KR102705471B1 - Heating device for clothing management - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating device used for the purpose of instantaneously heating water, applied to a clothing manager such as a washing machine or a refresher. The present embodiment is a device for heating water, which is mounted in a water tank inside a clothing manager, comprising: a heating plate having a predetermined thickness and forming 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 having one end connected to the first electrode pad and supplying power to the heating electrode layer; a housing for accommodating and protecting the heating plate so that the heating surface is exposed; and a bracket coupled to a side of the housing and fixing the other end of the first lead electrode while exposing it to the outside, wherein the heating electrode layer is configured as an electrode line having a serial or parallel structure between the pair of first electrode pads, and a spacing (P) corresponding to 1/3 or more of a width (W) is secured between the electrode lines.

Description

{Heating device for clothing management}

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

Generally, clothing management machines include washing machines, dryers, and refreshers. Washing machines are broadly divided into pulsator washing machines that wash by using water currents generated by rotating a plate-shaped pulsator, and drum washing machines that wash by using the difference in height and friction between laundry and washing water supplied to the inside of the drum by rotating a laid-down drum.

Among these, drum washing machines have the advantage of less tangling of laundry than pulsator washing machines and require less washing water and detergent during the washing cycle, so demand is rapidly increasing. A drum washing machine has a water tank (tub) installed in the inner space of the cabinet that forms the outer appearance, and a washing tank (drum) is installed inside the tub so that it can rotate.

Meanwhile, drum washing machines that generate hot water inside the washing machine by themselves are being released, with a heater installed on the bottom of the water tank to heat the washing water and make it hot water. Therefore, even if cold water flows into the water tank, the heater operates and heats it to the appropriate temperature for washing, so there is no need to connect a separate water tap for hot water supply.

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

The heating device (4) is configured as a sheath heater applied to a conventional drum washing machine to boil water or generate steam for washing, steam washing, or sterilization.

Referring to Fig. 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 mounts the heating device (4) to a water tank (2) of a drum washing machine, and an electrode terminal (13) that penetrates the bracket (12) and is connected to an end of the heating part (11) to supply electricity. A coil-shaped heating wire (not shown) is provided inside the heating part (11), and the heating wire is connected to the electrode terminal (13) via a temperature fuse (not shown) to prevent overheating.

In the washing machine having the above configuration, cold water is supplied to the inside of the water tank (2) and filled, and after the amount of cold water that can be washed is filled, the heating device (4) is operated to heat the cold water. Then, after the cold water is heated to a predetermined temperature, the washing machine is operated to perform washing.

Meanwhile, tap water supplied to the reservoir contains limestone (water containing such a component is called 'hard water'), and the limestone contained in the tap water is attached to the high-temperature surface of the heater by the heat generated when the heater boils the water, forming a lime layer. The limestone layer generated in such hard water blocks direct contact between the heating part and water, causing the heating part to overheat, thereby damaging the heating part or shortening the lifespan of the heater.

In addition, conventional heaters applied to drum washing machines are operated after the water tank is completely filled with water, that is, after the washing water supply is completed. Therefore, there is a disadvantage in that it takes a long time from the time when the washing water supply begins until the water is heated and the washing process is performed.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above problems, and has as its object the provision of a heating device for a clothing care machine capable of solving the problems of malfunction and shortened lifespan due to limestone formation under hard water conditions.

In addition, the present invention aims to provide a heating device for a clothing care machine capable of shortening the time from when washing water is supplied until it is heated and washing is performed.

In addition, the present invention aims to provide a heating device for a clothing manager capable of improving the accuracy of water level detection for water supplied into a water tank.

In order to solve the above problem, the present embodiment is a device mounted in a water tank inside a clothing manager to heat water, the device including: a heating plate having a predetermined thickness and forming 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 having one end connected to the first electrode pads and supplying 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 that is coupled to a side of the housing and fixes the other end of the first lead electrode while exposing it to the outside, wherein the heating electrode layer is composed of electrode lines having a serial or parallel structure, and is configured such that a gap (P) corresponding to 1/3 or more of a width (W) is secured between adjacent electrode lines.

In addition, the housing may further include a water level detection sensor that detects the water level in the reservoir and is configured to be driven when immersed in water filled in the reservoir to heat the water.

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

In addition, the water channel may be configured such that a barrier wall is formed at the outer end to isolate the water channel from the outer area, and water may be introduced into or discharged from the inside through a through hole formed in the barrier wall.

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

Additionally, the heating surface may be formed by bending such that the central region of the heater plate is concave inward.

Additionally, the heating surface can have an inclined structure with different bending depths.

