Steam generating device and washing machine having the same

Abstract

A steam generating device and a washing machine having the same are disclosed. The steam generating device includes a case for containing water, the case receiving a heater, a water level sensor for sensing a water level of the case, and a receptacle extending downwardly from a top of the case while enclosing the water level sensor, to prevent the water level sensor from malfunctioning, the receptacle having an open bottom directly communicating with an interior of the case, to prevent foreign matter from being accumulated in the receptacle. The structure of the receptacle covering the water level sensor is improved. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the accumulation of foreign matter in the receptacle, and thus to prevent the water level sensor from malfunctioning.

1 . A steam generating device comprising: 
 a case for containing water, the case receiving a heater;    a water level sensor for sensing a water level of the case; and    a receptacle extending downwardly from a top of the case while enclosing the water level sensor, to prevent the water level sensor from malfunctioning, the receptacle having an open bottom directly communicating with an interior of the case, to prevent foreign matter from being accumulated in the receptacle.    
   
   
       2 . The steam generating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle communicates with the interior of the case through the entire portion of the open bottom.  
   
   
       3 . The steam generating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle extends to a position approximate to a bottom of the case.  
   
   
       4 . The steam generating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle includes an opening for allowing water to be introduced toward the water level sensor.  
   
   
       5 . The steam generating device according to  claim 4 , wherein the opening is formed at the bottom of the receptacle.  
   
   
       6 . The steam generating device according to  claim 4 , wherein the opening is formed at a side wall portion of the receptacle.  
   
   
       7 . The steam generating device according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a lower barrier wall extending downwardly from a bottom of the case.    
   
   
       8 . The steam generating device according to  claim 7 , wherein the receptacle includes a first barrier wall arranged adjacent to the heater, and a second barrier wall arranged to be spaced apart from the first barrier wall.  
   
   
       9 . The steam generating device according to  claim 8 , wherein the second barrier wall is arranged beneath the first barrier wall.  
   
   
       10 . The steam generating device according to  claim 8 , wherein the second barrier wall is arranged such that an upper end of the second barrier wall overlaps with a lower end of the first barrier wall.  
   
   
       11 . The steam generating device according to  claim 8 , wherein the first barrier wall has a plate shape.  
   
   
       12 . The steam generating device according to  claim 8 , wherein the water level sensor is arranged to be misaligned from an intermediate portion of the second barrier wall toward one side of the second barrier wall.  
   
   
       13 . The steam generating device according to  claim 8 , wherein the receptacle includes openings respectively formed at opposite side wall portions of the receptacle, to allow water to be introduced toward the water level sensor.  
   
   
       14 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a body;    a tub installed in the body;    a drum rotatably installed in the tub; and    a steam generating device for supplying steam to the drum, the steam generating device including a case for containing water, the case receiving a heater, a water level sensor for sensing a water level of the case, and a receptacle extending downwardly from a top of the case while enclosing the water level sensor, to prevent the water level sensor from malfunctioning, the receptacle having an open bottom directly communicating with an interior of the case, to prevent foreign matter from being accumulated in the receptacle.    
   
   
       15 . The washing machine according to  claim 14 , wherein the receptacle extends to a position approximate to a bottom of the case while communicating with the interior of the case through the entire portion of the open bottom.  
   
   
       16 . The washing machine according to  claim 14 , wherein the receptacle includes an opening for allowing water to be introduced toward the water level sensor.  
   
   
       17 . The washing machine according to  claim 16 , wherein the opening comprises openings respectively formed at the bottom of the receptacle and side wall portions of the receptacle.  
   
   
       18 . The washing machine according to  claim 14 , wherein the steam generating device further includes a lower barrier wall extending downwardly from a bottom of the case.  
   
   
       19 . The washing machine according to  claim 18 , wherein the receptacle includes a first barrier wall arranged adjacent to the heater, and a second barrier wall arranged to be spaced apart from the first barrier wall.  
   
   
       20 . The washing machine according to  claim 19 , wherein the second barrier wall is arranged beneath the first barrier wall.  
   
   
       21 . The washing machine according to  claim 19 , wherein the second barrier wall is arranged such that an upper end of the second barrier wall overlaps with a lower end of the first barrier wall.  
   
   
       22 . The washing machine according to  claim 19 , wherein the water level sensor is arranged to be misaligned from an intermediate portion of the second barrier wall toward one side of the second barrier wall.  
   
   
       23 . The washing machine according to  claim 19 , wherein the receptacle includes openings respectively formed at opposite side wall portions of the receptacle, to allow water to be introduced toward the water level sensor.