Water level sensor of steam generating apparatus for washing or drying machine and steam generating apparatus with the same

• US 20090107188A1
• Filed: 03/13/2006
• Published: 04/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Original Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Inventors: Park, Seog Kyu
• Granted Patent: US 7,913,522 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 68/5.R
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/087 Water level measuring or regulating devices
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/088 Liquid supply arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/40 Steam generating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 58/20 General details of domestic laundry dryers D06F59/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F22B 1/284 with water in reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: F22B 37/78 Adaptations or mounting of level indicators level indicators per se G01F

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam generator used in a machine such as a clothes washing machine, a clothes drying machine, a clothes washing and drying machine, and the like and a level sensor used in the same. In more particularly, the present invention relates to a level sens integrally formed by molding and conveniently assembled in the steam generator. The steam generator includes a case having a space for storing water and formed with a level sensor insertion hole, and a level sensor. Here, the level sensor includes a conductor having a detector positioned in the space for storing the water and a connector electrically connected to the exterior, and a level sensor housing inserted into the level sensor insertion hole and integrally formed with the conductor by insert molding.

Claims

1. A steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine comprising:

a case having a space for storing water wherein a water level sensor insertion hole formed therein; and

a water level sensor comprising an electric conductor for detecting a water level in the space and a water level sensor housing inserted into the water level sensor insertion hole, wherein the conductor and the housing made to be one body by insert molding.

2. The steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the water level sensor housing includes a socket, and an end of the conductor is positioned in the socket.

3. The steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the water level sensor housing covering at least a part of the conductor positioned in the space for storing the water.

4. The steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine as set forth in claim 3, further comprising another at least one conductor to detect another water level.

5. The steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine as set forth in claim 4, wherein the housing covering the conductors up to ends of the conductors.

6. The steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine as set forth in claim 4, wherein at least three of the conductors are:

a common electrode;

a lowest-level electrode for detecting the lowest level; and

a highest-level electrode for detecting the highest level.

7. The steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a undulating restricting means for restricting water around at least the end of the portion of the conductor positioned in the space from undulating.

8. The steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine as set forth in claim 7, wherein the undulating restricting means is made in a form of wall around the end of the conductor.

9. The steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine as set forth in claim 8, wherein the undulating restricting means comprises:

a lower wall protruded from the bottom of the case; and

an upper wall protruded from the ceiling of the case.

10. The steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine as set forth in claim 9, wherein a slit formed in the lower wall.

11. A water level sensor of a steam generator of a clothes washing machine or a clothes drying machine comprising:

a water level sensor housing including a socket; and

an electric conductor covered by the housing wherein one end of the conductor is positioned in the socket and both ends of the conductors are exposed out of the housing,

wherein the conductor and the housing made to be one body by insert molding.