The present invention has the effect of reducing problems of malfunction, damage, and shortened lifespan due to limestone layers by controlling the width and spacing of the heating electrode layer.

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

In addition, the present invention has the effect of greatly improving the accuracy of water level detection by blocking the nutrient of waves generated during the process of supplying washing water into the water tank.

Figure 1 is a drawing showing the general configuration of a drum washing machine.
Figure 2 is a drawing showing a heating device for a drum washing machine according to conventional technology.
Figure 3 is a top view of a heating device for a drum washing machine according to the present embodiment.
Figure 4 is a drawing of the heating device of Figure 3 viewed from the bottom.
Fig. 5 is a drawing showing the internal structure of the heating device of Fig. 3.
Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-section in the AA direction of the heating device of Fig. 3.
Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-section in the BB direction of the heating device of Fig. 3.
Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the heating electrode layer structure of the heating device of Fig. 3.
Figure 9 is a drawing showing the heating device of Figure 3 being immersed in washing water.

The technical problems 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.

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 one embodiment or another 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, and similar reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar functions throughout various aspects, and the shapes, such as lengths, areas, thicknesses, and the like, may be exaggerated for convenience. In the description of the embodiments, expressions such as up, down, front, back, first, second, etc. indicate relative positions, directions, and orders, and their technical meanings are not bound by dictionary meanings.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings showing the top and bottom of a heating device for a drum washing machine according to the present embodiment, FIGS. 5 is a drawing showing the internal structure of the heating device of FIG. 3, FIGS. 6 and 7 are drawings showing cross-sections of the heating device of FIG. 3 in the A-A direction and the B-B direction, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the structure of the heating electrode layer of the heating device of FIG. 3, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the state in which the heating device of FIG. 3 is immersed in wash water.

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

When the above heating device (100) is supplied with power 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), and the generated heat is released through the heating plate (110) to heat water coming into contact with the surface of the heating plate (110).

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

Meanwhile, when high temperature heat is generated in the heating electrode layer (120), a temperature difference occurs in the heating plate (110) between the central region where the electrode layer is formed and the edge region where the electrode layer is not formed, and the plate may warp or twist, thereby deforming its shape. Since the thermal deformation of the heating plate (110) due to the temperature difference becomes more noticeable as the thickness of the plate becomes thinner, there is a limit to how thin the simple plate-shaped heating plate (110) can be in order to prevent thermal deformation. Accordingly, if the heating plate (110) has a sufficient thickness so that thermal deformation does not occur, a simple plate shape can be formed; however, in this case, since it must have a thickness greater than a certain level, the weight of the heating device increases, and there is a disadvantage in that the manufacturing cost increases due to the material cost.

However, when a bending process is applied as in this embodiment to form a heating surface (111) having a concave shape in the central region, both sides of the heating surface (111) function as reinforcing ribs, so that the thickness of the heating plate (110) can be reduced while preventing thermal deformation. For example, the heating plate (110) of this embodiment may have a thin thickness of 0.6 mm or less.

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

The heating device (100) operates in a state of being submerged in water inside the washing machine, and after the 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 concave groove, it is preferable that the concave heating surface (111) be mounted so that it faces downward. Accordingly, the surface (lower surface) of the heating plate (110) forms a heating surface (111) in a concave groove shape toward the upper side, and a heating space (111a) is formed below it. At this time, when the water tank (2) of the washing machine is filled with water, an air pocket may be formed in the concave heating space (111a).

Meanwhile, if the heating surface (111) is formed horizontally parallel to the water surface, air pockets are formed in the entire area of the heating surface (111), and even if the reservoir (2) is filled with water, the water does not come into contact with the heating surface (111) due to the air pockets, so that the heating plate (110) may be overheated and damaged. However, if the heating surface (111) has an inclined structure as in the present embodiment, the air pockets are formed only in a portion of the uppermost portion of the heating space (111a), so that the space where the air pockets can be formed is minimized, thereby preventing overheating and damage to the heating plate (110) due to the air pockets.

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

In addition, the heating plate (110) of the present embodiment may be combined with the housing (140) using a fastening means such as a screw, but may be combined using the structure of the heating plate (110) and the housing (140). To this end, a plurality of fastening holes (113) are further formed in the reinforcing flange (112) of the heating plate (110), and a plurality of fastening protrusions (141) of a hook structure are formed in the housing (140) at positions corresponding to the fastening holes (113).

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

Referring to Fig. 8, the electrode lines forming the heating electrode layer (120) are formed to have a predetermined width (W) and spacing (P). The heat generated from the heating electrode layer (120) is transferred to the heating plate (110), and water coming into contact with the heating plate (110) is heated. At this time, a lime layer (120') is formed on the opposite surface (i.e., heating surface) of the heating plate (110) on which the heating electrode layer (120) is formed, corresponding to the position where the heating electrode layer (120) is formed.

The lime layer (120') formed on the heating surface (111) gradually grows centered on the electrode line of the heating electrode layer (120). As the lime layer (120') grows, it may be connected to a neighboring lime layer (120'), in which case the heating surface (111) is covered by the lime layer (120'), and the heat transferred from the heating electrode layer (120) cannot be released quickly, which may eventually cause the heating device (100) to malfunction or be damaged. Therefore, in order to prevent the problem of the heating surface (111) being covered by the growth of the lime layer (120'), the heating electrode layer (120) is formed to have a predetermined width (W) and interval (P), and in the present embodiment, the heating electrode layer (120) is formed to have an interval (P) of at least 1/3 or more based on the width (W) (P≥1/3W). That is, in order to transfer high temperature heat to the heating plate (110), it is desirable for the heating electrode layer (120) to be formed with the widest possible width (W) and narrowest gap (P), but in order to prevent malfunction or damage due to the lime layer (120'), a gap (P) corresponding to at least 1/3 of the width (W) must be secured between adjacent electrode lines forming the heating electrode layer (120).

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

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

The resistance electrode layer (130) measures the resistance of the heating electrode layer (120) according to the temperature so that the temperature of the heated water can be predicted. Since the resistance generally changes according to the temperature, the resistance of the heating electrode layer (120), which changes according to the temperature of the heating plate (110) through the resistance electrode layer (130), is measured so that the heating plate (110) that heats the water can be heated to a constant temperature, and the power supplied to the heating electrode layer (120) is controlled. 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).

Meanwhile, the resistance electrode layer (130) can be used to measure the resistance of the heating electrode layer (120) to predict the temperature of water, but it can also function as another heating electrode layer that heats the heating plate (110). That is, the heating device (100) can also be used for the purpose of applying heat to the heating plate (110) at a localized area, as needed. In this case, the resistance electrode layer (130) is formed with a relatively narrow area while being made of a conductive paste of the same material as the heating electrode layer (120), so that power can be applied to the resistance electrode layer (130) to heat the heating plate (110) at a localized area. Accordingly, 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).

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

The housing (140) is configured to accommodate a heating plate (110), a first lead electrode (122), and a second lead electrode (132) and insulate and protect them from the outside, and is made of a non-conductive material having high heat resistance. The housing (140) forms a sufficient space inside to accommodate a heating plate (110), and the heating plate (110) is coupled to the lower portion. At this time, the concavely bent heating surface (111) is exposed to the lower space while being hidden in the internal space of the housing (140).

The housing (140) forms a concave groove-shaped water channel (142) along the upper edge, as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7. The water channel (142) is isolated from the outside through 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 water tank (2) is filled with water while the heating device (100) is mounted on the washing machine, the water channel (142) is filled with water through the through hole (144), and when the washing is finished and the water is drained, the water filled in the water channel (142) is drained again through the through hole (144). A water level detection sensor (160) is installed in the water channel (142) to detect the water level of the water filled in the water tank (2).

The housing (140) may have a concave curved shape on its upper surface, and an avoidance groove (145) may be formed to avoid the washing tub (3) of the washing machine. The avoidance groove (145) is preferably formed as a curved surface in a direction corresponding to the circumference of the washing tub (3), and has a curvature corresponding to the circumference of the washing tub (3).

A drum washing machine is provided with a drive motor (5) having a rotational axis on one side of a cabinet (1), and a washing tub (3) is horizontally arranged with one side coupled to the rotational axis. As the rotational axis rotates, the washing tub (3) also rotates. One side (the drive motor side) of the washing tub (3) is fixed by the rotational axis and rotates, but the other side (the door side) slightly shakes and rotates in a trajectory larger than the actual radius of the washing tub (3). Therefore, there is a risk that the washing tub (3) may collide with the housing (140) of the heating device (100). The heating device (100) of the present embodiment has an avoidance groove (145) having a concave curve corresponding to the circumference of the washing tub (3) formed on the upper surface of the housing (140), so as to prevent collision or interference between the housing (140) and the washing tub (3) when the washing machine is driven.

The bracket (150) is coupled to the housing (140) to seal the side opening of the housing (140) through which the first and second lead electrodes (122, 133) are exposed, thereby fixing the first and second lead electrodes (122, 133) and allowing the heating device (100) to be mounted on the reservoir (2).

