WO2013190826A1

WO2013190826A1 - Clothing treatment device

Info

Publication number: WO2013190826A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/003779
Authority: WO
Inventors: 文彦三垣; 伸一郎小林; 仁一園田
Original assignee: パナソニック株式会社
Priority date: 2012-06-22
Filing date: 2013-06-18
Publication date: 2013-12-27
Also published as: CN104395521A; EP2840180A1; EP2840180B1; JP2014004059A; EP2840180A4; CN104395521B; SI2840180T1

Abstract

This clothing treatment device comprises: a housing tub that houses clothing; and a steam supply mechanism that jets steam towards the housing tub. The steam supply mechanism has: a steam generator (420) having wall surfaces that prescribe a chamber for generating steam; a heater that heats the wall surfaces; a water supply mechanism that sprays water on the wall surfaces; and spacers (451) interposed so as to separate the steam generator (420) and a case (410). As a result, a clothing treatment device that efficiently supplies steam to clothing and having improved stability (heat insulation characteristics) can be achieved.

Description

Clothing processing equipment

The present invention relates to a clothing processing apparatus for washing, dehydrating and / or drying clothing.

Recently, a washing machine that supplies steam to clothes and sterilizes has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which steam is generated using a heater immersed in water, and the steam is supplied to a drum in which clothing is stored.

However, since the water is directly evaporated by the heater, the pressure of the steam supplied to the drum is low. Therefore, it takes time to fill the space in the drum with steam. On the other hand, if a large amount of steam is generated in order to shorten the time, a large amount of electric power is required. Therefore, the temperature of the case covering the steam generating part becomes high. As a result, safety problems may arise when the temperature of the case becomes high.

European Patent No. 1883727

In order to solve the above-described problems, a clothing processing apparatus of the present invention includes a storage tank that stores clothing, and a steam supply mechanism that injects steam into the storage tank. The steam supply mechanism includes a steam generator having a wall surface that defines a chamber for generating steam, a heater that heats the wall surface, a water supply mechanism that emits water to the wall surface, a case that covers the steam generator, and steam generation And a spacer for separating the container and the case.

According to the above configuration, the steam generator has a wall surface that defines a chamber for generating steam. The water supply mechanism emits water to the wall surface heated by the heater. The emitted water hits the wall surface heated by the heater and becomes water vapor. And the pressure in the chamber of a steam generator increases rapidly by the vaporization pressure when water turns into water vapor | steam, and a vapor | steam is injected into the storage tank in which clothing was accommodated.

This makes it possible to spray steam at a high pressure and supply steam directly to the clothes, unlike the conventional technique in which steam is leaked and the clothes are placed in a steam atmosphere. As a result, a clothes drying apparatus that can supply steam to clothes with high supply efficiency can be realized.

Also, the steam generator is separated from the case by the spacer. Therefore, the temperature rise of the case can be suppressed and safety can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine exemplified as a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the washing machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the steam supply mechanism housed in the casing of the washing machine in the same embodiment. FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of a steam generation unit of the steam supply mechanism according to the embodiment. FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of a steam generation unit of the steam supply mechanism according to the embodiment. FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of an attachment structure for connecting the lid of the steam generating unit and the housing in the same embodiment. FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view showing an exploded structure of the steam generation unit in the same embodiment. FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of the steam generator of the steam generating unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of the steam generator of the steam generation unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the main piece of the steam generator in the same embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the steam generator in the same embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a lid piece of the steam generator in the same embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a main piece of the steam generator in the same embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a water supply mechanism of the steam supply mechanism in the same embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic rear view of the front portion of the storage tub of the washing machine in the same embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the relationship between the intermittent operation of the pump of the water supply mechanism and the temperature in the chamber space in the embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a change in the temperature of water supplied to the water tub of the washing machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing control on the door body based on the temperature of the steam generator in the embodiment.

Hereinafter, a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Hereinafter, a washing machine will be described as an example of the clothing processing apparatus. Further, terms used in the following description to indicate directions such as “up”, “down”, “left”, and “right” are merely for the purpose of clarifying the explanation and limit the principle of the clothing processing apparatus. It is not a thing. The principle of the clothing processing apparatus can also be applied to an apparatus having the ability to wash and dry clothes and an apparatus for drying clothes.

(Embodiment)
<Structure of washing machine>
Below, the structure of the washing machine of embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG.

FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine exemplified as a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes at least a housing 110 and a storage tank 200 that stores clothing in the housing 110. The storage tank 200 includes a rotary drum 210 having a substantially cylindrical (including a cylindrical shape) peripheral wall 211 that surrounds the rotation axis RX, and a water tank 220 that stores the rotary drum 210.

In addition, the housing 110 extends substantially horizontally (including horizontal) with a front wall 111 in which an insertion port for putting clothes into the storage tub 200 is formed, and a rear wall 112 opposite to the front wall 111. A housing top wall 113, a housing bottom wall 114 opposite to the housing top wall 113, a left wall and a right wall described later, and the like are provided. At this time, the rotating drum 210 and the water tank 220 of the storage tank 200 open toward the front wall 111.

