AU2003217524B2

AU2003217524B2 - Washing method of washing machine

Info

Publication number: AU2003217524B2
Application number: AU2003217524A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Yong Suck Park
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2002-03-25
Filing date: 2003-03-25
Publication date: 2005-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-25
Also published as: JP2005519705A; WO2003080916A1; US20050217036A1; TW200404933A; TWI296017B; AU2003217524A1; CN1509357A; MY138987A; EP1488036B1; DE60324263D1; EP1488036A1; CN1252342C

Description

P:OPERYUCJ2005\12364150 rsponse do- 13/0705 -1- SWASHING METHOD OF WASHING MACHINE In 5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cc- Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing method of a washing machine, and more particularly, to a soaking step of the washing method.

Discussion of the Related Art Generally, laundry is loaded in the tub of a washing machine along with detergent and is washed by mechanical friction due to the rotation of the tub and chemical reaction of the detergent. After such a washing step, if necessary, the laundry may be rinsed, dewatered or dried.

Meanwhile, in case of seriously contaminated laundry, a soaking step may be carried out prior to performing the aforementioned washing steps. In the soaking step, washing water is supplied to the washing tub at an appropriate level for the washing along with detergent. After that, the laundry is left as it is along with the detergent for a predetermined time. As a result, the laundry absorbs a sufficient amount of the washing water while the soaking step is carried out, and is also washed partially.

I

P:\OPERPJC\2OO5'12364150 repo-d-I 13/07)5 S-2- However, since too much washing water is supplied once, it takes much time until the detergent is uniformly dissolved and diffused in the washing water during the C-i soaking step. In other words, the detergent is incompletely In dissolved during the soaking step and there exists a high c- possibility which the washing water has a nonuniform Sdetergent concentration. Accordingly, the washing efficiency Ci in the soaking step may be decreased relatively.

In addition, since the laundry is left for a comparatively long time period during the soaking step, the laundry may be again contaminated by contaminants which were separated, which acts as a factor decreasing the washing efficiency of the soaking step.

It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above described difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of washing laundry in a washing machine, the method comprising: supplying washing water to an outer tub accommodating laundry to be washed, said washing water supplying being performed as a series of water supply steps that respectively reach each of a plurality of intermediate water levels within the outer tub, each intermediate water level being held for a predetermined time; and P:\OPER~RJC\2005 2364150 r n m..dc-13 Q-3soaking the laundry in the supplied washing water for the predetermined time corresponding to each intermediate water level.

In In accordance with another aspect of the present C-i invention, there is provided a washing machine, comprising: an outer tub for accommodating laundry to be washed and C-i washing water; and a controller for controlling a supply of washing water to said outer tub as a series of water supply steps that respectively reach each of a plurality of intermediate water levels within the outer tub, each intermediate water level being held for a predetermined time, such that the laundry is soaked in the supplied washing water for the predetermined time corresponding to each intermediate water level.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a washing method of a washing machine in which detergent is dissolved fast and uniformly while the soaking step is carried out.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a washing method of a washing machine in which it is prevented that laundry is again contaminated by a separated contaminant while the soaking step is carried out.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The r PAO)PENUUCUOUN2364150 redoc-IN07/05 -4objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as C-i the appended drawings.

In C-i Advantageously, by the aforementioned washing method of the invention, the detergent concentration of the washing CI machine is maintained at a high and uniform state and is finally optimized for the washing. Since laundry is soaked in such a uniform detergent concentration, the washing performance in the soaking step is enhanced and the soaking time period is shortened. Also, since the soaking step is completed within a short time period, the effect of the soaking itself is enhanced and the re-contamination of the laundry is prevented.

Meanwhile, since the soaking step can be easily selected and recognized, it provides a user with convenience.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

r

I

P \OPEMIRJCU2O 2364I 50 rm d..14AY7M BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS C-i Preferred embodiments of the present invention are In hereafter described, by way of non-limiting example only, C-i with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a general washing machine; FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a washing method of a washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a graph showing a variation of water levels depending on time in the soaking step according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and FIGs. 4A and 4B are schematic views of a control panel of a washing machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

I

PAOPERWCU2OO 2364150 rpenspdoc1 4/7MV -6- In order to appreciate a washing method of the present invention, a construction of a general washing machine will be first described. As well known, the washing machines are C-i generally classified into a top loading type and a front loading type. In case of the top loading type washing C-i machine, a tub stands upright and laundry is loaded into the tub through an upside of the washing machine. Meanwhile, in C-K case of the front loading type washing machine, a tub lies down and laundry is loaded into the tub through a front side of the washing machine. For the sake of simplicity in explanation, the top loading type washing machine will be.

described as an example.

WO 03/080916 PCT/KR03/00587 -7- FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a general top loading type washing machine.

As shown, the washing machine includes a housing 10, an outer tub 20 and an inner tub 30, which are installed inside the housing The housing 10 is designed to install various elements therein and protects the elements. The housing 10 includes a door 12 installed in an upper portion, and the door 12 allows a user to load/unload laundry into/from an inside of the washing machine. Additionally, a control panel 100 for user's manipulation is installed in the housing The outer tub 20 is elastically fixed to an inside of the housing 10 through a damping member 11 and contains reserve washing water so as to constantly supply washing water to the inner tub 30 during a washing operation. In more detail, a penetration hole is formed in a bottom of the outer tub 20, and there is provided a driving shaft connected to the inner tub 30 through the penetration hole.

The inner tub 30 is rotatably installed inside the outer tub 20. Additionally, the inner tub 30 includes a plurality of holes 30a so that washing water can be freely introduced from the outer tub 20. An agitator 31 has a plurality of blades and is rotatably installed in a bottom of the inner tub 30 so that it can be connected to the driving shaft Laundry is loaded into the inner tub 30 constructed as above and is washed due to rotations/ rotation of the inner tub and/or the agitator 31. Meanwhile, a driving part 40 is located in a lower portion of the outer and inner tubs and 30 and supplies a power for rotating the inner tub and the agitator 31. Generally, the driving part WO 03/080916 PCT/KR03/00587 -8includes a motor, a clutch, and the like. As described above, the driving part 40 is connected to the inner tub the agitator 31 and the driving shaft A washing method of the present invention will be described below with reference to the above washing machine and the related drawings. Except for an arrangement of the tubs, a basic structure of the front loading type washing machine is substantially equal to that of the top loading type washing machine. Accordingly, although the washing method of the present invention will be described with reference to the top loading type washing machine, the washing method is also applicable to the front loading type washing machine.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the washing method of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a graph showing a water level according to time period during a soaking operation.

First, a predetermined amount of laundry is loaded into the tub the inner tub) 30 so as to wash the laundry in the washing machine (S10). Generally, the laundry consists of different kinds of fabrics, such as cotton and woolen fabrics. Also, contamination levels of individual laundries are different from each other. Detergent can be suppl-ied into the tub 30 together with the laundries prior to a following water supply step S30 or simultaneously when the water supply step S30 starts.

If the user operates the washing machine after loading the laundries, a series of washing procedures start under a control of a controller provided in the washing machine.

First, the washing machine starts to supply washing water into the tub 30 (S30). As shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, in the WO 03/080916 PCT/KR03/00587 -9water supply step S30, the washing water is supplied to increase the water level step by step and finally reaches a predetermined water level. In more detail, the water supply step S30 includes the water supply sub-steps S31 and S32 of supplying washing water up to a plurality of mid water level that are substantially different from each other.

The mid water levels are obtained by properly dividing the final water level and have gradually increasing values. The times and values of the mid water levels can be fixed without regard to washing conditions or changed according to the washing conditions. Additionally, the final water level becomes a proper water level in a following washing step and it is desired that the final water level be determined according to the washing conditions, such as an amount and a state of the laundries, a temperature of the washing water, and the like. The detergent supplied in the water supply step S30 is dissolved fully and uniformly.

Then, the laundries are soaked in the washing water at the respective water levels provided in the water supply step S30 (S50). In other words, the soaking step includes the soaking sub-steps S51 and S52 of soaking the laundries in the washing water of the corresponding mid water levels provided in the water supply steps S31 and S32.

As a result, the soaking step S50 is repeatedly performed for a predetermined time period in connection with the water supply step S30. During the soaking step S50, the laundries absorbs the water and some contaminants are separated from the laundries. Additionally, the tub 30 and the agitator 31 are generally stopped during the soaking step S50. However, the tub 30 and the agitator 31 can be intermittently rotated

I

P:IOPERJCU0051I236I 50 rap-doc- 13=05 I so as to promote main function of the soaking step the absorption of water and the separation of contaminants.

In Meanwhile, it is preferable that the tub 30 and/or the C-i agitator 31 are/is rotated for a predetermined time period O prior to the soaking step S50 (S40). In more detail, the C-i rotation sub-steps S41 and S42 are performed several times prior to the soaking sub-steps S51 and S52. Additionally, if necessary, the rotation sub-steps S41 and S42 can be selectively performed. Since a flow of the washing water is generated in the rotation step S40, the detergent can be dissolved more quickly and penetrated uniformly into the laundries. Some contaminants can be separated from the laundries due to the flow of the washing water. Further, since the separated contaminants also flow and float together with the flow of the washing water, the laundries are not re-contaminated with the separated contaminants. In more detail, since the rotation step S40 is a preliminary step for the washing step S60 using the rotations of the tub and the agitator, the tub 30 and/or the agitator 31 should be rotated at a lower speed than the washing step Additionally, since an amount of separated contaminant increases with the passage of time, more flow of the washing water is needed so as to properly flow and float the increased amount of the contaminant. Accordingly, in order to prevent the laundries from being re-contaminated with the increased contaminants, it is desired that the tub 30 and the agitator 31 be rotated at a gradually increasing speed in the following rotation sub-steps. Further, with the passage of time, the tub 30 and the agitator 31 can be rotated faster and faster even in one rotation step.

P:AOPERRJC005 2364150 rcsppo doc 3107)05 S-11- Considering the above rough description, it can be known that the soaking and rotation steps S40 and S50 are influenced by the attributes of the water supply step C-i the times of the water supply steps, the values of the In mid water levels and the time required for the respective C-i water supply steps. As described above, in addition to the Svalues of the mid water levels obtained by dividing the C- final water level, the time required for the water supply sub-steps can be variously changed since the final water level is changed according to the washing conditions.

Accordingly, when determining all attributes (the times, the required time, the number of rotations) of the soaking and rotation steps S40 and S50, the times of the water supply steps can be a quantitative and objective factor. Meanwhile, although many times of the water supply step S30 is advantageous to the dissolution of the detergent, it causes the increase of an entire washing time. Accordingly, although the washing method of the present invention can includes several times of the water supply steps S30, it is desired that the water supply step S30 be three times in an actual embodiments. In order for further appreciation, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.

Referring again to FIGs. 2 and 3, after the loading step S10, the washing water is supplied into the tub 30 up to a predetermined first water level (S31). As described above, the first water level is one of the mid water levels.

Although the first water level is lower than the final water level, it is set to a proper water level enough to soak the laundries and dissolve the detergent. The detergent can be WO 03/080916 PCT/KR03/00587 -12supplied into the tub 30 prior to the first water supply step S31 or together with the washing water during the first water supply step S31. The detergent can be dissolved rapidly and dispersed uniformly in the relatively low first water level of the washing water a small amount of washing water). Accordingly, in the first water supply step S31, the water level has a high and uniform concentration of the detergent so that a substantially improved washing performance is achieved.

After the first water supply step S31, preferably, the tub 30 and/or the agitator 31 are/is first rotated for a predetermined time period (S41). Although the washing method of the present invention can omit the first rotation step S41, it is advantageous since the detergent can be dissolved more rapidly and penetrated uniformly into the laundries. Additionally, in the rotation step S41, some contaminants are separated from the laundries and the separated contaminants are floated, thereby preventing the re-contamination of the laundries. Although only one of the tub 30 and the agitator 31 can be rotated in the first rotation step S41, it is desired to rotate both of them.

After the first rotation step S41, the laundries are first soaked in the washing water for a predetermined time period (S51). The laundries are kept in the washing water of the first water level during the first soaking step S51.

