JP2005124768A

JP2005124768A - Detection electrode device

Info

Publication number: JP2005124768A
Application number: JP2003362664A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Shinji Matsuoka; 真二松岡; Tetsuo Kawai; 哲夫河合; Yoshitomo Kato; 義朋加藤
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2003-10-23
Filing date: 2003-10-23
Publication date: 2005-05-19
Also published as: CN1609564A; CN2741017Y; CN100337097C

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detection electrode device for easily providing a supply water level and an overflowing water level in a washing tub or the like. <P>SOLUTION: When an electrode member 31 is attached so as to position a screw head 33 to be an electrode part in a detection object space to a structure 40 forming the detection object space, a round pin 36 to be a connection part is exposed to the outside of the detection space. Thus, a connector 48 is mounted on the round pin 36 and a required detection means is connected by a lead 49. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、水槽内に給水した所定水位の検出などに供する検出電極装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a detection electrode device used for detection of a predetermined water level supplied to a water tank.

例えば、洗濯乾燥機においては洗濯槽に洗濯物の量に応じた所定水位まで給水するための水位検出や、所定水位を越えると障害が発生する恐れがある場所には溢水検出のための検出電極が設けられる。また、乾燥制御のために温度や湿度を検出するための検出電極が設けられる。 For example, in a washing / drying machine, a detection electrode for detecting the water level to supply water to a washing tub up to a predetermined water level according to the amount of laundry, or in a place where a failure may occur when the predetermined water level is exceeded. Is provided. In addition, a detection electrode for detecting temperature and humidity is provided for drying control.

洗濯槽や乾燥室の水位や湿度を検出する従来技術として、図９に示すように、一対の電極６１，６１を設けた検出電極装置６０が知られている（特許文献１参照）。この検出電極装置６０を水位あるいは湿度を検出する槽内の所定高さ位置に取り付け、一対の電極６１にそれぞれ接続されたリードを槽外に引き出し、制御装置に接続することにより、一対の電極６１間の抵抗値が湿度に対応して変化することから槽内の湿度を検出することができ、加熱や送風を制御することができる。
特開平０５−２５３３９７号公報（第２〜３頁、図８） As a conventional technique for detecting the water level and humidity of a washing tub and a drying room, as shown in FIG. 9, a detection electrode device 60 provided with a pair of electrodes 61, 61 is known (see Patent Document 1). The detection electrode device 60 is attached to a predetermined height position in the tank for detecting the water level or humidity, the leads connected to the pair of electrodes 61 are pulled out of the tank and connected to the control device, thereby connecting the pair of electrodes 61. Since the resistance value between them changes corresponding to the humidity, the humidity in the tank can be detected, and heating and blowing can be controlled.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-253397 (pages 2 and 3, FIG. 8)

上記従来技術に示したような検出電極装置は、装置自体や所定の検出位置に取り付けるための構造が複雑になりコストアップにつながることや、平坦面が要求される乾燥室や洗濯槽などでは突出部分が障害物となる課題があった。また、電極に接続されたリードを外部に引き出すために、絶縁性や気密性を保つための処理に無駄なコストが加わる課題もあった。 The detection electrode device as shown in the above prior art has a complicated structure for mounting the device itself and a predetermined detection position, leading to an increase in cost, and protruding in a drying room or a washing tub where a flat surface is required. There was a problem that part became an obstacle. Moreover, in order to draw out the lead connected to the electrode to the outside, there is a problem that wasteful cost is added to the processing for maintaining insulation and airtightness.

本発明が目的とするところは、水位や湿度等を検出する検出電極を低コストに構成し、所定壁面に簡易に取り付けることを可能にした検出電極装置を提供することにある。 An object of the present invention is to provide a detection electrode device in which a detection electrode for detecting a water level, humidity, or the like is configured at low cost and can be easily attached to a predetermined wall surface.

上記目的を達成するための本発明に係る検出電極装置は、電極部と、この電極部から延出して先端がコネクタに対応する寸法形状に形成された接続部とが、金属材料により一体に形成された電極部材を、前記電極部が検出対象空間側に位置するようにして前記検出対象空間を仕切る壁面を貫通させて前記接続部を検出対象空間の外に露出させ、接続部に検出手段に接続された前記コネクタが着脱可能に装着されてなることを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, the detection electrode device according to the present invention includes an electrode portion and a connection portion extending from the electrode portion and having a tip formed in a dimension and shape corresponding to a connector, and formed integrally with a metal material. The electrode member is passed through a wall surface that partitions the detection target space so that the electrode portion is positioned on the detection target space side, the connection portion is exposed outside the detection target space, and the connection portion serves as detection means. The connected connector is detachably mounted.

上記構成によれば、検出対象空間を形成する構造物の壁面の所定位置に電極部材を貫通させて取り付けることにより、検出対象空間内に位置する電極部は水位や湿度を検出する検出端子となり、検出対象空間外に位置する接続部にコネクタを装着して所要の検出手段に接続することができる。ネジに類する構造なので低コストに構成することができ、検出対象位置に簡単に取り付けることることができる。また、電極部材は壁面を貫通させて取り付けられるので、外部へのリード接続のために別途リードを通すための孔などを設ける必要はなく、絶縁や密閉のための処理が不要となる。 According to the above configuration, by attaching the electrode member to a predetermined position on the wall surface of the structure that forms the detection target space, the electrode portion located in the detection target space becomes a detection terminal for detecting the water level and humidity, A connector can be attached to a connection part located outside the detection target space and connected to a required detection means. Since it is a structure similar to a screw, it can be configured at low cost and can be easily attached to a detection target position. Further, since the electrode member is attached through the wall surface, it is not necessary to provide a hole or the like for passing the lead separately for lead connection to the outside, and processing for insulation and sealing is not necessary.

上記構成において、電極部材は、電極部と接続部との間に壁面に螺合するネジ形成部を設けることにより、壁面の所定位置に穿かれた孔に電極部材を螺入するだけで取り付けることができ、特に気密処理を行うことなく簡易に取り付けが可能である。 In the above configuration, the electrode member is attached by simply screwing the electrode member into a hole formed at a predetermined position on the wall surface by providing a screw forming portion that is screwed to the wall surface between the electrode portion and the connection portion. In particular, it can be easily mounted without performing an airtight treatment.

また、少なくとも２個の電極部材を所定間隔を隔てて壁面に取り付けることにより、複数の電極部材間の抵抗値変化から水位や湿度等を検出することができる。 Further, by attaching at least two electrode members to the wall surface at a predetermined interval, the water level, humidity, and the like can be detected from a change in resistance value between the plurality of electrode members.

また、電極部材を洗濯機内の所定壁面に取り付けることにより、洗濯槽の給水水位や溢水水位を検出することができる。 Moreover, the water supply level and overflow water level of a washing tub can be detected by attaching an electrode member to the predetermined wall surface in a washing machine.

また、洗濯機の所要部位における溢水水位を検出する位置に電極部材を取り付けることにより、溢水水位を越える水の侵入により電気的構成部位に水が侵入して障害発生に陥ることなどを防止することができる。 In addition, by attaching an electrode member at a position where the overflow water level is detected in a required part of the washing machine, it is possible to prevent water from entering the electrical component part due to intrusion of water exceeding the overflow water level and causing a failure. Can do.

また、洗剤泡の発生が伴う洗濯機では、水だけでなく浮力の大きい洗剤泡が所要部位に侵入しないように、泡の侵入を検出する位置に電極部材を取り付けることにより、泡の侵入による障害の発生を防止することができる。 In addition, in washing machines that generate detergent foam, by installing an electrode member at a position where foam intrusion is detected so that not only water but also detergent foam with high buoyancy does not enter the required site, obstacles caused by foam penetration Can be prevented.

本発明によれば、ネジに類する構造の電極部材を壁面に貫通させるだけなので低コストに構成することができ、検出対象位置に簡単に取り付けることることができる。また、電極部材は壁面を貫通させて取り付けられるので、外部へのリード接続のために別途リードを通すための孔などを設ける必要はなく、絶縁や密閉のための処理が不要となる。洗濯機や乾燥機等の水位や湿度等を検出する用に低コストで作業性よく検出電極装置を設けることができる。 According to the present invention, since an electrode member having a structure similar to a screw is simply passed through a wall surface, it can be configured at a low cost and can be easily attached to a detection target position. Further, since the electrode member is attached through the wall surface, it is not necessary to provide a hole or the like for passing the lead separately for lead connection to the outside, and processing for insulation and sealing is not necessary. A detection electrode device can be provided at low cost and with good workability for detecting the water level, humidity and the like of a washing machine and a dryer.

図１は、実施形態に係る検出電極装置３０を構成する電極部材３１を示すもので、電極部とするネジ頭３３に座金３４を一体化した座付きネジの形態に構成され、ネジ軸３５の先に接続部とする丸ピン３６部分が形成されている。この電極部材３１は、図２に示すように、樹脂成形によって形成された構造物４０にネジ軸３５を螺入して取り付けられる。 FIG. 1 shows an electrode member 31 constituting a detection electrode device 30 according to the embodiment. The electrode member 31 is configured in the form of a screw with a seat in which a washer 34 is integrated with a screw head 33 serving as an electrode portion. A round pin 36 portion is formed as a connection portion. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode member 31 is attached by screwing a screw shaft 35 into a structure 40 formed by resin molding.

図２に示す取付形態においては、一方面に形成されたボス４１に丸ピン３６が通過できる孔が穿かれ、他方面に円筒状に保護筒４２が形成された樹脂製の構造物４０に取り付けた例を示しており、電極部材３１はネジ軸３５にＯリング３７を嵌め込んだ状態で丸ピン３６をボス４１の中央に形成された孔に通し、孔にネジ軸３５がセルフタッピングにより螺入するようにネジ頭３３を回転操作すると、図示するように座金３４によりＯリング３７がボス４１上に圧縮された状態に取り付けられる。構造物４０の他方面側に形成された保護筒４２内には丸ピン３６が突出するので、これにコネクタ４８を装着すると、電極部材３１はコネクタ４８に接合したリード４９を通じて所要の検出手段に接続する検出電極装置３０に構成される。図示するようにコネクタ４８部分には、コネクタ４８及び保護筒４２を被覆してゴムキャップ４３を装着するように構成すると、洗濯機などのように水の飛散が避けられない装置に適用した場合に、コネクタ４８部分に水滴や塵埃が付着して電気的絶縁性や接触性が低下することを防止することができる。 In the mounting form shown in FIG. 2, the boss 41 formed on one surface is provided with a hole through which the round pin 36 can pass and the other surface is mounted on a resin structure 40 in which a protective cylinder 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape. In the electrode member 31, the round pin 36 is passed through the hole formed in the center of the boss 41 with the O-ring 37 fitted to the screw shaft 35, and the screw shaft 35 is screwed into the hole by self-tapping. When the screw head 33 is rotated so as to enter, the O-ring 37 is attached onto the boss 41 by the washer 34 as shown in the figure. Since the round pin 36 protrudes into the protective cylinder 42 formed on the other surface side of the structure 40, when the connector 48 is attached to the circular pin 36, the electrode member 31 becomes a necessary detection means through the lead 49 joined to the connector 48. The detection electrode device 30 to be connected is configured. As shown in the drawing, when the connector 48 and the protective cylinder 42 are covered and the rubber cap 43 is attached to the connector 48 portion, when applied to a device such as a washing machine where water splash is unavoidable. In addition, it is possible to prevent water droplets and dust from adhering to the connector 48 portion to reduce the electrical insulation and contact properties.

図２に示す取付形態では、所定高さに形成されたボス４１上にネジ頭３３が位置するように電極部材３１を取り付けているが、この取付形態に限定されるものではなく、図３に示すように、構造物４０の平坦な一方面上にネジ頭３３が位置するように取り付けることもできる。電極部であるネジ頭３３の高さ位置は、検出対象や取り付け位置などの状況に応じて自由に構成することができる。また、電極部材３１を構造物４０に螺入する際に、図４に示すように、座金３４の下に極板などの検出補助部材４４を挟み込んで取り付けることも可能で、検出位置を変更したり検出範囲を拡大する場合などに有効となる。 In the mounting form shown in FIG. 2, the electrode member 31 is mounted so that the screw head 33 is positioned on the boss 41 formed at a predetermined height, but the present invention is not limited to this mounting form. As shown, the screw head 33 can be mounted on one flat surface of the structure 40. The height position of the screw head 33 which is an electrode part can be freely configured according to the situation such as the detection target and the mounting position. Further, when the electrode member 31 is screwed into the structure 40, as shown in FIG. 4, a detection auxiliary member 44 such as an electrode plate can be sandwiched and attached under the washer 34, and the detection position is changed. This is effective when expanding the detection range.

上記構成になる電極部材３１は、これを構造物４０に取り付けるためにネジ構造を用いているが、必ずしもネジ構造を用いる必要はなく、構造物４０に穿かれた孔に軸部分を圧入する取り付け方法を適用することもできる。 The electrode member 31 having the above configuration uses a screw structure to attach it to the structure 40, but it is not always necessary to use the screw structure, and the shaft member is press-fitted into a hole drilled in the structure 40. The method can also be applied.

上記構成になる検出電極装置３０を洗濯機（ドラム式洗濯乾燥機）に適用した具体例について以下に説明する。 A specific example in which the detection electrode device 30 configured as described above is applied to a washing machine (drum type washing and drying machine) will be described below.

図５は、実施形態に係るドラム式洗濯乾燥機１の要部構成を示すもので、洗濯機筐体６内には図示しないサスペンション構造によって水槽３が斜め傾斜した状態に支持され、水槽３内には有底円筒形に形成された回転ドラム２が回転自在に支持されている。回転ドラム２は水槽３の背面に取り付けられたドラム駆動モータ７によって回転速度可変及び回転方向切換可能に回転駆動される。また、回転ドラム２は、その回転軸方向が図示するように開口する正面側から底面となる背面側に向けて下向き傾斜となるように傾斜配置されているため、洗濯機筐体６の正面側に形成された傾斜面６ａに開閉自在に設けられた扉体９を開くと、回転ドラム２に対する洗濯物の出し入れする作業に際して腰を屈める具合が少なくてすみ、また、ドラム式洗濯機１の正面側に余裕のある空間を確保する必要もないので、洗面所などの狭い空間にも設置可能なドラム式洗濯乾燥機１に構成することができる。 FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a main part of the drum-type washing / drying machine 1 according to the embodiment. In the washing machine housing 6, the water tank 3 is supported in an inclined state by a suspension structure (not shown). The rotary drum 2 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape is rotatably supported. The rotary drum 2 is rotationally driven by a drum drive motor 7 attached to the back of the water tank 3 so that the rotational speed can be varied and the rotational direction can be switched. Further, since the rotating drum 2 is inclined so that the direction of the rotation axis is inclined downward from the front side opening as shown in the drawing toward the back side as the bottom surface, the front side of the washing machine casing 6 is arranged. Opening the door body 9 that can be opened and closed on the inclined surface 6a formed on the rotating drum 2 reduces the amount of bending when the laundry is taken in and out of the rotating drum 2, and the drum-type washing machine 1 Since there is no need to secure a space on the front side, the drum-type washing and drying machine 1 can be installed in a narrow space such as a washroom.

前記洗濯機筐体６内には、上記構成要素の他に、水槽３内に水を給水するための給水部１２や、水槽３内の水を外部に排水するための排水部１３などが配設され、更に、図６、図７に示すように、回転ドラム２内に収容した洗濯物を乾燥する乾燥工程が実施できるように、排気口２１から排気した水槽３内の空気を除湿管路１６、糸屑回収フィルタ１７、送風管路１８、加熱管路１９を通して送風口２２から再び水槽３内に送風する乾燥用空気循環経路が構成されている。 In addition to the above-described components, the washing machine housing 6 includes a water supply unit 12 for supplying water into the aquarium 3, a drainage unit 13 for draining water in the aquarium 3 to the outside, and the like. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the air in the water tank 3 exhausted from the exhaust port 21 is dehumidified so that a drying process for drying the laundry stored in the rotary drum 2 can be performed. 16, a drying air circulation path through which air is blown again from the blower opening 22 into the water tank 3 through the yarn waste collecting filter 17, the blower duct 18, and the heating duct 19 is configured.

図６に示すように、除湿管路１６は水槽３の側周面に隣接して形成されており、水槽３の側周面に開口する排気口２１によって水槽３内に連通している。除湿管路１６内には注水ノズル５２と、注水ノズル５２から散水される水が流れる熱交換器５１とを備えた除湿手段３８が配設され、排気口２１から排気された水槽３内の空気は除湿手段３８によって冷却されることによって除湿される。この除湿管路１６は洗濯機筐体６の正面側で送風管路１８に連結され、送風管路１８の入口には空気中に含まれる糸屑等の塵埃を濾過する糸屑回収フィルタ１７が配設されている。送風管路１８は水槽３の背面側に配設された加熱管路１９に空気を案内するための管路で、水槽３の側周面に除湿管路１６と共に隣接配置されている。図７に示すように、送風管路１８は水槽３の背面側に略円弧状に形成された加熱管路１９に連結され、連結部位に配設された送風ファン１５により乾燥用空気循環経路に一方通行の空気の流れが形成される。 As shown in FIG. 6, the dehumidification pipe line 16 is formed adjacent to the side peripheral surface of the water tank 3, and communicates with the inside of the water tank 3 through an exhaust port 21 that opens on the side peripheral surface of the water tank 3. Dehumidifying means 38 having a water injection nozzle 52 and a heat exchanger 51 through which water sprinkled from the water injection nozzle 52 flows is disposed in the dehumidification pipe line 16, and the air in the water tank 3 exhausted from the exhaust port 21. Is dehumidified by being cooled by the dehumidifying means 38. The dehumidifying duct 16 is connected to the air duct 18 on the front side of the washing machine housing 6, and a lint collecting filter 17 that filters dust such as lint contained in the air is provided at the inlet of the air duct 18. It is arranged. The air duct 18 is a duct for guiding air to the heating duct 19 disposed on the back side of the water tank 3, and is disposed adjacent to the side peripheral surface of the water tank 3 together with the dehumidifying duct 16. As shown in FIG. 7, the blower duct 18 is connected to a heating duct 19 formed in a substantially arc shape on the back side of the water tank 3, and is connected to a drying air circulation path by a blower fan 15 disposed in the connection portion. A one-way air flow is formed.

前記加熱管路１９内にはヒータ２０が配設され、送風管路１８から流れてきた空気を加熱して水槽３内に通じる送風口２２から加熱乾燥した温風として水槽３内に送給する。加熱管路１９には送風口２２から送風される空気温度を検出する温度センサ５５が配設され、検出された送風空気の温度に応じてヒータ２０による加熱温度が調節できるように構成されている。また、加熱管路１９にはヒータ２０の異常過熱状態を検出してヒータ２０への通電を遮断する温度ヒューズ２７や、送風口２２から逆流した水や泡が送風ファン１５側に流入する溢水水位を検出する溢水水位センサ２９が配設されている。 A heater 20 is disposed in the heating pipe 19 and heats the air flowing from the blower pipe 18 and feeds it into the water tank 3 as hot air that has been heated and dried from a blower opening 22 that leads to the water tank 3. . The heating pipe 19 is provided with a temperature sensor 55 that detects the temperature of the air blown from the blower opening 22, and is configured so that the heating temperature by the heater 20 can be adjusted according to the detected temperature of the blown air. . The heating pipe 19 detects an abnormal overheating state of the heater 20 and shuts off the power to the heater 20, and the overflow water level where water or bubbles flowing back from the blower port 22 flows into the blower fan 15 side. An overflow water level sensor 29 for detecting the above is disposed.

上記構成における溢水水位センサ２９は、図４に示した取付構造により検出電極装置３０を適用したものである。この構成の場合、加熱管路１９を構成するケース２４は耐熱性の樹脂で形成された構造物４０であり、ケース２４の内面側に設けられたボス４１上に検出補助部材４４を配して電極部材３１をボス４１に螺入し、ケース２４の外に丸ピン３６が露出するように取り付けている。丸ピン３６にはコネクタ４８が装着されてリード４９により溢水水位検知部に接続されている。 The overflow water level sensor 29 in the above configuration is one in which the detection electrode device 30 is applied by the mounting structure shown in FIG. In the case of this configuration, the case 24 constituting the heating pipe line 19 is a structure 40 formed of a heat-resistant resin, and a detection auxiliary member 44 is disposed on a boss 41 provided on the inner surface side of the case 24. The electrode member 31 is screwed into the boss 41 and attached so that the round pin 36 is exposed outside the case 24. A connector 48 is attached to the round pin 36 and connected to the overflow water level detection unit by a lead 49.

水槽３内に開口する送風口２２は水槽３の中心より下方に位置しているので、洗濯工程やすすぎ工程において水槽３内に給水された水が回転ドラム２の回転に伴って上昇して加熱管路１９内に侵入してきたり、給水制御の異常により高い水位にまで給水されると加熱管路１９内に水が流入して送風ファン１５などの電気的構成要素に悪影響を及ぼす恐れがあるので、略円弧状に形成された加熱管路１９の略円弧形状が下向き傾斜に至る以前の高さ位置に溢水水位センサ２９、即ち、検出電極装置３０のネジ頭３３が加熱管路１９内に露出するようにして、これを２箇所に取りつけておくと、一対のネジ頭３３の間をつなぐ高さ位置まで水が流入すると、一対の検出電極装置３０（溢水水位センサ２９）の間は水によって短絡された状態となり、各検出電極装置３０が接続された検出手段（このドラム式洗濯乾燥機１では溢水水位検知部）は溢水水位にまで水が流入したことを検知するので、溢水水位検知部から制御部に検知信号が出力され、制御部は警報報知すると共に、排水制御を行って溢水水位を越える水の流入を阻止することができる。 Since the air outlet 22 opened in the water tank 3 is located below the center of the water tank 3, the water supplied into the water tank 3 in the washing process and the rinsing process rises with the rotation of the rotating drum 2 and is heated. If water enters the pipe line 19 or is supplied to a high water level due to an abnormality in water supply control, water may flow into the heating pipe line 19 and adversely affect electrical components such as the blower fan 15. The overflow water level sensor 29, that is, the screw head 33 of the detection electrode device 30 is exposed in the heating pipe 19 at a height before the substantially arc shape of the heating pipe 19 formed in a substantially arc shape is inclined downward. Thus, when this is attached to two places, when water flows to a height position connecting between the pair of screw heads 33, the water between the pair of detection electrode devices 30 (the overflow water level sensor 29) is caused by water. Short-circuited The detection means (the overflow water level detection unit in this drum type washing and drying machine 1) to which each detection electrode device 30 is connected detects that the water has flowed up to the overflow water level. Is output, and the control unit can notify the alarm and perform drainage control to prevent the inflow of water exceeding the overflow water level.

また、上記ドラム式洗濯乾燥機１の洗濯工程において高濃度洗剤液を泡立てた洗剤泡によって洗濯物を洗濯する方法を適用して洗浄力の向上を図った構成を採用した場合には、水槽３内に大量に発生させた洗剤泡が送風口２２を通じて加熱管路１９内に侵入し、それが滞留すると乾燥工程時の送風を阻害したり、洗剤成分が残留してしまう弊害が発生する。これを防止するために、図７に示すように、送風口２２の近傍に検出電極装置３０のネジ頭３３が加熱管路１９内に露出するように取り付けておくと、送風口２２から加熱管路１９内への洗剤泡の侵入を検知することができ、検知出力により送風ファン１５を駆動させると、送風口２２から水槽３内に向けて送風が開始されるので、洗剤泡が加熱管路１９内に侵入することを防止することができる。この場合も電極部材３１はケース２４の内面側に形成したボス４１上にネジ頭３３が位置するように取り付けるのが洗剤泡の検出をより確実に行うことができる。 Further, in the case of adopting a configuration in which the method of washing the laundry with the detergent foam in which the high-concentration detergent liquid is foamed in the washing process of the drum type washing and drying machine 1 is employed to improve the cleaning power, If a large amount of detergent bubbles enter the heating pipe line 19 through the air blowing port 22 and stay there, there will be a problem that air blowing during the drying process is hindered and the detergent components remain. In order to prevent this, as shown in FIG. 7, when the screw head 33 of the detection electrode device 30 is attached in the vicinity of the air blowing port 22 so as to be exposed in the heating pipe line 19, The intrusion of the detergent bubbles into the passage 19 can be detected, and when the blower fan 15 is driven by the detection output, the blowing is started from the blower opening 22 into the water tank 3, so that the detergent bubbles are heated by the heating pipe. Intrusion into 19 can be prevented. Also in this case, the electrode member 31 is attached so that the screw head 33 is positioned on the boss 41 formed on the inner surface side of the case 24, so that the detergent foam can be detected more reliably.

上記検出電極装置３０の適用例は、溢水水位の検出あるいは洗剤泡の侵入検出の例であるが、本実施形態に係るドラム式洗濯乾燥機１を含む洗濯機では水槽３あるいは洗濯槽に洗濯物の量に応じた給水がなされるので、給水水位の検出が不可欠な構成要素となっており、給水水位の検出に検出電極装置３０を適用することができる。このような複数段階にわたる給水水位の検出に検出電極装置３０を適用する場合には、図８に示すように、洗濯槽４５に壁面に高さ位置を変えて複数の検出電極装置３０のネジ頭３３が槽内に露出するように取り付けると、複数段階にわたる給水水位を検出することができる。このような給水水位の検出の場合には、電極部材３１のネジ頭３３は壁面からの突出が少ない状態に取り付けることにより、洗濯槽４５内で攪拌される洗濯物を傷めることがない。 The application example of the detection electrode device 30 is an example of the detection of overflow water level or the detection of intrusion of detergent bubbles. Therefore, detection of the feed water level is an indispensable component, and the detection electrode device 30 can be applied to the detection of the feed water level. When the detection electrode device 30 is applied to the detection of the water supply water level over a plurality of stages, as shown in FIG. 8, the screw head of the plurality of detection electrode devices 30 is changed to a wall surface in the washing tub 45. If 33 is attached so as to be exposed in the tank, it is possible to detect the water supply water level over a plurality of stages. In the case of such detection of the water supply level, the screw head 33 of the electrode member 31 is attached in a state in which there is little protrusion from the wall surface, so that the laundry stirred in the washing tub 45 is not damaged.

また、ドラム式洗濯乾燥機１のように乾燥機能を備えた洗濯乾燥機における乾燥工程や衣類乾燥機においては、洗濯物や衣類の乾燥度を知るための湿度検知が必要となるので、水槽３あるいは乾燥室の壁面に一対の検出電極装置３０のネジ頭３３が露出するように取り付けると、一対の検出電極装置３０間の抵抗値変化から湿度を検出することができる。 Further, in a drying process or a clothes dryer in a washing and drying machine having a drying function such as the drum-type washing and drying machine 1, it is necessary to detect humidity in order to know the dryness of the laundry or clothes. Or if it attaches so that the screw head 33 of a pair of detection electrode apparatus 30 may be exposed to the wall surface of a drying chamber, humidity can be detected from the resistance value change between a pair of detection electrode apparatuses 30. FIG.

以上説明した検出電極装置３０の適用例は、複数の検出電極装置３０を用いる構成であるが、単一の検出電極端子３０を検出対象空間内にネジ頭３３が露出するように検出対象空間を形成する壁面に取り付け、検出対象空間の外に位置する丸ピン３６にコネクタ３８を介して温度センサを装着すると、電極部材３１を通じて検出対象空間内の温度が温度センサに伝熱するので、検出電極装置３０を介した温度検出が可能である。また、水位の検出においても、必ずしも複数の検出電極装置３０を用いる必要はなく、単一の検出電極装置３０を所定高さ位置に取り付けておくと、水位の基底となる部位に位置する金属製構成要素と検出電極装置３０との間の抵抗値変化から水位の検出を行うことができる。 The application example of the detection electrode device 30 described above is a configuration using a plurality of detection electrode devices 30, but the detection target space is set so that the screw head 33 is exposed in the detection target space of the single detection electrode terminal 30. When the temperature sensor is attached to the round pin 36 located outside the detection target space via the connector 38 and attached to the wall surface to be formed, the temperature in the detection target space is transferred to the temperature sensor through the electrode member 31. Temperature detection via the device 30 is possible. Also, in detecting the water level, it is not always necessary to use a plurality of detection electrode devices 30, and if a single detection electrode device 30 is attached at a predetermined height position, it is made of a metal that is located at a base portion of the water level. The water level can be detected from the resistance value change between the component and the detection electrode device 30.

以上の説明の通り本発明による検出電極装置は、所定の検出位置にネジを固定する要領で簡単に取り付けることができるので、低コストで取り付けるための作業性のよい検出電極を構成することができる。特に、水位の検出や湿度の検出が伴う洗濯機や乾燥機に簡易に検出電極装置を設けることができる。 As described above, since the detection electrode device according to the present invention can be easily attached in the manner of fixing a screw at a predetermined detection position, it is possible to constitute a detection electrode with good workability for attachment at a low cost. . In particular, a detection electrode device can be easily provided in a washing machine or a dryer that involves detection of water level or humidity.

実施形態に係る検出電極装置を構成する電極部材の側面図。The side view of the electrode member which comprises the detection electrode apparatus which concerns on embodiment. 同上電極部材を用いた検出電極装置の構成を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the detection electrode apparatus using the electrode member same as the above. 電極部材の取付構造の変形例を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the modification of the attachment structure of an electrode member. 検出補助部材を設けた取付構造を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the attachment structure which provided the detection auxiliary member. 実施形態に係るドラム式洗濯乾燥機の要部構成を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the drum type washing-drying machine which concerns on embodiment. 同上ドラム式洗濯乾燥機が備える乾燥機能の構成を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the drying function with which a drum type washing-drying machine same as the above is provided. 加熱管路内の構成を示す水槽背面側の平面図。The top view on the water tank back side which shows the structure in a heating pipe line. 給水水位検出に適用した例を示す概略断面図。The schematic sectional drawing which shows the example applied to the feed water level detection. 従来技術に係る検出電極装置の構成を示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows the structure of the detection electrode apparatus which concerns on a prior art.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ドラム式洗濯乾燥機
３０検出電極装置
３１電極部材
３３ネジ頭（電極部）
３５ネジ軸（ネジ形成部）
３６丸ピン（接続部）
４８コネクタ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Drum type washing dryer 30 Detection electrode apparatus 31 Electrode member 33 Screw head (electrode part)
35 Screw shaft (screw forming part)
36 Round pin (connection part)
48 connector

Claims

電極部と、この電極部から延出して先端がコネクタに対応する寸法形状に形成された接続部とが、金属材料により一体に形成された電極部材を、前記電極部が検出対象空間側に位置するようにして前記検出対象空間を仕切る壁面を貫通させて前記接続部を検出対象空間の外に露出させ、接続部に検出手段に接続された前記コネクタが着脱可能に装着されてなることを特徴とする検出電極装置。 An electrode member in which an electrode part and a connection part extending from the electrode part and having a tip formed in a dimension and shape corresponding to a connector are integrally formed of a metal material, and the electrode part is positioned on the detection target space side. In this manner, the connection portion is exposed outside the detection target space through the wall surface that partitions the detection target space, and the connector connected to the detection means is detachably attached to the connection portion. Detection electrode device.

電極部材は、電極部と接続部との間に壁面に螺合するネジ形成部が設けられてなる請求項１に記載の検出電極装置。 The detection electrode device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode member is provided with a screw forming portion that is screwed onto the wall surface between the electrode portion and the connection portion.

少なくとも２個の電極部材が所定間隔を隔てて壁面に取り付けられてなる請求項１又は２に記載の検出電極装置。 The detection electrode device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two electrode members are attached to the wall surface at a predetermined interval.

電極部材が洗濯機内の所定壁面に取り付けられてなる請求項１〜３に記載の検出電極装置。 The detection electrode device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode member is attached to a predetermined wall surface in the washing machine.

洗濯機の所要部位における溢水水位を検出する位置に電極部材が取り付けられてなる請求項４に記載の検出電極装置。 The detection electrode device according to claim 4, wherein an electrode member is attached to a position where the overflow water level is detected at a required portion of the washing machine.

洗濯機の所要部位に侵入した泡を検出する位置に電極部材が取り付けられてなる請求項４に記載の検出電極装置。 The detection electrode device according to claim 4, wherein an electrode member is attached at a position to detect foam that has entered a required part of the washing machine.