STEAM GENERATOR AND CLOTHES CARE APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME

Info

Publication number: 20210180237
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 10, 2020
Publication Date: Jun 17, 2021
Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. (Suwon-si)
Inventors: Jungsang CHOI (Suwon-si), Kisun PARK (Suwon-si), Hyeonjoo KIM (Suwon-si), Kwonchul YUN (Suwon-si), Yongpil PARK (Suwon-si), Hyeongjoon PARK (Suwon-si)
Application Number: 17/117,583

Abstract

A clothes care apparatus includes a main body including a care room accommodating clothes and a steam generator configured to generate steam to be supplied to the care room. The steam generator includes a case having a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface with respect to a center line. A first housing is coupled to the case between the first side surface and the center line, and a second housing is coupled to the case between the second side surface and the center line. A first electrode is supported by the first housing, and a second electrode is supported by the second housing and separated from the first electrode.

Description

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0166131, filed on Dec. 12, 2019 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The disclosure relates to a steam generator including a water level sensor with an improved structure, and a clothes care apparatus having the steam generator.

2. Description of the Related Art

A clothes care apparatus is equipment for clothes care, such as drying wet clothes, removing dust gathered on clothes or smell permeated in clothes, and smoothing out the wrinkles of clothes.

The clothes care apparatus includes a heat exchanger for supplying hot air to a care room in which clothes are accommodated to dry the clothes, and a steam generator for performing a refresh function, such as wrinkle removal, odor removal, and static electricity removal of clothes, etc.

The heat exchanger and the steam generator are installed in a machine room, and the machine room is positioned in the lower space of the care room.

The steam generator includes a water level sensor for sensing a level of water stored therein, and a heater for heating the water.

However, the water stored in the steam generator may be hard water containing a large amount of minerals. Heat applied to the hard water by the heater may form scale. Such scale formed on the water level sensor may cause wrong detections of the water level sensor. In this case, the water level sensor may wrongly recognize a low water level as a high water level so that the heater operates, or wrongly recognize a high water level as a low water level, so that water continues to be supplied to the steam generator causing it to overflow.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an aspect of the disclosure to provide a steam generator having a water level sensor for preventing electric conduction between electrodes by separating the electrodes from each other, and a clothes care apparatus including the steam generator.

It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a steam generator having a water level sensor for preventing formation of scale through an air cap structure, and a clothes care apparatus including the steam generator.

It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a steam generator for preventing loss of components by increasing exposed portions of electrodes, and a clothes care apparatus including the steam generator.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a clothes care apparatus includes: a main body including a care room accommodating clothes and configured to care the clothes; and a steam generator configured to generate a steam to be supplied to the care room, and including a water level sensor configured to sense an inside water level, wherein the steam generator includes a case, and the water level sensor includes: a first housing coupled to the case; a second housing coupled to the case at the same height as the first housing; a first electrode supported by the first housing; and a second electrode supported by the second housing and separated from the first electrode.

The first electrode and the second electrode may be provided without any coating to prevent a wrong detection caused by scales.

The first electrode may be a low water level electrode configured to sense a low water level inside the case, and the second electrode may be a high water level electrode configured to sense a high water level inside the case, a length of the high water level electrode being shorter than a length of the low water level electrode.

The clothes care apparatus may further include a common electrode supported by the first housing together with the first electrode.

The second housing may be symmetrical to the first housing on the same line as the first housing with respect to the case.

The water level sensor may further include: a first air cap coupled to the first housing and accommodating a portion of the first electrode; and a second air cap coupled to the second housing and accommodating a portion of the second electrode.

The case may include a plurality of partition walls respectively being adjacent to the first air cap and the second air cap and extending upward from a bottom of the case.

An air pocket may be formed in a space of the first air cap in which the portion of the first electrode is accommodated and a space of the second air cap in which the portion of the second electrode is accommodated, to prevent water from entering the spaces.

The water level sensor may further include a plurality of sealing members respectively positioned between the first housing and the first air cap and between the second housing and the second air cap to form the air pocket.

The first air cap may include: a first flange being in a shape corresponding to a lower surface of the first housing; and a plurality of partition walls extending toward a bottom of the case from the first flange to form an air pocket.

The second air cap may include: a second flange being in a shape corresponding to a lower surface of the second housing; and a plurality of partition walls extending toward a bottom of the case from the second flange to form an air pocket.

A length of the first electrode exposed to outside of the first air cap may be longer than 3 mm and shorter than 15 mm.

The case may include a first side surface, and a second side surface being opposite to the first side surface with respect to a center line, the first housing may be coupled to the case between the first side surface and the center line, and the second housing may be coupled to the case between the second side surface and the center line.

The case may include: a third side surface connected to the first side surface and the second side surface; and a fourth side surface being opposite to the third side surface with respect to a reference line being perpendicular to the center line, wherein the first housing may be coupled to the case between the first side surface, the third side surface, the center line, and the reference line, and the second housing may be coupled to the case between the second side surface and the center line such that the second housing is on the reference line and diagonal to the first housing.

The water level sensor may further include a third housing supporting the third electrode, aligned with the first housing, and coupled to the case between the first side surface and the center line, the first electrode may be a low water level electrode configured to sense a low water level inside the case, the second electrode may be a high water level electrode configured to sense a high water level inside the case, and the third electrode may be a common electrode.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a steam generator includes: a case; and a water level sensor configured to sense a water level inside the case, wherein the water level sensor includes: a first housing coupled to one side of the case; a second housing coupled to the other side of the case, the other side being opposite to the one side of the case with respect to a center line of the case; a first electrode supported by the first housing; a second electrode supported by the second housing; a first air cap coupled to the first housing and accommodating a portion of the first electrode; and a second air cap coupled to the second housing and accommodating a portion of the second electrode.

The first air cap may include a first air pocket configured to prevent water from entering a space in which the portion of the first electrode is accommodated, and the second air cap may include a second air pocket configured to prevent water from entering a space in which the portion of the second electrode is accommodated.

The case may include a plurality of partition walls respectively positioned below the first air cap and the second air cap and extending upward from a bottom of the case.

The first electrode may be a low water level electrode configured to sense a low water level inside the case, and the second electrode may be a high water level electrode configured to sense a high water level inside the case, a length of the high water level electrode being shorter than a length of the low water level electrode. The steam generator may further include a common electrode supported by the first housing together with the low water level electrode.

The first housing and the second housing may be coupled at the same height with respect to the case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothes care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a state in which a door opens in a clothes care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a clothes care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a clothes care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a cross section taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a cross section taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a first water level sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosure in the steam generator according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second water level sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a coupled state of the first water level sensor according to the first embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the steam generator according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a first water level sensor according to a second embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a front view of a first water level sensor according to a third embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a first water level sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a steam generator according to a second embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a top view of a steam generator according to a third embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a top view of a steam generator according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a front view showing a coupled state of a first water level sensor according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure with a third water level sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a front view showing a first water level sensor according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure and a third water level sensor according to a second embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a front view showing a first water level sensor according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure and a third water level sensor according to a third embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a front view showing a first water level sensor according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure and a third water level sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a top view of a steam generator according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 23 is a front view of a water level sensor according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure, in a steam generator according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Configurations illustrated in the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification are only the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, and thus it is to be understood that various modified examples, which may replace the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification, are possible when filing the present application.

Also, like reference numerals or symbols denoted in the drawings of the present specification represent members or components that perform the substantially same functions.

The terms used in the present specification are merely used to describe the embodiments, and are not intended to limit the disclosure. An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

In the present specification, it is to be understood that the terms such as “including” or “having,” etc., are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

For example, a first component discussed below could be termed a second component, and similarly, a second component may be termed a first component without departing from the teachings of this disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

In the following description, the terms “front direction”, “rear direction”, “upper portion”, “lower portion”, etc. are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the corresponding components are not limited by the terms.

Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clothes care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which a door opens in a clothes care apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a clothes care apparatus 1 may include a main body 10 forming an outer appearance, and a door 20 rotatably coupled to the main body 10.

The main body 10 may be substantially in a shape of a hexahedron of which one side opens. In a front side of the main body 10, an opening 10a may be formed. On the main body 10, the door 20 rotatably coupled to the main body 10 to open and close a care room 30 may be mounted.

The door 20 may be mounted on the main body 10 through a hinge or link, although not shown in the drawings.

The main body 10 may include the care room 30 formed inside the main body 10 and accommodating clothes to care the clothes. The care room 30 may open at the front side. The care room 30 may be opened or closed by the door 20 for opening and closing the opening 10a.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the clothes care apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the clothes care apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the main body 10 may include an external cabinet 11 and an internal cabinet 12 positioned inside the external cabinet 11. The main body 10 may include a supporting member 50 installed inside the care room 30 to hang clothes.

The main body 10 may include a machine room 40 accommodating a heat exchanger 60, etc. for dehumidifying and heating inside air of the care room 30.

The care room 30 may form a space for accommodating clothes. The care room 30 may be defined by a top plate 12a, a bottom plate 12b, a left plate 12c, a right plate 12d, and a rear plate 12e that constitute the internal cabinet 12.