The washing machine 100 further includes a door body 120 attached to the front wall 111 of the housing 110. The door body 120 rotates between a closed position that closes the charging port formed in the front wall 111 and an open position that opens the charging port. Accordingly, the user can turn the door 120 to the open position and put the clothes into the storage tank 200 through the insertion port of the front wall 111. Thereafter, the user can move the door 120 to the closed position and wash the clothes put into the washing machine 100. FIG. 1 shows the door 120 in the closed position.

The rotating drum 210 includes a peripheral wall 211 and a bottom wall 212, and rotates around a rotation axis RX extending between the front wall 111 and the rear wall 112 of the housing 110. At this time, the clothes put in the storage tank 200 move in the rotary drum 210 as the rotary drum 210 rotates. Thereby, the garment is subjected to various treatments such as washing, rinsing and / or dehydration. The bottom wall 212 of the rotary drum 210 is provided to face the door body 120 in the closed position.

Further, the water tank 220 includes at least a bottom part 221 and a front part 222. The bottom 221 surrounds a part of the bottom wall 212 and the peripheral wall 211 of the rotary drum 210. The front part 222 is disposed between the bottom part 221 of the water tank 220 and the door body 120 and surrounds the remaining part of the peripheral wall 211 of the rotating drum 210 facing each other.

Also, the storage tank 200 has a rotating shaft 230 that is attached to the bottom wall 212 of the rotating drum 210 and extends toward the rear wall 112 of the housing 110 along the rotation axis RX. Therefore, the rotating shaft 230 is provided so as to penetrate the bottom 221 of the water tank 220 and protrude between the water tank 220 and the rear wall 112.

Furthermore, the washing machine 100 includes a motor 231 installed below the water tank 220, a pulley 232 attached to the rotating shaft 230 exposed outside the water tank 220, and a belt 233 that transmits the power of the motor 231 to the pulley 232. . When the motor 231 is activated, the power of the motor 231 is transmitted to the belt 233, the pulley 232, and the rotating shaft 230. As a result, the rotating drum 210 rotates in the water tank 220.

The washing machine 100 further includes a packing structure 130 disposed between the front portion 222 of the water tank 220 and the door body 120. When the door body 120 is turned to the closed position, the packing structure 130 is compressed by the door body 120. As a result, the compressed packing structure 130 forms a watertight seal structure between the door body 120 and the front portion 222.

The washing machine 100 also includes a water supply port 140 connected to a faucet (not shown), and a distribution unit 141 for distributing water introduced through the water supply port 140. The water supply port 140 is provided so as to protrude on the housing top wall 113, and the distribution unit 141 is provided between the housing top wall 113 and the storage tank 200.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 includes a detergent container (not shown) in which detergent is accommodated and a steam supply mechanism 300 (described later) that injects steam into the container 200. At this time, the distribution unit 141 includes a plurality of water supply valves for selectively supplying water to the storage tank 200, the detergent storage unit, and the steam supply mechanism 300 via a water supply path (not shown). In addition, it cannot be overemphasized that the technique used for the known washing machine can be applied suitably with respect to the water supply to the storage tank 200 and the detergent storage part.

<Configuration of steam supply mechanism>
Hereinafter, the configuration of the evaporation supply mechanism of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the washing machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the steam supply mechanism housed in the casing of the washing machine in the same embodiment. 2 and 3, the housing 110 is represented by a dotted line, and the storage tank 200 is not shown in FIG. 3. Moreover, the arrow in FIG. 3 represents the water supply path | route which connects each part schematically.

2 and 3, the steam supply mechanism 300 includes at least a water supply valve 310 used as a part of the distribution unit 141 and a water storage tank 320 disposed below the storage tank 200. The water supply valve 310 controls water supply to the water storage tank 320. That is, when the water supply valve 310 is opened, water is supplied from the water supply port 140 to the water storage tank 320. When the water supply valve 310 is closed, the water supply to the water storage tank 320 is stopped.

The steam supply mechanism 300 further includes a pump 330 attached to the water storage tank 320 and a steam generator 400 that receives water discharged from the pump 330. The pump 330 performs a water supply operation intermittently or continuously to the steam generation unit 400. At this time, during the intermittent water supply operation, the pump 330 supplies an appropriate amount of water adjusted so that instantaneous steam generation occurs to the steam generation unit 400 described later. On the other hand, when the pump 330 continuously supplies water to the steam generation unit 400, impurities (scale) and the like contained in the water used for generating steam can be washed away from the steam generation unit 400.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the steam supply mechanism 300 further includes a steam conduction pipe 340 extending downward from the steam generation unit 400. At this time, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, the front portion 222 of the water tank 220 forms a watertight seal structure in cooperation with the peripheral wall portion 223 that surrounds the peripheral wall 211 of the rotating drum 210 and the packing structure 130. An annular portion 224 shown in FIG. The steam conduction pipe 340 of the steam supply mechanism 300 is connected to the peripheral wall part 223 of the front part 222. Thereby, the steam generated in the steam generating unit 400 is supplied to the storage tank 200 through the steam conduction pipe 340. In addition, it is preferable that at least a part of the steam conduction pipe 340 has, for example, a bellows shape so that vibration generated by the rotation of the storage tank 200 is not transmitted to the steam generation unit 400.

