Steam generating device and washing machine having the same

Abstract

A steam generating device, in which steam is generated just after the supply of water is performed so that the steam is supplied to a tub in a short time and the consumption of energy is decreased, and a washing machine having the same. The steam generating device includes a main body provided with a steam supply channel formed therein; a heater buried in the main body for heating the main body to heat water flowing along the steam supply channel; and a water supply control valve installed at an inlet of the steam supply channel.

1 . A steam generating device comprising: 
 a main body provided with a steam supply channel formed therein;    a heater buried in the main body for heating the main body to heat water flowing along the steam supply channel; and    a water supply control valve installed at an inlet of the steam supply channel.    
   
   
       2 . The steam generating device as set forth in  claim 1 , 
 wherein the main body is a metal mold manufactured such that a pipe for forming the steam supply channel and the heater are buried in the main body.    
   
   
       3 . The steam generating device as set forth in  claim 1 , 
 wherein the steam supply channel is formed in a longitudinal direction of the main body, and the heater buried in the main body is separated from the steam supply channel and extended in the longitudinal direction of the main body.    
   
   
       4 . The steam generating device as set forth in  claim 1 , 
 wherein the diameter of an outlet of the steam supply channel is smaller than the diameter of an inlet of the steam supply channel.    
   
   
       5 . The steam generating device as set forth in  claim 1 , 
 wherein a spiral coil member for delaying the flow of water is installed in the steam supply channel.    
   
   
       6 . The steam generating device as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising an overheating prevention device for controlling power applied to the heater when the heater is overheated.  
   
   
       7 . The steam generating device as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the overheating prevention device includes: 
 a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the main body; and    an automatic temperature switch for cutting off the power applied to the heater when the temperature of the main body is raised more than a first predetermined temperature.    
   
   
       8 . The steam generating device as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the overheating prevention device further includes a fuse for cutting off the power applied to the heater when the temperature of the main body is raised more than a second predetermined temperature higher than the first predetermined temperature.  
   
   
       9 . The steam generating device as set forth in  claim 1 , 
 wherein the main body is a metal mold manufactured such that a core for forming the steam supply channel and the heater are buried in the main body.    
   
   
       10 . The steam generating device as set forth in  claim 1 , 
 wherein an outlet of the steam supply channel is opened at all times.    
   
   
       11 . The steam generating device as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a noncohesive coating layer formed on the inner surface of the steam supply channel for preventing the generation of scales in the steam supply channel.  
   
   
       12 . A washing machine having a steam generating device for supplying steam to the inside of a tub, said steam generating device comprising: 
 a main body provided with a steam supply channel formed therein;    a heater buried in the main body for heating the main body to heat water flowing along the steam supply channel; and    a water supply control valve installed at an inlet of the steam supply channel.    
   
   
       13 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 12 , 
 wherein the main body is a metal mold manufactured such that a pipe for forming the steam supply channel and the heater are buried in the main body.    
   
   
       14 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 12 , 
 wherein the steam supply channel is formed in a longitudinal direction of the main body, and the heater buried in the main body is separated from the steam supply channel and extended in the longitudinal direction of the main body.    
   
   
       15 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 12 , 
 wherein the inner diameter of an outlet of the steam supply channel is smaller than the inner diameter of an inlet of the steam supply channel.    
   
   
       16 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 12 , 
 wherein a spiral coil member for delaying the flow of water is installed in the steam supply channel.    
   
   
       17 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 12 , further comprising an overheating prevention device for controlling power applied to the heater when the heater is overheated.  
   
   
       18 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the overheating prevention device includes: 
 a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the main body; and    an automatic temperature switch for cutting off the power applied to the heater when the temperature of the main body is raised more than a first predetermined temperature.    
   
   
       19 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein the overheating prevention device further includes a fuse for cutting off the power applied to the heater when the temperature of the main body is raised more than a second predetermined temperature higher than the first predetermined temperature.  
   
   
       20 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 12 , further comprising a noncohesive coating layer formed on the inner surface of the steam supply channel for preventing the generation of scales in the steam supply channel.