The internal cabinet 12 may include a frame 13 for supporting the top plate 12a, the bottom plate 12b, the left plate 12c, the right plate 12d, and the rear plate 12e.

The frame 13 may define the care room 30 and the machine room 40 positioned below the care room 30, although not limited thereto.

The supporting member 50 may be installed in the top plate 12a of the care room 30. The supporting member 50 may be separable from the care room 30. At least one supporting member 50 may be provided. The supporting member 50 may be in a shape of a hanger to hang clothes, although not limited thereto.

The supporting member 50 may enable air to flow therein. Dust or foreign materials collected in clothes may be removed by air supplied to the inside of the supporting member 50.

In the supporting member 50, an air hole 51 for supplying air to the clothes may be formed. The air hole 51 may be formed at an upper end of the supporting member 50, and air may be supplied to the clothes through the air hole 51, although not limited thereto.

The air hole 51 may be formed with various sizes at various locations to spray supplied air over a wide area of the clothes.

The care room 30 may include a first inlet 31a, a second inlet 32a, a first outlet 31b, a second outlet 32b, and a steam inlet 33.

The first inlet 31a and the first outlet 31b may be formed in the bottom plate 12b of the care room 30. The first inlet 31a may be positioned at a rear portion of the bottom plate 12b of the care room 30. The first outlet 31b may be positioned at a front portion of the bottom plate 12b of the care room 30. The first inlet 31a may be adjacent to the first outlet 31b.

The steam inlet 33 may be positioned at a lower portion of the rear plate 12e of the care room 30. The steam inlet 33 may be positioned above the first inlet 31.

The second inlet 32a may be formed above the top plate 111e or 12a of the care room 30. The second outlet 32b may be formed at a center of the rear plate 12e of the care room 30. The second inlet 32a may be adjacent to the second inlet 32b.

The second inlet 32a of the care room 30 may be connected to the supporting member 50. Air entered through the second inlet 32a may be transferred to the supporting member 50 through the air hole 51 and transferred to clothes hung on the supporting member 50.

In a lower portion of the main body 10, a drain container 61 and a water supply container 101 that are separable from the main body 10 may be installed. The drain container 61 and the water supply container 101 may be positioned below the care room 30.

The drain container 61 may be used to easily process condensed water generated by the heat exchanger 60. The water supply container 101 may store water required for a steam generator 100 to generate steam.

The water stored in the water supply container 101 may be supplied to the steam generator 100 to be used to generate a steam. The water supply container 101 may be separable from the main body 10 to easily add water.

The drain container 61 and the water supply container 101 may be installed in a front area of the machine room 40. The machine room 40 may be positioned in the lower portion of the main body 10. The machine room 40 may be positioned below the care room 30.

A plurality of hoses 68 may be provided to be respectively used in the heat exchanger 60 or the steam generator 100.

The heat exchanger 60 may dehumidify and heat inside air of the care room 30 as necessary.

The heat exchanger 60 may supply hot air to the inside of the care room 30. The heat exchanger 60 may include an evaporator 63, a condenser 64, and a compressor 65, through which a refrigerant circulates. The heat exchanger 60 may dehumidify and heat air.

In the evaporator 63 of the heat exchanger 60, the refrigerant may evaporate to absorb latent heat from surrounding air to condense and remove moisture in the air.

The refrigerant passed through the compressor 65 and condensed in the condenser 64 may emit latent heat toward surrounding air to thereby heat the surrounding air.

The evaporator 63 and the condenser 64 may perform a heat exchange function so that air entered the machine room 40 by a first fan 62 may pass through the evaporator 63 and the condenser 64, sequentially, to be dehumidified and heated.

The heat exchanger 60 installed in the machine room 40 may include a first duct 66 connecting the evaporator 63, the condenser 64, and the first fan 62 to each other. The first duct 66 may be connected to the care room 30 to form a first flow path 67 to circulate air between the care room 30 and the first duct 66.

The first duct 66 may be connected to the first inlet 31a and the first outlet 31b of the care room 30. One end of the first duct 66 may be connected to the first inlet 31a, and the other end of the first duct 66 may be connected to the first outlet 31b.

Air of the care room 30 may be discharged to the first duct 66 via the first outlet 31b, and the discharged air may be dehumidified and again enter the care room 30 via the first inlet 31a.

The first inlet 31a may be positioned in a rear area of the care room 30, and the first outlet 31b may be positioned in a front area of the care room 30, although not limited thereto. The first inlet 31a and the first outlet 31b may be positioned at different locations as necessary.

The first duct 66 may dehumidify air discharged from the care room 30 through the first outlet 31b, and cause the dehumidified air to enter the care room 30 through the first inlet 31a. The first fan 62 may be positioned on the first duct 66 to inhale inside air of the care room 30 to the inside of the first duct 66.

In the machine room 40, the steam generator 100 may be provided to receive water from the water supply container 101 and generate steam.

The steam generator 100 may be connected to the water supply container 101 to receive water and generate a stream, and include a steam supply pipe 104 for guiding the generated steam to a steam spray portion 103. The steam spray portion 103 may be positioned at the lower portion of the rear plate 12e of the care room 30.

An end of the steam spray portion 103 may be in a shape of a nozzle to smoothly spray a steam into an inside space of the care room 30. The steam spray portion 103 may be exposed to the inside of the care room 30.

The care room 30 may include a blower 80 for causing inside air of the care room 30 to flow. The blower 80 may include a second duct 81, and a second fan 82 may be installed inside the second duct 81.

The second duct 81 may communicate with the care room 30 and form a second flow path 83 to circulate air between the care room 30 and the second duct 81. The second fan 82 may be positioned on the second flow path 83.

The second duct 81 may be positioned behind the second outlet 32b of the care room 30. The second duct 81 may be positioned at an upper portion of the rear plate 12e of the care room 30, and include a filter 90 therein.

The filter 90 may be a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, although not limited thereto.

The second duct 81 may be coupled to a top cover 91 positioned above the care room 30. The blower 80 may be positioned at a rear area above the care room 30, and include a motor 84 for generating a rotating force, and at least one second fan 82 rotating by the motor 84.

The motor 84 may include a shaft extending at both sides, and a pair of second fans 82 may be respectively coupled to both ends of the shaft. Through this structure, the pair of second fans 82 may rotate by the motor 84.

The pair of second fans 82 may be centrifugal fans that inhale air in their shaft directions and discharge the inhaled air outward in their radial directions, although not limited thereto.

The second fan 82 may be accommodated in a fan case 85. The fan case 85 may be coupled to a duct bracket 86 formed on the top plate 12a of the care room 30.

In the duct bracket 86, at least one duct hole 86a may be formed. The second fans 82 may be coupled to the at least one duct hole 86a to move inside air of the second duct 81 to the second inlet 32a.

The second duct 81 may be connected to the second inlet 32a and the second outlet 32b of the care room 30. One end of the second duct 81 may be connected to the second inlet 32a, and the other end may be connected to the second outlet 32b of the care room 30.

The second inlet 32a may be connected to the supporting member 50 to transfer inside air of the second duct 81 to the supporting member 50.

The second fans 82 positioned inside the second duct 81 may inhale inside air of the care room 30 through the second outlet 32b and again discharge the air to the care room 30 through the second inlet 32a.

On the rear plate 12e of the care room 30, a filter installing portion may be provided to install the filter 90 thereon. The second outlet 32b may be positioned to correspond to the filter installing portion.

Inside air of the care room 30, which is discharged to the second duct 81, may be filtered by the filter 90 of the second outlet 32b. Dust and smell included in the air discharged to the second duct 81 may be removed by the filter 90.

The air filtered by the filter 90 may be discharged to the supporting member 50 through the blower 80. The filter 90 may include a dust filter (not shown) for removing dust or a device for deodorization.

For clothes caring, after clothes are hung on the supporting member 50 and the door 20 is closed, the care room 30 may operate. Inside air of the care room 30 may circulate along the first flow path 67 and the second flow path 83.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a steam generator according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a cross section taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows a cross section taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the steam generator 100 may include a case 110 for storing water therein. The case 110 may form an outer appearance of the steam generator 100.

The case 110 may receive water from the water supply container 101 (see FIG. 3) through the hose 68.

The case 110 may include an upper case 111 and a lower case 112. The upper case 111 may be positioned above the upper case 112. The upper case 111 may be separable from the lower case 112. Water may be stored in the lower case 112.

The case 110 may have a capacity capable of accommodating a predefined amount of water therein. The case 110 may be substantially in a shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, although not limited thereto.

The upper case 111 may include a water supply portion 113 and a discharge portion 114. The water supply portion 113 may be connected to the hose 68 to enable water to enter the upper case 111. The discharge portion 114 may be connected to the steam supply pipe 104 to supply a steam generated by heating water entered the inside of the case 110 by the heater 120 to the care room 30.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 11, the upper case 111 may include a first side surface 111a, a second side surface 111b, a third side surface 111c, a fourth side surface 111d, and a top plate 111e connected to the plurality of side surfaces 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d. The discharge portion 114 may be positioned on the top plate 111e of the upper case 111, although not limited thereto.