As described above, according to the steam supply mechanism 300 of the present embodiment, the pump 330 can forcibly supply water from the water storage tank 320 to the steam generator 420 (see FIG. 8) in the steam generator 400. it can. Therefore, the steam generator 420 can be disposed above the water storage tank 320. On the other hand, when water is supplied from the water storage tank 320 to the steam generator 420 without providing the pump 330, the water in the water storage tank 320 must be sent to the steam generator 420 by the action of gravity. Therefore, the steam generator 420 must be disposed below the water storage tank 320 without fail. That is, by arranging the pump 330, water can be forcibly supplied from the water storage tank 320 to the steam generator 420 with the pressure of the pump 330. Thereby, restrictions, such as mutual up-and-down relationship accompanying arrangement | positioning with the steam generator 420 and the water tank 320, can be eliminated. As a result, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the water storage tank 320 and the steam generator 420 is increased, so that the space in the housing 110 can be effectively used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the steam generator 420 is disposed above the water storage tank 320, but water can be supplied from the water storage tank 320 to the steam generator 420 by the pump 330 without any problem.

In addition, when water flows inadvertently into the steam generator 420 due to an unexpected failure or the like, unnecessary steam is generated. However, it is possible to arrange the water storage tank 320 below the steam generator 420 by arranging the pump 330 as in the present embodiment. Therefore, even if the pump 330 stops due to a malfunction such as failure and the supply of water to the steam generator 420 cannot be controlled, the water stays in the water tank 320 and the hose connecting the pump 330 and the steam generator 420. Water does not flow into the steam generator 420 inadvertently. As a result, generation of unnecessary steam can be prevented in advance.

On the other hand, in the case where the pump 330 is not provided, the steam generator 420 must be disposed below the water storage tank 320. Therefore, for example, when a control component such as an on-off valve that controls the supply of water from the water storage tank 320 to the steam generator 420 fails, the supply of water to the steam generator 420 cannot be controlled. Then, water is inadvertently supplied to the steam generator 420 by the action of gravity from a water storage tank 320 provided above the steam generator 420. However, by providing the pump 330 as in the present embodiment, it is possible to avoid inadvertently supplying water from the steam generator 420 provided above the water storage tank 320.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the steam generator 420 of the steam generation unit 400 is disposed above the storage tank 200. At this time, the impurities contained in the water supplied to the steam generator 420 normally cause the outer chamber wall 431, the inner chamber wall 432, the upper surface 429 of the main piece 423 constituting the steam generator 420, and It adheres to or deposits on the wall surface of the chamber space 430 formed by the lower surface 434 of the lid piece 424. Impurities are deposited or deposited on the wall surface forming the chamber space 430. In that case, the heat is not properly transferred between the wall surface of the chamber space 430 and the supplied water due to the impurities, so that the water supplied to the steam generator 420 is difficult to evaporate.

However, by disposing the steam generator 420 above the storage tank 200, the adhered or deposited impurities are discharged or dropped below the steam generator 420 by the action of pressure or gravity when water is vaporized. Thereby, impurities are easily discharged from the chamber space 430 to the storage tank 200. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deposition of impurities adhered or deposited on the wall surface of the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the ability to vaporize water due to the accumulation of impurities.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the water storage tank 320 is disposed in the lower left space of the casing 110 when viewed from the front wall 111 of the casing 110, and the steam generator 420 is disposed in the casing 110. Place in the upper right space. That is, the steam generator 420 and the water storage tank 320 are disposed at substantially symmetrical positions (including symmetry) with respect to the central axis (rotation axis RX) of the storage tank 200.

In the case of a general washing machine, a detergent container (not shown) that stores detergent is disposed on one of the left side and the right side in front of the upper part of the housing 110. Therefore, in order to arrange the water storage tank 320 and the steam generator 420 in the space formed by the storage tank 200 and the casing 110 having a substantially cylindrical shape (including a cylindrical shape) excluding the position occupied by the detergent storage section. It can be used effectively. For example, when the detergent container is disposed on the left side in front of the upper portion of the housing 110, the water storage tank 320 is disposed on the rear left side of the housing 110 as shown in FIG. 2. At this time, when the steam generator 420 is disposed in front of the upper right side of the casing 110, the steam generator 420 is formed between the inner surface of the substantially rectangular box shape (including the rectangular box shape) casing 110 and the outer peripheral surface of the storage tank 200. The space can be effectively utilized to arrange the water storage tank 320 and the steam generator 420. As a result, the design dimensions of the water storage tank 320 and the steam generator 420 can be designed to be maximally accommodated in the space allowed by the washing machine 100.

Further, when the detergent container is in the above-described position, the water storage tank 320 is disposed at a position substantially symmetrical to the detergent container with respect to the central axis (rotation axis RX) of the container tank 200, and the steam generator 420 is accommodated. You may arrange | position in the substantially symmetrical position with the water storage tank 320 with respect to the horizontal surface HP containing the rotating shaft RX of the tank 200. FIG. Also in this case, the space inside the housing 110 can be effectively utilized as described above.

Furthermore, when the detergent container is in the above-described position, the water tank 320 may be disposed below the detergent container, and the steam generator 420 may be disposed above the water tank 320. At this time, the steam generator 420 may be disposed at a position substantially symmetrical to the water storage tank 320 with respect to a vertical plane including the rotation axis RX of the storage tank 200. As a result, the space inside the housing 110 can be effectively utilized as described above.

Further, when the rotation axis RX of the storage tank 200 is inclined in the front-rear direction of the housing 110 (for example, the rotation axis RX of the rotation drum 210 is inclined upward from the rear wall 112 toward the front wall 111). In such a case, the water storage tank 320 and the steam generator 420 may be disposed at substantially symmetrical positions with respect to the rotation axis RX of the storage tank 200 or the horizontal plane HP including the rotation axis RX. For example, the water storage tank 320 and the steam generator 420 are disposed at positions that are substantially symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane that passes through the approximate center (including the center) of the casing 110 in the front-rear direction. Thereby, the internal space formed between the inner surface of the housing 110 and the outer peripheral surface of the storage tank 200 can be effectively utilized to arrange the water storage tank 320 and the steam generator 420.

Next, the configuration of the steam generation unit 400 of the steam supply mechanism 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B with reference to FIG.

4A and 4B are schematic perspective views of a steam generation unit of the steam supply mechanism in the same embodiment.

4A and 4B, the steam generation unit 400 includes a case 410 having a substantially rectangular box shape (including a rectangular box shape), and a steam generator 420 accommodated in the case 410. The case 410 includes a container part 411 having a bottom wall part 414 for accommodating the steam generator 420, and a cover part 412 including a cover part peripheral wall 416 provided with an upper wall 415 and a protruding piece 417 covering the container part 411. Prepare. That is, the steam generator 420 is covered by the case 410.

At this time, the steam generator 420 is connected to the pump 330 via the connection pipe 421 and a tube (not shown), and is connected to the steam conduction pipe 340 via the exhaust pipe 422. Note that an opening 413 is formed in the bottom wall portion 414 of the container portion 411. The connection pipe 421 and the exhaust pipe 422 are provided so as to protrude downward through the opening 413.

Next, an attachment structure for attaching the steam generation unit 400 of the steam supply mechanism 300 to the casing 110 of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A with reference to FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of an attachment structure for connecting the lid of the steam generating unit and the housing in the same embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 110 is composed of at least a right wall 115 erected between the front wall 111 and the rear wall 112, and a left wall 116 opposite to the right wall 115. Is done. The housing 110 further includes a first reinforcement frame 117 disposed along the upper edge of the right wall 115 and a second reinforcement frame 118 disposed along the upper edge of the front wall 111.

Further, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 5A, the lid portion 412 constituting the steam generating unit 400 includes a substantially rectangular (including rectangular) upper wall 415 and a lower side from the edge of the upper wall 415 (case 410 side). ) And a projecting piece 417 projecting forward (to the front wall 111 side of the housing 110) from the lid peripheral wall 416.

And the 1st reinforcement frame 117 provided in the housing | casing 110 of the washing machine 100 and the upper wall 415 of the cover part 412 of the steam generation part 400 are connected by the 1st attachment piece 151 shown to the upper right figure of FIG. 5A. . On the other hand, the 2nd reinforcement frame 118 and the protrusion piece 417 are connected by the 2nd attachment piece 152 shown to the upper left figure of FIG. 5A.

That is, the lid portion 412 of the steam generation unit 400 and the housing top wall 113 of the housing 110 are separated from each other via the first attachment piece 151 and the second attachment piece 152 provided so as to protrude upward from the lid portion 412. Attached. As a result, it is possible to mitigate (suppress) the heat generated in the steam generation unit 400 from being transmitted to the housing 110.

Next, the structure of the steam generator 400 of the steam supply mechanism 300, particularly the steam generator 420 housed in the lid 412 and the case 410 via the spacer 451 will be described with reference to FIG. 5B. Moreover, the structure of the steam generator 420 of the steam generation part 400 of the steam supply mechanism 300 is demonstrated using FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B.

FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view showing an exploded structure of the steam generation unit in the same embodiment. 6A and 6B are schematic perspective views of the steam generator of the steam generation unit according to the embodiment.

First, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the steam generator 420 includes a main piece 423 having a substantially rectangular shape (including a rectangular shape), a lid piece 424 disposed on the main piece 423, and a main piece 423. For example, a linear heater 425 such as a sheathed heater is disposed in the main piece 423 from the peripheral surface 428. In the present embodiment, the main piece 423 and the lid piece 424 are formed of a material having higher thermal conductivity than a spacer 451 described later, such as aluminum. Thereby, the main piece 423 and the lid piece 424 are appropriately and efficiently heated by the heater 425.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, a thermistor 426 is further attached to the main piece lower surface 427 of the main piece 423 of the steam generator 420. Similarly, the connection pipe 421 and the exhaust pipe 422 are also attached to the main piece 423 constituting the steam generator 420.

The heater 425 is controlled by temperature information obtained by the thermistor 426. Thereby, the temperature of the main piece 423 and the lid piece 424 is kept substantially constant (including constant). Instead of the thermistor 426, a thermostat that controls on / off of power to the heater 425 at a predetermined temperature may be used, and the same effect can be obtained.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the steam generator 420 is attached to the case 410 via a spacer 451. That is, the steam generator 420 and the case 410 are mounted to be separated by the spacer 451. That is, the steam generator 420 is heated by the heater 425 and becomes high temperature. However, the structure in which the steam generator 420 and the case 410 are separated from each other by the spacer 451 can make it difficult for the heat generated by the steam generator 420 to be transmitted to the case 410. As a result, temperature rise of the case 410 can be suppressed, and safety and reliability can be improved.

