KR20070075491A - Remained water draining structure of steam generator for wash machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A residual water draining structure of a steam generator for a washing machine is provided to discharge the steam water and foreign substances residing in the steam generator into the outside after performing a steam washing operation and a steam rinsing operation. A residual water draining structure of a steam generator for a washing machine includes a washing tub, a steam generator(40), a residual water discharge hose(70), and a residual water discharge valve. The washing tub is installed in the interior of a cabinet(2) so as to be communicated with a water supply passage and a water discharge passage. An inlet is formed in the washing tub. A steam discharge opening and a water supply opening connected to the washing tub and the water supply passage are formed in the steam generator. A discharge opening for discharging the water left after generating the steam is formed in the steam generator. Both ends of the residual water discharge hose are connected to the discharge opening and the inlet so as to form the residual water discharge passage of the steam generator. The residual water discharge valve is communicated with the residual water discharge passage so as to discharge the residual water through the residual water discharge hose.

Description

Residual water draining structure of steam generator for wash machine}

1 is a view showing the internal configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

2 is a plan view of a washing machine with an open top 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 configuration diagram showing a residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG.

6 is a configuration diagram showing a residual water drainage structure of a steam generator for a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a configuration diagram showing a residual water drainage structure of a steam generator for a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

<Explanation of symbols on main parts of the drawings>

1: washing machine 2: cabinet

4: washing tank 6: motor

12: Tub 14: Drum

28: steam supply hose 29: nozzle

40: steam generator 42: casing

44: steam heater 46: temperature sensor

48: water level sensor 52: water inlet

54: steam outlet 66: drain

70.72,74: Residual drainage hose 72A, 74A: First residual drainage hose

74A, 74B: 2nd residual water drain hose 80, 82, 84: residual water drain valve

The present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with a steam generator, and more particularly, to a residual water drainage structure of a steam generator for a washing machine in which the remaining water in the steam generator can be drained after the operation of the steam generator is completed.

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.

The washing machine includes a cabinet forming an exterior, a washing tank disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate washing water and laundry, and a motor transferring the driving force to the washing tank so that the washing tank is driven to wash the laundry. It is composed.

A water supply passage for supplying the wash water to the washing tank and a drain passage for draining the washing water in the washing tank are formed in the cabinet.

Therefore, when the washing machine configured as described above is supplied with washing water through the water supply passage, the washing tank is driven at a low speed by the motor to wash and rinse the laundry, and the washing water in the washing tank is drained through the drainage passage. When the washing tank is driven at a high speed by the motor dehydration of the laundry proceeds.

Meanwhile, 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 the water supply passage, steam is generated by the steam generator. When washing and rinsing the laundry, steam is supplied into the washing tank.

A steam heater for generating steam by heating steam water is disposed in the steam generator.

Therefore, as the washing machine equipped with the steam generator is supplied with high-temperature steam to the inside of the washing tank, the internal temperature of the washing machine is increased and the activation of the detergent is promoted, so that washing performance and rinsing performance of the laundry are not only improved. The packing of laundry is improved, and thus the amount of washing water used is reduced.

However, a washing machine equipped with a conventional steam generator not only retains a certain amount of steam water inside the steam generator even after steam washing and steam rinsing are completed, and various foreign substances contained in the steam water may be generated during steam washing and steam rinsing. There is a problem accumulating inside.

Therefore, when a certain amount of steam water is stored in the steam generator for a long time, the internal configuration of the steam generator such as the steam heater is corroded by the steam water, and the steam water is decayed to contaminate the laundry during the next steam washing and steam rinsing. There is a problem.

In addition, when the foreign matter is accumulated in the steam generator, since the accumulation amount of foreign matter increases as the steam washing and steam rinsing is repeatedly performed, the foreign matter is fixed to the internal configuration of the steam generator, such as the steam heater, the steam There is a problem that the performance and life of the generator is reduced.

Since the foreign matter stuck to the surface of the steam heater as described above acts as a heat insulating layer, the heat transfer performance of the steam heater is lowered, there is a problem that overheating of the steam heater is caused.

In particular, when a sensor for detecting the water level of the steam water or the temperature of the steam is provided separately inside the steam generator, there is a problem in that the steam generator malfunctions because foreign matters are stuck to the sensor and the sensitivity of the sensor is lowered. .