The first side surface 111a may be opposite to the second side surface 111b with respect to a center line L1. The third side surface 111c may be connected to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b. The fourth side surface 111d may be connected to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b, and may be opposite to the third side surface 111c with respect to a reference line L2.

The center line L1 and the reference line L2 may pass an intersecting point C of the steam generator 100 and may be perpendicular to each other.

The center line L1 may be parallel to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b and pass a geometric center of the steam generator 100. The reference line L2 may be parallel to the third side surface 111c and the fourth side surface 111d and pass centers of water level sensors of the steam generator 100.

The top plate 111e of the upper case 111 may include a first coupling portion 117 and a second coupling portion 118 to which the water level sensors are coupled. The water level sensors may include a first water level sensor 200 and a second water level sensor 300.

The first water level sensor 200 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 117, and the second water level sensor 300 may be coupled to the second coupling portion 118. The first water level sensor 200 and the second water level sensor 300 may be coupled at the same height with respect to the case 110.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the first water level sensor 200 may include a first electrode 210 and a third electrode 220 (see FIG. 8). The second water level sensor 300 may include a second electrode 310 (see FIG. 9). The first electrode 210 may be a low water level electrode for sensing a low water level in the case 110. The second electrode 310 may be a high water level electrode for sensing a high water level in the case 110. The third electrode 220 may be a common electrode.

The common electrode may extend to near a bottom 115 of the case 110 to contact water stored in the inside of the case 110 until the water is consumed up. The low water level electrode may be electrically connected to the common electrode until the water stored in the inside of the case 110 is consumed up.

The low water level electrode may sense a lowest water level to prevent overheating of the heater 120.

The low water level electrode may be positioned at a location contacting water stored in the inside of the case 110 to prevent a fire that may occur as a result of exposure of the heater 120 to above the surface of water stored in the inside of the case 110 due to a slope of a place where the steam generator 100 is installed.

The low water level electrode may be positioned above the heater 120. One end of the low water level electrode may be supported by a first housing 240, and the other end of the low water level electrode may be positioned above the heater 120 in such a way to be spaced from the heater 120.

The high water level electrode may be positioned at a location contacting water stored in the inside of the case 110 to prevent water supplied to the inside of the case 110 from exceeding a high water level and thus overflowing out of the case 110. The high water level electrode may have a shorter length than the low water level electrode. That is, the second electrode 310 may have a shorter length than the first electrode 210.

The first water level sensor 200 may be provided as a low water level sensor for sensing a low water level in the case 110, and the second water level sensor 300 may be provided as a high water level sensor for sensing a high water level in the case 110.

The low water level sensor for sensing a low water level may be provided together with a common electrode, and the high water level sensor for sensing a high water level may be provided separately, thereby preventing electric conduction between electrodes, which may be caused by scale formed by hard water. Accordingly, wrong operations of the water level sensor may be prevented.

The heater 120 may be installed in the lower case 112. The heater 120 may be positioned adjacent to the bottom 115 of the case 110 to heat water stored in the case 110 regardless of a height in water level of the water. The heater 120 may be installed on a bottom of the lower case 112 to directly heat water filled in the lower case 112, in the state of completely sinking under the water.

The heater 120 may be coupled to a heater fixing portion 122 of the lower case 112 by a heater coupling member 121.

The heater 120 may be a sheath heater 120 having high thermal efficiency and capable of heating water in a relatively short time, although not limited thereto. For example, the heater 120 may be a coil heater for heating water stored in the case 110 from outside of the case 110.

The case 110 may include a temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring temperature of water stored in the case 110, and a heater temperature sensor (not shown) such as a thermo-fuse may be installed in the heater 120 to prevent the heater 120 from being overheated and damaged, although not limited thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first water level sensor 200 (see FIG. 7) may include a first housing 240 and a first air cap 230.

The first air cap 230 may accommodate portions of the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 220 (see FIG. 8).

The second water level sensor 300 may include a second housing 340, a second air cap 330, and the second electrode 310. The second air cap 330 may accommodate a portion of the second electrode 310. In spaces in which the first and third electrodes 210 and 220 and the second electrode 310 are accommodated inside the first air cap 230 and the second air cap 330, air pockets 233 and 333 may be formed to prevent water from entering the spaces. Details about the air pockets 233 and 333 will be described later.

The lower case 112 may include a plurality of partition walls 116a and 116b. The partition wall 116b may be formed below the first air cap 230, and the partition wall 116a may be formed below the second air cap 330. The plurality of partition walls 116a and 116b may be positioned adjacent to the first air cap 230 and the second air cap 330. The plurality of partition walls 116a and 116b may extend upward from the bottom 115 of the lower case 112. The plurality of partition walls 116a and 116b may have a substantially ‘⊏’ shape, although not limited thereto.

The first and third electrodes 210 and 220 and the second electrode 310 may be at appropriate heights from the bottom 115 of the lower case 112 to sense a water level of water to be stored in the case 110.

Due to the plurality of partition walls 116a and 116b, substantially independent spaces may be formed around the first and third electrodes 210 and 220 and the second electrode 310. Accordingly, the partition walls 116a and 116b may reduce sloshing of water even though water is supplied to the inside of the case 110 or vibrations are transferred from outside so that water filled in the case 110 sloshes. Also, the partition walls 116 and 116b may prevent water from being splashed to the first and third electrodes 210 and 220 and the second electrode 310 of the first and second water level sensors 200 and 300 while being supplied. Thereby, the first and second water level sensors 200 and 300 may sense a water level with high accuracy.

The first water level sensor 200 and the second water level sensor 300 may be coupled at the same height with respect to the case 110. Thereby, spatial utilization of the machine room 40 provided in a limited lower space of the clothes care apparatus 1 may increase.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the first water level sensor 200 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the second water level sensor 300 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the first water level sensor 200 may be installed in the first coupling portion 117 of the upper case 111. The first water level sensor 200 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 117 of the upper case 111 by a plurality of sensor coupling members 250. The sensor coupling members 250 may be bolts, etc., although not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 8, the first water level sensor 200 may include the first housing 240 and the first electrode 210. The first water level sensor 200 may further include the third electrode 220. The first housing 240 may be detachably coupled to the upper case 111. On a top of the first housing 240, a first socket 241 for an electrical connection to outside may be mounted. A connector (not shown) configured to connect the first and third electrodes 210 and 220 to a controller (not shown) of the clothes care apparatus 1 may be inserted in the first socket 241.

The first socket 241 may be mounted on the top of the first housing 240. The first socket 241 may be exposed to the outside of the case 110, although not limited thereto.

The first housing 240 may support the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 220. The first electrode 210 and the third electrode 220 may be provided without any coating. An electrode with a coating may no longer sense a water level upon formation of scale at one end of the electrode exposed out of the coating. Accordingly, the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 230 may be formed without any coating to maintain a function of sensing a water level even though scale is formed at one ends of the first and third electrodes 210 and 230. Thereby, it may be possible to prevent loss of components and lengthen the life span of a product. Also, because no coating is formed, material costs may be reduced through a simplified structure.

The first water level sensor 200 may include the first air cap 230 coupled to the first housing 240. The first air cap 230 may be coupled to a lower side of the first housing 240.

The first air cap 230 may include a first flange 231 being in a shape corresponding to a lower surface of the first housing 240. The first air cap 230 may include a plurality of partition walls 232 extending toward the bottom 115 of the case 110 from the first flange 231. The plurality of partition walls 232 may be substantially in a shape of a box having openings at both sides, although not limited thereto.

The first air cap 230 may accommodate a portion of the first electrode 210. Also, the first air cap 230 may accommodate a portion of the third electrode 220. The portion of the first electrode 210 and the portion of the third electrode 220 may be accommodated in an inside space defined by the plurality of partition walls 232.

The first air cap 230 may form the air pocket 233 in the space in which the portion of the first electrode 210 is accommodated. That is, the air pocket 233 may be formed in the inside space defined by the plurality of partition walls 232. The air pocket 233 may prevent the portion of the first electrode 210 from contacting water. Also, the air pocket 233 may prevent the portion of the third electrode 220 from contacting water.

By preventing the electrodes from contacting water, formation of scale may be prevented. Also, because no scale is formed on the electrodes, electric conduction between the electrodes may be prevented, thereby avoiding wrong operations of the water level sensors.

The first water level sensor 200 may include a sealing member 260. The sealing member 260 may be positioned between the first housing 240 and the first air cap 230. The sealing member 260 may be accommodated in a space in which a step is formed downward toward inside of the first flange 231 of the first air cap 230. The sealing member 260 may prevent air from flowing between inside and outside of the first air cap 230, thereby forming the air pocket 233 in the inside of the first air cap 230. The sealing member 260 may be made of a resin material such as rubber having elasticity, although not limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, the second water level sensor 300 may be coupled to the second coupling portion 118 of the upper case 111. The second water level sensor 300 may be coupled to the second coupling portion 118 of the upper case 111 by a plurality of sensor coupling members 350. The sensor coupling members 350 may be bolts, etc., although not limited thereto.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second water level sensor 300 may include the second housing 340 and the second electrode 310. The second housing 340 may be detachably coupled to the upper case 111. On a top of the second housing 340, a second socket 341 for an electrical connection to outside may be mounted. A connector (not shown) configured to connect the second electrode 310 to the controller (not shown) of the clothes care apparatus 1 may be inserted in the second socket 341.

