundry heater is eliminated, the water supply valve is sealed, and the washing stop step of cutting off the power of the washing machine is characterized in that it is made.

The fire prevention control method of the washing machine may further include an overheat warning step in which an overheat state of the washing heater is warned when the temperature detection value is detected above the set temperature in the overheat detection step.

In the washing stop step, when the temperature detection value is detected to be less than the set temperature, it is determined that the overheat state of the washing heater is eliminated.

Unlike the above, in the washing stop step, if the opening time of the water supply valve is longer than the set time, it is determined that the overheat state of the washing heater is eliminated.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine with a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view showing an open upper surface of the washing machine with a steam generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Washing machine equipped with a steam generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cabinet 2 to form the appearance of the washing machine 1, and the inside of the cabinet (2) A tub 8 having a tub 6 installed to be buffered by a spring 4 and a damper 5, and a plurality of through holes 8A rotatably installed inside the tub 6 and having washing water therethrough. ), A lifter 10 installed on the inner side of the drum 8 so as to drop the laundry at a predetermined height after lifting the laundry during the rotation of the drum 8, the drum 8 and the rotating shaft is connected A cabinet cover 14 having a motor 12 mounted to penetrate the rear of the tub 6 and a laundry entrance 14A mounted at the front of the cabinet 2 and configured to input or withdraw laundry in the center thereof; And the cabinet kernel to open and close the laundry entrance 14A of the cabinet cover 14. A door 16 rotatably installed at 14 and a steam generator 40 installed at one side of the cabinet 2 to supply steam to the tub 6 or the drum 8. It is composed.

A control panel 18 is mounted on the front side of the cabinet 2 to display the operating state of the washing machine 1 to the outside and to manipulate the operation of the washing machine 1.

A gasket 19 is provided between the inlet of the tub 6 and the laundry entrance 14A to play a role of packing so as to mitigate an impact caused by the rotation of the drum 8 and to prevent the washing water from overflowing to the outside.

The upper side of the tub 6 is provided with a water supply device 20 for supplying water from the external water source into the tub 6 or the steam generator 40, the water supply device 20 is the cabinet (2) Water supply valve assembly 22 is installed in the water supply valve assembly 22 to control the flow of water flowing from the outside, and one end is connected to the water supply valve assembly 22 to guide the water to the tub 6 and the steam generator 40 It consists of a hose 24.

Between the water supply device 20 and the tub 6 as described above, a detergent supply mechanism 26 for supplying detergent to the tub 6 is installed in communication with the water supply passage.

Here, the water supply valve assembly 22 is composed of first, second and third cold water valves 22A, 22B and 22C for regulating the flow of cold water and a hot water valve 22D for regulating the flow of hot water.

The water supply hose 24 includes first and second cold water hoses 24A and 24B connected between the first and second cold water valves 22A and 22B and the detergent supply mechanism 26, and the third cold water. And a third cold water hose 24C connected between the valve 22C and the steam generator 40, and a hot water hose 24D connected between the hot water valve 22D and the detergent supply mechanism 26.

Therefore, a plurality of water supply passages are formed in the washing machine 1 by the water supply valve assembly 22 and the water supply hose 24.

The drainage device 30 for discharging the wash water supplied to the outside is installed below the tub 6, and the drainage device 30 is connected to the lower portion of the tub 6 so as to communicate with the tub 6. Drain pump 32 for pumping the wash water in the) and the drain hose 34 for guiding the wash water pumped by the drain pump 32 to the outside.

On the other hand, one side of the cabinet 2 is installed with a steam generator 40 for supplying steam to the inside of the tub 6 during washing and rinsing, so that the washing performance of the washing machine 1 is improved.

The steam generator 40 is installed in communication with the water supply passage formed between the water supply valve assembly 22 and the tub 6, and is separate from the water supply passage for supplying water or detergent to the tub 6. It is preferable to install on a water supply flow path.

That is, the steam generator 40 is connected to the third cold water valve 22C of the water supply valve assembly 22 by the third cold water hose 24C to receive steam water from the water supply valve assembly 22. And, it is disposed to penetrate the upper portion of the gasket 19 by the steam supply hose 28 to supply steam to the tub 6 or the drum (8).

One end of the steam supply hose 28 is connected in communication with the steam generator 40, the other end is inserted through the upper portion of the gasket 19 to face the inner side of the tub (6) or drum (8). do.

Of course, the other end of the steam supply hose 28 is installed with a nozzle 29 for injecting steam to the inlet of the tub 6 or drum 8 so that steam is injected into the laundry contained in the drum (8). do.

The steam generator 40 installed as described above generates steam by storing steam water and heating steam water stored in the casing 42 having a box shape formed therein, and the steam water stored inside the casing 42. The steam heater 44 installed inside the casing 42 and the temperature sensor 46 installed on one side of the casing 42 to sense the temperature of the steam water and steam heated by the steam heater 44 to And a water level sensor 48 installed on the other side of the casing 42 to measure the water level of the steam water stored in the casing 42.

Here, the casing 42 has a water inlet 52 and a steam outlet 54 are connected to the third cold water hose 24C and the steam supply hose 28 in communication with each other, the temperature sensor 46 and It consists of an upper casing (50), the water level sensor 48 is installed, and a lower casing (60) mounted to be sealed to the lower portion of the upper casing (50) and installed through the steam heater (44).

The upper casing 50 is formed in a box shape having an open bottom surface, and a plurality of hooks 56 fixed to the cabinet 2 are formed to protrude from side and rear surfaces, and the temperature sensor 46 and the water level. The temperature sensor mounting hole 50A and the water level sensor mounting hole 50B in which the sensor 48 is installed are formed on the upper surface.

The lower casing 60 is formed in a box shape with an upper surface open, and a plurality of fastening bosses 62 fastened and fixed to the cabinet 2 by a fastening member 64 are formed to protrude from the rear side, and the steam heater The steam heater installation hole 60A in which 44 is installed is formed in the front surface.

A drain hole 66 for discharging steam water to the outside of the casing 42 is formed at the lower portion of the lower casing 60, and the steam heater installation hole 60A is formed at the inner bottom of the lower casing 60. The steam heater bracket 68 is mounted to support the rear portion of the steam heater 44 inserted through.

The drain port 66 is connected to a steam water discharge hose (not shown) for guiding the steam water in the casing 42 into the drain hose 34 or the tub 6.

The steam heater 44 is an electrothermal heater that converts electrical energy into thermal energy, and is disposed below the casing 42 so as to be easily immersed in the steam water in the casing 42 and the casing 42. ) Is disposed at a position spaced a predetermined height upward from the bottom of the casing 42 so as not to be damaged by the heat of the steam heater 44.

That is, the front side of the steam heater 44 is sealably mounted to the steam heater installation hole 60A of the lower casing 60, and the rear side of the steam heater 44 is fitted to the steam heater bracket 68.

The steam heater 44 as described above has a fuse (not shown) is built in to block the supply of power when overheating.

In addition, the temperature sensor 46 is installed and fixed in the temperature sensor installation hole 50A of the upper casing 50 so as to detect the steam water temperature and the steam temperature inside the casing 42, the water level sensor 48 Is installed and fixed in the water level sensor installation hole (50B) of the upper casing (50) to detect the internal level of the casing (42).

The water level sensor 48 is composed of three electrodes 48A, 48B, 48C having exposed terminals at the bottom thereof, and the electrodes 48A, 48B, 48C are stored in the casing 42. A first electrode 48A at which the terminal is exposed at the same level as the lowest water level of steam water, a second electrode 48B at which the terminal is exposed at the same level as the highest water level of the steam water stored in the casing 42, The first electrode 48A or the second electrode 48B is formed of a third electrode 48C having a terminal formed at the same height as the first electrode 48A so as to conduct electricity through steam water.

The first electrode 48A is formed longer in the lower side than the second electrode 48B so that the terminal can be positioned on the lower side.

The first electrode 48A and the second electrode 48B as described above are connected to a power source of any one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and the third electrode 48C has a common power source connected to the other pole of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. (Common) terminal.