Note that the spacer 451 preferably has a hollow cylindrical shape. Thereby, the heat conduction to the case 410 of the heat generated by the steam generator 420 can be further reduced. As a result, the temperature rise of the case 410 can be further suppressed. Further, by making the spacer 451 cylindrical, sufficient mechanical strength can be obtained even when the wall thickness is thin, and thermal conduction can be further reduced.

In this case, as a material constituting the spacer 451, it is preferable to use a material having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the steam generator 420, for example, aluminum, such as iron or stainless steel. Thereby, the heat conduction from the steam generator 420 to the case 410 can be further reduced. As a result, the temperature rise of the case 410 can be more effectively suppressed.

Next, the configuration of the main piece 423 constituting the steam generator 420 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6B and 7.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the main piece of the steam generator in the same embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 6B and 7, the main piece 423 has a main piece lower surface 427, a peripheral surface 428, and an upper surface 429. A thermistor 426, a connection pipe 421 and an exhaust pipe 422 are attached to the main piece lower surface 427. A heater 425 is disposed on the peripheral surface 428.

Further, the main piece 423 is erected from the upper surface 429 toward the lid piece 424 constituting one of the steam generators 420 to form, for example, a substantially triangular (including triangular) chamber space 430. . The chamber space 430 is defined and formed by an outer chamber wall 431 and an inner chamber wall 432 having, for example, a substantially J shape (including a J shape) that defines a flow path for steam in the chamber space 430. .

Next, the configuration and operation of the steam generator 420 will be described using FIGS. 8 and 9 with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6B to 7.

FIG. 8 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the steam generator in the same embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a lid piece of the steam generator in the same embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the steam generator 420 includes a packing ring 433 made of, for example, heat-resistant rubber, which is attached to the main piece 423 so as to surround the outer chamber wall 431.

8 and 9, the lid piece 424 includes a lower surface 434 facing the main piece 423, and a shield wall 435 having substantially the same shape (including the same shape) as the outer chamber wall 431 of the main piece 423. Have.

Then, by pressing the lid piece 424 against the main piece 423, the shield wall 435 of the lid piece 424 compresses the packing ring 433. As a result, the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420 is kept airtight.

Also, the main piece 423 is formed with an inlet 437 for allowing water supplied through the connection pipe 421 connected to the lower surface 427 of the main piece to flow into the chamber space 430. The inflow port 437 is formed substantially at the center of the chamber space 430, and its periphery is surrounded by the inner chamber wall 432.

As described above, the steam generator 420 of the present embodiment is configured.

Next, the operation of the steam generator 420 will be described in detail.

First, when a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the water storage tank 320 to the steam generator 420 by the pump 330, the water is emitted upward (on the lid piece 424 side) through the connection pipe 421 and the inflow port 437. Then, the water emitted to the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420 passes through the inner chamber wall 432, the upper surface 429 of the main piece 423 surrounded by the inner chamber wall 432 and / or the lid piece 424 located above the inflow port 437. Collide with the lower surface 434. At this time, the steam generator 420 is heated by the heater 425 (for example, about 200 ° C.) and has high thermal energy.

Then, a water supply operation is intermittently performed by the pump 330 of the steam supply mechanism 300 to supply an appropriate amount of water into the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420 (for example, about 2 cc / time). Thereby, the water emitted upward from the inlet 437 of the steam generator 420 is instantly evaporated by the heat energy of the steam generator 420.

And the internal pressure of the chamber space 430 rises abruptly as the water evaporates instantaneously. It should be noted that impurities contained in the water supplied to the steam generator 420 adhere or deposit on the wall surface forming the chamber space 430 during vaporization. However, the adhered or deposited impurities are affected by pressure due to a sudden increase in internal pressure of the chamber space 430 during vaporization. As a result, the impurities are easily discharged out of the chamber space 430.

Next, the configuration of the heater provided in the main piece 423 of the steam generator 420 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of the main piece of the steam generator in the same embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the heater 425 is disposed so as to extend along a substantially U-shaped (including U-shaped) path in the main piece 423. Thereby, the heater 425 surrounds the inflow port 437 to which the connection pipe 421 is attached. Therefore, the inner chamber wall 432 and the region surrounded by the inner chamber wall 432 become the highest temperature in the chamber space 430 due to the heating of the heater 425. As a result, the water emitted into the chamber space 430 through the inflow port 437 is instantly evaporated.

The inner chamber wall 432 extends in a substantially J shape within the chamber space 430 defined by the outer chamber wall 431. That is, the inner chamber wall 432 forms a spiral flow path in the chamber space 430. At this time, an exhaust port 438 is formed in the main piece 423 near the end of the flow path through which water and steam flow. Therefore, the vapor generated in the space surrounded by the inner chamber wall 432 moves toward the exhaust port 438 as the internal pressure of the chamber space 430 increases. Then, the steam that has reached the exhaust port 438 is exhausted downward in the vertical direction through the exhaust pipe 422 attached to the exhaust port 438.

Further, the heater 425 is provided so as to extend in a substantially U shape (including a U shape) along the outer path of the spiral flow path. Therefore, the steam generated in the space surrounded by the inner chamber wall 432 moves toward the exhaust pipe 422 while being heated. Thereby, high-temperature steam is exhausted from the exhaust pipe 422 of the steam generator 420.

<Configuration of water supply mechanism>
Below, the structure and operation | movement of the water supply mechanism of the washing machine of embodiment of this invention are demonstrated using FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a water supply mechanism of the steam supply mechanism in the same embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the water supply mechanism 500 that emits water to the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420 has the above-described water supply valve 310, water storage tank 320, pump 330, connection pipe 421, and water level in the water storage tank 320. A water level sensor 321 for measuring is provided. The water supply valve 310 supplies water to the water storage tank 320 or stops water supply to the water storage tank 320 according to the water level detected by the water level sensor 321.

At this time, the water supply valve 310 may be controlled according to the operation time and / or operation pattern of the pump 330 (intermittent water supply operation and / or continuous water supply operation). For example, the amount of water supplied from the water supply valve 310 may be adjusted so that the water storage tank 320 becomes empty when the operation of the pump 330 ends. Thereby, even if outside temperature falls, freezing of the water in the water storage tank 320 becomes difficult to occur. As a result, the reliability of the washing machine 100 can be further improved.

The pump 330 supplies the water stored in the water storage tank 320 to the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420 through the connection pipe 421. At this time, in the intermittent water supply operation by the pump 330, for example, the supply amount, the supply time, the supply interval, and the like are adjusted so that the water emitted into the chamber space 430 evaporates instantaneously.

On the other hand, as described above, when water evaporates in the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420, impurities contained in the water may accumulate in the chamber space 430. In that case, the continuous water supply operation of the pump 330 is adjusted so that water flows into the chamber space 430 at a flow rate sufficient to flush away accumulated impurities. Thereby, impurities can be effectively removed. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency between the steam generator 420 and water.

The exhaust pipe 422 of the steam generator 420 is connected to the steam conduction pipe 340. As a result, the steam generated in the chamber space 430 by the intermittent water supply operation of the pump 330 and the water flowing into the chamber space 430 by the continuous water supply operation of the pump 330 are passed through the exhaust pipe 422 and the steam conduction pipe 340. Through the storage tank 200.

Thus, the water supply mechanism of the steam supply mechanism of the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment is configured.

<Supply of steam and water to the storage tank>
Below, the supply operation | movement of the vapor | steam and water supplied to the storage tank of the washing machine of embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG. 12, referring FIG. 1 and FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic rear view of the front part of the storage tub of the washing machine in the same embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the annular portion 224 of the front portion 222 of the water tank 220 has an inner surface 225 that faces the rotating drum 210 and an outer surface 226 that faces the front wall 111 of the housing 110. FIG. 12 mainly shows the inner surface 225 of the annular portion 224 of the front portion 222 of the water tank 220.

As shown in FIG. 12, the steam supply mechanism 300 described above connects the branch pipe 351 attached to the inner surface 225, the nozzle 352 disposed above the branch pipe 351, and the branch pipe 351 and the nozzle 352. A steam tube 353 is further provided. At this time, the steam conduction pipe 340 is connected to the branch pipe 351 through the peripheral wall portion 223 of the water tank 220.

With the above configuration, steam and water generated by the steam generator 420 are supplied into the storage tank 200.

Next, the flow operation of steam and water generated by the steam generator 420 will be described.

First, steam generated in the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420 flows into the steam conducting pipe 340 through the exhaust pipe 422 as the pressure in the chamber space 430 increases. Thereafter, the steam flows from the steam conducting pipe 340 to the branch pipe 351.

Since the steam reaching the branch pipe 351 has a high temperature, it is guided to the steam tube 353 and flows to the nozzle 352 disposed above the branch pipe 351. Finally, the steam is injected from the nozzle 352 into the rotating drum 210 of the storage tank 200.

In this embodiment, the exhaust pipe 422, the steam conducting pipe 340, the branch pipe 351, and the steam tube 353 guide the steam generated in the chamber space 430 to the nozzle 352.

That is, the pump 330 that performs the intermittent water supply operation emits an appropriate amount of water to the high-temperature chamber space 430 heated by the heater 425, whereby water is instantly evaporated. At this time, the internal pressure of the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420 rapidly increases due to water evaporation. Thereby, the generated steam is injected from the nozzle 352 at a high pressure. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, the steam is injected so as to cross the internal space of the storage tank 200 up and down.

A branch pipe 351 for guiding steam from the steam conduction pipe 340 to the steam tube 353 includes a parent pipe 354 connected to the steam conduction pipe 340, an upper pipe 355 bent upward from the parent pipe 354, and a parent pipe 354. A lower tube 356 bent downward. Steam or water flows into the parent pipe 354 through the steam conducting pipe 340. The upper tube 355 is connected to the steam tube 353, and defines an upward path for the steam toward the nozzle 352.

On the other hand, unlike the upper tube 355, the lower tube 356 defines a downward path. Specifically, when continuous water supply operation is performed by the pump 330, water mainly flows into the branch pipe 351 through the steam conduction pipe 340. Then, the water that has flowed into the branch pipe 351 flows down through the lower pipe 356 by gravity.

Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the parent tube 354 and the upper tube 355 of the branch tube 351 are connected at an obtuse angle θ1 and the parent tube 354 and the lower tube 356 are an acute angle. Here, since the included angle θ2 is an acute angle, the flow loss from the parent tube 354 to the lower child tube 356 is relatively large. Therefore, the steam that has flowed into the parent pipe 354 hardly flows to the lower child pipe 356 and flows mainly to the upper child pipe 355. On the other hand, since the upper pipe 355 defines an upward flow path, the water flowing into the parent pipe 354 hardly flows into the upper pipe 355 and mainly flows into the lower pipe 356 due to the action of gravity. As a result, the flow path of steam and the flow path of water can be appropriately separated by the branch pipe 351.

<Intermittent pump operation>
Below, the intermittent operation | movement of the pump which supplies water to the steam generation part of the washing machine of embodiment of this invention is demonstrated using FIG. 13, referring FIG. 8 and FIG.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the intermittent operation of the pump of the water supply mechanism and the temperature in the chamber space in the same embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, the period during which the pump 330 is operating (ON period) is set shorter than the period during which the pump 330 is stopped (OFF period). Accordingly, an appropriate amount of water can be emitted into the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420 of the steam generation unit 400.

Note that the intervals between the ON period and the OFF period shown in FIG. 13 are relative, and needless to say, the interval is changed depending on the volume of the chamber space 430, the heating amount of the heater, and the necessary steam amount.

Specifically, the pump 330 supplies a predetermined amount of water to the chamber space 430 during the ON period. The supplied water evaporates and becomes steam. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the temperature of the chamber space 430 temporarily decreases due to the heat of vaporization caused by the phase change from water to steam. However, in this embodiment, the heater 425 can sufficiently raise the temperature of the chamber space 430 during the OFF period by setting the OFF period to be relatively long. As a result, it is possible to continue supplying high-pressure steam to the storage tank 200 while the pump 330 performs an intermittent operation.

That is, the chamber space 430 is sufficiently heated during the OFF period. In the ON period, an appropriate amount of water that instantaneously evaporates is supplied to the thermal energy of the steam generator 420 including the chamber space 430 (for example, about 2 cc / time). Thereby, it is possible to continue to supply the high-pressure steam to the storage tank 200 satisfactorily.

<Effect of steam in washing step>
FIG. 14 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 8, and 11 with respect to the effect of the steam supplied to the storage tank via the steam supply mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention, particularly the effect in the washing step. It explains using.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a change in the temperature of the water supplied to the water tank of the washing machine in the embodiment.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, a hot water heater 160 for heating water supplied into the water tank 220 is disposed at the bottom of the water tank 220.

And as shown in FIG. 14, when the washing step is started, a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the water tank 220. During this time, the temperature of the water contained in the clothes in the water tank 220 is substantially constant (including constant).

Thereafter, the water in the water tank 220 is heated using the hot water heater 160. At this time, since the hot water heater 160 generates a large amount of heat, the temperature of the water contained in the clothes in the water tank 220 rises rapidly. And when the predetermined temperature is reached, heating of water in the water tank 220 is stopped.

Thereafter, in the present embodiment, steam is introduced into the storage tank 200 via the steam supply mechanism 300, and the washing step is executed.

Here, the dotted line after the heating stop shown in FIG. 14 represents a change in the temperature of water contained in the clothing when the heating by the hot water heater 160 is stopped and no steam is supplied. Further, the solid line after stopping the heating represents a change in the temperature of the water contained in the clothing when the heating by the hot water heater 160 is stopped and the steam is supplied to the storage tank 200.

That is, in the present embodiment, in the washing step, high-temperature steam is directly supplied to the storage tub 200 toward the clothes. Therefore, the temperature drop of the water contained in the clothes in the water tank 220 is relieved (suppressed) by the high-temperature steam. The heater 425 used for the steam generator 420 consumes less power than the hot water heater 160 attached to the water tank 220. As a result, compared with the case where the water in the water tank 220 is kept warm using the hot water heater 160, the heat keeping by supplying the high-temperature steam can be realized with less power consumption. For this reason, in the washing step, it is preferable to use the pump 330 to stop the hot water heater 160 and then perform an intermittent water supply operation to supply high temperature steam to the storage tank.

<Use of steam in the dehydration step>
Hereinafter, the effect of the steam supplied to the storage tank via the steam supply mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention, particularly the effect in the dehydration step will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 11 and 12.

In the dehydration step, the rotating drum 210 is rotated at a high speed by the motor 231. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, a large number of small holes 219 are formed in the peripheral wall 211 of the rotary drum 210.

Therefore, the clothing housed in the rotating drum 210 is pressed against the peripheral wall 211 by centrifugal force, and moisture contained in the clothing is discharged out of the rotating drum 210 through the small hole 219. As a result, the clothing is properly dehydrated.