Due to the first soaking step S51, the laundries absorbs water enough to completely separate the contaminants in the main washing step S60 and are partially washed (in other words, the contaminants are partially separated) Particularly, since the washing water contains the high- WO 03/080916 PCT/KR03/00587 -13concentration detergent through the precedent steps S31 and S41, more contaminants can be separated from the laundries within a short time. Additionally, during the first soaking step S51, the tub 30 and/or the agitator 31 can be intermittently rotated to generate a flow of the washing water so as to prevent the re-contamination of the laundries and obtain an additional dissolution/diffusion of the detergent. Further, the rotations of the tub 30 and/or the agitator 31 assist the laundries to be partially washed and to absorb the washing water during the soaking step S51.

After predetermined time passes, the washing water is supplied into the tub 30 up to the second water level (S32) In other words, the washing water is additionally supplied up to the second water level that is higher than the first water level. During the second water supply step S32, the detergent remaining in the washing water of the first water level starts to be additionally dissolved, in which the detergent is almost saturated in the washing water of the first water level. The additionally dissolved detergent is diffused rapidly and uniformly in the washing water of the second water level, such that the washing water has a high and uniform concentration of the detergent. Accordingly, the washing water is kept on the improved washing capacity, and all detergent first supplied is dissolved almost completely in the washing water of the second water level.

After the second water supply step S31, preferably, the tub 30 and/or the agitator 31 are/is rotated in a second time for a predetermined time period prior to the soaking step (S42). During the second rotation step S42, the tub and/or the agitator 31 are/is rotated to promote the P:IOPERURC.2fl3 23645OM rcspwo dmc 4/07,05 V-14complete dissolution of the detergent and assist the uniform diffusion of the dissolved detergent. Additionally,' like the first rotation step S41, the laundries are preliminarily C- washed and prevented from being re-contaminated. Meanwhile, through the precedent steps S31, S41, S51 and S32, a large c- amount of separated contaminant already exists in the Swashing water and thus the re-contamination possibility of C- the laundry is increased. Accordingly, in order to effectively float the increased contaminants, it is desired that the tub 30 and/or the agitator be rotated at higher speed than the first rotation step S41. For the same reason, during the rotation steps S41 and S42, it is desired that the tub 30 and/or the agitator 31 be rotated faster and faster with the passage of time. Meanwhile, since the rotation steps S40 are preliminary steps, the tub 30 and/or the agitator 31 are not needed to rotate at higher speed than the main washing step After the second rotation step S42, the laundries are soaked in the washing water of the second water level for a predetermined time period (S52). During the second soaking step S52, many contaminants are additionally separated in the washing water of the second water level containing a high-concentration detergent. The tub 30 and/or the agitator 31 can be intermittently rotated so as to assist the second soaking step S52.

After a predetermined time passes, the washing water is supplied to the tub 30 from the second water level to the final water level (S53). In other words, the washing water has a water level higher than the second water level and is WO 03/080916 PCT/KR03/00587 additionally supplied up to the final water level suitable for the main washing step S30. The washing water of the second water level in which the detergent is saturated is slightly diluted due to the third water supply step S32, but has an optimal concentration of the detergent suitable for the main washing step S60. Additionally, in many cases, the detergent is completed dissolved through the precedent steps S31 to S52, but in some cases, some detergent may be remained. In that case, the remaining detergent can be completely dissolved in the added washing water.

As described above, according to the washing method of the present invention, the water supply steps S31 and S32 are performed intermittently so as to have a gradually increasing water level at predetermined time intervals.

That is well shown in FIG. 3 as well as FIG. 2, in which FIG.

3 is a graph showing the water levels with respect to the time periods. Accordingly, the washing water contains the high and uniform concentration of the detergent so that an improved washing performance can be obtained at the increased water levels. The detergent is almost completely dissolved in the washing water by repeating the water supply steps, and finally the washing water is optimized for the washing operation. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the soaking steps S51 and S52 are also performed intermittently at predetermined time intervals. In more detail, the soaking steps S51 and S52 are performed after the water supply steps S31 and S32. In other words, the water supply steps S31 to S33 and the soaking steps S51 and S52 are performed alternately, and the soaking steps S51 and S52 are performed substantially between the water supply steps S31 P:\OPER .C22051 2364150 rapon-.d- 13/0705 V-16to S33. Accordingly, during the soaking steps S51 and S52, many contaminants are rapidly separated from the laundries under the high and uniform concentration of the detergent, which is formed in the water supply step. By repeatedly In performing the soaking steps S51 and S52 within a relatively C-i short time, the absorption of the washing water and the Sseparation of the contaminants are more effectively achieved and the possibility of the re-contamination is reduced.

After completing a series of the steps S30, S40 and the soaked laundries are washed (S60). The laundries are washed due to chemical reaction of the detergent as well as the rotations of the tub 30 and the agitator 31 during the washing step S60. Since the laundries are sufficiently soaked during the soaking step S50, the remaining contaminants are easily and completely separated from the laundries.

After the washing step S60, if necessary, the laundries can be rinsed (S70) and/or dewatered (S80) In the rinse step S70, first, clean washing water is supplied into the tub 30 and the laundries are washed with the clean washing water so as to remove the remaining detergent and contaminants of the laundries. Further, in the dewatering steps (S80), all washing water contained in the tub 30 is discharged and then the tub 30 is rotated at high speed so as to remove water from the laundries.

In the meanwhile, the aforementioned soaking step is for effectively washing the laundry seriously contaminated, it is unnecessary for a general laundry. If the soaking step is applied to the general laundry, an increase of the washing time period is caused. Accordingly, WO 03/080916 PCT/KR03/00587 -17it is preferable that the soaking step (S50) is selectively performed. For selective soaking, the washing method of the invention, in a substantial embodiment, further includes a step of determining whether or not to select the soaking prior to the washing water supplying step (S31) In more detail, the user selects a washing mode that does not include at least the soaking step or selects a washing mode that includes the soaking step. Here, when the former is defined as a first washing mode, the first washing mode includes only the washing step (S60), or may selectively include the rinsing step (S70) and/or the dewatering step (S80) along the washing step (S60) according to the washing condition. Also, when the latter is defined as a second washing mode, the second washing mode includes at least the soaking (S50) and the washing step (S60), and may selectively include the rinsing step (S70) and/or the dewatering step (S80) along the washing step (S60) according to the washing condition like the first washing mode.

In the foregoing determining step (S20), since the second washing mode is for specific laundry seriously contaminated laundry), for the user's convenience, the first washing mode is basically set while the washing machine operates. Meanwhile, it is preferable that the second washing mode is easily selected by once instruction being inputted to the washing machine. In other words, for the user' s convenience, it is desirable that the soaking step is included in the whole washing cycle by once instruction being inputted to the washing machine. As aforementioned, when inputting an instruction for an intended operation, the user uses the control panel 100. As WO 03/080916 PCT/KR03/00587 -18shown in FIGs. 4A and 4B, the control panel 100 has a window 110 for displaying operation status and a plurality of buttons 120 for operation instruction. For example, the window 110, as shown in FIG. 4A, is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or as shown in FIG. 4B, is comprised of a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying the operation status as characters. Also, the buttons 120, for instance, includes a first button 121 for selecting temperature of washing water, a second button 122 for selecting water level of washing water, a third button 123 for selecting washing modes, and a fourth button 124 for operating or stopping the washing machine. User presses the buttons 120 to generate electrical signals for operation control, and a controller operates the washing machine to perform specific functions according to the generated electrical signals. The information related with the operation is provided to the user through the window 110.

Accordingly, in the embodiments of the invention, the user can press a corresponding button of the control panel 100, the third button 123 to select the second mode, so that the soaking step (S50) is included in the whole washing cycle. The mode selection described as above can be performed by once button manipulation to thereby provide the user with a convenience.

If the soaking step (S50) is not selected, the washing machine operates under the first washing mode. Accordingly, the washing water is directly supplied to the tub 30 to the final level suitable for the washing so that the main washing step (S60) can be performed (S21) P:\OPERURC2003\123641 30 resd-13/07M -19- In the meanwhile, in case the soaking step (S50) is selected, the washing machine performs the aforementioned steps of S30, S40 and S50 along with the main washing step C-i (S60). Here, for the use's convenience, it is desirable to In inform the user of the selection of the soaking step C-i or the second washing mode. As aforementioned, the user is informed of such a selection through the window 110 of the C-i control panel 100. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 4A, a specific LED ll0a corresponding to the soaking step may be turned on. Also, as shown in FIG. 4B, the user may be informed of the selection of the soaking step (S50) through the LCD as characters information. Accordingly, the user can recognize with ease that the soaking step (S50) is selected and carried out.

Effects of the washing method according to the invention will be summarized as follows.

Since washing water is supplied to the tub step by step, it has a high and uniform detergent concentration at a corresponding water level. Also, since the washing water supplying steps are repeated along with the rotation of the tub and/or the agitator, the detergent is dissolved completely and finally has an optimized detergent concentration for the washing. Further, since the soaking is also performed in a high detergent concentration in relation with the washing water supplying step, contaminants are fast separated from the laundry. Accordingly, the washing performance in the soaking step is improved, so that the time period of the soaking step can be shortened.

P:\OPER1JCU2OO5 236415O rcspon.do-3i07/05 In addition, as aforementioned, since the soaking step itself is also performed step by step during a short time period, the absorption of washing water and the separation C- of contaminants are effectively performed and the re- In contamination possibility of the laundry decreases.

Meanwhile, the soaking step is selected with ease by once manipulation of the control panel and the user continues to be informed of the selection and performance of the soaking step through the control panel. Accordingly, it becomes convenient substantially that the user uses the soaking step.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims

1. A method of washing laundry in a washing machine, C- the method comprising: In supplying washing water to an outer tub C-i accommodating laundry to be washed, said washing water O supplying being performed as a series of water supply steps Ci that respectively reach each of a plurality of intermediate water levels within the outer tub, each intermediate water level being held for a predetermined time; and soaking the laundry in the supplied washing water for the predetermined time corresponding to each intermediate water level.

2. The method as claimed in claim i, further comprising: washing the laundry accommodated within the outer tub, by rotating at least one of an inner tub rotatable within the outer tub and an agitator rotatable with respect to the inner tub, said washing being performed at a final water level that is reached by performing the series of water supply steps.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the series of water supply steps of said supplying consists of three water supply steps.

4. The method as claimed in claim i, wherein the plurality of intermediate water levels includes a final water level that is appropriate for performing a main washing of the laundry accommodated in the outer tub, the I2364 150 rpd-cA.310OW V-22- Z final water level being reached by performing the series of water supply steps. S5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the In plurality of intermediate water levels is determined based C-i on a subdivision of the final water level.

C-

6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the series of water supply steps of said supplying consists of three water supply steps.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: rotating at least one of an inner tub and an agitator during at least a portion of the predetermined time corresponding to each intermediate water level, the inner tub being rotatable within the outer tub and the agitator being rotatable with respect to the inner tub.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said rotating is performed for a predetermined time based on washing conditions of the laundry to be washed.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rotation of at least one of the inner tub and the agitator is stopped during said soaking. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said rotating is performed intermittently.

I I PAOPERJCU02005I236415O rcsapwdoc.I3MM7.S V-23- Z

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said rotating is performed during at least a portion of said soaking.

12. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said C-I rotating is completed before beginning said soaking. C-i

13. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said rotating is completed before a completion of said soaking.

14. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one of an inner tub and an agitator is rotated at an increasing rotational speed during the predetermined time corresponding to each intermediate water level.

The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one of an inner tub and an agitator is rotated at an increased rotational speed for each progression of the plurality of intermediate water levels.

16. The method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: washing the laundry accommodated within the outer tub, by rotating at least one of the inner tub and the agitator.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the rotation of the at least one of the inner tub and the agitator during said rotating is performed at a lower rotational speed than for said washing. P:\OPERWCUW500 1236415 rcspon-do--13/07)D5 V-24-

18. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said supplying and said soaking are performed at discrete intervals. In

19. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said Ci supplying and said soaking are performed at alternate times. CI

20. The method as claimed in claim i, wherein said supplying is performed before and after said soaking.

21. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said soaking is performed after said supplying.

22. The method as claimed in claim i, wherein the plurality of intermediate water levels is determined based on washing conditions of the laundry to be washed.

23. The method as claimed in claim i, further comprising: introducing a detergent to the supplied washing water during said supplying.

24. The method as claimed in claim 1, said supplying comprising: firstly supplying washing water to the outer tub until reaching a first water level; secondly supplying washing water to the outer tub until reaching a second water level, the second water level being higher than the first water level; and thirdly supplying washing water to the outer tub until reaching a third water level, the third water level being higher than the second water level, r P:\OPERUUC\2005\ 12364 150 .ondo-I 3mU7M5 wherein a predetermined time elapses between a completion of said firstly supplying and beginning said secondly supplying and between a completion of said second C-I supplying and beginning said thirdly supplying. In Ci

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the Sthird water level is a final water level that is appropriate CI for performing a main washing of the laundry accommodated in the outer tub.

26. The method as claimed in claim 24, further comprising introducing a detergent to the supplied washing water during said firstly supplying.

27. The method as claimed in claim 24, said soaking comprising: firstly soaking the laundry in the washing water supplied to the first water level for the predetermined time between a completion of said firstly supplying and beginning said secondly supplying; and secondly soaking the laundry in the washing water supplied to the second water level for the predetermined time between a completion of said secondly supplying and beginning said thirdly supplying.

28. The method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising introducing a detergent to the supplied washing water before said firstly soaking.

29. The method as claimed in claim 27, further comprising: PAOPERCU005A12364150 rcspw=doc.13/07) V-26- firstly rotating at least one of an inner tub and an agitator for a predetermined time during said firstly soaking, the inner tub being rotatable within the outer tub C-i and the agitator being rotatable with respect to the inner In tub; and C-i secondly rotating at least one of the inner tub and the agitator for a predetermined time during said C- secondly soaking.

30. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein said firstly rotating is completed before a completion of said firstly soaking and wherein said secondly rotating is completed before a completion of said secondly soaking.

31. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the rotation of at least one of the inner tub and the agitator is performed at a higher rotational speed during said firstly rotating than during said secondly rotating.

32. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the rotation of at least one of the inner tub and the agitator is performed at a rotational speed that is increases during each of said firstly rotating and said secondly rotating.

33. The method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the rotation of at least one of the inner tub and the agitator is performed at a lower rotational speed during said firstly rotating and during said secondly rotating than for a main washing of the laundry accommodated in the outer tub.

34. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said soaking is performed selectively. P:%OPERWC%2005U236450 pr.cspwmdw13iO7)05 -27- i-n The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: C-i determining, prior to said supplying, whether to perform said soaking.

O

36. The method as claimed in claim 35, further CI comprising: continuously supplying washing water to the outer tub until reaching a final water level for performing a main washing of the laundry accommodated in the outer tub, if it is determined by said determining that said soaking is not to be performed.

37. The method as claimed in claim 35, said determining comprising one of: selecting a first washing mode that excludes said soaking; and selecting a second washing mode that includes said soaking.

38. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the first washing mode is a default setting of the washing machine.

39. The method as claimed in claim 37, wherein the second washing mode is selected by a user operation of a control panel of the washing machine.

40. The method as claimed in claim 37, further comprising: PAOPERU 2005%2364I S0 rspmn.sdoc-13/07)05 V-28- confirming the selection of said soaking based on said determining. C-

41. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein said In confirming continues throughout a washing cycle.

42. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein said C-i confirming is performed according to an operation of one of a specific light-emitting diode and a liquid crystal display.

43. A washing machine, comprising: an outer tub for accommodating laundry to be washed and washing water; and a controller for controlling a supply of washing water to said outer tub as a series of water supply steps that respectively reach each of a plurality of intermediate water levels within the outer tub, each intermediate water level being held for a predetermined time, such that the laundry is soaked in the supplied washing water for the predetermined time corresponding to each intermediate water level.

44. The washing machine as claimed in claim 43, further comprising: at least one of an inner tub and an agitator, rotated by said controller during at least a portion of the predetermined time corresponding to each intermediate water level, the inner tub being rotatable within said outer tub and the agitator being rotatable with respect to the inner tub. PAOFPERMCUM511 2364 150 resp-1 3M7)05 -29- A method of washing laundry in a washing machine, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In 5 46. A washing machine, substantially as hereinbefore CI described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 14th Day of July, 2005 LG Electronics Inc. by its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE