Steam generator for washing machine

Abstract

A steam generator for a washing machine comprises: a hermetic container provided with a water supply port for supplying water and a steam exhaustion port for exhausting steam; a heater arranged in the hermetic container for heating water supplied into the hermetic container; and a drain unit for draining residual water inside of the hermetic container outwardly. According to this, residual water inside of the steam generator is outwardly exhausted thus to maintain cleanness of the steam generator. Also, the drain unit using a siphon principle is installed thus to naturally exhaust residual water inside of the steam generator without an additional valve device, thereby reducing a fabrication cost.

Description

Technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a steam generator for a washing machine, and more particularly to a steam generator for a washing machine that can directly inject steam into the clothes to heat the clothes. Background technique [0002] figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to the prior art. [0003] The drum washing machine according to the prior art includes: a casing 102 for forming its appearance; a tub 104 arranged in the casing 102 for storing washing water; A drum 106 for washing and dehydrating laundry; and a driving motor 110 connected to the drum 106 by a transmission shaft 108 to rotate the drum 106. [0004] The cylinder 104 is supported in the casing 102 in a vibration-damping manner by the dampers 120 and 122, and a heater 130 for heating the washing water in the cylinder 104 is provided at the lower portion of the cylinder 104. [0005] Sufficient space must be provided in the lower part of the cylinder tube ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0007] However, in the existing washing machine, it is necessary to provide a space for accommodating the heater 130 in the lower part of the cylinder 104, so the overall volume of the washing machine becomes large.

In addition, washing water needs to be supplied to the space for accommodating the heater 130, thus increasing the waste of washing water.

[0008] Moreover, the washing water is heated by the heater 130, thereby increasing the energy consumption of the heater, increasing the amount of detergent, and prolonging the washing time.

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