Heating device for clothes care machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a heating device for a clothes care machine as a device installed in a water storage tank inside the clothes care machine to heat water, the heating device comprising: a heating plate formed in a plate shape to form a heating surface on an outer surface; a heating electrode layer formed on an inner surface of the heating plate while providing a pair of first electrode pads; a pair of first lead electrodes, one end of which is connected to the first electrode pad and supplies power to the heating electrode layer; a housing that accommodates and protects the heating plate such that the heating surface is exposed; and a holder which is connected to the side surface of the case and exposes the other end of the first lead electrode to the outside, the heating electrode layer being configured from electrode wires of a series or parallel structure, with a pitch P between adjacent electrode wires corresponding to at least 1 / 3 of the width W.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating device for a clothing care machine, and more particularly to a heating device applied to a clothing care machine such as a washing machine or a freshener and used for instantaneously heating water. Background Art

[0002] Generally, clothing care machines include washing machines, dryers, refreshers, etc. Washing machines are mainly divided into pulsator washing machines that rely on the water flow generated by a rotating large plate-shaped pulsator to wash clothes, and drum washing machines that use the height difference and friction between the washing water and clothes inside the rotating flat drum to wash clothes.

[0003] Among them, drum washing machines have advantages over pulsator washing machines, such as less tangling of clothes and less washing water and detergent required for washing, and their demand is growing rapidly. For drum washing machines, a water storage tank is installed in the inner space of a cabinet that constitutes its appearance, and the washing machine drum is rotatably installed inside the drum.

[0004] At the same time, a heater that heats the washing water to hot water is installed on the bottom of the water tank, and drum washing machines that generate hot water inside the washing machine have also been launched. Therefore, even if cold water flows into the water tank, the heater will heat it to a temperature suitable for washing when it is running, so there is no need to connect a faucet separately to supply hot water.

[0005] like Figure 1 As shown, the drum washing machine has a cabinet 1 forming a storage space therein, a water storage tank 2 installed inside the cabinet 1, a washing tank (drum) 3 rotatably arranged inside the water storage tank 2, a heating device 4 installed between the water storage tank 2 and the washing tank 3, and a driving motor 5 for rotating the washing tank 3. In addition, the drum washing machine is provided with a water supply port and a detergent supply port at the upper part of the cabinet 1, and a drain port at the lower part.

[0006] The heating device 4 boils water or generates steam for boiling washing, steam washing or sterilization, and is composed of a jacket heater suitable for existing drum washing machines.

[0007] Reference Figure 2 The heating device 4 includes a heating part 11 that generates heat, a bracket 12 that fixes one end of the heating part 11 and installs the heating device 4 in the water storage tank 2 of the drum washing machine, and an electrode terminal 13 that passes through the bracket 12 and is connected to the end of the heating part 11 to provide power. A coil-shaped hot wire (not shown) is provided inside the heating part 11, and the hot wire is connected to the electrode terminal 13 through a temperature fuse (not shown) to prevent overheating.

[0008] The washing machine of the above structure is filled while supplying cold water to the inside of the water storage tank 2. After the cold water of the washing amount is filled, the heating device 4 is driven to heat the cold water. Then, after the cold water is heated to a predetermined temperature, the washing machine is started to wash.

[0009] On the other hand, the normal water supplied to the water tank contains lime (water with this component is called "hard water"). The heat generated when the heater boils water causes the lime in the normal water to adhere to the high-temperature heater surface, forming a lime layer. The lime layer formed in this hard water prevents the heater from directly contacting the water, causing the heater to overheat, which can damage the heater or shorten the life of the heater.

[0010] In addition, the existing heater for drum washing machines is driven after the water storage tank is completely filled with water, that is, after the washing water supply is completed. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that it takes a long time from the start of the washing water supply to the water being heated to the washing process. Summary of the invention

[0011] Technical issues to be solved The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a heating device for a clothing care machine that can solve the problems of malfunction and shortened life caused by the formation of a lime layer under hard water conditions.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heating device for a clothing care machine that can shorten the time from the start of supply of washing water to washing after heating.

[0013] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a heating device for a clothing care machine which can improve the accuracy of detecting the water level of water supplied to the inside of a water storage tank.

[0014] Technical Solution In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the heating device for a clothing care machine of the present invention is a device installed in a water storage tank inside the clothing care machine to heat water, and includes: a heating plate, which is a plate with a predetermined thickness and forms a heating surface on the outside; a heating electrode layer, which is formed on the inner surface of the heating plate and provides a pair of first electrode pads; a pair of first lead electrodes, one end of which is connected to the first electrode pad and supplies power to the heating electrode layer; a shell, which accommodates and protects the heating plate so that the heating surface is exposed; and a bracket, which is connected to the side of the shell and exposes the other end of the first lead electrode to the outside, and the heating electrode layer is composed of electrode wires of a series or parallel structure, and adjacent electrode wires have a spacing P equivalent to more than 1 / 3 of the width W.

[0015] In addition, it also includes: a water level detection sensor, which is installed on the housing and is used to detect the water level in the water storage tank, and is configured to be driven to heat water when immersed in the water filled in the water storage tank.

[0016] In addition, the housing forms a concave water channel along the upper edge, and the water level detection sensor is installed in the water channel to detect the water level of water flowing into the water channel.

[0017] Furthermore, in the water channel, a barrier wall isolated from an external area is formed at the outer end portion, and water flows in or out through a through hole formed in the barrier wall.

[0018] In addition, a resistance electrode layer is formed on the inner surface of the heating plate, and a pair of second electrode pads are provided in a region not overlapping with the heating electrode layer; and a pair of second lead electrodes, one end of which is connected to the second electrode pad and supplies power to the resistance electrode layer; Furthermore, the heating surface is formed by bending so that a central area of ​​the heating plate is recessed inwardly.

[0019] Furthermore, the heating surface has an inclined structure with different curvature depths.

[0020] Beneficial Effects The invention reduces the problems of malfunction, damage and shortened life caused by the lime layer by adjusting the width and spacing of the heating electrode layer.

[0021] In addition, the present invention has the effect of shortening the time required for the entire washing process by detecting the water level of the washing water and starting to heat the washing water when the washing water is filled to a predetermined level.

[0022] In addition, the present invention greatly improves the accuracy of water level detection by blocking the influence of fluctuations generated during the process of supplying washing water to the inside of the water storage tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a general structure of a drum washing machine.

[0024] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a heating device for a drum washing machine according to the prior art.

[0025] Figure 3 4 is a top view of the heating device of the drum washing machine according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 is from Figure 3 A bottom view of the heating device observed from the bottom.

[0027] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the heating device.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Figure 2 is a cross-section of the heating device in the AA direction.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Figure BB cross section of the heating device.

[0030] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 3 Figure 2 is a diagram of the heating electrode layer structure of a heating device.

[0031] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 3 A diagram showing a state in which the heating device is immersed in washing water. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present invention and the technical tasks achieved by the embodiments of the present invention will be explained through the preferred embodiments described below.Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The differences of the present embodiment described below should be understood as not mutually exclusive. That is, without departing from the technical concept and scope of the present invention, the specific shapes, structures and features described can be implemented in other embodiments related to one embodiment, and in the embodiments disclosed separately, the position or arrangement of each component can be changed, and similar reference numerals in the drawings represent the same or similar functions in many aspects, and for convenience, the length, area and thickness and their shapes can be exaggerated. In the description of the present embodiment, expressions such as upper, lower, front, rear, first, second, etc. represent relative positions, directions and orders, and the technical meaning is not limited by the dictionary meaning.

[0034] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a diagram showing a heating device for a drum washing machine according to this embodiment as viewed from above and below, Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 Figure 1 shows the internal structure of the heating device. Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the heating device in the AA direction and the BB direction, Figure 8 It is shown Figure 3 Figure 1 shows the structure of the heating electrode layer of the heating device. Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 3 A diagram showing a state in which the heating device is immersed in washing water.

[0035] First, refer to Figures 3 to 5The heating device 100 of this embodiment includes: a heating plate 110 for generating heat; a heating electrode layer 120 formed on one surface (upper surface) of the heating plate; a resistance electrode layer 130 formed on one surface (upper surface) of the heating plate 110 and not overlapping with the heating electrode layer 120; a housing 140 that accommodates and protects the heating plate 110; a bracket 150 for installing the heating device 100 into the water storage tank 2 of the washing machine; and a water level detection sensor 160 installed on the housing. In addition, the heating device 100 also includes a first sealing member 170 inserted between the heating plate 110 and the housing 140 and a second sealing member 180 inserted between the housing 140 and the bracket 150.

[0036] When power is supplied to the heating device 100 through a pair of first lead electrodes 121 , current flows along the heating electrode layer 120 , generating high-temperature heat in the heating electrode layer 120 . The generated heat is dissipated through the heating plate 110 , heating water in contact with the surface of the heating plate 110 .

[0037] The heating plate 110 used for this purpose is made of a material having insulation and excellent thermal conductivity. In addition, the heating plate 110 is made of a plate having a predetermined thickness, and the central area is bent into a concave shape, and the concave surface forms a heating surface 111 for heating water in contact therewith. For example, Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the heating plate 110 is made of a square plate of SUS material, a central area of ​​which is bent into a concave shape, and the groove formed by the bending provides a heating surface 111.

[0038] On the other hand, when high temperature heat is generated in the heating electrode layer 120, the heating plate 110 generates a temperature deviation in the central area where the electrode layer is formed and the edge area where the electrode layer is not formed, and due to the temperature deviation, the shape of the heating plate 110 may be bent or distorted. Since the thermal deformation of the heating plate 110 caused by the temperature deviation becomes significant as the thickness of the plate becomes thinner, the heating plate 110 having a simple plate shape is limited in reducing the thickness to prevent thermal deformation. Therefore, if the heating plate 110 has a sufficient thickness so as not to be thermally deformed, a simple plate shape can be achieved, but in this case, the heating plate 110 must have a predetermined thickness or more, so the weight of the heating device becomes heavy, and there is a disadvantage that the manufacturing cost increases due to the material cost.

[0039] However, when the concave heating surface 111 is formed in the central area by bending as in the present embodiment, the two sides of the heating surface 111 serve as reinforcing ribs, so the thickness of the heating plate 110 becomes thinner, which has the effect of preventing thermal deformation. As an example, the thickness of the heating plate 110 of the present embodiment can be less than 0.6 mm.

[0040] In addition, if Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the concave heating surface 111 of the heating plate 110 of this embodiment forms an inclined structure. That is, the heating space 111a at the bottom of the heating plate 110 formed by the groove is relatively deep on one side and relatively shallow on the other side.

[0041] The heating device 100 operates in a state where the inside of the washing machine is immersed in water, and after washing is completed, the contaminated washing water is discharged. At this time, since the washing water should not remain on the heating surface 111 of the groove, it is preferred that the heating surface 111 of the groove is installed to face the bottom. Therefore, the surface (bottom) of the heating plate 110 forms the heating surface 111 in the shape of a groove on the upper side, and forms a heating space 111a at its lower part. At this time, when the water storage tank 2 of the washing machine is filled with water, air pockets can be formed in the concave heating space 111a.

[0042] Meanwhile, when the heating surface 111 is formed as a horizontal plane parallel to the water surface, air pockets are formed in the entire area of ​​the heating surface 111. Even if the water storage tank 2 is filled with water, water does not contact the heating surface 111 due to air pockets, and the heating plate 110 may be overheated and damaged. However, in the present embodiment, in the case where the heating surface 111 is formed in an inclined structure, since air pockets are formed only in some spaces at the top end of the heating space 111a, the space where air pockets can be formed can be minimized, thereby preventing overheating of the heating plate 110 and damage caused by air pockets.

[0043] In addition, the heating plate 110 of the present embodiment is closed so that the edge end is bent or curled to one side to form a reinforcing flange 112. The reinforcing flange 112 can prevent the heating plate 110 from being deformed. Preferably, the reinforcing flange 112 is formed to be lower than the height of the heating surface 111 so as not to interfere with the process of forming the heating electrode layer 120 on the heating surface 111.

[0044] In addition, when the heating plate 110 of the present embodiment is connected to the housing 140, a fastening means such as a screw may be used, but the structure of the heating plate 110 and the housing 140 may be used for connection. To this end, a plurality of fastening holes 113 are further formed in the reinforcing flange 112 of the heating plate 110. In the housing 140, a plurality of fastening protrusions 141 of a hook structure are formed at positions corresponding to the fastening holes 113.

[0045] The heating electrode layer 120 may be formed by printing a conductive heating paste having a predetermined resistance on the surface of the heating plate 110, and as shown in the figure, is formed on the surface (upper surface) of the heating plate 111 on the opposite side of the heating surface 111. The heating electrode layer 120 may be in a strip shape having a predetermined width and length, and a stack of first electrode pads 121 in contact with the first lead electrode 122 are provided at both ends. The heating electrode layer 120 may be formed as a series or parallel electrode line between a pair of first electrode pads 121.

[0046] Reference Figure 8 , the electrode lines forming the heating electrode layer 120 are formed to have a predetermined width W and a pitch P. The heat generated in the heating electrode layer 120 is transferred to the heating plate 110, and the water in contact with the heating plate 110 is heated. At this time, on the opposite side (i.e., the heating surface) of the heating plate 110 where the heating electrode layer 120 is formed, corresponding to the position where the heating electrode layer 120 is formed, a lime layer 120' is formed.

[0047] The lime layer 120' formed on the heating surface 111 gradually grows around the electrode wires of the heating electrode layer 120. As the lime layer 120' grows, the lime layer 120' may be connected to the adjacent lime layer 120', in which case the heating surface 111 is covered by the lime layer 120'. The heat transferred in the heating electrode layer 120 cannot be released quickly, which may eventually cause the heating device 100 to fail or be damaged. Therefore, in order to prevent the problem of covering the heating surface 111 due to the growth of the lime layer 120', the heating electrode layer 120 is formed to have a predetermined width W and a pitch P. In this embodiment, the heating electrode layer 120 is formed to have a pitch of more than one third relative to the width W (PP ≥ 1 / 3W). That is, in order to transfer high-temperature heat to the heating plate 110, the heating electrode layer 120 is preferably formed to have a width W as wide as possible and a pitch P as narrow as possible. In order to prevent failure or damage caused by the lime layer 120', a pitch P at least equal to more than one third of the width W must be ensured between adjacent electrode wires forming the heating electrode layer 120.

[0048] The first lead electrode 122 is configured to supply power to the heating electrode layer 120 and may use a pair of conductive metal wires. One end of the first lead electrode 122 is connected to the first electrode pad 121 , and the other end is exposed to the outside through the bracket 150 to form a first lead terminal 123 .

[0049] The resistance electrode layer 130 is formed by printing a conductive heating paste having a predetermined resistance onto the surface of the heating plate 110, which does not form the heating electrode layer 120. The resistance electrode layer 130 may be in a strip shape having a predetermined width and length, and a pair of second electrode pads 131 contacting the second lead electrode 132 are provided at both ends.

[0050] The resistance electrode layer 130 measures the resistance of the heating electrode layer 120 according to the temperature, so that the temperature of the heated water can be predicted. The resistance usually changes according to the temperature. The resistance of the heating electrode layer 120 that changes according to the temperature of the heating plate 110 is measured by the resistance electrode layer 130 to control the power provided to the heating electrode layer 120 so that the heating plate 110 that heats the water is heated to a predetermined temperature. The resistance electrode layer 130 can be formed by printing a conductive paste of the same material as the heating electrode layer 120. In addition, the resistance electrode layer 130 is connected to an external resistance measurement module through the second lead electrode 132.

