US20090139467A1 - Steam generator and controlling method thereof - Google Patents
Steam generator and controlling method thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090139467A1 US20090139467A1 US12/184,088 US18408808A US2009139467A1 US 20090139467 A1 US20090139467 A1 US 20090139467A1 US 18408808 A US18408808 A US 18408808A US 2009139467 A1 US2009139467 A1 US 2009139467A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- pressure
- steam generator
- heater
- water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 9
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 43
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000008236 heating water Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004851 dishwashing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000009530 blood pressure measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 3
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000037303 wrinkles Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010981 drying operation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F22—STEAM GENERATION
- F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
- F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
- F22B1/28—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically
- F22B1/284—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water in reservoirs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4234—Steam generating arrangements
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/40—Steam generating arrangements
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F75/00—Hand irons
- D06F75/08—Hand irons internally heated by electricity
- D06F75/10—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed
- D06F75/12—Hand irons internally heated by electricity with means for supplying steam to the article being ironed the steam being produced from water supplied to the iron from an external source
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a steam generator, and more particularly to a steam generator capable of automatically controlling an on/off operation of a heater according to an inner pressure.
- clothes treating machines for example, a washing machine, a dryer and a refresher, mostly include a steam generator for supplying steam to clothes.
- the steam supplied in an initial period allows the clothes to quickly get wet
- the steam supplied in a rinsing operation provides a sterilizing effect
- the steam supplied in a drying operation removes wrinkles from the clothes.
- the steam sprayed in the dryer or the refresher provides a sterilizing effect, removes wrinkles from the clothes, and swells the clothes to provide a refresh effect.
- a steam generator for generating steam is provided at one side of the clothes treating machine.
- the steam generator generates steam by heating water contained in a housing using a heater.
- a high pressure is applied to the housing containing water.
- the conventional steam generator is not provided with a unit for detecting a pressure of the steam generator to automatically control an operation of the steam generator. Accordingly, a user should manually check the pressure of the steam generator, thereby causing inconvenience to the user.
- the present invention is directed to a steam generator and a controlling method thereof that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator capable of automatically controlling an on/off operation of a heater according to an inner pressure.
- a steam generator comprises: a housing for containing water; a heater for heating the water in the housing; and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
- control unit controls the operation of the heater to be stopped if the inner pressure of the housing is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- control unit includes a switch unit which stops the operation of the heater if the inner pressure of the housing is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- the switch unit includes a first elastic wall disposed inside the housing and expanding according to the inner pressure of the housing, and a pair of contact switches respectively disposed on the first elastic wall and an inner surface of the housing and selectively in contact with each other according to expansion of the first elastic wall.
- the steam generator further comprises a second elastic wall provided at a specific position of the housing corresponding to the first elastic wall, wherein the contact switches are disposed on facing surfaces of the first and second elastic walls, respectively.
- control unit includes a pressure sensor which measures the inner pressure of the housing, and a controller which controls the operation of the heater according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor.
- the pressure sensor is positioned at an upper portion of the housing.
- the controller controls a heating time of the heater according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor.
- the controller reduces a heating time of the heater as the pressure measured by the pressure sensor increases.
- the controller controls the operation of the heater to be stopped if the pressure measured by the pressure sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- a clothes treating machine comprises: a receiving space for receiving clothes; and a steam generator for selectively supplying steam into the receiving space, the steam generator having a housing for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the housing, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
- a dish washing machine comprises: a receiving space for receiving dishes; a spray unit for supplying wash water into the receiving space; and a steam generator for selectively supplying steam into the receiving space, the steam generator having a housing for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the housing, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
- a controlling method of a steam generator comprises: heating water; measuring an inner pressure of a housing in which the water is heated; and controlling a water heating time according to the measured pressure.
- the step of measuring includes continuously measuring the pressure while the water is heated.
- the step of controlling includes reducing the water heating time as the measured pressure increases.
- the step of controlling further includes stopping the step of heating if the measured pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing a configuration of a steam generator
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III of FIG. 2 , which shows a specific configuration of a first example of the switch unit of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III of FIG. 2 , which shows a specific configuration of a second example of the switch unit of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a steam generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing a controlling method of the steam generator according to the embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing a configuration of a steam generator.