The water level detection sensor (160) is configured to detect the water level of the water filling the reservoir (2) so that the heating device (100) can be driven. When water is detected by the water level detection sensor (160), the heating device (100) can be driven, that is, water has been filled to the water level where the heating device (100) is submerged, so that the heating device (100) can be driven during the process of filling the reservoir (2) with water. Accordingly, the heating device (100) is driven in advance to heat the water before the reservoir is completely filled with water in an amount sufficient for washing, so that the time required to heat the water to a washable temperature can be shortened. The water level detection sensor (160) for this purpose may be configured as a pair of electrode rods, one end of which extends into the water channel (142) and the other end is exposed to the outside of the bracket (150), and may be configured as various types of sensors as long as it is a means for detecting the water level.

In addition, the water level detection sensor (160) is installed in a water channel (142) protected from the outside by a barrier wall (143). In general, when water is filled in a reservoir (2), waves (waves) occur severely, and the accuracy of water level detection can be significantly reduced due to the waves. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, when the water channel (142) is protected by a barrier wall (143), waves (w) occur in the water filled outside the water channel (142), but inside the water channel (142), the wave transmission is blocked by the barrier wall (143), so that the water level rises to a constant state, thereby improving the accuracy of water level detection.

The first sealing member (170) is interposed between the heating plate (110) and the housing (140) to seal the space between the heating plate (110) and the housing (140). The second sealing member (180) is interposed between the housing (140) and the bracket (150) to seal the space between them, and at the same time, when the bracket (150) is coupled to the reservoir (2), seals the space between the housing (140) and the reservoir (2) to prevent leakage of water filled in the reservoir (2). The first and second sealing members (160, 170) may be composed of a silicone material having high heat resistance and elasticity.

The heating device (100) having the above configuration is fastened so that the housing (140) is positioned inside the water tank (2), as shown in FIG. 1, and is driven to heat water when the heating device (100) begins to be immersed inside the water tank (2). The heating device (100) generates heat through the surface area of the heating plate (110), so that the formation of a lime layer due to hard water can be minimized, and at the same time, heating electrode layers are formed at a predetermined interval, so that malfunction, damage, and shortened lifespan due to the lime layer can be minimized.

Although the heating device of this embodiment is described as being applied to a washing machine, the heating device can be applied to various types of clothing managers that manage clothing by heating water or generating steam, such as a refresher.

While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and other embodiments may be made thereto. It is intended that all such modifications and other embodiments be considered and encompassed by the appended claims and do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

100 : Heating device
110: Heating plate 111: Heating surface
112: Reinforcing rib 113: Fastening hole
120: Heating electrode layer 121: First electrode pad
122: First lead electrode 123: First lead terminal
120' : Limestone layer
130: Heating electrode layer 131: Second electrode pad
132: Second lead electrode 133: Second lead terminal
140: Housing 141: Fastening lug
142 : Waterway 143 : Barrier
144 : Through hole 145 : Evasion groove
150 : Bracket
160 : Water level sensor
170: Absence of first seal
180: Absence of 2nd seal

Claims (7)

In a device that heats water and is installed in a water tank inside a clothing manager,
A heating plate having a plate having a predetermined thickness, the lower surface of which forms a heating surface with a central area bent inward, and the heating surface has an inclined structure with different depths;
A heating electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the heating plate while providing a pair of first electrode pads;
A pair of first lead electrodes having one end connected to the first electrode pad to supply power to the heating electrode layer;
A housing for accommodating and protecting the heating plate so that the heating surface is exposed; and
A bracket is included that is fixed while exposing the other end of the first lead electrode to the outside while being attached to the side of the housing;
A heating device for a clothing care machine, wherein the above heating electrode layer is composed of electrode lines in a series or parallel structure, and a gap (P) corresponding to at least 1/3 of the width (W) is secured between adjacent electrode lines. In the first paragraph,
Further including a water level detection sensor mounted on the housing to detect the water level in the reservoir;
A heating device for a garment care machine, configured to be driven and heat water when immersed in water filled in the above-mentioned reservoir. In the second paragraph,
The above housing forms a concave water channel along the upper edge,
A heating device for a clothing manager, wherein the water level detection sensor is installed in the water channel and configured to detect the water level of water flowing into the water channel. In the third paragraph,
A heating device for a clothing manager, wherein the water channel is formed with a barrier wall at an outer end to isolate the water from an external area, and water is configured to flow into or discharge out through a through hole formed in the barrier wall. In the first paragraph,
A resistance electrode layer formed on the inner surface of the heating plate in an area that does not overlap the heating electrode layer while providing a pair of second electrode pads; and
A heating device for a garment manager, further comprising a pair of second lead electrodes, one end of which is connected to the second electrode pad and supplies power to the resistive electrode layer. delete delete

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