Apparatus for heating washing water of washing machine and method for controlling drying cycle

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a heating module which has a heating structure having a heating surface of a lower surface and a heat dissipation surface of an upper surface, and heats washing water by emitting heat generated from the lower surface to the upper surface; a heating electrode layer which is formed by printing a conductive heating paste onto the heating surface of the heating module, and provides an electrode pad at each end; a housing coupling the heating module to an upper opening; a bracket coupled to an opening on one side of the housing while sealing same, and mounted on a water storage tank; and a pair of lead electrodes penetratively coupled to the bracket such that an inner end portion inside the housing has a contact protrusion to be in contact with an electrode pad of the heating electrode layer and an outer end portion outside the housing is connected to an external power source, wherein the heating module is mounted on the water storage tank such that the heat dissipation surface of the heating module faces a washing tank on the upper part to heat water in an upper region.

Description

Washing machine water heating device and drying cycle control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing water heating device capable of efficiently heating washing water with low power, and a method for controlling the drying cycle of a washing machine.

[0002] In general, washing machines are mainly used to wash clothes and the like through mechanical operation using an electric motor. Depending on their structure, they are divided into pulsator-type washing machines that wash clothes using water currents generated by rotating a plate-shaped pulsator, and drum-type washing machines that wash clothes using the difference in height and friction between the washing water supplied to the inside of the drum and the laundry by rotating a laid-down drum.

[0003] Among these, drum-type washing machines are experiencing a rapid increase in demand due to their reduced tangling compared to pulsator-type washing machines and the smaller amount of water and detergent required during the wash cycle. Drum-type washing machines feature a water tank (or tub) installed within the cabinet that forms the exterior, a rotatable washing tub (or drum) installed within the water tank, and a heater installed on the bottom of the water tank to heat the washing water into hot water, allowing the washing machine to generate its own hot water.

[0004] Meanwhile, a clothes dryer is a device that dries wet laundry by forcibly blowing hot air into a drying drum. Clothes dryers are designed to dry laundry by forcibly circulating heated air through a heater and blower fan into the drying drum. Their appearance is fundamentally similar to that of drum washing machines. Recently, integrated dryers, capable of washing and drying simultaneously in a single device, have been released.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of a dryer-integrated washing machine, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a washing water heating device according to a conventional technology.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1, a typical integrated washing machine for drying includes a cabinet (1) forming an internal storage space, a tub (2) installed inside the cabinet (1), a drum (3) rotatably arranged inside the tub (2), a drive motor (4) rotating the drum (3), a washing water heating device (5) installed between the tub (2) and the drum (3) at the lower side of the drum (3) to heat water, and an air heating module (6) installed above the tub (2) to heat drying air. In addition, the washing machine is provided with a water supply port, a detergent supply port, an intake port, an exhaust port, etc. at the upper side of the cabinet (1), and a drain port at the lower side.

[0007] A washing water heating device (5) boils water or generates steam for boiling laundry, steam washing, or sterilization. As shown in Fig. 2, a conventional washing water heating device (5) is composed of a sheath heater. The sheath heater includes a heating rod (7) that generates heat, a bracket (8) that fixes one end of the heating rod and mounts it to a tub, and an electrode terminal (9) that penetrates the bracket and is connected to the end of the heating rod.

[0008] In the washing machine having the above configuration, the tub (2) is filled with water, and after the washing water is filled to an extent that the washing water heating device (5) is sufficiently submerged, the sheath heater is operated to heat the washing water. At this time, since the heating rod of the sheath heater has a round rod shape, it radiates heat including not only the upper part but also the lower part to heat the water. Therefore, the conventional washing water heating device using the sheath heater has a disadvantage in that, despite the large heating area, the efficiency of energy utilization is lowered and the heating and washing time increases because the water in the lower part that is not involved in the washing process is heated during the initial stage of the washing cycle.

[0009] In addition, the conventional washing water heating device (5) uses stainless steel (SUS) as a heating element. Since the washing water heating device (5) is used while being immersed in water, the SUS material heating device has the advantage of not corroding, that is, not rusting, in water, but has the disadvantage of low thermal conductivity, which reduces heating efficiency. In addition, the US material heating device has the disadvantage of low processability.

