Steam Generator Having Press-Sensor for Drum Washing Machine and Control Method as the Same

Abstract

A steam generator of a drum washing machine is disclosed which includes a pressure sensor for controlling an internal pressure of the steam generator, so as to prevent an excessive steam-pressure or water-pressure inside the steam generator, the steam generator comprising a housing which holds water therein; a heater than generates steam by heating the water held in the housing; and a pressure sensor that sense an internal pressure of the housing.

1 . A steam generator of a drum washing machine comprising:
 a housing which holds water therein;   a heater which generates steam by heating the water held in the housing; and   a pressure sensor which senses an internal pressure of the housing.   
   
   
       2 . The steam generator of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensor is electrically connected with the heater. 
   
   
       3 . The steam generator of  claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a steam-filling part which is filled with the steam generated by the heater. 
   
   
       4 . The steam generator of  claim 3 , wherein the steam-filling part is upwardly protruding from one upper side of the housing. 
   
   
       5 . The steam generator of  claim 4 , wherein the pressure sensor is provided in the steam-filling part. 
   
   
       6 . A method for sensing a pressure inside a steam generator of a drum washing machine comprising:
 previously setting a predetermined value of pressure;   supplying water to the inside of the steam generator;   heating the water supplied to the steam generator;   sensing a pressure inside the steam generator on heating the water supplied; and   comparing the sensed pressure with the predetermined value set previously.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 stopping an operation of the heater if the sensed pressure is higher than the pre-determined value set previously.