- a steam generator 10 includes a housing 20 for containing water and a heater 40 for heating water in the housing 20 to generate steam. Accordingly, when water is supplied from a water supply source to the housing 20 , the water contained in the housing 20 is heated by the heater 40 to generate steam and spray the steam to a desired position.
- a high pressure is generally applied to the housing 20 .
- a steam discharge port 60 for spraying steam is clogged with foreign matter or the like, a pressure abnormally increases in the housing 20 , thereby causing damage to the housing 20 or explosion.
- the conventional steam generator is not provided with a unit for detecting a pressure of the steam generator 10 to automatically control an operation of the steam generator 10 . Accordingly, a user should manually check the pressure of the steam generator 10 , thereby causing inconvenience to the user.
- the steam generator according to the present invention includes a unit capable of controlling a heater according to an inner pressure, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- a steam generator 100 includes the housing 20 in which water is contained and heated, the heater 40 for heating water in the housing 20 to generate steam, and a control unit 120 for controlling an operation of the heater 40 according to an inner pressure of the housing 20 .
- control unit 120 controls an operation of the steam generator 100 , specifically, an operation of the heater 40 to be stopped when the inner pressure of the housing 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- the control unit 120 stops the operation of the heater 40 to prevent a further increase in the pressure, thereby preventing damage and breakage of the steam generator 100 .
- control unit 120 may include a switch unit which generates an ‘on’ signal to stop the operation of the heater 40 when the inner pressure of the housing 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- the control unit formed as the switch unit 120 generates an ‘on’ signal to stop the operation of the heater 40 when the inner pressure of the housing 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- the switch unit 120 is disposed at one side of the housing 20 , preferably, an upper portion of the housing 20 . As for the reason, when the water in the housing 20 is boiled and the pressure increases, the steam is positioned at the upper portion of the housing 20 . Accordingly, the switch unit 120 installed at the upper portion of the housing 20 can easily detect the pressure.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III of FIG. 2 , which shows a specific configuration of a first example of the switch unit 120 .
- the switch unit 120 includes a first elastic wall 122 expanding according to the inner pressure of the housing 20 and a pair of contact switches 140 respectively disposed on the first elastic wall 122 and an inner surface of the housing 20 facing the first elastic wall 122 .
- the contact switches 140 are selectively in contact with each other according to expansion of the first elastic wall 122 .
- At least one portion of the housing 20 has a double wall structure having an inner wall 132 and an outer wall 130 .
- a portion of the inner wall 132 is formed as the first elastic wall 122 expanding according to the inner pressure of the housing 20 . Accordingly, when the inner pressure of the housing 20 increases, the first elastic wall 122 can expand with an increase of the pressure.
- the contact switches 140 are positioned on the facing surfaces of the outer wall 130 of the housing 20 and the first elastic wall 122 , respectively. As the inner pressure of the housing 20 increases, the first elastic wall 122 expands and rises. As a result, the contact switches 140 are in contact with each other to generate an ‘on’ signal. When the contact switches 140 generate a signal, a controller (not shown) receives the generated signal to stop the operation of the heater 40 , thereby preventing a further increase in the inner pressure of the housing 20 .
- a pressure at which the contact switches 140 generate a signal can be adjusted by adjusting a material of the first elastic wall 122 or a distance between the outer wall 130 and the first elastic wall 122 on which the contact switches 140 are installed. That is, a pressure at which the contact switches 140 are in contact with each other can be increased by fabricating the first elastic wall 122 using an elastic material having a high elastic coefficient or by increasing a distance between the outer wall 130 and the first elastic wall 122 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a second example of the switch unit.
- a switch unit 220 of the second example is different from the example shown in FIG. 3 in that a second elastic wall 224 is provided at a specific position of the housing 20 corresponding to a first elastic wall 222 , and contact switches 240 are respectively disposed on the facing surfaces of the first and second elastic walls 222 and 224 .
- the second example will be described focusing on the difference.
- the first elastic wall 222 and the second elastic wall 224 are disposed at specific positions of the inner wall 132 and the outer wall 130 of the housing 20 , respectively.