[0010] In addition, the air heating module (6) heats the air supplied into the tub (2) to dry the laundry after washing is completed, and is configured as a sheath heater, just like the washing water heating device (5). The sheath heater exhibits high heat generation, but requires excessive air volume (wind speed) for safety or drying efficiency, which causes high fan operation noise during the drying process and has the disadvantage of being very disadvantageous in terms of energy utilization.

[0011] The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a washing water heating device for a dedicated washing machine or a dryer-integrated washing machine, which can improve power utilization efficiency and shorten the washing water heating time by configuring a heating module for heating washing water as a surface heating element to heat the water involved in washing.

[0012] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a drying process control method for a dedicated dryer or a drying integrated washing machine, which can reduce power used in the washing process and shorten the drying time by controlling the temperature and supply speed of heated air during the drying process of laundry.

[0013] In order to solve the above problem, the present embodiment is a washing water heating device that is installed in a water tank of a washing machine and heats washing water supplied thereto, the device comprising: a heating module having a heating structure having a heating surface on a lower surface and a heat-radiating surface on an upper surface, which heats the washing water by radiating heat generated on the lower surface to the upper surface; a heating electrode layer formed by printing a conductive heating paste on the heating surface of the heating module and providing electrode pads at both ends; a housing that couples the heating module to an upper opening; a bracket that is coupled while sealing one opening of the housing and is mounted on the water tank; and a lead electrode that is coupled while penetrating the bracket, has a contact protrusion at an inner end of the housing so as to contact the electrode pad of the heating electrode layer, and has an outer end outside the housing and is connected to an external power source, and is configured to be installed on the water tank such that the heat-radiating surface of the heating module faces the washing tank at the upper end, and heats water in an upper region.

[0014] Additionally, the housing may have a guide protrusion that guides the contact protrusion of the lead electrode to contact the electrode pad formed in the heating module.

[0015] Additionally, the heating module may have a projection portion in which the area where the electrode pad is formed protrudes in the direction of the contact projection of the lead electrode.

[0016] Additionally, the heating surface of the heating module may be relatively thick in the area where the electrode pad is formed and may become thinner toward the opposite location.

[0017] Additionally, the lead electrode may further include a block electrode mounted between the electrode pads at an inner end inside the housing for electrical connection to the electrode pads.

[0018] And in order to solve the above problem, the present embodiment is characterized in that, in a method for controlling the drying of laundry using an air heating module mounted on the upper part of a tub, the air heating module includes a heating unit formed on one side of the channel and an air circulation unit formed on the other side of the channel while forming a channel inside the upper and lower housings, and the operation of the air circulation unit is controlled so that air heated by the heating unit is supplied into the tub at a relatively slow speed in the initial stage when drying begins, and the operation of the air circulation unit is controlled so that air heated by the heating unit is supplied into the tub at a relatively fast speed as drying progresses.

[0019] The washing water heating device of the present invention is configured with a surface heating element, thereby improving power utilization efficiency and shortening the washing water heating time and washing time.

[0020] In addition, the washing water heating device of the present invention is configured to heat the upper water involved in washing, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0021] In addition, the washing water heating device of the present invention is configured so that the lead electrode for power supply and the heating electrode layer of the heating plate can easily come into contact, thereby preventing power leakage and improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0022] In addition, the drying process of the present invention has the effect of preventing damage to laundry, improving energy utilization efficiency, and shortening the overall process time by controlling the temperature and supply amount of heated air according to the initial and later stages of drying.

[0023] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of a dryer-integrated washing machine.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a washing water heating device according to a conventional technology.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a washing water heating device according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the washing water heating device of Fig. 3;

[0027] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the power connection structure of the heating module according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the power connection structure of the heating module according to the present embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 is a drawing comparing the power characteristics of a washing water heating device according to a conventional embodiment and the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 is a drawing comparing the time characteristics of a washing water heating device according to a conventional embodiment and the present embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an air heating module according to the present embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view in the II direction showing the air heating module of Fig. 9;

[0033] Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of the air heating module of Fig. 9.