At this time, the fibers of the dehydrated clothing are likely to be hydrogen-bonded to each other, and the hydrogen bonding between the fibers becomes a factor that causes wrinkles of the clothing.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, steam is supplied into the rotating drum 210 in the dehydration step. Thereby, the hydrogen bond between fibers can be canceled with steam. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of clothes wrinkles.

That is, it is preferable to perform intermittent water supply operation with the pump 330 and supply high-temperature steam into the rotary drum 210 while the clothing is being dehydrated. Specifically, steam is injected into the rotary drum 210 from the nozzle 352 at a high pressure by the intermittent water supply operation of the pump 330. The steam sprayed from the nozzle 352 crosses the storage tank 200. Then, the sprayed steam is evenly sprayed on the rotating clothing that sticks to the peripheral wall 211 of the rotating drum 210. Thereby, the hydrogen bond between fibers can be cancelled | released with a vapor | steam throughout the clothing in the rotating drum 210. FIG. As a result, the occurrence of wrinkles on clothing is effectively suppressed.

<Cooling step of steam generator>
Below, the cooling step of the steam generator of embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring FIG. 8 and FIG.

Ordinarily, it is preferable to cool the steam generator 420 when processing of clothing using steam is completed.

Therefore, in order to cool the steam generator 420, unnecessary injection of high-temperature steam into the storage tank 200 is prevented.

Specifically, first, the power supply to the heater 425 is stopped to cool the steam generator 420. Thereafter, a continuous water supply operation is started by the pump 330. Accordingly, water continuously flows from the water storage tank 320 into the chamber space 430 of the steam generator 420. The water that has flowed into the chamber space 430 takes heat from the steam generator 420 and then flows from the steam conduction pipe 340 into the storage tank 200 through the branch pipe 351. As a result, the steam generator 420 can be cooled in a short period of time.

Next, the control of the door body according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 15 with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6B. This is to control the user not to open the door 120 inadvertently when high-temperature steam is present in the storage tank 200.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically showing control on the door body based on the temperature of the steam generator in the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15, the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a lock mechanism 121 that locks the door body 120 in the closed position, and a control unit 122 that controls locking and unlocking of the lock mechanism 121. Prepare. Needless to say, the mechanical and electrical mechanisms of the lock mechanism 121 may use a known washing machine structure.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the steam generator 420 includes a thermistor 426.

As shown in FIG. 15, the thermistor 426 detects the temperature of the main piece 423 of the steam generator 420 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the control unit 122.

At this time, the controller 122 keeps the door 120 locked by the lock mechanism 121 until the signal output from the thermistor 426 reaches a temperature equal to or lower than a predetermined value. Thereby, the internal space of the storage tank 200 is isolated from the outside until the steam generator 420 becomes a predetermined temperature or lower. As a result, the user can be prevented from coming into contact with high-temperature steam, and the washing machine 100 that is safe and highly reliable can be realized.

The present invention is suitably used for an apparatus for processing clothing using steam.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Washing machine 110 Case 111 Front wall 112 Rear wall 113 Case top wall 114 Case bottom wall 115 Right wall 116 Left wall 117 First reinforcement frame 118 Second reinforcement frame 120 Door body 121 Lock mechanism 122 Control unit 130 Packing structure 140 Water supply port 141 Distribution part 151 1st attachment piece 152 2nd attachment piece 160 Hot water heater 200 Accommodating tank 210 Rotating drum 211 Peripheral wall 212 Bottom wall 219 Small hole 220 Water tank 221 Bottom part 222 Front part 223 Peripheral wall part 224 Annular part 225 Inner face 226 230 Rotating shaft 231 Motor 232 Pulley 233 Belt 300 Steam supply mechanism 310 Water supply valve 320 Water storage tank 321 Water level sensor 330 Pump 340 Steam conduction pipe 351 Branch pipe 352 Nozzle 353 Steam tube 3 4 parent pipe 355 upper pipe 356 lower child pipe 400 steam generating section 410 case 411 container section 412 lid section 413 opening section 414 bottom wall section 415 upper wall 416 lid section peripheral wall 417 projecting piece 420 steam generator 421 connecting pipe 422 exhaust pipe 423 Main piece 424 Cover piece 425 Heater 426 Thermistor 427 Main piece lower surface 428 Peripheral surface 429 Upper surface 430 Chamber space 431 Outer chamber wall 432 Inner chamber wall 433 Packing ring 434 Lower surface 435 Shield wall 437 Inlet port 438 Exhaust port 451 Spacer 500 Water supply mechanism

Claims

A storage tank for storing clothing;
A steam supply mechanism for supplying steam to the storage tank,
The steam supply mechanism covers a steam generator having a wall surface defining a chamber for generating the steam, a heater for heating the wall surface, a water supply mechanism for emitting water to the wall surface, and the steam generator. A clothing processing apparatus comprising: a case; and a spacer that separates the steam generator and the case.
The clothing processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spacer has a hollow cylindrical shape.
The clothing processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a thermal conductivity of a material constituting the spacer is lower than a thermal conductivity of a material constituting the steam generator.
The clothing processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water supply mechanism adjusts the amount of the water so that the water that hits the wall surface evaporates instantaneously.
The clothing processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water supply mechanism supplies the water intermittently to the chamber.