- the first and second elastic wall 222 and 224 are positioned to face each other, and contact switches 240 are installed on the facing surfaces of the first and second elastic walls 222 and 224 , respectively.
- the first elastic wall 222 expands and the contact switches 240 are in contact with each other to generate a signal.
- the second example includes the second elastic wall 224 to more efficiently prevent breakage of the steam generator.
- the operation of the heater 40 is stopped by a signal generated from the contact switches 240 as the first elastic wall 222 expands, the inner pressure of the housing 20 decreases not immediately, but after a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, although the operation of the heater 40 is stopped, since the inner pressure of the housing 20 is maintained at a high pressure for a predetermined period of time, it may cause damage and breakage of the housing 20 .
- the second example includes the second elastic wall 224 in addition to the first elastic wall 222 , after the contact switches 240 generate a signal as the first elastic wall 222 expands, the second elastic wall 224 also expands. Accordingly, although the inner pressure of the housing 20 is continuously maintained at a high pressure after the operation of the heater 40 is stopped, since both the first and second elastic walls 224 expand, it is possible to prevent breakage of the housing 20 due to an increase in the inner pressure of the housing 20 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a steam generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- a steam generator 200 includes a control unit for controlling the heater 40 according to the inner pressure of the housing 20 , the control unit having a pressure sensor 320 which measures the inner pressure of the housing 20 and a controller (not shown) which controls the operation of the heater 40 according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 320 .
- the pressure sensor 320 is disposed at one side of the housing 20 and measures the inner pressure of the housing 20 to transfer the measured results to the controller.
- the pressure sensor 320 is installed at an upper portion of the housing 20 .
- the pressure sensor 320 installed at the upper portion of the housing 20 can easily detect the pressure.
- the controller controls the heater 40 according to the measurement results transferred from the pressure sensor 320 . That is, in the steam generator 200 according to the second embodiment, when the steam discharge port 60 of the housing 20 is clogged with foreign matter such as compounds of calcium and the inner pressure of the housing 20 increases to a predetermined pressure or more while the water is heated to generate steam, the controller controls an operation time of the heater 40 or stops the operation of the heater 40 to prevent a further increase in the pressure, thereby preventing damage and breakage of the steam generator 200 .
- the operation time of the heater as well as the on/off operation of the heater can be controlled according to the inner pressure of the housing in the second embodiment.
- the controller controls a heating time of the heater 40 according to a pressure measurement value transferred from the pressure sensor 320 . Specifically, as the pressure measurement value transferred from the pressure sensor 320 increases, the controller reduces a water heating time. That is, as the inner pressure of the housing 20 increases, the controller controls a preset heating time to be reduced such that the inner pressure of the housing 20 does not exceed a predetermined pressure.
- the controller controls the operation of the heater 40 to be stopped. That is, when the inner pressure of the housing 20 is equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure, the controller controls the operation of the heater 40 to be stopped, thereby preventing a further increase in the inner pressure of the housing 20 .
- the controller controls the operation of the heater 40 according to the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 320 . Specifically, as the measured pressure increases, the controller reduces a heating time of the heater 40 . Further, if the measured pressure is equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure, the controller controls the operation of the heater 40 to be stopped.
- the pressure sensor 320 used in the present invention may be a diaphragm pressure sensor, but is not limited thereto.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the operation of the steam generator according to the aforementioned embodiments.
- the steam generator 100 or 200 according to the present invention When the steam generator 100 or 200 according to the present invention is installed at a clothes treating machine for supplying steam to the clothes, first, water is supplied into the housing 20 .
- An external water tap or a water cartridge may be used as a water supply source.
- the heater 40 is operated to generate steam.
- the water is heated by the operation of the heater 40 to generate the steam (S 610 ) .
- the generated steam is supplied to the clothes to provide a refresh effect.
- the pressure sensor 320 measures the inner pressure of the housing 20 (S 630 ).
- the pressure sensor 320 continuously measures the pressure. The measured pressure is transferred to the controller.
- the controller controls the operation of the heater 40 according to the measured pressure transferred from the pressure sensor 320 (S 650 ). That is, if the inner pressure of the housing 20 increases due to, for example, clogging of the steam discharge port 60 of the housing 20 , the controller reduces a preset operation time of the heater 40 , thereby preventing an increase in the inner pressure of the housing 20 .
- the controller controls the operation of the heater 40 to be stopped, thereby preventing damage and breakage of the housing 20 .
- the switch unit when the switch unit is provided as a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater, if the inner pressure of the housing 20 increases to a predetermined pressure or more due to clogging of the steam discharge port 60 of the housing 20 , the switch unit 120 or 220 generates an ‘on’ signal and the controller stops the operation of the heater according to the signal, thereby preventing an increase in the inner pressure of the housing 20 .
- the steam generator is used in the clothes treating machine in the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto.
- the steam may be sprayed to dishes before washing the dishes in a dish washing machine. Accordingly, it is possible to easily wash the dishes.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
- Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
- Cookers (AREA)
- Control Of Steam Boilers And Waste-Gas Boilers (AREA)
- Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
Abstract
A steam generator and a controlling method thereof are disclosed. The steam generator includes a housing for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the housing, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2007-0078068, filed on Aug. 3, 2007 & 10-2007-0078069, filed on Aug. 3, 2007, which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a steam generator, and more particularly to a steam generator capable of automatically controlling an on/off operation of a heater according to an inner pressure.
- 2. Discussion of the Related Art
- Recently, clothes treating machines, for example, a washing machine, a dryer and a refresher, mostly include a steam generator for supplying steam to clothes.
- In the washing machine, the steam supplied in an initial period allows the clothes to quickly get wet, the steam supplied in a rinsing operation provides a sterilizing effect, and the steam supplied in a drying operation removes wrinkles from the clothes. Also, the steam sprayed in the dryer or the refresher provides a sterilizing effect, removes wrinkles from the clothes, and swells the clothes to provide a refresh effect.
- In order to spray the steam in the clothes treating machine, generally, a steam generator for generating steam is provided at one side of the clothes treating machine. The steam generator generates steam by heating water contained in a housing using a heater. In a case of heating water, a high pressure is applied to the housing containing water. When a high pressure is applied to the housing, if a steam discharge port for spraying steam is clogged with foreign matter, a pressure abnormally increases in the housing, thereby causing damage to the steam generator or explosion.
- However, the conventional steam generator is not provided with a unit for detecting a pressure of the steam generator to automatically control an operation of the steam generator. Accordingly, a user should manually check the pressure of the steam generator, thereby causing inconvenience to the user.
- Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a steam generator and a controlling method thereof that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator capable of automatically controlling an on/off operation of a heater according to an inner pressure.
- Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
- To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a steam generator comprises: a housing for containing water; a heater for heating the water in the housing; and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
- Preferably, the control unit controls the operation of the heater to be stopped if the inner pressure of the housing is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- Preferably, the control unit includes a switch unit which stops the operation of the heater if the inner pressure of the housing is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- Preferably, the switch unit includes a first elastic wall disposed inside the housing and expanding according to the inner pressure of the housing, and a pair of contact switches respectively disposed on the first elastic wall and an inner surface of the housing and selectively in contact with each other according to expansion of the first elastic wall.
- Preferably, the steam generator further comprises a second elastic wall provided at a specific position of the housing corresponding to the first elastic wall, wherein the contact switches are disposed on facing surfaces of the first and second elastic walls, respectively.
- Preferably, the control unit includes a pressure sensor which measures the inner pressure of the housing, and a controller which controls the operation of the heater according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor.
- Preferably, the pressure sensor is positioned at an upper portion of the housing.
- Preferably, the controller controls a heating time of the heater according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor.
- Preferably, the controller reduces a heating time of the heater as the pressure measured by the pressure sensor increases.
- Preferably, the controller controls the operation of the heater to be stopped if the pressure measured by the pressure sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- In accordance with another purpose of the invention, a clothes treating machine comprises: a receiving space for receiving clothes; and a steam generator for selectively supplying steam into the receiving space, the steam generator having a housing for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the housing, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
- In accordance with another purpose of the invention, a dish washing machine comprises: a receiving space for receiving dishes; a spray unit for supplying wash water into the receiving space; and a steam generator for selectively supplying steam into the receiving space, the steam generator having a housing for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the housing, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
- In accordance with a further purpose of the invention, a controlling method of a steam generator comprises: heating water; measuring an inner pressure of a housing in which the water is heated; and controlling a water heating time according to the measured pressure.
- Preferably, the step of measuring includes continuously measuring the pressure while the water is heated.
- Preferably, the step of controlling includes reducing the water heating time as the measured pressure increases.
- Preferably, the step of controlling further includes stopping the step of heating if the measured pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
- It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing a configuration of a steam generator; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III ofFIG. 2 , which shows a specific configuration of a first example of the switch unit ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III ofFIG. 2 , which shows a specific configuration of a second example of the switch unit ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a steam generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing a controlling method of the steam generator according to the embodiment of the present invention. - Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
- Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing a configuration of a steam generator. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , asteam generator 10 includes ahousing 20 for containing water and aheater 40 for heating water in thehousing 20 to generate steam. Accordingly, when water is supplied from a water supply source to thehousing 20, the water contained in thehousing 20 is heated by theheater 40 to generate steam and spray the steam to a desired position. - However, when the water is heated by the
heater 40 to generate steam, a high pressure is generally applied to thehousing 20. When a high pressure is applied to thehousing 20, if asteam discharge port 60 for spraying steam is clogged with foreign matter or the like, a pressure abnormally increases in thehousing 20, thereby causing damage to thehousing 20 or explosion. - However, the conventional steam generator is not provided with a unit for detecting a pressure of the
steam generator 10 to automatically control an operation of thesteam generator 10. Accordingly, a user should manually check the pressure of thesteam generator 10, thereby causing inconvenience to the user. - Thus, in order to solve the above problem, the steam generator according to the present invention includes a unit capable of controlling a heater according to an inner pressure, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , asteam generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes thehousing 20 in which water is contained and heated, theheater 40 for heating water in thehousing 20 to generate steam, and acontrol unit 120 for controlling an operation of theheater 40 according to an inner pressure of thehousing 20. - Specifically, the
control unit 120 controls an operation of thesteam generator 100, specifically, an operation of theheater 40 to be stopped when the inner pressure of thehousing 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. - That is, in the
steam generator 100 according to the first embodiment, when thesteam discharge port 60 of thehousing 20 is clogged with foreign matter such as compounds of calcium and the inner pressure of thehousing 20 increases to a predetermined pressure or more while the water is heated to generate steam, thecontrol unit 120 stops the operation of theheater 40 to prevent a further increase in the pressure, thereby preventing damage and breakage of thesteam generator 100. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thecontrol unit 120 may include a switch unit which generates an ‘on’ signal to stop the operation of theheater 40 when the inner pressure of thehousing 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. - That is, the control unit formed as the
switch unit 120 generates an ‘on’ signal to stop the operation of theheater 40 when the inner pressure of thehousing 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. Theswitch unit 120 is disposed at one side of thehousing 20, preferably, an upper portion of thehousing 20. As for the reason, when the water in thehousing 20 is boiled and the pressure increases, the steam is positioned at the upper portion of thehousing 20. Accordingly, theswitch unit 120 installed at the upper portion of thehousing 20 can easily detect the pressure. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III ofFIG. 2 , which shows a specific configuration of a first example of theswitch unit 120. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , theswitch unit 120 includes a firstelastic wall 122 expanding according to the inner pressure of thehousing 20 and a pair of contact switches 140 respectively disposed on the firstelastic wall 122 and an inner surface of thehousing 20 facing the firstelastic wall 122. The contact switches 140 are selectively in contact with each other according to expansion of the firstelastic wall 122. - That is, as shown in
FIG. 3 , at least one portion of thehousing 20 has a double wall structure having aninner wall 132 and anouter wall 130. Preferably, a portion of theinner wall 132 is formed as the firstelastic wall 122 expanding according to the inner pressure of thehousing 20. Accordingly, when the inner pressure of thehousing 20 increases, the firstelastic wall 122 can expand with an increase of the pressure. - Meanwhile, the contact switches 140 are positioned on the facing surfaces of the
outer wall 130 of thehousing 20 and the firstelastic wall 122, respectively. As the inner pressure of thehousing 20 increases, the firstelastic wall 122 expands and rises. As a result, the contact switches 140 are in contact with each other to generate an ‘on’ signal. When the contact switches 140 generate a signal, a controller (not shown) receives the generated signal to stop the operation of theheater 40, thereby preventing a further increase in the inner pressure of thehousing 20. - In the
steam generator 100 of this embodiment, a pressure at which the contact switches 140 generate a signal can be adjusted by adjusting a material of the firstelastic wall 122 or a distance between theouter wall 130 and the firstelastic wall 122 on which the contact switches 140 are installed. That is, a pressure at which the contact switches 140 are in contact with each other can be increased by fabricating the firstelastic wall 122 using an elastic material having a high elastic coefficient or by increasing a distance between theouter wall 130 and the firstelastic wall 122. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a second example of the switch unit. - A
switch unit 220 of the second example is different from the example shown inFIG. 3 in that a secondelastic wall 224 is provided at a specific position of thehousing 20 corresponding to a firstelastic wall 222, andcontact switches 240 are respectively disposed on the facing surfaces of the first and secondelastic walls - Referring to
FIG. 4 , the firstelastic wall 222 and the secondelastic wall 224 are disposed at specific positions of theinner wall 132 and theouter wall 130 of thehousing 20, respectively. Preferably, the first and secondelastic wall contact switches 240 are installed on the facing surfaces of the first and secondelastic walls - Accordingly, in the same way as in the first example, as the inner pressure of the
housing 20 increases, the firstelastic wall 222 expands and the contact switches 240 are in contact with each other to generate a signal. However, the second example includes the secondelastic wall 224 to more efficiently prevent breakage of the steam generator. - That is, although the operation of the
heater 40 is stopped by a signal generated from the contact switches 240 as the firstelastic wall 222 expands, the inner pressure of thehousing 20 decreases not immediately, but after a predetermined period of time. Accordingly, although the operation of theheater 40 is stopped, since the inner pressure of thehousing 20 is maintained at a high pressure for a predetermined period of time, it may cause damage and breakage of thehousing 20. - However, since the second example includes the second
elastic wall 224 in addition to the firstelastic wall 222, after the contact switches 240 generate a signal as the firstelastic wall 222 expands, the secondelastic wall 224 also expands. Accordingly, although the inner pressure of thehousing 20 is continuously maintained at a high pressure after the operation of theheater 40 is stopped, since both the first and secondelastic walls 224 expand, it is possible to prevent breakage of thehousing 20 due to an increase in the inner pressure of thehousing 20. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a steam generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , asteam generator 200 according to the second embodiment includes a control unit for controlling theheater 40 according to the inner pressure of thehousing 20, the control unit having apressure sensor 320 which measures the inner pressure of thehousing 20 and a controller (not shown) which controls the operation of theheater 40 according to the pressure measured by thepressure sensor 320. - Specifically, the
pressure sensor 320 is disposed at one side of thehousing 20 and measures the inner pressure of thehousing 20 to transfer the measured results to the controller. In this case, preferably, thepressure sensor 320 is installed at an upper portion of thehousing 20. As for the reason, when the water in thehousing 20 is boiled and the pressure increases, the steam is positioned at the upper portion of thehousing 20. Accordingly, thepressure sensor 320 installed at the upper portion of thehousing 20 can easily detect the pressure. - Meanwhile, the controller controls the
heater 40 according to the measurement results transferred from thepressure sensor 320. That is, in thesteam generator 200 according to the second embodiment, when thesteam discharge port 60 of thehousing 20 is clogged with foreign matter such as compounds of calcium and the inner pressure of thehousing 20 increases to a predetermined pressure or more while the water is heated to generate steam, the controller controls an operation time of theheater 40 or stops the operation of theheater 40 to prevent a further increase in the pressure, thereby preventing damage and breakage of thesteam generator 200. - That is, although only an on/off operation of the heater is controlled by simply detecting the inner pressure of the housing in the first embodiment, the operation time of the heater as well as the on/off operation of the heater can be controlled according to the inner pressure of the housing in the second embodiment. A more detailed description follows below.
- The controller controls a heating time of the
heater 40 according to a pressure measurement value transferred from thepressure sensor 320. Specifically, as the pressure measurement value transferred from thepressure sensor 320 increases, the controller reduces a water heating time. That is, as the inner pressure of thehousing 20 increases, the controller controls a preset heating time to be reduced such that the inner pressure of thehousing 20 does not exceed a predetermined pressure. - Further, preferably, when the pressure measurement value transferred from the
pressure sensor 320 is equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure, the controller controls the operation of theheater 40 to be stopped. That is, when the inner pressure of thehousing 20 is equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure, the controller controls the operation of theheater 40 to be stopped, thereby preventing a further increase in the inner pressure of thehousing 20. - Thus, in the steam generator according to the second embodiment, the controller controls the operation of the
heater 40 according to the pressure value measured by thepressure sensor 320. Specifically, as the measured pressure increases, the controller reduces a heating time of theheater 40. Further, if the measured pressure is equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure, the controller controls the operation of theheater 40 to be stopped. - Meanwhile, preferably, the
pressure sensor 320 used in the present invention may be a diaphragm pressure sensor, but is not limited thereto. - Hereinafter, the operation of the steam generator having the above configuration will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the operation of the steam generator according to the aforementioned embodiments. - When the
steam generator housing 20. An external water tap or a water cartridge may be used as a water supply source. - Then, the
heater 40 is operated to generate steam. The water is heated by the operation of theheater 40 to generate the steam (S610) . The generated steam is supplied to the clothes to provide a refresh effect. - Meanwhile, when the water is heated to generate the steam, if the inner pressure of the
housing 20 increases to a predetermined pressure or more due to clogging of thesteam discharge port 60 of thehousing 20, thepressure sensor 320 measures the inner pressure of the housing 20 (S630). Preferably, while the water is heated by theheater 40, thepressure sensor 320 continuously measures the pressure. The measured pressure is transferred to the controller. - The controller controls the operation of the
heater 40 according to the measured pressure transferred from the pressure sensor 320 (S650). That is, if the inner pressure of thehousing 20 increases due to, for example, clogging of thesteam discharge port 60 of thehousing 20, the controller reduces a preset operation time of theheater 40, thereby preventing an increase in the inner pressure of thehousing 20. - Further, if the inner pressure of the
housing 20 increases to a predetermined pressure or more, the controller controls the operation of theheater 40 to be stopped, thereby preventing damage and breakage of thehousing 20. - Meanwhile, when the switch unit is provided as a control unit for controlling the operation of the heater, if the inner pressure of the
housing 20 increases to a predetermined pressure or more due to clogging of thesteam discharge port 60 of thehousing 20, theswitch unit housing 20. - Meanwhile, although the steam generator is used in the clothes treating machine in the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the steam may be sprayed to dishes before washing the dishes in a dish washing machine. Accordingly, it is possible to easily wash the dishes.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (16)
1. A steam generator comprising:
a housing for containing water;
a heater for heating the water in the housing; and
a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
2. The steam generator according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the operation of the heater to be stopped if the inner pressure of the housing is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
3. The steam generator according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit includes a switch unit which stops the operation of the heater if the inner pressure of the housing is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
4. The steam generator according to claim 3 , wherein the switch unit includes:
a first elastic wall disposed inside the housing and expanding according to the inner pressure of the housing; and
a pair of contact switches respectively disposed on the first elastic wall and an inner surface of the housing and selectively in contact with each other according to expansion of the first elastic wall.
5. The steam generator according to claim 4 , further comprising a second elastic wall provided at a specific position of the housing corresponding to the first elastic wall, wherein the contact switches are disposed on facing surfaces of the first and second elastic walls, respectively.
6. The steam generator according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit includes:
a pressure sensor which measures the inner pressure of the housing; and
a controller which controls the operation of the heater according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor.
7. The steam generator according to claim 6 , wherein the pressure sensor is positioned at an upper portion of the housing.
8. The steam generator according to claim 6 , wherein the controller controls a heating time of the heater according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor.
9. The steam generator according to claim 8 , wherein the controller reduces a heating time of the heater as the pressure measured by the pressure sensor increases.