The second socket 341 may be mounted on the top of the second housing 340. The second socket 341 may be exposed to the outside of the case 110, although not limited thereto.

The second housing 340 may support the second electrode 310. The second electrode 310 may be provided without any coating. An electrode with a coating may no longer sense a water level due to formation of scale at one end of the electrode exposed out of the coating. Accordingly, the second electrode 310 may be formed without any coating to maintain a function of sensing a water level even though scale is formed at one end of the second electrode 310. Thereby, it may be possible to prevent loss of components and lengthen the life span of a product. Also, because no coating is formed, material costs may be reduced through a simplified structure.

The second water level sensor 300 may include the second air cap 330 coupled to the second housing 340. The second air cap 330 may be coupled to a lower side of the second housing 340.

The second air cap 330 may include a second flange 331 being in a shape corresponding to a lower surface 12b of the second housing 340. The second air cap 330 may include a plurality of partition walls 332 extending toward the bottom 115 of the case 110 from the second flange 331. The plurality of partition walls 332 may be substantially in a shape of a box having openings at both sides, although not limited thereto.

The second air cap 330 may accommodate a portion of the second electrode 310. Also, the portion of the second electrode 310 may be accommodated in an inside space defined by the plurality of partition walls 332.

The second air cap 330 may form the air pocket 333 in the space in which the portion of the second electrode 310 is accommodated. That is, the air pocket 333 may be formed in the inner space defined by the plurality of partition walls 332. The air pocket 333 may prevent the portion of the second electrode 310 from contacting water.

By preventing the electrodes from contacting water, formation of scale may be prevented. Also, because no scale is formed on the electrodes, electric conduction between the electrodes may be prevented, thereby avoiding wrong operations of the water level sensors.

The second water level sensor 300 may include a sealing member 360. The sealing member 360 may be positioned between the second housing 340 and the second air cap 330. The sealing member 360 may be accommodated in a space in which a step is formed downward toward inside of the second flange 331 of the second air cap 330. The sealing member 360 may prevent air from flowing between inside and outside of the second air cap 330, thereby forming the air pocket 333 in the inside of the second air cap 330. The sealing member 360 may be made of a resin material such as rubber having elasticity, although not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, an operation principle of the first and second water level sensors 200 and 300 of the steam generator 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

First, water may enter the inside of the case 110 through the water supply portion 113, and the water inside of the case 110 may be heated by the heater 120 to be converted into steam.

The steam may enter the inside of the care room 30 through the discharge portion 114 of the case 110.

Water may be fully filled inside the case 110 to reach a full water level. In this case, the common electrode, the low water level electrode, and the high water level electrode may all sink under the water to convey electricity, so that the controller (not shown) may determine that this state is a high water level.

The water filled inside the case 110 may be consumed to reach a half-full water level. In this case, the high water level electrode may be exposed to above the surface of water to thus convey no electricity to the common electrode, while the low water level electrode and the common electrode may remain under the water to convey electricity, so that the controller (not shown) may determine that this state is a low water level.

The water filled inside the case 110 may be almost consumed to become lower than the low water level, so that both the common electrode and the low water level electrode may be exposed to the air. In this case, no electricity may be conveyed.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a coupled state of the first water level sensor 200 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the first water level sensor 200 may include the first housing 240, the first air cap 230, and the plurality of sensor coupling members 250. Although not shown in the drawings, the sealing member 260 may be accommodated in the inside of the first air cap 230.

The first housing 240 may support the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 220. A portion of the first electrode 210 and a portion of the third electrode 220, which are supported by the first housing 240, may be accommodated inside the first air cap 230. One end of the first electrode 210 and one end of the third electrode 220, which are not accommodated inside the first air cap 230, may be exposed to the outside of the first air cap 230. The exposed end of the first electrode 210 may be a first sensor 211. The exposed end of the third electrode 220 may be a third sensor 221. In this case, a length d of the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 220, which is exposed to the outside of the first air cap 230, that is, a length d of the first sensor 211 and the third sensor 221 may be longer than 3 mm and shorter than 15 mm.

The portions of the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 220, which are accommodated inside the first air cap 230, may not contact water due to the air pocket 233.

Accordingly, the first sensor 211 and the third sensor 221, which are exposed to the outside of the first air cap 230, may sense a water level.

In the case in which the length d of the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 220, which is exposed to the outside of the first air cap 230, is too short, water level sensing areas may be reduced. Accordingly, upon formation of scale at the ends of the first and third electrodes 210 and 220, the first and third electrodes 210 and 220 may fail to properly perform a water level sensing function. Accordingly, the length d of the first sensor 211 and the third sensor 221 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be longer than 3 mm.

Meanwhile, in the case in which the length d of the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 220, which is exposed to the outside of the first air cap 230, is too long, there may be a high probability of wrongly sensing a water level upon splashing of water inside the case 110. Accordingly, the length d of the first sensor 211 and the third sensor 221 may be shorter than 15 mm. That is, the length d of the first electrode 210 and the third electrode 220, which is exposed to the outside of the first air cap 230, may be appropriately within a range that is longer than 3 mm and shorter than 15 mm. Also, the length d may be appropriately 5 mm.

In FIG. 10, the first water level sensor 200 is shown, however, the same technical feature may also be applied to the second water level sensor 300. A length of the second electrode 310 of the second water level sensor 300, which is exposed to the outside of the second air cap 330, that is, a length of the second sensor 311 (see FIG. 6) may also be longer than 3 mm or shorter than 15 mm.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the steam generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

Hereinafter, coupling positions of the first water level sensor 200 and the second water level sensor 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 8, 9, and 11.

The first water level sensor 200 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 117 of the upper case 111. The first coupling portion 117 may be formed between the first side surface 111a and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. That is, the first water level sensor 200 may be coupled to the top plate 111e of the case 110 between the first side surface 111a and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. More particularly, the first housing 240 and the first air cap 230 may be coupled to the top plate 111e of the case 110 between the first side surface 111 and the center line L1 by the plurality of sensor coupling members 250.

The second water level sensor 300 may be coupled to the second coupling portion 118 of the upper case 111. The second coupling portion 118 may be formed between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111.

That is, the second water level sensor 300 may be coupled to the top plate 111e of the case 110 between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. More particularly, the second housing 340 and the second air cap 330 may be coupled to the top plate 111e of the case 110 between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 by the plurality of sensor coupling members 350.

In the steam generator 100 seen from above, the first water level sensor 200 and the second water level sensor 300 may be collinear. In other words, the first housing 240 and the second housing 340 may be collinear. That the first water level sensor 200 and the second water level sensor 300 are collinear may represent that the first water level sensor 200 and the second water level sensor 300 are positioned on the reference line L2. That is, the first water level sensor 200 may be opposite to the second water level sensor 300 on the center line L1 with respect to the case 110.

The first water level sensor 200 may be a low water level sensor, and the second water level sensor 300 may be a high water level sensor. Accordingly, through the collinear arrangement, the clothes care apparatus 1 or the steam generator 100 may sense, even though being installed on an inclined floor, an inside water level based on the same criterion. Also, by separating the high water level electrode from the low water level electrode, a probability of electric conduction caused by formation of scales may be reduced. Thereby, wrong detections of the first and second water level sensors 200 and 300 may be prevented.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a first water level sensor according to a second embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, a first water level sensor 200a according to the second embodiment of the disclosure may include a first housing 240a, and a first electrode 210a and a third electrode 220a supported by the first housing 240a, unlike the first water level sensor 200. In other words, the first water level sensor 200a may not include a configuration such as an air cap for forming a layer of air around portions of the first electrode 210a and the third electrode 220a.

Although not shown in FIG. 12, a second water level sensor (not shown) may also omit a configuration such as an air cap, like the first water level sensor 200a.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a first water level sensor according to a third embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, a first water level sensor 200b according to the third embodiment of the disclosure may further include an electrode coating 270b, unlike the first water level sensor 200 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. The electrode coating 270b may surround a first electrode 210b and a third electrode 220b.

The electrode coating 270b may be integrated and injection-molded into the first housing 240b, although not limited thereto. Through the configuration of the electrode coating 270b, the first electrode 210b and the third electrode 220b may be prevented from being corroded.

Also, the first air cap 230b may accommodate the electrode coating 270b and portions of the first electrode 210b and the third electrode 220b accommodated inside the electrode coating 270b.

By providing the first air cap 230b, the first water level sensor 200b and the second water level sensor (not shown), which are separated from each other, may be prevented from conveying electricity due to scale formed on an inner surface of the upper case 111.

The first water level sensor 200b may include a plurality of sealing members 260b. The sealing members 260b may be positioned between the housing 240b and the first air cap 230b. Also, the sealing members 260b may be installed at a connected portion between structures of the first air cap 230b. The sealing members 260b may prevent air from flowing between inside and outside of the first air cap 230b, thereby forming an air pocket 233b inside the first air cap 230b. The sealing members 260b may be made of a resin material such as rubber having elasticity, although not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 13, the second water level sensor (not shown) may also further include an electrode coating surrounding electrodes, like the first water level sensor 200b.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a first water level sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 14, a first water level sensor 200c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure may include a first housing 240c, a first electrode 210c and a third electrode 220c supported by the first housing 240c, and an electrode coating 270c, unlike the first water level sensor 200b according to the third embodiment of the disclosure. In other words, the first water level sensor 200c may not include a configuration such as an air cap for forming a layer of air around portions of the first electrode 210c and the third electrode 220c.

Although not shown in FIG. 14, a second water level sensor (not shown) may also omit a configuration such as an air cap, like the first water level sensor 200c.

Although not shown in FIG. 14, the steam generator 100 may include the water level sensors 200a and 300a according to the second embodiment of the disclosure, the water level sensors 200b and 300b according to the third embodiment of the disclosure, or the water level sensors 200c and 300c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure, instead of the water level sensors 200 and 300 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a steam generator according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 15, a steam generator 100a may include the first water level sensor 200 and the second water level sensor 300.

The upper case 111 may include the first side surface 111a, the second side surface 111b, the third side surface 111c, the fourth side surface 111d, and the top plate 111e connected to the plurality of side surfaces 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d.

The first side surface 111a may be opposite to the second side surface 111b with respect to the center line L1. The third side surface 111c may be connected to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b. The fourth side surface 111d may be connected to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b, and may be opposite to the third side surface 111c with respect to the reference line L2.

The center line L1 and the reference line L2 may pass an intersecting point C of the steam generator 100a and may be perpendicular to each other.

The center line L1 may be parallel to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b to pass a geometric center of the steam generator 100a. The reference line L2 may be parallel to the third side surface 111c and the fourth side surface 111d to pass a center of the second water level sensor 300 of the steam generator 100a.

The first water level sensor 200 may be coupled to a first coupling portion 117a of the upper case 111. The first coupling portion 117a may be formed between the first side surface 111a, the third plate 111c, the center line L1, and the reference line L2 of the upper case 111. That is, the first water level sensor 200 may be coupled to the case 110 between the first side surface 111a, the third side surface 111c, the center line L1, and the reference line L2 of the upper case 111.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the steam generator 100a, and, as seen from above, the first housing 240 may be coupled between the first side surface 111a, the third side surface 111c, the center line L1, and the reference line L2 of the upper case 111.

The second water level sensor 300 may be coupled to a second coupling portion 118a of the upper case 111. The second coupling portion 118a may be formed between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. That is, the second water level sensor 300 may be coupled to the case 110 between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. Also, the second coupling portion 118a may be positioned on the reference line L2.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the steam generator 100a, and, as seen from above, the second housing 340 may be positioned between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 and coupled to the case 110 on the reference line L2.

Accordingly, the first water level sensor 200 may be diagonal to the second water level sensor 300. That is, the first water level sensor 200 may be farthest from the second water level sensor 300 with respect to the case 110.

Thereby, a probability of electric conduction between the first and second water level sensors 200 and 300, caused by formation of scale, may be reduced. Other detailed configurations except for the arrangement of the first water level sensor 200 and the second water level sensor 300 may be the same as those of the steam generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

However, the positions of the first water level sensor 200 and the second water level sensor 300 may be reversed.

Also, although not shown in FIG. 15, the steam generator 100a may include the water level sensors 200a and 300a according to the second embodiment of the disclosure, the water level sensors 200b and 300b according to the third embodiment of the disclosure, or the water level sensors 200c and 300c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure, instead of the water level sensors 200 and 300 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a steam generator according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 16, the first water level sensor 200 and the second water level sensor 300 may be coupled to the top plate 111e of the upper case 111 between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1.

The first water level sensor 200 may be coupled to a first coupling portion 117b of the upper case 111. The first coupling portion 117b may be formed between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. That is, the first water level sensor 200 may be coupled to the case 110 between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the steam generator 100b, and, as seen from above, the first housing 240 may be coupled between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111.

The second water level sensor 300 may be coupled to a second coupling portion 118b of the upper case 111. The second coupling portion 118b may be formed between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111, like the first coupling portion 117b. That is, the second water level sensor 300 may be coupled to the case 110 between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the steam generator 100b, and, as seen from above, the second housing 340 may be coupled between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111.

Accordingly, the first housing 240 and the second housing 340 may be aligned along one side of the case 110. In FIG. 16, the first housing 240 and the second housing 340 are shown to be coupled to the top plate 111e of the upper case 111 between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1, however, the first housing 240 and the second housing 340 may be coupled side by side to the top plate 111e of the upper case 111 between the first side surface 111a and the center line L1.

Also, although not shown in FIG. 16, the steam generator 100b may include the water level sensors 200a and 300a according to the second embodiment of the disclosure, the water level sensors 200b and 300b according to the third embodiment of the disclosure, or the water level sensors 200c and 300c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure, instead of the water level sensors 200 and 300 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a top view of a steam generator according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 18 is a front view showing a coupled state of a first water level sensor according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure with a third water level sensor according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

A third water level sensor 400 may be a configuration having the same shape as a first water level sensor 500. Therefore, a configuration of the third water level sensor 400 will be described together with that of the first water level sensor 500 with reference to FIG. 18.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a steam generator 100c may include three water level sensors. The steam generator 100c may include the first water level sensor 500, a second water level sensor 600, and the third water level sensor 400. The first water level sensor 500 may include a first electrode 510, a first housing 540 supporting the first electrode 510, and a first air cap 530 accommodating a portion of the first electrode 510.

The second water level sensor 600 may include a second housing 640. The second water level sensor 600 may include a second electrode 610, the second housing 640 supporting the second electrode 610, and a second air cap 630 accommodating a portion of the second electrode 610 (see FIG. 9).

The third water level sensor 400 may include a third electrode 410, a third housing 440 supporting the third electrode 410, and a third air cap 430 accommodating a portion of the third electrode 410.

The first water level sensor 500 according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure may include the first electrode 510, and the third water level sensor 400 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure may include the third electrode 410.

The first electrode 510 may be a low water level electrode for sensing a low water level inside the case 110. The second electrode 610 (see FIG. 9) may be a high water level sensor for sensing a high water level inside the case 110. The third electrode 410 may be a common electrode.

Accordingly, in the steam generator 100c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure, the first electrode 510, the second electrode 610, and the third electrode 410 may be separated from each other.

The first water level sensor 500 may include the first housing 540 and the first electrode 510. The first housing 540 may be detachably coupled to the upper case 111. On a top of the first housing 540, a first socket 541 for an electrical connection to outside may be mounted.

The first socket 541 may be mounted on the top of the first housing 540. The first socket 541 may be exposed to the outside of the case 110, although not limited thereto.

The first housing 540 may support the first electrode 510. The first electrode 510 may be provided without any coating. An electrode with a coating may no longer sense a water level upon formation of scales at one end of the electrode exposed out of the coating. Accordingly, the first electrode 510 may be formed without any coating to maintain a function of sensing a water level even though scale is formed at one end of the first electrode 510. Thereby, it may be possible to prevent loss of components and lengthen the life span of a product. Also, because no coating is formed, material costs may be reduced through a simplified structure.

The first water level sensor 500 may include the first air cap 530 coupled to the first housing 540. The first air cap 530 may be coupled to a lower side of the first housing 540.

The first air cap 530 may include a first flange 531 being in a shape corresponding to a lower surface of the first housing 540. The first air cap 530 may include a plurality of partition walls 532 extending toward the bottom 115 of the case 110 from the first flange 531. The plurality of partition walls 532 may be substantially in a shape of a box having openings at both sides, although not limited thereto.

The first air cap 530 may accommodate a portion of the first electrode 510. The portion of the first electrode 510 may be accommodated in an inside space defined by the plurality of partition walls 532.

The first air cap 530 may form an air pocket 533 in the space in which the portion of the first electrode 510 is accommodated. That is, the air pocket 533 may be formed in the inner space defined by the plurality of partition walls 532. The air pocket 533 may prevent the portion of the first electrode 510 from contacting water.

By preventing the electrodes from contacting water, formation of scale may be prevented. Also, because no scale is formed on the electrodes, electric conduction between the electrodes may be prevented, thereby avoiding wrong operations of the water level sensors.

The first water level sensor 500 may include a sealing member 560. The sealing member 560 may be positioned between the first housing 540 and the first air cap 530. The sealing member 560 may be accommodated in a space in which a step is formed downward toward inside of the first flange 531 of the first air cap 530. The sealing member 560 may prevent air from flowing between inside and outside of the first air cap 530, thereby forming the air pocket 533 inside the first air cap 530. The sealing member 560 may be made of a resin material such as rubber having elasticity, although not limited thereto.

The first water level sensor 400 may include the third housing 440 and the third electrode 410. The third housing 440 may be detachably coupled to the upper case 111. On a top of the third housing 440, a third socket 441 for an electrical connection to outside may be mounted.

The third socket 441 may be mounted on the top of the first housing 440. The third socket 441 may be exposed to the outside of the case 110, although not limited thereto.

The third housing 440 may support the third electrode 410. The third electrode 410 may be provided without any coating. An electrode with a coating may no longer sense a water level upon formation of scales at one end of the electrode exposed out of the coating. Accordingly, the third electrode 410 may be formed without any coating to maintain a function of sensing a water level even though scale is formed at one end of the third electrode 410. Thereby, it may be possible to prevent loss of components and lengthen the life span of a product. Also, because no coating is formed, material costs may be reduced through a simplified structure.

The third water level sensor 400 may include the third air cap 430 coupled to the third housing 440. The third air cap 430 may be coupled to a lower side of the third housing 440.

The third air cap 430 may include a third flange 431 being in a shape corresponding to a lower surface of the first housing 440. The third air cap 430 may include a plurality of partition walls 432 extending toward the bottom 115 of the case 110 from the first flange 431. The plurality of partition walls 432 may be substantially in a shape of a box having openings at both sides, although not limited thereto.

The third air cap 430 may accommodate a portion of the third electrode 410. The portion of the third electrode 410 may be accommodated in an inside space defined by the plurality of partition walls 432.

The third air cap 430 may form an air pocket 433 in the space in which the portion of the third electrode 410 is accommodated. That is, the air pocket 433 may be formed in the inner space defined by the plurality of partition walls 432. The air pocket 433 may prevent the portion of the third electrode 410 from contacting water.

By preventing the electrodes from contacting water, formation of scale may be prevented. Also, because no scale is formed on the electrodes, electric conduction between the electrodes may be prevented, thereby avoiding wrong operations of the water level sensors.

The third water level sensor 400 may include a sealing member 460. The sealing member 460 may be positioned between the third housing 440 and the third air cap 430. The sealing member 460 may be accommodated in a space in which a step is formed downward toward inside of the third flange 431 of the third air cap 430. The sealing member 460 may prevent air from flowing between inside and outside of the third air cap 430, thereby forming the air pocket 433 inside the third air cap 430. The sealing member 460 may be made of a resin material such as rubber having elasticity, although not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 9, a structure of the second water level sensor 600 will be described.

The second water level sensor 600 may include the second housing 640 and the second electrode 610. The second housing 640 may be detachably coupled to the upper case 111. On a top of the second housing 640, a second socket 641 for an electrical connection to outside may be mounted.

The second socket 641 may be mounted on the top of the second housing 640. The second socket 641 may be exposed to the outside of the case 110, although not limited thereto.

The second housing 640 may support the second electrode 610. The second electrode 610 may be provided without any coating. An electrode with a coating may no longer sense a water level upon formation of scale at one end of the electrode exposed out of the coating. Accordingly, the second electrode 610 may be formed without any coating to maintain a function of sensing a water level even though scale is formed at one end of the second electrode 610. Thereby, it may be possible to prevent loss of components and lengthen the life span of a product. Also, because no coating is formed, material costs may be reduced through a simplified structure.

The second water level sensor 600 may include the second air cap 630 coupled to the second housing 640. The second air cap 630 may be coupled to a lower side of the second housing 640.

The second air cap 630 may include a second flange 631 being in a shape corresponding to a lower surface of the second housing 640. The second air cap 630 may include a plurality of partition walls 632 extending toward the bottom 115 of the case 110 from the second flange 631. The plurality of partition walls 632 may be substantially in a shape of a box having openings at both sides, although not limited thereto.

The second air cap 630 may accommodate a portion of the second electrode 610. The portion of the second electrode 610 may be accommodated in an inside space defined by the plurality of partition walls 632.

The second air cap 630 may form an air pocket 633 in the space in which the portion of the second electrode 610 is accommodated. That is, the air pocket 633 may be formed in the inner space defined by the plurality of partition walls 632. The air pocket 633 may prevent the portion of the second electrode 610 from contacting water.

By preventing the electrodes from contacting water, formation of scale may be prevented. Also, because no scale is formed on the electrodes, electric conduction between the electrodes may be prevented, thereby avoiding wrong operations of the water level sensors.

The second water level sensor 600 may include a sealing member 660. The sealing member 660 may be positioned between the second housing 640 and the second air cap 630. The sealing member 660 may be accommodated in a space in which a step is formed downward toward inside of the second flange 631 of the second air cap 630. The sealing member 660 may prevent air from flowing between inside and outside of the second air cap 630, thereby forming the air pocket 633 inside the second air cap 630. The sealing member 660 may be made of a resin material such as rubber having elasticity, although not limited thereto.

The second water level sensor 600 may be coupled to the second coupling portion 118b of the upper case 111 by a plurality of sensor coupling members 650. The sensor coupling members 650 may be bolts, etc., although not limited thereto.

The first housing 540 may support the first electrode 510. A portion of the first electrode 510, which is supported by the first housing 540, may be accommodated inside the first air cap 530. One end of the first electrode 510, which is not accommodated in the inside of the first air cap 530, may be exposed to the outside of the first air cap 530. The exposed end of the first electrode 510 may be a first sensor 511. In this case, a length d of the first electrode 510, which is exposed to the outside of the first air cap 530, that is, a length d of the first sensor 511 may be longer than 3 mm and shorter than 15 mm.

The portion of the first electrode 510, which is accommodated inside the first air cap 530, may not contact water due to the air pocket 533.

Accordingly, the first sensor 511 and the third sensor 521, which are exposed to the outside of the first air cap 530, may sense a water level.

In the case in which the length d of the first electrode 510, which is exposed to the outside of the first air cap 530, is too short, a water level sensing area may be reduced. Accordingly, upon formation of scale at the end of the first electrode 510, the first electrode 510 may fail to properly perform a water level sensing function. Accordingly, the length d of the first sensor 511 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be longer than 3 mm.

Meanwhile, in the case in which the length d of the first electrode 510, which is exposed to the outside of the first air cap 530, is too long, there may be a high probability of wrongly sensing a water level upon splashing of water inside the case 110. Accordingly, the length d of the first sensor 511 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be shorter than 15 mm.

In the third water level sensor 400, likewise, a length d of a third sensor 411 may be longer than 3 mm and shorter than 15 mm.

Referring to FIG. 17, the steam generator 100c may include the first water level sensor 500, the second water level sensor 600, and the third water level sensor 400.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the steam generator 100c, and, as seen from above, the first housing 540, the second housing 640, and the third housing 440 may be coupled to the case 110.

The upper case 111 may include the first side surface 111a, the second side surface 111b, the third side surface 111c, the fourth side surface 111d, and the top plate 111e connected to the plurality of side surfaces 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d.

The first side surface 111a may be opposite to the second side surface 111b with respect to the center line L1. The third side surface 111c may be connected to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b. The fourth side surface 111d may be connected to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b, and may be opposite to the third side surface 111c with respect to the reference line L2.

The center line L1 and the reference line L2 may pass an intersecting point C of the steam generator 100c and may be perpendicular to each other.

The center line L1 may be parallel to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b to pass a geometric center of the steam generator 100c. The reference line L2 may be parallel to the third side surface 111c and the fourth side surface 111d to pass centers of the first and second water level sensors 500 and 600 of the steam generator 100c.

The first water level sensor 500 may be coupled to a first coupling portion 117c of the upper case 111. The first coupling portion 117c may be formed on the upper plate 111e between the first side surface 111a and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. That is, the first water level sensor 500 may be coupled to the case 110 on the top plate 111e between the first side surface 111a and the center line L1. Also, the first water level sensor 500 may be coupled to the case 110 such that a center of the first housing 540 is on the reference line L2. Accordingly, in the steam generator 100c seen from above, the first housing 540 may be coupled to the case 110 between the first side surface 111a and the center line L1 such that the first housing 540 is on the reference line L2.

The second water level sensor 600 may be coupled to a second coupling portion 118c of the upper case 111. The second coupling portion 118c may be formed on the top plate 111e between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. That is, the second water level sensor 600 may be coupled to the case 110 on the top plate 111e between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. Also, the second water level sensor 600 may be coupled to the case 110 such that a center of the second housing 640 is on the reference line L2. Accordingly, in the steam generator 100c seen from above, the second housing 640 may be coupled to the case 110 between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1, such that the center of the second housing 640 is on the reference line L2. Also, the second water level sensor 600 may be coupled to the case 110 such that the center of the second housing 640 is on the reference line L2. Accordingly, in the steam generator 100c seen from above, the second housing 640 may be coupled to the case 110 between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 such that the center of the second housing 640 is on the reference line L2.

The second water level sensor 600 may be opposite to the first water level sensor 500 with respect to the center line L1.

The third water level sensor 400 may be coupled to a third coupling portion 119c of the upper case 111. The third coupling portion 119c may be formed on the top plate 111e of the upper case 111 between the first side surface 111a, the third side surface 111c, the center line L1, and the reference line L2 of the upper case 111. That is, the third water level sensor 400 may be coupled to the case 110 on the top plate 111e between the first side surface 111a, the third side surface 111c, the center line L1, and the reference line L2 of the upper case 111. In the steam generator 100c seen from above, the third housing 440 may be coupled to the case 110 between the first side surface 111, the third side surface 111c, the center line L1, and the reference line L2.

Accordingly, the third housing 440 may be aligned with the first housing 540 to be coupled to the case 110.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a low water level electrode, a high water level electrode, and a common electrode may be separated from each other, thereby preventing electric conduction between the electrodes, which may be caused by formation of scale. Also, independency between the plurality of electrodes may be secured to reduce a generation probability of wrong detections of the water level sensors.

FIG. 19 is a front view showing a first water level sensor according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure and a third water level sensor according to a second embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator 100c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

A third water level sensor 400a may be a configuration having the same shape as a first water level sensor 500a. Therefore, the configuration of the third water level sensor 400a will be described together with that of the first water level sensor 500a with reference to FIG. 19.

Referring to FIG. 19, the first water level sensor 500a according to the sixth embodiment of the disclosure may include a first housing 540a, and a first electrode 510a supported by the first housing 540a, unlike the first water level sensor 500 according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure. In other words, the first water level sensor 500a may not include a configuration such as an air cap for forming a layer of air around a portion of the first electrode 510a.

Also, the third water level sensor 400a according to the second embodiment of the disclosure may include a third housing 440a, and a third electrode 410a supported by the third housing 440a, unlike the third water level sensor 400 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. In other words, the third water level sensor 400a may not include a configuration such as an air cap for forming a layer of air around a portion of the third electrode 410a.

Although not shown in FIG. 19, a second water level sensor (not shown) may also not include a configuration such as an air cap, like the first water level sensor 500a and the third water level sensor 400a.

FIG. 20 is a front view showing a first water level sensor according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure and a third water level sensor according to a third embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator 100c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 20, a first water level sensor 500b according to the seventh embodiment of the disclosure may further include an electrode coating 570b, unlike the first water level sensor 500 according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure. The electrode coating 570b may surround a first electrode 510b.

The electrode coating 570b may be integrated and injection-molded into a first housing 540b, although not limited thereto. Through the configuration of the electrode coating 570b, the first electrode 510b may be prevented from being corroded.

Also, a first air cap 530b may accommodate the electrode coating 570b and a portion of the first electrode 510b accommodated inside the electrode coating 570b.

By providing the first air cap 530b, the first water level sensor 500b, a second water level sensor (not shown), and a third water level sensor 400b, which are separated from each other, may be prevented from conveying electricity due to scale formed on the inner surface of the upper case 111.

The first water level sensor 500b may include a plurality of sealing members 560b. The sealing members 560b may be positioned between the housing 540b and the air cap 530b. Also, the sealing members 560b may be installed at a connected portion between structures of the first air cap 530b. The sealing members 560b may prevent air from flowing between inside and outside of the first air cap 530b, thereby forming an air pocket 533b inside the air cap 530b. The sealing members 560b may be made of a resin material such as rubber having elasticity, although not limited thereto.

The third water level sensor 400b according to the third embodiment of the disclosure may further include an electrode coating 470b, unlike the third water level sensor 400 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. The electrode coating 470b may surround the third electrode 410b.

The electrode coating 470b may be integrated and injection-molded into a third housing 440b, although not limited thereto. Through the configuration of the electrode coating 470b, the first electrode 410b may be prevented from being corroded.

Also, a third air cap 430b may accommodate the electrode coating 470b and a portion of the third electrode 410b accommodated inside the electrode coating 470b.

By providing the third air cap 430b, the first water level sensor 500b, the second water level sensor (not shown), and the third water level sensor 400b, which are separated from each other, may be prevented from conveying electricity due to scale formed on the inner surface of the upper case 111.

The third water level sensor 400b may include a plurality of sealing members 460b. The sealing members 460b may be positioned between the third housing 440b and the third air cap 430b. Also, the sealing members 460b may be installed at a connected portion between structures of the first air cap 430b. The sealing member 460b may prevent air from flowing between inside and outside of the first air cap 430b, thereby forming an air pocket 433b inside the first air cap 430b. The sealing members 460b may be made of a resin material such as rubber having elasticity, although not limited thereto.

Although not shown in FIG. 20, the second water level sensor (not shown) may also further include an electrode coating surrounding an electrode, like the first water level sensor 500b and the third water level sensor 400b.

FIG. 21 is a front view showing a first water level sensor according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure and a third water level sensor according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure, in the steam generator 100c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 21, a first water level sensor 500c according to the eighth embodiment of the disclosure may include a first housing 540c, a first electrode 510c supported by the first housing 540c, and an electrode coating 570c, unlike the first water level sensor 500b according to the seventh embodiment of the disclosure. In other words, the first water level sensor 500c may not include a configuration such as an air cap for forming a layer of air around a portion of the first electrode 510c.

A third water level sensor 400c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure may include a third housing 440c, a third electrode 410c supported by the third housing 440c, and an electrode coating 470c, unlike the third water level sensor 400b according to the third embodiment of the disclosure. In other words, the third water level sensor 400c may not include a configuration such as an air cap for forming a layer of air around a portion of the third electrode 410c.

Although not shown in FIG. 21, a second water level sensor (not shown) may also not include a configuration such as an air cap, like the first water level sensor 500c and the third water level sensor 400c.

Although not shown in FIG. 21, the steam generator 100c may include the water level sensors 500a and 600a according to the sixth embodiment of the disclosure and the water level sensor 400a according to the second embodiment of the disclosure, the water level sensors 500b and 600b according to the seventh embodiment of the disclosure and the water level sensor 400b according to the third embodiment of the disclosure, or the water level sensors 500c and 600c according to the eighth embodiment of the disclosure and the water level sensor 400c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure, instead of the water level sensors 500 and 600 according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure and the water level sensor 400 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a top view of a steam generator according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 22, a steam generator 100d may include the first water level sensor 500, the second water level sensor 600, and the third water level sensor 400.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the steam generator 100d, and as seen from above, the first housing 540, the second housing 640, and the third housing 440 may be coupled to the case 110.

The upper case 111 may include the first side surface 111a, the second side surface 111b, the third side surface 111c, the fourth side surface 111d, and the top plate 111e connected to the plurality of side surfaces 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d.

The first side surface 111a may be opposite to the second side surface 111b with respect to the center line L1. The third side surface 111c may be connected to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b. The fourth side surface 111d may be connected to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b, and may be opposite to the third side surface 111c with respect to the reference line L2.

The center line L1 and the reference line L2 may pass an intersecting point C of the steam generator 100d and may be perpendicular to each other.

The center line L1 may be parallel to the first side surface 111a and the second side surface 111b to pass a geometric center of the steam generator 100d. The reference line L2 may be parallel the third side surface 111c and the fourth side surface 111d to pass a center of a first water level sensor 500 of the steam generator 100d.

The first water level sensor 500 may be coupled to a first coupling portion 117d of the upper case 111. The first coupling portion 117d may be formed on the top plate 111e between the first side surface 111a and the center line L1 of the upper case 111.

That is, the first water level sensor 500 may be coupled to the case 110 on the top plate 111e between the first side surface 111a and the center line L1. Also, the first water level sensor 500 may be coupled to the case 110 such that the center of the first housing 540 is on the reference line L2. Accordingly, in the steam generator 100d seen from above, the first housing 540 may be coupled to the case 110 between the first side surface 111a and the center line L1 such that the center of the first housing 540 is on the reference line L2.

The second water level sensor 600 may be coupled to a second coupling portion 118d of the upper case 111. The second coupling portion 118d may be formed on the top surface 111e between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. That is, the second water level sensor 600 may be coupled to the case 110 on the top plate 111e between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 of the upper case 111. Also, the second water level sensor 600 may be coupled to the case 110 such that the second housing 640 is on the reference line L2. Accordingly, in the steam generator 100d seen from above, the second housing 640 may be coupled to the case 110 between the second side surface 111b and the center line L1 such that the center of the second housing 640 is on the reference line L2.

Accordingly, the second water level sensor 600 may be opposite to the first water level sensor 500 with respect to the center line L1.

The third water level sensor 400 may be coupled to a third coupling portion 119d of the upper case 111. The third coupling portion 119d may be formed on the top plate 111e of the upper case 111 between the second side surface 111b, the third side surface 111c, the center line L1, and the reference line L2 of the upper case 111. That is, the third water level sensor 400 may be coupled to the case 110 on the top plate 111e between the second side surface 111b, the third side surface 111c, the center line L1, and the reference line L2 of the upper case 111. In the steam generator 100d seen from above, the third housing 440 may be coupled to the case 110 between the second side surface 111b, the third side surface 111c, the center line L1, and the reference line L2.

Accordingly, the third housing 440 may be aligned with the second housing 640 to be coupled to the case 110.

Although not shown in FIG. 22, the steam generator 100d may include the water level sensors 500a and 600a according to the sixth embodiment of the disclosure and the water level sensor 400a according to the second embodiment of the disclosure, the water level sensors 500b and 600b according to the seventh embodiment of the disclosure and the water level sensor 400b according to the third embodiment of the disclosure, or the water level sensors 500c and 600c according to the eighth embodiment of the disclosure and the water level sensor 400c according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure, instead of the water level sensors 500 and 600 according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure and the water level sensor 400 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a front view of a water level sensor according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure in a steam generator according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 23, a water level sensor 700 according to the ninth embodiment of the disclosure may include a housing 740 and an air cap 750.

The water level sensor 700 may include a first electrode 710, a second electrode 720, and a third electrode 730.

The first electrode 710 may be a low water level electrode for sensing an inside low water level. The second electrode 720 may be a high water level electrode for sensing an inside high water level. The third electrode 730 may be a common electrode.

The housing 740 may be fixed to an outer surface of the upper case 111 by bolts, etc. On a top of the housing 740, a socket 741 for an electrical connection to outside may be mounted.

The housing 740 may support the first electrode 710, the second electrode 720, and the third electrode 730.

The water level sensor 700 may include electrode coatings 771, 772, and 773 surrounding outer surfaces of the first, second, and third electrodes 710, 720, and 730.

The electrode coatings 771, 772, and 773 may be integrated and injection-molded into the housing 740, although not limited thereto. Through the configuration of the electrode coatings 771, 772, and 773, the first, second, and third electrodes 710, 720, and 730 may be prevented from being corroded.

The water level sensor 700 may include the air cap 750 coupled to the housing 740. The air cap 750 may be coupled to a lower side of the housing 740.

The air cap 750 may include a first flange 731 being in a shape corresponding to a lower surface of the first housing 240. The air cap 750 may include a plurality of partition walls 752 extending toward the bottom 115 of the case 110 from the first flange 731. The plurality of partition walls 752 may be substantially in a shape of a box having openings at both sides, although not limited thereto.

The air cap 750 may accommodate portions of the first electrode 710 and the first electrode coating 771. Also, the air cap 750 may accommodate portions of the second electrode 720, the second electrode coating 772, the third electrode 730, and the third electrode coating 773. The portions of the first electrode 710 and the first electrode coating 771, the portions of the second electrode 720 and the second electrode coating 772, and the portions of the third electrode 730 and the third electrode coating 773 may be accommodated in the plurality of partition walls 752.

More particularly, the plurality of partition walls 752 may include a middle partition wall 752a for partitioning a space. The middle partition wall 752a may partition a space in which the first electrode 710 and the third electrode 730 are accommodated from a space in which the second electrode 720 is accommodated.

The plurality of partition walls 752 may include a first partition wall 752a accommodating the first electrode 710 and the third electrode 730, and a second partition wall 752c accommodating the second electrode 720. The second electrode 720 being a high water level electrode may be shorter than the first electrode 710 and the third electrode 730 being a low water level electrode and a common electrode. Therefore, the second partition wall 752c accommodating the second electrode 720 may also be shorter than the first partition wall 752b. That is, a structure of the plurality of partition walls 752 of the air cap 750 may be a step structure.

Accordingly, a space may be partitioned by the middle partition wall 752a so that the high water level electrode, the low water level electrode, and the common electrode may be separated from each other.

The air cap 750 may form an air pocket 753 in the space accommodating the portions of the first, second, and third electrodes 710, 720, and 730 and the first, second, and third electrode coatings 771, 772, and 773. That is, the air pocket 753 may be formed in an inside space defined by the plurality of partition walls 752. The air pocket 753 may prevent the portions of the first electrode 710 and the first electrode coating 771 and the third electrode 730 and the third electrode coating 773 from contacting water. Also, the air pocket 753 may prevent the portions of the second electrode 720 and the second electrode coating 772 from contacting water.

By preventing the electrodes and the electrode coatings from contacting water, formation of scale may be prevented. Also, because no scale is formed, electric conduction between the electrodes may be prevented, thereby avoiding wrong operations of the water level sensors.

The water level sensor 700 may include a plurality of sealing members 760. The sealing members 760 may be positioned between the housing 740 and the air cap 750. Also, the sealing members 760 may be installed at a connected portion between a flange 751 of the air cap 750 and the plurality of partition walls 752. The sealing members 760 may prevent air from flowing between inside and outside of the air cap 750, thereby forming the air pocket 753 inside the air cap 750. The sealing members 760 may be made of a resin material such as rubber having elasticity, although not limited thereto.

By separating the plurality of electrodes for sensing a water level from each other, the water level sensor may be prevented from wrongly sensing a water level due to scales formed between the electrodes.

By preventing portions of the electrodes from contacting water through an air cap structure, formation of scale may be prevented.

By increasing exposed portions of the electrodes to widen sensing areas, a water level may be sensed even though scale is formed at ends of the electrodes.

So far, although the technical concept of the disclosure has been described based on specific embodiments, the scope of rights of the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

It should be interpreted that various embodiments modified or changed by a person skilled in the art within a scope not deviating from the gist of the disclosure as the technical concept of the disclosure, which is defined in the claims, also belong to the scope of rights of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A clothes care apparatus comprising:

a main body including a care room configured to accommodate clothes; and

a steam generator configured to generate steam to be supplied to the care room, and including a case and first and second water level sensors configured to sense a water level of the steam generator, the first water level sensor comprising: a first housing coupled to the case; and a first electrode coupled to the first housing; and

the second water level sensor comprising: a second housing coupled to the case and spaced apart from the first housing; and a second electrode supported by the second housing so as to be separated from the first electrode.

2. The clothes care apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode do not included a coating so as to inhibit inaccurate detection due to scale.

3. The clothes care apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the first electrode is a low water level electrode configured to sense a low water level inside the case, and

the second electrode is a high water level electrode configured to sense a high water level inside the case, and having a length shorter than a length of the low water level electrode.

4. The clothes care apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a common electrode coupled to the first housing.

5. The clothes care apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second housing and the first housing are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of a reference line dividing the case.

6. The clothes care apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a first air cap coupled to the first housing and accommodating a portion of the first electrode; and

a second air cap coupled to the second housing and accommodating a portion of the second electrode.

7. The clothes care apparatus of claim 6, wherein the case comprises a plurality of partition walls adjacent to the first air cap and the second air cap, respectively, and extending upward from a bottom of the case.

8. The clothes care apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first air cap is configured to form an air pocket in a space in the first air cap in which the portion of the first electrode is accommodated and the second air cap is configured to form an air pocket in a space in the second air cap in which the portion of the second electrode is accommodated, to inhibit water from entering the spaces in the first and second air caps.

9. The clothes care apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of sealing members positioned between the first housing and the first air cap and between the second housing and the second air cap, respectively, to form the air pockets.

10. The clothes care apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first air cap comprises:

a first flange having a shape corresponding to a lower surface of the first housing; and

a plurality of partition walls extending toward a bottom of the case from the first flange and configured to form an air pocket.

11. The clothes care apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second air cap comprises:

a second flange having a shape corresponding to a lower surface of the second housing; and

a plurality of partition walls extending toward a bottom of the case from the second flange and configured to form an air pocket.

12. The clothes care apparatus of claim 6, wherein a length of the first electrode extending beyond the first air cap is longer than 3 mm and shorter than 15 mm.

13. The clothes care apparatus of claim 1, wherein

the case comprises a first side surface, and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface with respect to a center line of the case,

the first housing is coupled to the case between the first side surface and the center line, and

the second housing is coupled to the case between the second side surface and the center line.

14. The clothes care apparatus of claim 13, wherein the case further comprises:

a third side surface connected to the first side surface and the second side surface; and

a fourth side surface opposite to the third side surface with respect to a reference line perpendicular to the center line, and wherein

the first housing is coupled to the case between the first side surface, the third side surface, the center line, and the reference line, and

the second housing is coupled to the case between the second side surface and the center line, such that the second housing is on the reference line and diagonal to the first housing.

15. The clothes care apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a third housing coupled to a third electrode and coupled to the case in alignment with the first housing between the first side surface and the center line, wherein

the first electrode is a low water level electrode configured to sense a low water level inside the case,

the second electrode is a high water level electrode configured to sense a high water level inside the case, and

the third electrode is a common electrode.

16. A steam generator comprising:

a case having a center line; and

first and second water level sensors configured to sense a water level inside the case, the first water level sensor comprising: a first housing coupled to one side of the case; and a first electrode coupled to the first housing, a first air cap coupled to the first housing and accommodating a portion of the first electrode;

the second water level sensor comprising; a second housing coupled to an other side of the case, which is opposite the one side of the case with respect to the center line a second electrode coupled to the second housing; and a second air cap coupled to the second housing and accommodating a portion of the second electrode.

17. The steam generator of claim 16, wherein

the first air cap is configured to form a first air pocket which is configured to inhibit water from entering a space in which the portion of the first electrode is accommodated, and

the second air cap is configured to form a second air pocket which is configured to inhibit water from entering a space in which the portion of the second electrode is accommodated.

18. The steam generator of claim 16, wherein the case comprises a plurality of partition walls extending upward from a bottom of the case between the first air cap and the second air cap.

19. The steam generator of claim 16, wherein

the first electrode is a low water level electrode configured to sense a low water level inside the case, and

the second electrode is a high water level electrode configured to sense a high water level inside the case and having a length shorter than a length of the low water level electrode, and

the steam generator further comprises a common electrode coupled to the first housing together with the low water level electrode.

20. The steam generator of claim 16, wherein the first housing and the second housing are coupled to the case at a same height with respect to the case.