[0034] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the washing and drying process according to the present embodiment.

[0035] The technical objectives achieved by the present invention and its implementation will be made 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.

[0036] It should be understood that the differences in the embodiments described below are not mutually exclusive. That is, it should be understood that specific shapes, structures, and characteristics described may be implemented in other embodiments with respect to one embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and that the positions or arrangements of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be changed. In the drawings, similar reference numerals denote the same or similar functions throughout, and the shapes, such as length, area, and thickness, may be exaggerated for convenience. In the description of the present embodiments, expressions such as up, down, front, back, etc. indicate relative positions or directions, and their technical meanings are not limited to dictionary meanings.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a washing water heating device according to the present embodiment, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the washing water heating device of Fig. 3, and Figs. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views showing a power connection structure of a heating module according to the present embodiment.

[0038] First, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the washing water heating device (100) of the present embodiment includes a heating module (110) that generates heat for heating washing water, a heating electrode layer (120) formed on the back (lower surface) of the heating module (110), a housing (130) that accommodates and protects the heating module (110), a bracket (140) that mounts the washing water heating device (100) to a tub (2) of a washing machine, and a lead electrode (150) that is coupled to the bracket (140) and supplies power to the heating electrode layer (120).

[0039] The washing water heating device (100) is a surface heater. When power is supplied through a pair of lead electrodes (150), current flows along the heating electrode layer (120), generating high-temperature heat in the heating electrode layer (120). The generated heat is released to the outside through the heating module (110) to heat water coming into contact with the surface.

[0040] The heating module (110) for this purpose is composed of a material with excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation, and is composed of a plate having a predetermined thickness and area. For example, the heating module (110) may be composed of a square plate made of aluminum (Al), and one side (back side) inside the housing (130) constitutes a heating surface (111) on which a heating electrode layer (120) is formed, and the other side (front side) outside the housing (130) constitutes a heat dissipation surface (112) through which heat is released.

[0041] The heating electrode layer (120) is formed by printing a conductive heating paste having a predetermined resistance on the surface of the heating module (110) inside the housing (130), i.e., the heating surface (111). The heating electrode layer (120) may be formed in a zigzag structure while forming a band shape having a predetermined width and length, and both ends provide a pair of electrode pads (121) to which a pair of lead electrodes (150) are respectively in contact.

[0042] The heating electrode layer (120) may further include a resistance electrode layer (not shown) as needed. The resistance electrode layer functions as a heating electrode and also functions as an electrode for resistance measurement as needed. That is, the resistance electrode layer measures the resistance of the heating electrode layer (120) according to temperature to enable prediction of the temperature of the heated washing water. The resistance electrode layer is formed so as not to overlap with the heating electrode layer (120), and another pair of lead electrodes that contact both ends of the resistance electrode layer may be further provided.

[0043] The housing (130) has a heating module (110) attached to an upper opening and a bracket (140) attached to an opening on one side. The housing (130) accommodates the heating surface (111) of the heating module (110) and the inner terminal of the lead electrode (150) attached to the bracket (140), and insulates them from the outside. Accordingly, the heating module (110) and the bracket (140) are attached to the housing (130) to seal the inside and outside of the housing (130).

[0044] The bracket (140) seals the side opening of the housing (130) while the lead electrode (150) is attached, and allows the washing water heating device (100) to be mounted on the tub (2). The bracket (140) attaches the lead electrode (150) so that one side (outer side) end of the lead electrode (150) is exposed to the outside of the housing (130) while the other side (inner side) end is positioned inside the housing (130) so that it can come into contact with the electrode pad (121) formed on the heating module (110).

[0045] The lead electrode (150) supplies power to the heating electrode layer (120). One end of the lead electrode (150) exposed to the outside of the housing (130) is connected to an external power supply module, and the other end inside the housing (130) is in contact with the electrode pad (121) of the heating module (110), so that power can be supplied to the heating electrode layer (120). The lead electrode (150) can be integrally connected to the bracket (140) by insert molding.

[0046] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the heating module (110) of the present embodiment forms a receiving protrusion (113) that allows the lead electrode (150) to easily contact the electrode pad (121).