In addition, if the maintenance and replacement of the steam generator is frequently performed due to the performance degradation and lifespan degradation and malfunction of the steam generator, there is a problem that the maintenance time and the replacement cost, etc. are generated and the productability of the washing machine is reduced.

The present invention was created in order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is that the steam water remaining in the steam generator after the steam washing and steam rinsing is drained to the outside, the steam water stored in the steam generator for a long time This prevents, and to provide a residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine that can prevent the phenomenon that the foreign matter is fixed in the steam generator.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent the corruption of the steam water stored in the steam generator to prevent contamination of the laundry during steam washing and steam rinsing, foreign matter accumulated in the steam generator is removed and the performance of the steam generator It is to provide a residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine that can improve the life.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a residual water drainage structure of a steam generator for a washing machine, in which a malfunction of the steam generator due to foreign matter sticking to the steam generator is prevented and the cost for maintenance and replacement of parts can be reduced.

Residual drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the present invention for realizing the above object is a washing tank installed in communication with the water supply passage and the drainage passage in the interior of the cabinet and the steam is connected to the washing tank and the water supply passage, respectively A steam generator having a discharge port and a water supply port, and a drain hole for discharging the remaining water after steam generation, a residual water drain hose having both ends connected to the drain port and the inlet port to form a residual water drain flow path of the steam generator, and the residual water drain hose Characterized in that consisting of a residual water drain valve installed in communication with the residual water drain passage so that the discharge of the residual water through the intermittent.

The steam generator includes a casing in which steam water supplied through the water supply passage is stored, and a steam heater installed inside the casing to generate steam from steam water stored in the casing, wherein the water supply port and the steam outlet are formed in the casing. It is formed in the upper portion, the drain is formed in the lower portion of the casing.

The drainage port is formed in a tubular protrusion projecting to the lower portion of the casing, the inlet is formed in a tubular projection on the back of the washing tank.

The residual drainage hose comprises a first residual drain hose connected to one end of the residual drain valve and a drain port, and a second residual drain hose connected to both ends of the residual drain valve and the inlet.

The remaining drain valve is fixed to one of the cabinet and the steam generator, and the second residual drain hose is formed of a bellows hose.

Alternatively, the residual drain valve may be fixed to the washing tank and the first residual drain hose may be formed of a bellows hose.

On the other hand, unlike the above, the residual drain valve is installed in communication with any one of the drain and the inlet, the residual drain hose may be formed of a bellows hose.

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

1 is a view showing the internal configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of an open top washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a third 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a steam generator according to an embodiment, Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a line AA of Figure 4 A cross section is shown.

Washing machine equipped with a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the cabinet 2 to form the appearance of the washing machine 1, and the inside of the cabinet (2) A washing tank 4 installed to wash the laundry, a motor 6 mounted at the rear of the washing tank 4 and transmitting a driving force to the washing tank 4, and mounted on the front of the cabinet 2; A cabinet cover 8 having a laundry entrance 8A formed at the center thereof, a door 10 rotatably provided at the cabinet cover 8 to open and close the laundry entrance 8A of the cabinet cover 8, and the cabinet It is configured to include a steam generator 40 is installed on one side of the inside (2) to supply steam into the washing tank (4).

The washing tub 4 is installed in the cabinet 2 so as to be buffered by a spring 12A and a damper 12B to accommodate washing water, and the motor 12 inside the tub 12. The drum 14 is rotatably installed by the drum, and the drum 14 includes a plurality of through holes 14A through which the laundry is accommodated and the washing water passes. It consists of a lifter 16 provided on the inner surface of the drum 14 so as to fall by.

The front panel of the cabinet 2 is equipped with a control panel 18 for displaying the operation state of the washing machine 1 to the outside and manipulating the operation of the washing machine 1, and the entrance of the tub 12. Between the laundry entrance 8A and a laundry gasket 19, a gasket 19 is provided to alleviate the impact caused by the rotation of the drum 14 and to perform the packing role so that the washing water does not overflow to the outside.

A water supply device 20 is formed above the tub 12 to form a water supply flow path of the tub 12 or the steam generator 40, and the water supply device 20 is installed in the cabinet 2. A water supply valve assembly 22 for controlling the flow of water introduced from the outside and a water supply hose 24 having one end connected to the water supply valve assembly 22 to guide water to the tub 12 and the steam generator 40. It consists of.

Between the water supply device 20 and the tub 12 as described above, a detergent supply mechanism 26 for supplying detergent to the tub 12 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.

A drainage device 30 is formed below the tub 12 to form a drainage flow path of the tub 12 or the steam generator 40. The drainage device 30 is disposed below the tub 12. It is connected in communication with the drain pump 32 for pumping the wash water in the tub 12, and the drain hose 34 for guiding the wash water pumped by the drain pump 32 to the outside.

One side of the cabinet 2 is provided with a steam generator 40 for supplying steam to the inside of the tub 12 during washing or rinsing so as to improve the washing performance and the rinsing performance of the washing machine 1.

The steam generator 40 is installed in communication with the water supply passage formed between the water supply valve assembly 22 and the tub 12, and is separate from the water supply passage for supplying water or detergent to the tub 12. 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. In addition, the tub 12 or the drum 14 is disposed to penetrate the upper portion of the gasket 19 by the steam supply hose 28 to supply steam.

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 inside of the tub 12 or the drum (14). do.

Of course, the other end of the steam supply hose 28 is provided with a nozzle 29 for injecting steam to the inlet of the tub 12 or drum 14 so that the steam is injected into the laundry contained in the drum (14). This is preferred.

The steam generator 40 installed as described above generates a steam by heating the steam water stored in the box-shaped casing 42 and the casing 42 to form a space in which the steam water is stored. 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 level of steam water stored in the casing 42.

Here, the casing 42 is a water supply port 52 and the steam outlet port 54 is connected to the third cold water hose 24C and the steam supply hose 28 in communication with each other in a tubular shape and the temperature sensor The upper casing 50 is installed 46 and the water level sensor 48, and the lower casing 60 is installed to be sealed to the lower portion of the upper casing 50, the steam heater 44 is installed through. do.

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.

In particular, a drain port 66 for discharging the steam water remaining after the steam generation to the outside of the casing 42 is formed protruding in a tubular shape in the lower portion of the lower casing 60, the inner bottom of the lower casing 60 The steam heater bracket 68 is mounted to the rear portion of the steam heater 44 inserted through the steam heater installation hole 60A is supported.

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.

In addition, the temperature sensor 46 is installed and fixed in the temperature sensor installation hole 50A of the upper casing 50 to sense the steam water and the temperature of the steam in 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 level of steam water stored in 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 one 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 water level of the steam water is preferably set to a level in which the steam heater 44 installed in the casing 42 can be completely immersed in the steam water.

On the other hand, the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention is such that the steam generator 40 does not remain in the steam generator 40 after steam washing or steam rinsing is performed. ) And the tub 12 is provided with a residual water drainage means for draining the residual water of the steam generator 40.

The residual water drainage means controls the flow of the residual water drained through the residual water drainage hose 70 and the residual water drainage hose 70 for guiding the residual water of the steam generator 40 into the tub 12. It consists of a residual water drain valve (80).

Here, one end of the residual water drain hose 70 is connected to the drain port 66 of the steam generator 40, and the other end is connected to the inlet 13 formed in the tub 12.

Clamps 71 are fastened at both ends of the residual drain hose 70 so as not to be arbitrarily removed from the drain 66 and the inlet 13.

The water inlet 13 is protruded in a tubular shape so as to communicate with the inside of the tub 12 so that the residual water of the steam generator 40 is introduced into the tub 12, the residual water drain hose 70 is peripheral Is formed in the lower rear of the tub 12 so as not to interfere with other components of the tub 12.

That is, since the washing machine 1 is mounted on the rear surface of the tub 12, a predetermined space is formed between the rear surface of the tub 12 and the motor 6 and the cabinet 2. The water inlet 13 is formed at the bottom of the rear surface of the tub 12 so that the residual drainage hose 70 may be disposed in the space.

Therefore, since sufficient installation space is secured around the residual water drainage hose 70, the phenomenon that the interference with the peripheral parts is completely prevented or minimized by the vibration of the tub 12 during the operation of the washing machine 1.

The residual drainage hose 70 as described above is preferably formed of a bellows hose so that the vibration of the tub 12 can be sufficiently absorbed when the washing machine 1 operates.

In addition, the residual water drain valve 80 of the drain port 66 and the inlet 13 so as to intermittent the residual water drain flow path formed between the steam generator 40, the residual water drain hose 70 and the tub 12. It is installed in communication with either one.

Hereinafter, in the present embodiment will be described by limiting the residual water drain valve 80 is installed in the drain port (66).

Such a residual water drain valve 80 may be installed in the middle of the drain port 66, or may be installed at an end of the drain hole 66 to be connected to one end of the residual water drain valve 80.

Looking at the operation and effect of the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above are as follows.

First, when laundry is introduced into the drum 14 through the laundry entrance 8A and a proper amount of detergent is input into the detergent supply mechanism 26, the laundry entrance 8A is sealed by the door 10. The washing machine 1 is operated.

At this time, the washing machine 1 determines the washing course, water level, washing time, etc. according to the quantity of laundry put into the drum 14.

Then, the water supply valve assembly 22 of the water supply device 20 is opened to wash water to the water supply level through the water supply hose 24 into the tub 12.

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 12 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, the hot water is supplied to the inside of the tub 12 through the hot water hose 24D.

At this time, the detergent introduced into the detergent supply mechanism 26 is washed down into the tub 12 by cold water or hot water supplied from the water supply valve assembly 22 to the tub 12.

When the wash water reaches the water supply level inside the tub 12, the water supply valve assembly 22 is closed to stop the water supply to the tub 12, and the drum 14 is rotated by the motor 6. The laundry is washed.

Then, when the washing stroke 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, the drum 14 is driven by the motor 6 at high speed Centrifugal dehydration of the laundry is carried out while rotating to.

When the laundry is centrifugally dehydrated, clean laundry water is again supplied to the inside of the tub 8 to the rinsing level, and then the drum 14 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 14 is rotated at a high speed to completely dehydrate the water contained in the laundry.

Meanwhile, when steam washing or steam rinsing is set in the washing course of the washing machine 1, steam is generated by the steam generator 40 during the washing stroke and the rinsing stroke of the laundry, and is supplied into the tub 12.

That is, during steam washing or steam rinsing of the washing machine 1, the third cold water valve 22C of the water supply valve assembly 22 is opened, and the third cold water hose 24C is opened by the third cold water valve 22C. Cold water flows to the steam generator 40 along the and 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 12 or the drum 14 through the nozzle 29 disposed inside the gasket 19 to the drum 14. 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 12 during the washing or rinsing stroke of the laundry, the internal atmosphere temperature of the tub 12 is increased to provide detergent. Activation is promoted, thereby improving laundry performance and rinsing performance of the laundry. In addition, since the hot steam is in direct contact with the laundry tumbling as the drum 14 is rotated, not only the sterilization function of the laundry can be realized at any time 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 described above, since the steam heater 44 is prevented from being immersed in the steam water by the water level sensor 48, abnormal overheating of the steam heater 44 is prevented in advance.

Meanwhile, when the steam washing or steam rinsing is completed, the washing machine 1 drains the steam water and the foreign substances present in the steam generator 40 to the outside.

That is, since the steam generator 40 is supplied with a sufficient amount of steam water for steam washing or steam rinsing, since the amount of steam varies depending on the washing or rinsing conditions of the laundry, the steam washing or steam rinsing is performed. Likewise, even after the stroke requiring steam, the steam water of a predetermined level remains inside the steam generator 40.

As the steam is generated by the steam generator 40 during the steam washing or steam rinsing, various foreign substances included in the steam water are accumulated in the steam generator 40.

When the stroke requiring steam such as steam washing or steam rinsing is completely completed, the residual water drain valve 80 is opened before the dehydration stroke is performed, and the residual water containing the foreign matter inside the steam generator 40 is drained. Through 66 and the residual water drain valve 80 is introduced into the residual water drain hose (70).

At this time, the residual water flowing along the residual water drain hose 70 is introduced into the tub 12 through the inlet 13 of the tub 12, and the residual water introduced into the tub 12 is a drain pump ( It is drained to the outside of the washing machine 1 through the 32 and the drain hose (34).

When the steam water in the steam generator 40 is completely drained with the foreign matter as described above, the residual water drain valve 80 is blocked.

Therefore, the washing machine 1 supplies the steam water to the steam generator 40 at the beginning of the stroke requiring steam and completely removes the steam water in the steam generator 40 at the end of the stroke requiring steam. The problem that steam water and various foreign matters remain inside of 40) for a long time is solved.

When the phenomenon in which steam water remains inside the steam generator 40 for a long time is prevented, the steam water may decay inside the steam generator 40 or the internal parts of the steam generator 40 may be corroded by steam water. Is prevented. In addition, when a phenomenon in which various foreign matters remain in the steam generator 40 is prevented, a phenomenon in which various foreign matters are fixed to internal parts of the steam generator 40 is also prevented.

In particular, since the residual drain hose 70 is formed of a bellows hose that can be elastically relaxed, the vibration of the tub 12 is not only absorbed when the washing machine 1 is driven, and the residual drain hose 70 is a steam generator. Random removal or steaming from the 40 and the tub 12 is also prevented.

6 is a block diagram showing the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

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

As shown in FIG. 6, the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a residual water drain hose at an inlet 13 of the drain port 66 and the tub 12 of the steam generator 40. Both ends of the 72 are connected, and the remaining drain valve 82 is disposed in communication with the remaining drain hose 72, wherein the remaining drain valve 82 is a casing of the cabinet 2 and the steam generator 40. It is provided in any one of (42), and the other structure is comprised similarly to the said 1st Example.

That is, the residual water drain hose 72 includes a first residual water drain hose 72A connected at both ends of one side of the residual water drain valve 82 and a drain port 66, and the other side of the residual water drain valve 82 and an inlet port ( And a second residual drain hose 72B connected at both ends thereof.

In addition, the residual water drain valve 82 is installed in any one of the cabinet 2 and the casing 42 of the steam generator 40. In the present embodiment, the residual water drain valve is provided on the inner side of the cabinet 2. It will be described that only 82 is installed.

As described above, the residual water drain valve 82 and the steam generator 40 are firmly installed in the cabinet 2 so as not to vibrate, whereas the tub 12 is installed to vibrate the operation of the washing machine 1. .

Therefore, the residual drain hose 72 is formed of a bellows hose so as to sufficiently absorb the vibration of the tub 12 when the washing machine 1 operates, and the second residual drain hose 72 of the residual drain hose 72 is formed. 72B) is preferably formed of a bellows hose.

That is, the first residual drain hose 72A may be formed at both ends of the steam generator 40 and the residual drain valve 82 fixed to the cabinet 2, but may not be formed as a bellows hose. Residual drain hose 72B is necessarily formed of a bellows hose because both ends are connected to the tub 12, which is installed in a vibrating manner with the residual drain valve 82 fixed to the cabinet (2).

On the other hand, the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention is because the residual water drain valve 82 is firmly installed in the cabinet 2 or the casing 42 of the steam generator 40. Since the residual drain hose 72 is separated into the first and second residual drain hoses 72A and 72B, the tub 12 is formed inside the cabinet 2. When assembling the residual water drain hose 72 in the installed state, the workability is improved compared to the first embodiment.

7 is a block diagram showing the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

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

As shown in FIG. 7, the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention has a residual water drain hose at the inlet port 13 of the steam generator 40 and the inlet port 13 of the tub 12. Both ends of the 74 are connected, the drainage drainage valve 84 is disposed in communication with the drainage drainage hose 74, and the drainage drainage valve 84 is installed on the outer side of the tub 12. The configuration of is identical to that of the first embodiment.

That is, the residual water drain hose 74 may include a first residual water drain hose 74A having both ends connected to one side of the residual water drain valve 84 and the drain port 66, and the other side of the residual water drain valve 84 and the inlet port ( And a second residual drain hose 74B connected at both ends thereof.

And, the residual water drain valve 84 is installed on the outer surface of the tub 12, in the present embodiment will be described by limiting that the residual water drain valve 84 is installed on the upper surface of the tub 12 do.

As described above, the steam generator 40 is firmly installed in the cabinet 2 so that vibration is impossible, whereas the residual water drain valve 84 is installed in the tub 12 so that the operation of the washing machine 1 is prevented. It vibrates with the tub 12.

Therefore, the residual drain hose 74 is formed of a bellows hose so as to sufficiently absorb the vibration of the tub 12 when the washing machine 1 is operated, and the first residual drain hose 74 of the residual drain hose 74 ( 74A) is preferably formed of a bellows hose.

That is, the second residual drain hose 74B may be formed as a bellows hose because both ends of the tub 12 and the residual drain valve 84 are connected to each other, but the second residual drain hose 74A may be formed in the cabinet. Since both ends are connected to the steam generator 40 fixed to the (2) and the residual water drainage valve 84 vibrated with the tub 12 is necessarily formed as a bellows hose.

On the other hand, the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention is structurally stable than the first embodiment because the residual water drainage valve 84 is firmly installed in the tub 12. In addition, since the residual water drain valve 84 and the second residual water drain hose 74B are put into the production line in a pre-assembled state in the tub 12, workability is improved as compared with the first embodiment.

As described above, the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a 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-described embodiments and drawings, and the skilled person within the technical scope of the present invention. Of course, various modifications are possible.

The residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine according to the present invention configured as described above is connected to the residual water drain hose at the inlet of the steam generator and the tub, and the residual water drain valve at the residual water discharge flow path by the residual water drain hose and the drain hole and the inlet. Since is connected in communication, after the steam washing and steam rinsing of the washing machine is completed there is an advantage that the steam water and foreign matter remaining in the steam generator is drained to the outside.

In addition, when the steam water remaining after the steam generation of the steam generator is drained to the outside, the steam water is not stored in the steam generator for a long time to prevent contamination of the laundry due to the corruption of the steam water, parts inside the steam generator is steam water There is an advantage that the phenomenon that is corroded by.

In addition, when the foreign matter generated in the steam generator is drained to the outside during the steam generation, the phenomenon that the foreign matter is fixed to the inside of the steam generator is prevented, and the performance and life of the steam generator due to the solidification of the foreign matter is prevented There is an advantage.

In addition, as described above, since the internal parts of the steam generator are prevented from being corroded by the steam water or the foreign matters are stuck, the malfunction of the steam generator is prevented, thereby improving the operation reliability of the washing machine, and the maintenance time and replacement cost of the steam generator. This has the advantage of being reduced.

Claims (7)

A washing tub installed in the cabinet in communication with the water supply passage and the drainage passage and having an inlet; A steam generator having a steam outlet and a water supply port respectively connected to the washing tank and the water supply passage, and a drain hole for discharging the remaining water after steam generation; A residual drain hose having both ends connected to the drain port and the inlet port so that a residual drain channel of the steam generator is formed; Residual drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine, characterized in that consisting of a residual water drainage valve installed in communication with the residual water drain flow path so that the discharge of the residual water through the residual water drain hose. The method according to claim 1, The steam generator is composed of a casing in which steam water supplied through the water supply passage is stored, and a steam heater installed inside the casing to generate steam from steam water stored in the casing. The water supply port and the steam outlet is formed in the upper portion of the casing, the drainage drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine, characterized in that formed in the lower portion of the casing. The method according to claim 2, The drain port is formed protruding in a tubular shape in the lower portion of the casing, the water inlet drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine, characterized in that formed in the tubular protruding on the back of the washing tank. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The residual drainage hose comprises: a first residual drain hose connected to one end of the residual drain valve and a drain; Residual drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine, characterized in that consisting of a second residual drainage hose connected to the other end and the inlet of the residual water drainage valve. The method according to claim 4, The residual water drain valve is fixed to any one of the cabinet and the steam generator, the second residual water drain hose is a residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine, characterized in that formed by a bellows hose. The method according to claim 4, The residual water drainage valve is fixed to the washing tank, and the first residual water drainage hose is a residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine, characterized in that it is formed of a bellows hose. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The residual water drain valve is installed in communication with any one of the drain and the inlet, the residual water drainage structure of the steam generator for a washing machine, characterized in that formed in the bellows hose.

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