10. The steam generator according to claim 9 , wherein the controller controls the operation of the heater to be stopped if the pressure measured by the pressure sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
11. A clothes treating machine comprising:
a receiving space for receiving clothes; and
a steam generator for selectively supplying steam into the receiving space, the steam generator having a housing for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the housing, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
12. A dish washing machine comprising:
a receiving space for receiving dishes;
a spray unit for supplying wash water into the receiving space; and
a steam generator for selectively supplying steam into the receiving space, the steam generator having a housing for containing water, a heater for heating the water in the housing, and a control unit for controlling an operation of the heater according to an inner pressure of the housing.
13. A controlling method of a steam generator comprising:
heating water;
measuring an inner pressure of a housing in which the water is heated; and
controlling a water heating time according to the measured pressure.
14. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the step of measuring includes continuously measuring the pressure while the water is heated.
15. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the step of controlling includes reducing the water heating time as the measured pressure increases.
16. The method according to claim 15 , wherein the step of controlling further includes stopping the step of heating if the measured pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR10-2007-0078069 | 2007-08-03 | ||
KR1020070078069A KR20090013916A (en) | 2007-08-03 | 2007-08-03 | Steam generator and controlling method thereof |
KR1020070078068A KR100896285B1 (en) | 2007-08-03 | 2007-08-03 | Steam generator |
KR10-2007-0078068 | 2007-08-03 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090139467A1 true US20090139467A1 (en) | 2009-06-04 |
Family
ID=40279658
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/184,088 Abandoned US20090139467A1 (en) | 2007-08-03 | 2008-07-31 | Steam generator and controlling method thereof |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20090139467A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102008035787B4 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2920043B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9751115B2 (en) | 2009-08-05 | 2017-09-05 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Washer such as a dishwasher or a washing machine and method for operating a washer |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN115480599B (en) * | 2021-06-15 | 2024-02-06 | 广东美的环境电器制造有限公司 | Control method, device, equipment and computer readable storage medium |
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US6786182B2 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2004-09-07 | Imetec, S.P.A. | Pressure control for household steam generator |
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US20060016020A1 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-01-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine and method for controlling the same |
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GB775975A (en) | 1952-10-02 | 1957-05-29 | Simplex Electric Co Ltd | Improvements relating to dish-washing apparatus |
FR2691233B1 (en) * | 1992-05-18 | 1994-07-22 | Cogia | STEAM GENERATOR WITH INSTANT RESPONSE. |
KR100517612B1 (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2005-09-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Drum washer by spray steam |
US7096828B2 (en) | 2003-08-29 | 2006-08-29 | American Griddle Corporation | Self cleaning boiler and steam generator |
KR101154962B1 (en) | 2005-05-23 | 2012-06-18 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | steam generator having press-sensor for drum washing machine and contrl method as the same |
EP1808524A1 (en) * | 2006-01-17 | 2007-07-18 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Apparatus and method for generating steam |
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2008
- 2008-07-31 US US12/184,088 patent/US20090139467A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-07-31 DE DE102008035787.1A patent/DE102008035787B4/en active Active
- 2008-08-01 FR FR0855339A patent/FR2920043B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (6)
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US5355840A (en) * | 1991-06-10 | 1994-10-18 | Societe Cooperative Deproduction Bourgeois | Steam generator controlled by pressure switch |
US6786182B2 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2004-09-07 | Imetec, S.P.A. | Pressure control for household steam generator |
US20040187527A1 (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2004-09-30 | Kim Jin Woong | Steam jet drum washing machine |
US20050132756A1 (en) * | 2003-12-23 | 2005-06-23 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Washing machine |
US20060016020A1 (en) * | 2004-07-20 | 2006-01-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine and method for controlling the same |
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US9751115B2 (en) | 2009-08-05 | 2017-09-05 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Washer such as a dishwasher or a washing machine and method for operating a washer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2920043A1 (en) | 2009-02-20 |
DE102008035787A1 (en) | 2009-02-19 |
DE102008035787B4 (en) | 2023-07-20 |
FR2920043B1 (en) | 2016-03-18 |
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Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LIM, MIN KYU;REEL/FRAME:022255/0833 Effective date: 20090129 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |