KR20230160543A - Heating device for clothing management - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating device applied to a clothes care machine such as a washing machine or refresher and used to instantaneously heat water. This embodiment relates to a device installed in a water storage tank inside a clothes care machine to heat water, A heating plate having a predetermined thickness forming a heating surface on the outer surface, a heating electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the heating plate while providing a pair of first electrode pads, one end of which is connected to the first electrode pad A pair of first lead electrodes connected to supply power to the heating electrode layer, a housing that accommodates and protects the heating plate so that the heating surface is exposed, and a second side of the first lead electrode coupled to a side of the housing. It includes a bracket for fixing the end while exposing it to the outside, wherein the heating electrode layer is composed of electrode lines in a series or parallel structure between a pair of the first electrode pads, and between the electrode lines is 1/ of the width (W). It is configured to secure a gap (P) equivalent to 3 or more.

Description

Heating device for clothing management}

The present invention relates to a heating device for a clothes care machine, and more specifically, to a heating device used to instantaneously heat water when applied to a clothes care machine such as a washing machine or refresher.

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

Among these, drum washing machines have the advantage of reducing tangles in laundry compared to pulsator washing machines and requiring less washing water and detergent during the washing process, so demand is rapidly increasing. In a drum washing machine, a water tank (tub) is installed in the interior space of the cabinet that forms the exterior, and the washing tank (drum) is installed inside the tub so that it can rotate.

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

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

The heating device 4 boils water or generates steam for boil washing, steam washing, or sterilization and is composed of a sheath heater applied to a conventional drum washing machine.

Referring to Figure 2, the heating device 4 is a heating device 11 that generates heat, one end of the heating device 11 is fixed, and the heating device 4 is mounted on the water storage tank 2 of the drum washing machine. It includes a bracket 12 and an electrode terminal 13 that penetrates the bracket 12 and is connected to an end of the heating unit 11 to supply electricity. A coil-shaped heating wire (not shown) is provided inside the heating unit 11, and the heating wire is connected to the electrode terminal 13 via a thermal fuse (not shown) to prevent overheating.

In a washing machine configured as above, the water storage tank 2 is supplied with cold water and filled, and after the washing water is filled with enough cold water, the heating device 4 is driven to heat the cold water. Then, after the cold water is heated to a predetermined temperature, the washing machine is driven to perform laundry.

Meanwhile, the tap water supplied into the water storage tank contains lime components (water with such components is called 'hard water'), and the lime components contained in the water are heated by the high-temperature heater due to the heat generated when the heater boils the water. It attaches to the surface and forms a lime layer. The lime layer generated in such hard water blocks direct contact between the heating unit and water and causes the heating unit to overheat, thereby damaging the heating unit or shortening the life of the heater.

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

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

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

Another object of the present invention is to provide a heating device for a clothes care machine that can improve the accuracy of detecting the water level of water supplied into the water tank.

In order to solve the above problems, this embodiment is a device that is mounted on a water storage tank inside a clothes care machine to heat water, and includes a pair of heating plates that form a heating surface on the outer surface as plates with a predetermined thickness. A heating electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the heating plate while providing a first electrode pad, a pair of first lead electrodes whose one end is connected to the first electrode pad to supply power to the heating electrode layer, and the heating surface A housing that accommodates and protects the heating plate so that it is exposed, and a bracket that is coupled to a side of the housing and fixes the other end of the first lead electrode while exposing it to the outside, wherein the heating electrode layer has a series or parallel structure. It is composed of electrode lines, and is configured to ensure a gap (P) corresponding to more than 1/3 of the width (W) between neighboring electrode lines.

In addition, it may further include a water level detection sensor mounted on the housing to detect the water level in the water tank, and be driven to heat the water when submerged in water filled in the water tank.

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

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

In addition, a resistance electrode layer is formed on the inner surface of the heating plate in an area that does not overlap the heating electrode layer while providing a pair of second electrode pads, and one end of the resistance electrode layer is connected to the second electrode pad. It may further include a pair of second lead electrodes that supply power.

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

Additionally, the heating surface may have an inclined structure that varies the bending depth.

The present invention has the effect of reducing problems of malfunction, damage, and lifespan shortening due to limescale by adjusting the width and spacing of the heating electrode layer.

In addition, the present invention has the effect of shortening the time required for the entire washing cycle by detecting the water level of the washing water and heating the washing water from the point when the washing water is filled to a certain extent.

In addition, the present invention has the effect of greatly improving the accuracy of water level detection by blocking the nutrients of waves generated in the process of supplying wash water into the water storage tank.

1 is a diagram showing the general configuration of a drum washing machine;
Figure 2 is a diagram showing a heating device for a drum washing machine according to the prior art;
Figure 3 is a view from the top of the heating device for a drum washing machine according to this embodiment;
Figure 4 is a view of the heating device of Figure 3 from the bottom;
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a view showing a cross-section in the AA direction of the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 7 is a view showing a cross-section in the BB direction of the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 8 is a diagram showing the structure of the heating electrode layer of the heating device of Figure 3;
Figure 9 is a diagram showing the heating device of Figure 3 immersed in washing water.

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

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

Figures 3 and 4 are views of the heating device for a drum washing machine according to this embodiment as seen from the top and bottom, Figure 5 is a view showing the internal structure of the heating device of Figure 3, and Figures 6 and 7 are views of the heating device of Figure 3. It is a diagram showing the cross-section of the device in the A-A direction and the B-B direction, Figure 8 is a diagram showing the heating electrode layer structure of the heating device of Figure 3, and Figure 9 is a diagram showing the heating device of Figure 3 in a state in which it is immersed in washing water.

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

When power is supplied to the heating device 100 through a pair of first lead electrodes 121, high-temperature heat is generated in the heating electrode layer 120 as a current flows along the heating electrode layer 120, and the generated Heat is emitted through the heating plate 110 and heats water in contact with the surface of the heating plate 110.

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

Meanwhile, when high-temperature heat is generated in the heating electrode layer 120, a temperature difference occurs in the heating plate 110 between the central area where the electrode layer is formed and the edge area where the electrode layer is not formed, and the plate bends due to this temperature difference. The shape may change as it bends or twists. Since thermal deformation of the heating plate 110 due to temperature deviation becomes more noticeable as the thickness of the plate becomes thinner, the simple plate-shaped heating plate 110 has limitations in reducing the thickness to prevent thermal deformation. Therefore, if the heating plate 110 has a sufficient thickness to prevent thermal deformation, it can have a simple plate shape. However, in this case, it must have a thickness above a certain level, so the weight of the heating device becomes heavy, and manufacturing costs depend on the material cost. There is a downside to this rise.

However, when bending processing is applied as in the present embodiment to form a concave heating surface 111 in the central area, both sides of the heating surface 111 function as reinforcing ribs, so the thickness of the heating plate 110 can be reduced. However, it has the effect of preventing thermal deformation. As an example, the heating plate 110 of this embodiment may have a thin thickness of 0.6 mm or less.

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

The heating device 100 operates while submerged in water inside the washing machine, and the contaminated wash water is discharged after washing is completed. At this time, since washing water should not remain on the concave heating surface 111, it is preferable that the concave heating surface 111 is installed facing downward. Accordingly, the surface (lower surface) of the heating plate 110 forms a heating surface 111 in the shape of a groove concave upward, and a heating space 111a is formed below it. At this time, when the water storage tank 2 of the washing machine is filled with water, an air pocket may be formed in the concave heating space 111a.

On the other hand, when the heating surface 111 is formed horizontally and parallel to the water surface, air pockets are formed in the entire area of the heating surface 111, and even if the water storage tank 2 is filled with water, the heating surface 111 is formed due to the air pockets. As water does not come into contact with the heating plate 110, it may overheat and be damaged. However, when the heating surface 111 has an inclined surface structure as in the present embodiment, the air pocket is formed only in the uppermost part of the heating space 111a, so the space in which the air pocket can be formed is minimized to prevent the air pocket from forming. Overheating and damage to the heating plate 110 can be prevented.

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

Additionally, when the heating plate 110 of this embodiment is coupled to the housing 140, a fastening means such as a screw may be used, but it may be coupled using the structure of the heating plate 110 and the housing 140. To this end, a plurality of fastening holes 113 are further formed in the reinforcing flange 112 of the heating plate 110, and a plurality of fastening protrusions 141 of a hook structure are formed in the housing 140 at positions corresponding to the fastening holes 113. ) is formed.

The heating electrode layer 120 may be formed by printing a conductive heating paste having a predetermined resistance on the surface of the heating plate 110. As shown, the surface of the heating plate 110 on the opposite side of the heating surface 111 (top surface) ) is formed in The heating electrode layer 120 may have a strip shape with a predetermined width and length, and both ends provide a pair of first electrode pads 121 with which the first lead electrode 122 is in contact. The heating electrode layer 120 may be formed as an electrode line in a series or parallel structure between a pair of first electrode pads 121.

Referring to FIG. 8, the electrode line forming the heating electrode layer 120 is formed to have a predetermined width (W) and spacing (P). Heat generated from the heating electrode layer 120 is transferred to the heating plate 110, and water in contact with the heating plate 110 is heated. At this time, a lime layer 120' is formed on the opposite side (i.e., heating surface) of the heating plate 110 on which the heating electrode layer 120 is formed, corresponding to the position where the heating electrode layer 120 is formed.

The lime layer 120' formed on the heating surface 111 gradually grows around the electrode line of the heating electrode layer 120. As the lime layer 120' grows, it may be connected to the neighboring lime layer 120'. In this case, the heating surface 111 is covered by the lime layer 120', and the heat transferred from the heating electrode layer 120 is rapidly transmitted. If it is not released properly, the heating device 100 may malfunction or be damaged. Therefore, in order to prevent the problem of the heating surface 111 being covered by the growth of the lime layer 120', the heating electrode layer 120 is formed to have a predetermined width (W) and spacing (P), and in this embodiment, heat generation. The electrode layer 120 is formed to have a gap (P) of at least 1/3 or more based on the width (W) (P≥1/3W). That is, in order to transfer high temperature heat to the heating plate 110, the heating electrode layer 120 is preferably formed with the widest width (W) and narrowest spacing (P) possible, but malfunction or damage due to the lime layer 120' In order to prevent this, a gap (P) equivalent to at least 1/3 of the width (W) must be secured between neighboring electrode lines forming the heating electrode layer 120.

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

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

The resistance electrode layer 130 measures the resistance of the heating electrode layer 120 according to temperature to predict the temperature of the heated water. In general, since resistance varies depending on temperature, the resistance of the heating electrode layer 120, which changes depending on the temperature of the heating plate 110, is measured through the resistance electrode layer 130 to ensure that the heating plate 110, which heats water, is kept at a constant temperature. The power supplied to the heating electrode layer 120 is controlled so that it can be heated. The resistance electrode layer 130 may be formed by printing a conductive paste made of the same material as the heating electrode layer 120. Additionally, the resistance electrode layer 130 is connected to an external resistance measurement module through the second lead electrode 132.

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

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

The housing 140 accommodates the heating plate 110, the first lead electrode 122, and the second lead electrode 132, insulates and protects them from the outside, and is made of a non-conductive material with high heat resistance. The housing 140 forms a sufficient space to accommodate the heating plate 110 therein, and the heating plate 110 is coupled to the lower portion. At this time, the concavely bent heating surface 111 is hidden in the inner space of the housing 140 and exposed to the lower space.

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

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

A drum washing machine is equipped with a drive motor 5 having a rotation axis on one side of the cabinet 1, and the washing tub 3 is arranged horizontally with one side coupled to the rotation axis. As the rotation shaft rotates, the washing tub (3) also rotates. One side (drive motor side) of the washing tub (3) is fixed and rotates by the rotating shaft, but the other side (door side) is slightly shaken and the washing tub (3) is rotated. ) rotates in a trajectory larger than the actual radius. Therefore, there is a risk that the washing tub 3 collides with the housing 140 of the heating device 100. In the heating device 100 of this embodiment, an avoidance groove 145 having a concave curved surface corresponding to the circumferential surface of the washing tub 3 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 140, so that the housing 140 and the washing tub 3 are connected when the washing machine is driven. Collisions or interference can be prevented.

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

The water level sensor 160 is configured to detect the level of water filled in the water storage tank 2 so that the heating device 100 can be driven. If water is detected by the water level sensor 160, the water is filled to the level at which the heating device 100 can be operated, that is, the water level at which the heating device 100 is submerged, so that the water tank 2 is filled with water. The heating device 100 can be driven. Therefore, since the heating device 100 is operated in advance to heat the water before the water storage tank is completely filled with a washable amount of water, the time to heat the water to a washable temperature can be shortened. The water level sensor 160 for this purpose may be composed of a pair of electrode rods, one end of which extends inside the water channel 142 and the other end exposed to the outside of the bracket 150. If it is a means of detecting the water level, It can be composed of various types of sensors.

Additionally, the water level sensor 160 is installed in the waterway 142 protected from the outside by the blocking wall 143. In general, in the process of filling the water tank 2 with water, severe waves (waves) are generated, and the accuracy of water level detection can be greatly reduced by the waves. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the waterway 142 is protected by the blocking wall 143, waves (w) are generated in the water filled outside the waterway 142, but the blocking wall is inside the waterway 142. By (143), the transmission of waves is blocked and the water level rises to a constant state, thereby improving the accuracy of water level detection.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the heating device 100 configured as described above is fastened so that the housing 140 is located inside the water tank 2, and as the heating device 100 begins to be immersed inside the water tank 2, It is driven and heats the water. The heating device 100 generates heat in the surface area through the heating plate 110, thereby minimizing the formation of limescale due to hard water. At the same time, heating electrode layers are formed at predetermined intervals, thereby reducing malfunction, damage, and shortened lifespan due to limescale. etc. can be kept to a minimum.

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

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

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

Claims (7)

In the device installed in the water tank inside the clothes care machine to heat water,
A heating plate having a predetermined thickness and forming a heating surface on the outer surface;
a heating electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the heating plate and providing a pair of first electrode pads;
a pair of first lead electrodes, one end of which is connected to the first electrode pad to supply power to the heating electrode layer;
a housing that accommodates and protects the heating plate so that the heating surface is exposed; and,
A bracket coupled to the side of the housing and fixing the other end of the first lead electrode while exposing it to the outside,
The heating electrode layer is composed of electrode lines in a series or parallel structure, and a gap (P) equal to more than 1/3 of the width (W) is secured between adjacent electrode lines. According to claim 1,
Further including a water level detection sensor mounted on the housing to detect the water level in the water tank,
A heating device for a clothes care machine, configured to be driven when immersed in water filled in the water tank to heat the water. According to claim 2,
The housing forms a concave water channel along the edge of the upper surface,
The water level sensor is installed in the water channel and is configured to detect the level of water flowing into the water channel. According to claim 3,
The water channel is cut off from the external area by forming a blocking wall at an outer end, and is configured to allow water to flow into the inside or discharge to the outside through a through hole formed in the blocking wall. According to claim 1,
a resistance electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the heating plate in an area that does not overlap the heating electrode layer while providing a pair of second electrode pads; and,
A heating device for a clothes care machine, further comprising a pair of second lead electrodes, one end of which is connected to the second electrode pad to supply power to the resistance electrode layer. According to claim 1,
The heating surface is formed by bending the central area of the heater plate to be concave inward. According to claim 6,
A heating device for a clothes care machine, wherein the heating surface has an inclined structure that varies the bending depth.

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