[0051] On the other hand, the resistance electrode layer 130 can be used to predict the water temperature by measuring the resistance of the heating electrode layer 120, but can also be used as another heating electrode layer for heating the heating plate 110. That is, the heating device 100 can be used for a local area of ​​the heating plate 110 as needed. In this case, the resistance electrode layer 130 is composed of a conductive paste of the same material as the heating electrode layer 120 and is formed in a relatively narrow area, so it can be used to heat a local area of ​​the heating plate 110 by energizing the resistance electrode layer 130. Therefore, the resistance electrode layer 130 can be configured to be selectively connected to an external resistance measurement module or a power supply module through the second lead electrode 132.

[0052] The second lead electrode 132 is configured to supply power to the resistance electrode layer 130 , and may use a pair of conductive metal wires, one end of which contacts the second electrode pad 131 , while the other end passes through the bracket 150 and is exposed to the outside to form a second lead terminal 133 .

[0053] The housing 140 has a structure that accommodates the heating plate 110, the first lead electrode 122, and the second lead electrode 132 and is insulated and protected from the outside, and is made of a non-conductive material with high heat resistance. The housing 140 forms a sufficient space inside to accommodate the heating plate 110, and the heating plate 110 is connected to the bottom. At this time, the concave curved heating surface 111 is hidden in the internal space of the housing 140 and exposed to the lower space.

[0054] like Figure 3 , 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the housing 140 forms a groove-shaped water channel 142 along the upper edge. The water channel 142 is isolated from the outside by a blocking wall 143 at the outer end, and is connected to the outside through a through hole 144 at the front of the housing 140. Therefore, when the heating device 100 is installed on the washing machine, when the water storage tank 2 is filled with water, the water is filled into the water channel 142 through the through hole 144, and when the water is drained after the washing is finished, the water filled into the water channel 142 is discharged again through the through hole 144. The water level detection sensor 160 is installed in the water channel 142 to detect the water level of the water filled in the water storage tank 2.

[0055] The upper surface of the housing 140 has a concave curved surface shape and can form an avoidance groove 145 avoiding the washing tub 3 of the washing machine. Preferably, the avoidance groove 145 is formed as a curved surface in a direction corresponding to the circumferential surface of the washing tub 3 and has a curvature corresponding to the circumferential surface of the washing tub 3.

[0056] The drum washing machine is provided with a driving motor 5 having a rotating shaft on one side of the cabinet 1, and one side of the washing tub 3 is combined with the rotating shaft and arranged horizontally. As the rotating shaft rotates, the washing tub 3 also rotates, and one side of the washing tub 3 (driving motor side) is fixed by the rotating shaft and rotates, and the other side (door side) rotates with a trajectory greater than the actual radius of the washing tub 3 while shaking slightly. Therefore, the washing tub 3 may collide with the housing 140 of the heating device 100. In the heating device 100 of this embodiment, an avoidance groove 145 having a concave curved surface corresponding to the circumferential surface of the washing tub 3 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 140 to prevent collision or interference between the housing 140 and the washing tub 3 when the washing machine is driven.

[0057] The bracket 150 fixes the first lead electrode 122 and the second lead electrode 133 , and is connected to the housing 140 to close the side opening of the housing 140 exposing the first lead electrode 122 and the second lead electrode 133 , and allows the heating device 100 to be installed in the water storage tank 2 .

[0058] The water level detection sensor 160 is configured to detect the water level of the water filled into the water storage tank 2 to allow the heating device 100 to be driven. When the water level detection sensor 160 detects water, since the water is filled to a state where the heating device 100 can be driven, that is, the water level at which the heating device 100 is submerged, the heating device 100 can be driven in the process of the water storage tank 2 being filled with water. Therefore, since the pre-heating device 100 is driven to heat the water before the inside of the water storage tank is completely filled with a washable amount of water, the time for heating the water to a washable temperature can be shortened. To this end, the water level detection sensor 160 can be composed of a pair of electrode rods with one end extending into the waterway 142 and the other end exposed outside the bracket 150, and can be composed of various types of sensors that can detect the means of the water level.

[0059] In addition, the water level detection sensor 160 is installed in the waterway 142, and the waterway 142 is protected from external influences by the blocking wall 143. Generally, severe waves will occur during the filling process of the water storage tank 2, and the accuracy of water level detection will be greatly reduced due to the waves. Fig. 9 As shown, when the water channel 142 is protected by the blocking wall 143, a wave w is generated in the water filled outside the water channel 142, but inside the water channel 142, the propagation of the wave is blocked by the blocking wall 143, and the water level rises to a predetermined state, thereby improving the accuracy of water level detection.

[0060] The first sealing member 170 is inserted between the heating plate 110 and the housing 140 to seal between the heating plate 110 and the housing 140. The second sealing member 180 is inserted between the housing 140 and the bracket 150 to seal, and when the bracket 150 is connected to the water storage tank 2, the second sealing member 180 seals between the housing 140 and the water storage tank 2 to prevent leakage of water filled in the water storage tank 2. The first sealing member 160 and the second sealing member 170 may be made of a silicone material having high heat resistance and elasticity.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the heating device 100 having the above structure is fastened so that the housing 140 is located in the water storage tank 2, and is driven to heat water when the heating device 100 begins to be immersed in the water storage tank 2. The heating device 100 performs heating in the surface area through the heating plate 110, so that the formation of the lime layer caused by hard water can be minimized, and at the same time, the heating electrode layer is formed at a predetermined interval, so that malfunction, damage and shortened life caused by the lime layer can be minimized.

[0062] In the description of the heating device of the present embodiment, an example of application to a washing machine is described, but the heating device may be applied to various types of laundry management machines such as a freshener that manages laundry by heating water or generating steam.

[0063] As described above, although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, various modifications and other embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art. These modifications and other embodiments are considered and included within the scope of the appended claims, and do not depart from the true purpose and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heating device for a clothing care machine, as a device installed in a water storage tank inside the clothing care machine to heat water, in, include: A heating plate, which is a plate having a predetermined thickness and forms a heating surface on an outer surface; A heating electrode layer is formed on the inner surface of the heating plate and provides a pair of first electrode pads; a pair of first lead electrodes, one end of which is connected to the first electrode pad and supplies power to the heating electrode layer; a housing that accommodates and protects the heating plate so that the heating surface is exposed; and a bracket connected to a side surface of the housing and exposing the other end of the first lead electrode to the outside, The heating electrode layer is composed of electrode lines in a series or parallel structure, and there is a spacing P between adjacent electrode lines that is equal to or greater than 1 / 3 of the width W.

2. The heating device for a clothing care machine according to claim 1, in, Also includes: A water level detection sensor is installed on the housing and is used to detect the water level in the water storage tank. And, the water heater is configured to be driven to heat the water when immersed in the water filled in the water storage tank.

3. The heating device for a clothing care machine according to claim 2, in, The shell forms a concave water channel along the upper edge, and the water level detection sensor is installed in the water channel to detect the water level of water flowing into the water channel.

4. The heating device for a clothing care machine according to claim 3, in, In the water channel, a barrier wall isolated from an external area is formed at the outer end portion, and water flows in or out through a through hole formed in the barrier wall.

5. The heating device for a clothing care machine according to claim 1, in, Also includes: a resistive electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the heating plate, in a region not overlapping with the heating electrode layer, and providing a pair of second electrode pads; as well as, A pair of second lead electrodes have one end portion connected to the second electrode pad and supply power to the resistive electrode layer.

6. The heating device for a clothing care machine according to claim 1, in, The heating surface is formed by bending so that a central area of ​​the heating plate is recessed inwardly.

7. The heating device for a clothing care machine according to claim 6, in, The heating surface has an inclined structure with different curvature depths.

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