[0047] The washing water heating device (100) of the present embodiment has a housing (130) that is typically about 8 mm thick, and a lead electrode (150) is inserted into the housing (130) at its center. Therefore, when a simple flat-plate-shaped heating module (110) is coupled to the upper opening of the housing (130), a gap of about 4 mm is formed between the lead electrode (150) and the heating surface (111) of the heating module (110), i.e., the electrode pad (121).

[0048] Accordingly, a contact protrusion (151) for contacting the electrode pad (121) is formed at the end of the lead electrode (150), and a guide protrusion (131) is formed on the inner surface of the housing (130) to guide the lead electrode (150) to the heating surface (111) during the process of inserting the lead electrode (150), thereby allowing the contact protrusion (151) of the lead electrode (150) to easily contact the electrode pad (121) of the heating electrode layer (120).

[0049] However, even with the contact protrusion (151) and the guide protrusion (131), it is not easy to overcome the gap of 4 mm, so sufficient contact force may not be generated or contact may not be made between the contact protrusion (151) and the electrode pad (121).

[0050] The meeting protrusion (113) is formed by protruding the heating surface (111) of the heating module (110) where the electrode pad (121) is formed in the direction of the lead electrode (150), and can improve the contact force between them by allowing the contact protrusion (151) to easily come into contact with the electrode pad (121) by meeting in the direction of the lead electrode (150).

[0051] Accordingly, since the heating module (110) must have a flat heating surface (111) in order for the heating electrode layer (120) to be printed, the heating surface (111) has an inclined structure. That is, the heating surface (111) of the heating module (110) has an inclined structure in which the position where the electrode pad (121) is formed is relatively thick and becomes thinner toward the opposite position. By varying the thickness of the heating module (110) in this way, the heat inside the housing (130) can be efficiently managed.

[0052] At this time, the inclination angle (θ) formed by the horizontal radiating surface (112) and the inclined heating surface (111) may be approximately 5° to 15° (5°≤θ≤15°). If the inclination between the radiating surface (112) and the heating surface (111) is less than 5°, the effect of improving contact force is reduced, and if it exceeds 15°, the lead electrode (150) may get caught on the receiving protrusion (113), making insertion difficult.

[0053] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the heat dissipation surface (112) and the heating surface (111) may be horizontal (i.e., θ=0°), but in this case, a block electrode (152) having a predetermined thickness may be further inserted between the end of the lead electrode (150) and the electrode pad to connect them. The block electrode (152) may also be inserted when the inclination angle (θ) formed by the heat dissipation surface (112) and the heating surface (111) is narrow, for example, less than 5°. The block electrode (152) electrically connects the lead electrode (150) and the electrode pad (121).

[0054] Additionally, the heating module (110) may have a plurality of heat dissipation fins (114) formed on the heat dissipation surface (112). The heat dissipation fins (114) increase the area from which heat is dissipated, thereby improving heating efficiency. The heat dissipation fins (114) may be formed to have a predetermined height, width, and spacing.

[0055] Fig. 7 is a drawing comparing the power characteristics of a washing water heating device according to a conventional and present embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a drawing comparing the time characteristics of a washing water heating device according to a conventional and present embodiment.

[0056] A washing water heating device having the above configuration can be applied to a dedicated washing machine or a washing machine with an integrated dryer.

[0057] [Experimental Example]

[0058] In this experiment, power consumption and temperature rise were tested and compared between a conventional sheath heater (comparative example) and a washing water heating device using a surface heating element according to this embodiment, and the results are shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

[0059] In the power consumption experiment of Fig. 7, the washing water heating devices were a heating device using a conventional sheath heater, a heating device using the applicant's SUS material as a heating module (type #1), a heating device using Al material as a heating module (type #2), and a heating device using Al material as a heating module and having heat dissipation fins (type #3), and the power consumed to raise the temperature of the washing water to 60℃ was measured twice.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 7, looking at the characteristics of power consumption, the conventional sheath heater consumed 100.899 kWh of power to raise the temperature of the washing water to 60°C, but the heating devices of Type #1 to Type #3 according to the present embodiment consumed 96.570 kWh, 95.257 kWh, and 94.795 kWh, respectively, showing that the power consumption was greatly reduced.

[0061] In addition, in the washing water heating time experiment of Fig. 8, the washing water heating device was a heating module (Series 1) using a conventional sheath heater, similar to Fig. 7, a heating device using the applicant's SUS material as a heating module (Series 2), a heating device using Al material as a heating module (Series 3), and a heating device using Al material as a heating module and having heat dissipation fins formed thereon (Series 4), and the time required to raise the temperature of 2 L of washing water to 60°C was measured.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 8, when examining the characteristics of the heating time, it took about 37 seconds (sec) for the conventional sheath heater (Series 1) to raise the temperature to 60°C, but in the heating devices of Series 2 to Series 4 according to the present embodiment, it took 35 sec, 34 sec, and 33.5 sec, respectively, so it can be seen that the heating time has been greatly shortened.

[0063] In particular, in the example of a heating module using Al material and equipped with a heat dissipation fin, it can be seen that the power consumption and heating time are greatly reduced. When SUS material is used as a heating module, the heating module can only be processed by a pressing process, making it difficult to form a heat dissipation fin. However, when Al material is used as a heating module, it is possible to process various shapes through processes such as die casting, so there is an advantage in forming a heat dissipation fin. Therefore, a heating module using Al material can increase the heating area, thereby improving the heating efficiency.

[0064] A washing machine equipped with a washing water heating device (100) as described above can improve the efficiency of the washing cycle. Since a conventional washing water heating device takes a certain amount of time to heat the washing water, in order to reduce the heating time and utilize the water heated in the lower area of ​​the sheath heater, the stirring cycle that rotates the drum is started in advance before the washing water reaches a predetermined target temperature. That is, in the conventional washing cycle, the stirring cycle is performed in addition to the heating cycle, which is disadvantageous in energy efficiency due to the stirring cycle. However, the washing water heating device (100) of the present embodiment can heat the washing water to a predetermined target temperature in a short period of time, and since the water in the lower area of ​​the heating module is not directly heated, the stirring cycle can be suppressed or minimized during the heating cycle, which ultimately exhibits advantageous characteristics in terms of power consumption for the washing cycle.

[0065] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an air heating module according to the present embodiment, and Figs. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views in the II direction and the II-II direction showing the air heating module of Fig. 9.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the air heating module (200) of the present embodiment includes upper and lower housings (210, 220), an air circulation unit (230) provided on one side of the internal space of the upper and lower housings (210, 220), and a heating unit (240) provided on the other side of the internal space of the upper and lower housings (210, 220).

[0067] The upper and lower housings (210, 220) form an air inlet through which air flows at one end, and an air outlet through which heated air is discharged at the other end. The upper and lower housings (210, 220) form a flow path through which air flows in the internal space between the air inlet and the air outlet, and function as a duct that forcibly circulates air through the flow path. At the same time, the upper and lower housings (210, 220) enable an air circulation unit (230) and a heating unit (240) to be installed on the flow path.

[0068] The air circulation unit (230) is configured to force external air of the air heating module (200) into the internal flow path space, and includes a motor for driving a fan. The air circulation unit (230) is installed on the flow path on the air inlet side and is connected to a power supply unit (not shown) and a control unit (not shown) provided outside the air heating module (200).

[0069] The heating unit (240) is configured to heat air flowing along the euro, and can be installed in one area on the euro, and for example, can be installed at the rear end of the air circulation unit (230) with respect to the air flow direction.

[0070] The heating unit (240) includes a heating plate (241) that generates high-temperature heat by an external power source, a heat dissipation plate (242) that releases the heat generated from the heating plate (241) to heat the air, and a cover bracket (243) that covers and protects the heating plate (241). The heating plate (241) and the heat dissipation plate (242) are closely connected and joined at the top and bottom so that the heat generated from the heating plate (241) can be transferred to the heat dissipation plate (242) without loss.

[0071] A heating plate (241) has a heating electrode layer (244) formed on the surface thereof with a conductive heating paste having a predetermined resistance printed thereon. The heating electrode layer (244) may be formed in a zigzag structure in the shape of a band having a predetermined width and length, and each end thereof provides a pair of electrode pads to which a pair of lead electrodes (245) are respectively in contact.

[0072] The heat dissipation plate (242) is coupled to a heating plate (241) on one side (upper side) and has a plurality of heat dissipation fins (246) on the other side (lower side). Accordingly, a heating space (247) having a slit structure that is heated by passing air is formed between each heat dissipation fin (246). The lower end of each heat dissipation fin (246) is formed at a height spaced apart from the lower housing (220) by a predetermined distance, thereby securing a foreign matter flow space (221) through which foreign matters such as lint can pass between the heat dissipation fin (246) and the lower housing (220).

[0073] A protective layer (248) is formed on the surface of the heating plate (241) and the heat dissipation plate (242). When the heating plate (241) or the heat dissipation plate (242) is made of Al, fine bubbles inevitably form on the surface of the metal plate due to gas or other process conditions during the molding process. The fine bubbles easily burst due to expansion caused by heat generation, which ultimately makes it difficult to control the temperature of the heating unit (240) and increases friction on the surface, making it easy for foreign substances to stick to it. The protective layer (248) is formed on the surface of the heating unit (240) to prevent such problems, thereby making it easy to control the temperature and preventing foreign substances from sticking to it.

[0074] The protective layer (440) may be formed by coating a resin of a material having heat resistance higher than the control temperature on the surface of the heating module (400). For example, the protective layer (440) may be formed by coating a fluorocarbon resin. In addition to heat resistance, the fluorocarbon resin has the characteristics of nonstick, low coefficient of friction, non-wetting, chemical resistance, cryogenic stability, and very high electrical insulation over a wide frequency range.

[0075] Meanwhile, referring to Fig. 11, the front surface (the surface through which air is introduced) of each heat dissipation fin (246) has a predetermined slope facing downwardly forward. When foreign substances moving along the air flow adhere to the front surface of the heat dissipation fin (246), the sloped surface (246a) guides the foreign substances to slide and move to the foreign substance flow space (221) on the lower side. Therefore, the heat dissipation fin (246) with an inclined structure prevents foreign substances from adhering to the front surface, thereby allowing air to smoothly be introduced into the heating space (247).

[0076] Additionally, a convexly protruding air guide block (222) is formed on the bottom surface of the lower housing (220).

[0077] The air guide block (222) can be formed at a location where air is introduced into the heating unit (240), i.e., near the heat dissipation fins (246), and the bottom surface of the lower housing (220) protrudes convexly to reduce the vertical width of the flow path, thereby increasing the flow speed of the air passing through the air guide block (222). Therefore, the air guide block (222) can improve heat exchange efficiency by guiding the air flowing along the flow path to quickly be introduced into the heating space (247) between the heat dissipation fins (246). At this time, the front area of ​​the air guide block (22) forms a convex curved surface or an inclined surface (240a) to allow the air to flow smoothly.

[0078] An air heating module having the above configuration can be applied to a dryer or a washing machine with an integrated dryer.

[0079] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a washing and drying process according to the present embodiment. In the integrated drying washing machine of the present embodiment, the washing and drying processes are performed continuously.

[0080] Specifically, first, water is supplied into the tub (S11), and when the supplied washing water reaches a certain level, the washing water heating device (100) operates to heat the washing water (S12). Next, when the washing water reaches a certain level and temperature, the drum rotates to perform washing (S13), and after washing for a certain period of time, the draining and dehydration process is performed (S14). The washing process proceeds from the water supply process to the dehydration process as described above, and the process from water supply to dehydration can be repeated several times as needed for purposes such as rinsing.

[0081] After the washing process is completed, the drying process begins, and the heating unit (240) of the air heating module (200) operates to heat the air (S15). When the air is heated to a predetermined temperature, the air circulation unit (230) operates to circulate the heated air through the inside of the tub. In particular, in the initial stage of the drying process of the present embodiment, the air circulation unit (230) circulates the air at a low speed (S16).

[0082] In general, in the initial stage of drying, the laundry is wet and thus contains a lot of moisture. In the initial stage of drying, even if relatively high heat is supplied to the inside of the tub, the temperature inside the tub does not easily rise, so drying can be performed without the laundry being easily damaged. In addition, when the air circulation unit (230) operates at a low speed, the heating unit (240) heats the air to a higher temperature and supplies it into the tub. Therefore, in the drying process of the present embodiment, in the initial stage, the air circulation unit (230) operates at a relatively low speed to supply high-temperature air into the inside of the tub, thereby performing drying.

[0083] Next, after the laundry has been dried to a certain extent, the air circulation unit (230) circulates air at a relatively high speed, that is, at a high velocity, to ensure drying (S17). In the later stages of drying, since the laundry retains little moisture, the temperature inside the tub can easily rise, which can damage the laundry. Therefore, in the later stages of drying, air at a relatively low temperature must be supplied to prevent damage to the laundry. Therefore, the air circulation unit (230) operates at a high speed to ensure that the temperature inside the tub remains constant while drying is carried out.

[0084] The air circulation unit (230) can be controlled by a separately provided control unit, and by controlling the operating speed of the air circulation unit (230) according to the drying process, the drying process can be performed with optimal energy efficiency while preventing damage to the laundry.

[0085] While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, various modifications and alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such modifications and alternative embodiments are contemplated and encompassed by the appended claims, and are intended to remain within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0086] [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100: Washing water heating device

[0088] 110: Heating module

[0089] 111: Heating surface 112: Radiating surface

[0090] 113: Receiving protrusion 114: Radiating fin

[0091] 120: Heating electrode layer 121: Electrode pad

[0092] 130: Housing 131: Guide protrusion

[0093] 140: Bracket

[0094] 150: Lead electrode

[0095] 151: Contact protrusion 152: Block electrode

[0096] 200: Air heating module

[0097] 210: Upper housing

[0098] 220: Lower housing

[0099] 230: Air circulation unit

[0100] 240: Heating unit

[0101] 241: Heating plate 242: Heat dissipation plate

[0102] 243: Cover bracket 244: Heating electrode layer

[0103] 245: Lead electrode 246: Heat sink fin

[0104] 247: Heating space

Claims

1. In a washing water heating device installed in the water tank of a washing machine and heating the washing water supplied inside, A heating module having a heating structure having a lower heating surface and an upper heat dissipation surface, which heats the washing water by dissipating heat generated at the lower surface to the upper surface; A heating electrode layer formed by printing a conductive heating paste on the heating surface of the heating module and providing electrode pads at each end; A housing for coupling the heating module to the upper opening; A bracket mounted on a reservoir while being joined and sealing one side opening of the housing; and, The inner end of the housing is provided with a contact projection so as to contact the electrode pad of the heating electrode layer while penetrating the bracket, and the outer end of the housing is provided with a lead electrode connected to an external power source; A washing water heating device, which is mounted in the water storage tank so that the heat dissipation surface of the heating module faces the upper washing tank and heats the water in the upper area.

2. In paragraph 1, A washing water heating device, wherein the housing has a guide projection that guides the contact projection of the lead electrode to contact the electrode pad formed in the heating module.

3. In paragraph 2 The above heating module is a washing water heating device, wherein the area where the electrode pad is formed has a projection that protrudes in the direction of the contact projection of the lead electrode.

4. In paragraph 3, A washing water heating device in which the heating surface of the heating module is relatively thick in the area where the electrode pad is formed and becomes thinner as it goes toward the opposite location.

5. In paragraph 1, A washing water heating device, wherein the lead electrode further includes a block electrode mounted between the electrode pads at an inner end inside the housing for electrical connection to the electrode pads.

6. In an administrative control method for drying laundry using an air heating module mounted on the top of a tub, The above air heating module includes a heating unit formed on one side of the path while forming a path inside the upper and lower housings, and an air circulation unit formed on the other side of the path. In the initial stage when drying begins, the operation of the air circulation unit is controlled so that the air heated by the heating unit is supplied into the inside of the tub at a relatively slow speed. A laundry drying process control method characterized in that the operation of the air circulation unit is controlled so that the air heated by the heating unit is supplied into the inside of the tub at a relatively fast speed as drying progresses.

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