Therefore, when steam water is supplied to the inside of the casing 42 to reach a minimum level for generating steam, a current flows through the water between the first electrode 48A and the third electrode 48C. When the steam water reaches the maximum level for generating steam, current flows through the water between the first and second electrodes 48A and 48B and the third electrode 48C.

At this time, the minimum level of the steam water is a level at which the steam heater 44 installed in the casing 42 can be completely submerged in the steam water.

Looking at the operation and fire protection control method of the washing machine provided with a steam generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a fire prevention control method of a washing machine equipped with a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

First, when laundry is introduced into the drum 8 through the laundry entrance 14A and a proper amount of detergent is input into the detergent supply mechanism 26, the laundry entrance 14A is sealed by the door 16. After the washing machine 1 is operated.

At this time, the washing machine 1 determines the washing course, water level, washing time and the like according to the quantity of laundry put into the drum 8.

Then, the water supply valve assembly 22 of the water supply device 20 is opened to wash the water to the water supply level through the water supply hose 24 into the tub 6.

That is, when the first and second cold water valves 22A and 22B of the water supply valve assembly 22 are opened, the cold water is supplied to the inside of the tub 6 through the first and second cold water hoses 24A and 24B. When the hot water valve 22D of the water supply valve assembly 22 is opened, hot water is supplied into the tub 6 through the hot water hose 24D.

At this time, the detergent introduced into the detergent supply mechanism 26 is washed down into the tub 6 by cold water or hot water supplied from the water supply valve assembly 22 to the tub 6.

When the wash water reaches the water supply level inside the tub 6, the water supply valve assembly 22 is closed to stop the water supply to the tub 6, and the drum 8 is rotated by the motor 12. The laundry is washed.

Subsequently, when the washing process of the laundry is completed, the washing water in the tub 8 is drained to the outside by the drain pump 32 and the drain hose 34, and the drum 8 is driven at high speed by the motor 12. Centrifugal dewatering of the laundry is performed while rotating.

When the laundry is centrifugally dehydrated, clean laundry water is again supplied to the inside of the tub 8 to the rinsing level, and the drum 8 is inverted left and right to rinse the laundry. When the rinsing of the laundry is completed, the washing water is completed. Drained again

This rinsing stroke is repeatedly performed up to a predetermined number of times.

When the rinsing stroke of the laundry is completed, the drum 8 is rotated at a high speed while the water contained in the laundry is completely dehydrated by centrifugal force.

Meanwhile, when steam washing or steam rinsing is set in the washing course of the washing machine 1, the third cold water valve 22C of the water supply valve assembly 22 is opened during the washing stroke and the rinsing stroke of the laundry. After flowing from the cold water valve 22C along the third cold water hose 24C to the steam generator 40, it is stored therein through the water supply port 52 of the steam generator 40.

As the steam water is supplied into the steam generator 40 as described above, the water level of the steam water is sensed by the water level sensor 48.

That is, the water level sensor 48 detects the voltage between the first and second electrodes 48A and 48B and the third electrode 48C to detect the water supply level of steam water. If at least one of the voltages between the 48A) 48B and the third electrode 48C is detected to be larger than the set voltage, it is determined that the water level of the steam water is lower than the maximum level for generating steam, and the water supply of the steam water continues. When the voltages between the first and second electrodes 48A, 48B and the third electrode 48C are all less than the set voltage, it is determined that the level of steam water has reached the maximum level for generating steam. The third cold water valve 22C is shut off.

When steam water is supplied to the inside of the steam generator 40 to an appropriate level, power is applied to the steam heater 44 of the steam generator 40 to generate steam while the steam water is evaporated by the steam heater 44. The steam is introduced into the steam supply hose 28 through the steam outlet 54 of the steam generator 40.

The steam flowing through the steam supply hose 28 is sprayed and discharged into the inlet of the tub 6 or the drum 8 through the nozzle 29 disposed inside the gasket 19 so that the drum 8 It will be soaked in the laundry contained inside.

Therefore, since the hot steam generated by the steam generator 40 is supplied to the inside of the tub 6 during the washing or rinsing stroke of the laundry, the internal atmosphere temperature of the tub 6 is raised to activate the detergent. Is promoted, thereby improving the washing performance and the rinsing performance of the laundry. In addition, since the hot steam is in direct contact with the laundry tumbling as the drum 8 rotates, not only the sterilization function of the laundry can be always implemented, but also the performance of the laundry is improved.

Here, the temperature sensor 46 senses the steam water temperature and the steam temperature of the steam generator 40 and when the temperature detection value is greater than the set temperature, the operation of the steam heater 44 is properly on / off (ON / OFF) control to adjust the steam water temperature and the steam temperature.

When the voltage between the first and second electrodes 48A and 48B and the third electrode 48C is both greater than a set voltage, the level sensor 48 generates the steam level to generate steam. It is determined that the lowered below the minimum water level for stopping the operation of the steam heater 44.

As such, the phenomenon in which the steam heater 44 is operated without being immersed in the steam water and the steam heater 44 is abnormally overheated is prevented by the water level sensor 48.

In addition, the steam heater 44 is such that the temperature sensor 46 and the water level sensor 48 malfunction so that the steam heater 44 is abnormally overheated or control is impossible due to the failure of the steam heater 44. When abnormally overheated, the fuse built in the steam heater 44 is short-circuited to cut off the power of the steam heater 44.

However, if a fuse is incorrectly assembled or a defective product is used in the steam heater 44, since the fuse is not shorted when the steam heater 44 is abnormally overheated, the steam heater 44 is continuously overheated and a fire is generated. There is a problem.

In particular, even when the fuse of the steam heater 44 is short-circuited when the steam heater 44 is abnormally overheated, the steam generator 40 is at risk of fire due to latent heat of steam water heated by the steam heater 44. There is this high problem.

Looking at the fire prevention control method of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems in detail with reference to Figure 4, when the steam washing or steam rinsing of the laundry to the steam heater 44 Power is applied to generate steam in the steam generator 40, the steam generated by the steam generator 40 is supplied to the interior of the drum (8) to wash or rinse the laundry, the temperature sensor ( 46, the steam water temperature and the steam temperature inside the steam generator 40 are sensed (see S1, S2, and S3).

At this time, when the temperature detection value of the temperature sensor 46 is detected to be smaller than the set temperature, it is determined that the steam heater 44 is not overheated, the washing machine 1 is normally steam washing or steam rinsing. See S4, S5)

On the other hand, when the temperature detection value of the temperature sensor 46 is detected to be larger than the set temperature, it is determined that the steam heater 44 is abnormally overheated, the power of the steam heater 44 is cut off, the washing machine 1 The overheating state of the steam heater 44 is notified to the consumer using the (). (S6, S7)

That is, when the temperature sensor 46 or the water level sensor 48 malfunctions and the steam heater 44 is overheated or the steam heater 44 is abnormally overheated due to a failure, the power of the steam heater 44 is turned off. It is blocked to prevent the internal temperature of the steam generator 40 from rising sharply by the steam heater 44.

In addition, the abnormally overheated state of the steam heater 44 is displayed to the outside through the display member of the control panel 18 or warned to the consumer through a separate warning sound.

As described above, the abnormally overheated state of the steam heater 44 is quickly transmitted to the consumer by the display member or the warning sound, so that whether the washing machine 1 is broken or the failure part is quickly grasped so that the steam generator 40 Serviced quickly and accurately.

On the other hand, if the abnormal overheating of the steam heater 44 is detected by the temperature sensor 46, the third cold water valve 22C is opened to add cold steam water into the casing 42 of the steam generator 40. Water supply (see S8)

When the cold steam water is additionally supplied to the inside of the casing 42 as described above, the low temperature steam water is mixed with the high temperature steam water heated by the steam heater 44 to accommodate the steam water contained in the casing 42. The latent heat of is greatly reduced, and as the temperature of the steam water is lowered, the steam heater 44 is also cooled by the steam water.

The additional water supply of the steam water through the third cold water valve 22C and the third cold water hose 24C proceeds until the internal temperature of the steam generator 40 falls below the set temperature.

That is, when the temperature sensed value detected by the temperature sensor 46 is detected to be smaller than the set temperature, the third cold water valve 22C is blocked to stop the additional water supply of the steam water. (S9, S10, S11) Reference)

Therefore, when the steam heater 44 is abnormally overheated, when the power of the steam heater 44 is cut off and additionally supplied to the inside of the casing 42, the steam generator 40 is fired by the latent heat of the steam water. Not only risk and thermal damage of components are prevented, but also the steam heater 44 is cooled by steam water, so that abnormal overheating of the steam heater 44 is eliminated.

When the additional water supply of the steam water is stopped after the abnormal overheating of the steam generator 40 is eliminated as described above, the main power applied to the washing machine 1 is cut off and the operation of the washing machine 1 is stopped. )

5 is a flowchart illustrating a fire prevention control method of a washing machine equipped with a steam generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

For reference, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the fire prevention control method of the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the steam heater 44 of the steam generator 40 is abnormally overheated as shown in FIG. 5, the power of the steam heater 44 is turned off. After the shut-off, the abnormal overheating state of the steam heater 44 is warned to the consumer (see S6 and S7), and the cold steam water is additionally supplied to the casing 42 of the steam generator 40, thereby causing an abnormality of the steam heater 44. When the overheating is eliminated (see S8), when the additional water supply time of the steam water reaches the set time, the additional water supply of the steam water is stopped (see S9 'and S10'), and other fire protection control methods are described in the first method. It proceeds in the same manner as in the embodiment.

That is, when the temperature sensing value of the temperature sensor 46 is detected to be smaller than the set temperature, the washing machine 1 normally performs steam washing or steam rinsing, whereas the temperature sensing value of the temperature sensor 46 is set. When the temperature is greater than the temperature, it is determined that the steam heater 44 is abnormally overheated, the power of the steam heater 44 is cut off, and the consumer of the washing machine 1 is notified of the overheat state of the steam heater 44. You will be informed.

When the abnormal overheating of the steam heater 44 is detected by the temperature sensor 46, the third cold water valve 22C is opened to further supply cold steam water to the inside of the casing 42. Not only is the latent heat of the steam heater 44 cooled.

As described above, the additional water supply of the steam water through the third cold water valve 22C and the third cold water hose 24C is performed until the time when the additional water is supplied into the steam generator 40 is greater than or equal to a predetermined time.

That is, when the additional water supply time of the steam generator 40 is measured and the additional water supply time is detected to be greater than the set time, the third cold water valve 22C is blocked to stop the additional water supply of the steam water.

Therefore, since the additional water supply is not controlled by the temperature of the steam heater 44 but the water supply time of the steam generator 40 as in the first embodiment, the steam from the steam generator 40 is controlled. Overshooting is prevented.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine equipped with a laundry heater according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

For reference, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Washing machine equipped with a laundry heater according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 6, the tub (6) so that the wash water stored in the tub 6 is heated to wash the laundry boiled in the drum (8) The laundry heater 72 provided inside the lower part of 6) is comprised, and the other structure is comprised similarly to 1st Example mentioned above.

That is, in the washing machine 70 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, instead of omitting the steam generator 40 of the first embodiment, the washing heater for boiling the washing water when boiled on the inside of the tub 6 72 is installed.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the third cold water valve 22C, the third cold water hose 24C, the steam supply hose 28, the steam water discharge hose, and the like of the first embodiment are also omitted.

Laundry heater installation hole 70A is installed through the laundry heater 72 through the lower rear of the tub 6 such that the laundry heater 72 is located between the drum 8 and the lower part of the tub 6. Is formed. Of course, the laundry heater installation hole 72A may be formed at the lower front side or the lower side of the tub 6.

In addition, a temperature sensor 74 for detecting a temperature of the washing water heated by the laundry heater 72 is installed at an inner lower side of the tub 6, and the laundry heater is installed at an inner bottom of the tub 6. A washing heater bracket 76 is mounted in which the rear portion of the washing heater 72 inserted through the hole 72A is fitted.

In addition, the laundry heater 72 is an electrothermal heater that converts electrical energy into thermal energy, and is disposed below the tub 6 so as to be easily immersed in the washing water in the tub 6 and the tub 6. ) Is disposed at a position spaced a predetermined height upward from the bottom of the tub 6 so as not to be damaged by the heat of the laundry heater 72.

That is, the rear side of the laundry heater 72 is sealably mounted to the laundry heater mounting hole 72A of the tub 6, and the front side of the laundry heater 72 is fitted to the laundry heater bracket 76.

The laundry heater 72 as described above includes a fuse (not shown) to cut off the supply of power when overheating.

Looking at the fire prevention control method of the washing machine equipped with a laundry heater according to the third embodiment of the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a fire prevention control method for a washing machine equipped with a laundry heater according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

First, when the boiled washing course is selected by the consumer of the washing machine 70, power is supplied to the washing heater 72 when washing the laundry, and the washing water supplied to the tub 6 is heated, and the drum 8 has a motor ( Rotating by 12) washing of the laundry proceeds (see S21, S22).

When the wash water is heated by the laundry heater 72 when washing the laundry, activation of the detergent dissolved in the wash water is promoted to improve the washing performance of the laundry, and the sterilization performance of the laundry by the hot wash water is improved. Is improved.

As the boil-in washing proceeds as described above, the washing water temperature of the tub 6 is detected by the temperature sensor 74 (see S23).

At this time, when the temperature detection value of the temperature sensor 74 is detected to be smaller than the set temperature, it is determined that the washing heater 72 is not overheated, the washing machine 70 is normally boiled washing proceeds (S24, S25). Reference)

On the other hand, when the temperature detection value of the temperature sensor 74 is detected to be larger than the set temperature, it is determined that the laundry heater 72 is overheated, the power of the laundry heater 72 is cut off, the washing machine 70 The overheating state of the laundry heater 72 is notified to the consumer who uses the same (see S26 and S27).

That is, when the washing heater 72 is abnormally overheated due to a failure or the like, the power of the washing heater 72 is cut off to prevent the temperature rise of the washing water due to the overheating of the washing heater 72.

In addition, the abnormal overheating state of the laundry heater 72 is displayed to the outside through the display member of the control panel 18 or warned to the consumer through a separate warning sound.

As described above, the abnormally overheated state of the washing heater 72 is quickly transmitted to the consumer by the display member or the warning sound, so that whether the washing machine 70 is broken or not can be quickly determined, and thus the washing heater ( 72) Maintenance is carried out quickly and accurately.

On the other hand, when abnormal temperature of the washing heater 72 is detected by the temperature sensor 74, the first and second cold water valves 22A and 22B are opened to add cold washing water to the inside of the tub 6. Water supply (see S28)

When cold wash water is additionally supplied to the inside of the tub 6, the low temperature wash water is mixed with the high temperature wash water heated by the laundry heater 72, so that the latent heat of the wash water accommodated in the tub 6. This is greatly reduced, and the washing heater 72 is also cooled by the washing water as the temperature of the washing water is lowered.

Further water supply of the wash water through the first and second cold water valves 22A and 22B and the first and second cold water hoses 24A and 24B is performed until the internal temperature of the tub 6 falls below a set temperature. Proceed.

That is, when the temperature sensed value detected by the temperature sensor 74 is detected to be smaller than the set temperature, the first and second cold water valves 22A and 22B are blocked to stop the additional water supply of the wash water. S29, S30, S31)

Therefore, when the washing heater 72 is abnormally overheated, if the power of the washing heater 72 is cut off and then additionally supplied water to the inside of the tub 6, the latent heat of the washing water is reduced to the latent heat of the washing water. The risk of fire of the tub 6 and thermal damage of the components are prevented in advance, and even when the fuse of the washing heater 72 malfunctions, the washing heater 72 is cooled by the washing water to prevent the washing heater 72. Abnormal overheating is prevented.

When the washing water is additionally supplied to the inside of the tub 6 and the overheating of the washing heater 72 is eliminated, the main power applied to the washing machine 70 is cut off and the operation of the washing machine 70 is stopped. (See S32)

As described above, the fire prevention control method of the washing machine according to the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and drawings, and various modifications are made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Of course, variations are possible.

That is, of course, a separate temperature sensor such as a thermostat may be additionally installed in the steam generator or the tub to detect an overheating state of the steam heater or the laundry heater.

Since the overheating state of the steam heater or the washing heater is independently sensed by the thermostat, the abnormal overheating of the steam generator is judged more accurately and stably.

In addition, the process of additional water supply to the steam generator and the tub can be controlled at the same time by the internal temperature and the additional water supply time of the steam generator.

In addition, the fire protection control method may be applied to a washing machine equipped with a steam generator and a washing heater at the same time.

Fire prevention control method of the washing machine according to the present invention configured as described above is the power of the steam heater or washing heater and the cold water inside the steam generator or tub when the steam heater or the washing heater of the tub is detected as abnormal overheating Since additional water is supplied, an abnormal overheating phenomenon of the steam heater or the washing heater is quickly and completely prevented, and the safety of the washing machine is improved.

In addition, when abnormal overheating of the steam heater or the washing heater is detected, since water is additionally supplied after the power is cut off, even if an abnormality occurs in the fuse of the steam heater or the washing heater, the fuse is malfunctioned. There is an advantage that abnormal overheating of the heater or the laundry heater is prevented.

In addition, as an abnormal overheating of the steam heater or the washing heater is prevented by the additional water supply of water as described above, the risk of fire of the steam generator and the tub is greatly reduced, thereby preventing the damage of property and life due to the fire.

In addition, since the latent heat inherent in the steam water of the steam generator or the wash water of the tub is removed by additionally supplied water, there is an advantage of preventing the occurrence of fire and heat damage of the steam generator and the tub due to the latent heat.

In addition, since the overheating prevention of the steam heater and the washing heater is implemented by only the water supply control of the washing machine without the need of additionally adding a safety device, there is an advantage that the abnormal overheating of the steam heater and the washing heater is easily prevented without any additional cost.

Claims (8)

An overheat detection step of detecting an overheat state of the steam heater by detecting an internal temperature of a steam generator supplying steam to a tub; A power cut-off step of determining that the steam heater is in an overheated state when the temperature detection value is detected to be higher than a set temperature, thereby shutting off power of the steam heater; An additional water supply step of opening a water supply valve so that the washing water is additionally supplied into the steam generator; Washing water is additionally supplied by the water supply valve, the overheated state of the steam heater is eliminated, the water supply valve is closed, and the washing machine stop washing step characterized in that the washing stop step of turning off the power of the washing machine. The method according to claim 1, The fire prevention control method of the washing machine further comprises an overheat warning step of warning the overheat state of the steam heater when the temperature detection value is detected to be higher than a set temperature in the overheat detection step. The method according to claim 1 or 2, In the washing stop step, when the temperature detection value is detected to be less than the set temperature, the overheating state of the steam heater is determined to be eliminated. The method according to claim 1 or 2, In the washing stop step, if the opening time of the water supply valve is longer than the set time, it is determined that the overheated state of the steam heater is eliminated. An overheat detection step of sensing an internal temperature of the tub to determine an overheat state of the laundry heater; A power cut-off step of determining that the washing heater is in an overheated state when the temperature detection value is detected to be greater than or equal to a preset temperature, thereby shutting off power of the washing heater; An additional water supply step of opening a water supply valve so that the washing water is additionally supplied into the tub; When the washing water is additionally supplied by the water supply valve to remove the overheated state of the washing heater, the water supply valve is closed and a washing stop step of shutting off the washing machine is provided. The method according to claim 5, The fire protection control method of the washing machine further comprises an overheat warning step of warning an overheat state of the washing heater when the temperature detection value is detected to be higher than a set temperature in the overheat detection step. The method according to claim 5 or 6, In the washing stop step, if the temperature detection value is detected below the set temperature, the overheated state of the washing heater is determined that the fire protection control method of the washing machine, characterized in that resolved. The method according to claim 5 or 6, In the washing stop step, if the opening time of the water supply valve is longer than the set time, it is determined that the overheated state of the washing heater is eliminated.

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