KR20080073453A - Washing machine using electro-analysised water steam - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine using electrolytic water steam is provided to allow a user to select an alkali water steam course directly or indirectly by the amount of detergent and others. A washing machine using electrolytic water steam comprises a first selection unit, a second selection unit(472~474), and a control unit. A user selects any one of washing courses which are classified by sorts of laundry and pollutants through the first selection unit. The second selection unit is related to using alkali water steam. The control unit controls the washing machine to use alkali water steam in accordance with the result of the second selection unit.

Description

Washing machine using electrolytic water steam {WASHING MACHINE USING ELECTRO-ANALYSISED WATER STEAM}

1 shows a conventional drum washing machine.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a drum washing machine according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a control panel of a drum washing machine according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the control panel of the drum washing machine according to the present invention.

Figure 5 shows one embodiment of a control method for an alkaline water semi-detergent washing course.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a control method for an alkaline water steam free detergent washing course.

* Description of the main parts of the drawings *

115: water supply valve 120: tub

127: detergent container 150: steam supply device

160: ion filter 170: electrolysis device

171: cathode electrode 172: anode electrode

173 ion exchange membrane 174 alkaline water reservoir

181 ~ 188: 1st channel ~ 8th channel 191 ~ 193: 1st valve ~ 3rd valve

400: control panel 410: option selection

420: course selector 430: steam selector

450: active lamp 460: steam washing display

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing laundry.

Generally, a washing machine is a pulsator-type washing machine that washes by water flow generated by rotating a pulsator, and a drop and friction force of washing water and laundry generated inside a drum by rotating a drum installed in parallel with each other. It is roughly classified as a drum washing machine using a washing method.

On the other hand, recently, the washing machine which wash | cleans etc. using steam, especially the drum washing machine is proposed. When steam is used for washing, water and electricity can be saved, and washing power can be improved. It may also remove wrinkles, odors, and the like.

Referring to Figure 1, a drum washing machine using steam is described as follows.

The drum washing machine includes a cabinet 10 forming an exterior, a cylindrical tub 20 that is horizontally supported in the cabinet 10 to store wash water, and a drum 30 rotatably installed in the tub 20. It is configured to include a drive motor (not shown) for driving the drum (30). The cabinet 10 has an inlet 13 communicating with the inside of the drum 30 so that laundry can be put into and withdrawn from the front surface thereof, and a door 11 is provided to open and close the inlet 13. On one side of the drum washing machine, a water supply valve 15 is connected to an external water pipe (not shown) for supplying the wash water to the tub 20. In addition, the hot water pipe 25a and the cold water pipe 26 are usually connected between the detergent container 27 and the water supply valve 15.

Meanwhile, a steam generator 50 for supplying steam to the drum 30 in the tub 20 is provided, and the steam generator 50 has a water supply hose 25 for supplying water and generated steam. Steam supply pipe 53 for supplying the drum 30 is connected. The water supply hose 25 is usually connected to the hot water side of the water supply valve 15. The steam supply pipe 53 preferably has an end portion formed in a nozzle shape so that steam can be smoothly sprayed into the internal space of the drum 30, and an end at which steam is discharged is introduced into the drum 30. It is preferred to be installed so as to be exposed.

In addition, some conventional pulsator washing machines are equipped with an electrolysis device, which allows washing without using detergent by washing with alkaline water.

Since the pulsator washing machine equipped with the electrolysis device described above requires a large amount of washing water, a large electrolysis device is required to electrolyze and supply a large amount of water required for washing. In addition, there is a problem that the power required to electrolyze such a large amount of wash water was also large.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine using alkaline water steam. And it aims at providing the washing machine which has the selection part related to the use of alkaline water steam.

Washing machine according to the present invention, the first selection unit provided to receive any one of a plurality of washing courses divided according to the type of laundry or contamination; A second selection associated with the use of alkaline water steam; And a control unit controlling the washing machine to use the alkaline water steam according to the selection result of the second selection unit.

The second selector may be provided in a form in which the use of alkaline water steam is directly selected by a user. For example, the control panel provided to receive input of a course selection from a user may be provided as a selection button of 'alkaline water steam'. Thus, when the user selects the selection button, the control unit controls the related device to use the allyali water steam.

The second selector may be a detergent selector that receives an amount of detergent. The control unit may be provided to control the washing machine to use an alkaline water steam as the amount of detergent is selected through the detergent selection unit.

The detergent selection unit may be provided to be selected including a case of a half detergent or a zero detergent.

In addition, it may be indicated that at least a part of the plurality of washing courses may be selected as a semi-detergent or no detergent. For example, the washing course of some of the plurality of washing courses displayed on the first selection unit may be displayed as a pre-selection of semi-detergent or no detergent. Alternatively, unlike the above example, if any one of the washing courses is selected, the predetermined lamp may be turned on or the lighting may be repeatedly turned off and on, and thus the semi-detergent or no detergent may be selected.

The first selector and the second selector may be provided integrally. In this case, for at least some of the plurality of washing courses, if any one of the washing courses is selected, the washing course is performed using alkaline water steam.

The control unit, the washing step of washing the laundry using alkaline water steam; Rinse step of rinsing laundry; The washing machine may be controlled to perform a washing course, including a dehydration step of dewatering laundry.

Alternatively, when the semi-detergent is selected, the control unit washes and drains using wash water and detergent; The washing machine may be controlled to perform a washing course, including a second washing step of washing using alkaline water steam.

As another example, if the detergent is selected, washing step 1 washing and draining using the washing water without detergent; The washing machine may be controlled to perform a washing course, including a second washing step of washing using alkaline water steam.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention will be described.

First, Figure 2 shows a preferred configuration of the present invention that can be applied to the drum washing machine as shown in Figure 1 of the washing machine. One embodiment of the drum washing machine according to the present invention by installing the electrolytic device 170 and the ion filter 160 in the drum washing machine as shown in Figure 1 by connecting a pipe for the flow path of water or steam as shown in FIG. It can be easily implemented.

The electrolysis device 170 is connected to the water supply valve 115 and the first water channel 181 to receive water. The electrolysis device 170 includes a cathode electrode 171, an anode electrode 172, and an ion exchange membrane 173. Since the electrolysis device 170 itself is well known in the art, its detailed description will be omitted.

The second channel 183 and the third channel 185 are connected to allow the alkaline water and the acidic water to be supplied to the steam generator 150 from the electrolysis device 170. In addition, the fourth channel 182 and the fifth channel 184 are connected so that the alkaline and acidic water as described above can be directly supplied into the tub 120.

Here, one channel extends from the alkaline water reservoir 174 of the electrolysis device 170 and branches to the second channel 183 and the fourth channel 182, where the first valve 191 is located. Is installed. In addition, one channel extends from the acidic water reservoir and branches to the third channel 185 and the fifth channel 184, and a second valve 192 is installed at the branched channel. Thus, as the first valve 191 is controlled, alkaline water is introduced into the steam generator 150 or directly into the tub 120, and as the second valve 192 is controlled, acidic water is generated from the steam generator. Inflow to 150 or directly to the tub (120).

An ion filter 160 is installed between the electrolysis device 170 and the steam generator 150. Alkaline water passes through the ion filter 160 before flowing into the steam generator 150. At this time, cations such as magnesium or potassium in alkaline water are filtered by the ion filter 160.

In FIG. 2, the acidic water also passes through the ion filter 160 before being introduced into the steam generator 150. Alternatively, the acidic water may be configured not to pass through the ion filter 160. The acidic water may not pass through the ion filter 160 because there will be no such cations.

And, unlike FIG. 2, the acidic water may be configured not to flow into the steam generator 150. The acidic water can then be used for sterilization in the rinsing step in the form of water. However, it is preferable to allow the acidic water to be introduced into the steam generator 150 as shown in FIG. 2 so that it can be supplied to the tub 120 in the form of steam. Alternatively, the steam generator 150 may be supplied to and discharged from the steam generator 150 for the purpose of removing the precipitate deposited in the steam generator 150 even though the steam generator 150 is not in the form of steam.

Meanwhile, the water supply valve 115 and the tub 120 may be connected to the sixth water channel 186 so that the washing water may be directly supplied to the tub 120 from the water supply valve 115. In addition, the water supply valve 115 and the steam generator 150 may be connected by the seventh water channel 187 so that water may be supplied from the water supply valve 115 to the steam generator 150. In this case, as shown, the third valve 193 may be controlled to control whether the water from the water supply valve 115 is supplied to the tub 120 or the steam generator 150. The water supplied to the tub 120 through the sixth channel 186 and the seventh channel 187 is not electrolyzed because it does not go through the electrolysis device 170.

In addition, the water supply valve 115 and the tub 120 are connected by an eighth water channel 188 via the detergent container 127. Water and detergent may be supplied to the tub 120 through the eighth channel 188.

Here, the eighth channel 188 may take the role of the sixth channel 186. When the eighth channel 188 passes through the detergent container 127, but there is no detergent in the detergent container 127, the eighth channel 188 plays substantially the same role as the sixth channel 186.

The washing machine of FIG. 2 may have a variety of different washing courses according to the combination of the above-described channels. When the user selects the washing course using the detergent, the detergent in the detergent container 127 through the eighth channel 188 is provided. It is supplied to the tub 120. When the user selects a washing course without using detergent, the sixth channel 186 is used without using the eighth channel 188. However, if there is no detergent in the detergent container 127, the sixth channel 186 may not be necessary and the eighth channel 188 may take its role. If necessary, the control unit of the washing machine may output a warning message for confirming whether the detergent exists in the detergent container 127. Thus, when the user confirms that the detergent container 127 is free of detergent and performs a predetermined action-for example, pressing a predetermined button-the controller supplies water to the tub 120 through the eighth channel 188. can do. In addition, even when there is detergent in the detergent container 127, after the water is once supplied to the tub 120 through the eighth channel 188, the eighth channel 188 serves as the sixth channel 186. do. For this reason, the sixth channel 186 may be replaced with the eighth channel 188, and the seventh channel 187 may be branched from the eighth channel 188.

The drum washing machine of Figure 2 is configured to have all the required channels, but in other embodiments it may not have some channels.

In addition, supplying steam from the steam generator 150 to the tub 120 may be configured to inject steam into the drum in the tub 120 as shown in FIG. 1.

In the case where the washing machine of FIG. 2 is a combined washing machine, electrolytic water steam may be used in a drying course. The drying course may spray electrolyzed water steam while the wet laundry has just been washed. At this time, by spraying the acidic water steam can further obtain the effect of sterilization. Or, the user can obtain the effects of sterilization, odor removal, and wrinkle removal by spraying and drying steam without washing the clothes once worn. In this case, using alkaline water steam can also provide a cleaning effect, and acidic water Steam can be used to achieve even better sterilization.

The washing course that can be performed by the washing machine as shown in FIG. 2 may be provided in various ways, some of which will be described by way of example as follows.

First, a general washing course consisting of a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step of washing using a detergent as a conventional general washing course is possible. In this case, the eighth channel 188 is used.

As another washing course, alkaline water steam is used to produce a washing effect, and the detergent may have a course that uses only about half of the general washing course, aka alkaline water steam detergent cleaning course. In this case, when the detergent and water are supplied to the tub 120 using the eighth water channel 188, only about half of the detergent is put into the detergent container 127 compared to the general washing course. Thus, after the washing step using a semi-detergent is first performed using the eighth water channel 188, a second washing step is performed to remove water-soluble contaminants, in particular, by supplying alkaline water steam to clean the alkaline water. In the first washing step using the semi-detergent, the fat-soluble contaminants are removed by the surface active agent of the detergent. In this case, in performing the rinsing step, only water supplied from the water supply valve 115 using the eighth water channel 188 (in this case, there is no detergent in the detergent container 127) may be used. However, preferably, the sterilization effect is obtained by using acidic water supplied using the fifth water channel 184 or acidic water steam supplied using the third water channel 185.

In the second washing step of the alkaline water steam detergent cleaning course, neutral water or neutral water steam supplied from the water supply valve 115 may be used together. Also, alkaline water is preferably used using the fourth water channel 182. When the amount of alkaline water is small, it is possible to efficiently obtain a high cleaning effect by increasing the ambient temperature in the drum using neutral water steam and supplying the alkaline water steam to effect the cleaning effect.

As another washing course, you can have a washing course that uses alkaline water steam but no detergent at all.

In this case, after washing is primarily performed by using at least one of neutral water or acidic water of the electrolysis device 170 and neutral water supplied from the water supply valve 115, washing is performed in a second washing step using alkaline water steam. Can be. The secondary washing step as described above may be configured in the same manner as the secondary washing step of the above-described alkaline water steam detergent wash course.

If the contamination of the laundry is not severe and most of the water-soluble contaminants are used, alkaline water steam can be used to obtain a good washing effect even if the detergent is not used. In particular, in the case of children's clothing, dust and the like will be most of the pollutants. In this case, even when the detergent-free washing course is used, clean washing can be performed.

The rinsing step in the detergent-free washing course may be configured in the same manner as in the case of the above-described detergent washing course. However, since no detergent is used in the detergent-free washing course, the number of rinses in the rinsing step, the rinsing time, or the amount of water required for rinsing may be reduced.

In addition, in performing the second washing step using the alkaline water steam, preferably, the temperature in the tub 120 or the drum is about 65 ° C. Washing effect is generally good at such temperatures. However, the temperature may vary depending on the type of laundry. Depending on the type of cloth, there is a problem of being damaged at high temperatures, so washing may be required at a lower temperature. Importantly, the second washing step as described above is that it is preferable to supply the steam to a set temperature. Here, the amount of steam supplied to obtain the set temperature as described above will be adjusted. In order to check the temperature, a temperature sensor is required. Since the temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the tub 120 or the drum is provided in the related art, a detailed description of the temperature sensor is omitted.

In addition, the time may be set in performing the first washing step of the washing courses. For example, in the detergent-free washing course, the first washing step may be performed for a time set for the course, and in the semi-detergent washing course, the first washing step may be performed for the set time.

As another washing course, it is possible to have a course to obtain the washing effect using the acid water steam, a so-called 'acid water steam washing course'. Here, the washing step is first performed using at least one of neutral water, alkaline water, or acidic water. In this first washing step, the detergent may be used in the same or about half the amount of the general washing course, or may not be used at all. This first washing step can also be performed for a predetermined time.

After the first washing step, a second washing step of washing secondly using acidic water steam is performed. The amount of steam used in the second washing step can likewise be determined according to the preset temperature. In this case, the neutral water steam may be used together. In the second washing step, since acidic water steam is used, a better sterilization effect can be obtained during the washing step.

Here too, the rinsing step can be configured in the same manner as the above-described courses. In performing the rinsing step in the above-described courses, it may be necessary to consider the kind of water used in the first washing step and the second washing step. That is, when both alkaline and acidic water are used in the first washing step and the second washing step, it may be desirable to perform the rinsing step using neutral water.

On the other hand, it is possible to remove the sediment in the steam generating device 150 using the acidic water, which may be performed automatically, or may be performed by the user by pressing a predetermined selection button. If the washing course selected by the user uses steam, when the use of the steam generator 150 is completed, the control unit may automatically allow the acidic water to flow into the steam generator 150 and be discharged to the outside. Of course, even if a washing course that does not use the steam generator 150 is selected, it is possible to clean the inside of the steam generator 150 by acidic water, if necessary.

For example, after the use of the steam generator 150 is completed, the controller controls the acidic water to flow into the steam generator 150 and discharges it to the outside at an appropriate time. Discharge of the acidic water may be discharged to the tub 120 at the time of draining the washing step or the rinsing step to be drained together. The discharge passage having a valve may be formed in the steam generator 150 for the discharge. In addition, the discharge passage may be directly discharged to the outside, may be connected to the tub 120 to be discharged into the tub 120, or may be connected to the drain pump of the washing machine.

Contaminants such as sediment inside the steam generator 150 are dissolved in acidic water and discharged together.

On the other hand, when the washing machine of Figure 2 is a combined dry washing machine to supply steam and hot air into the drum to remove wrinkles from the cloth, it may have a course for the sterilization or deodorization, a so-called 'refresh course'. Such a refreshing course is not a course for drying wet cloth, but rather a washing process that allows clothes to be worn again by removing wrinkles and the like without washing clothes once worn.

The refresh course may be used alkaline water steam or acidic water steam. Preferably both alkaline water and acidic water steam are used. For example, the first refresh step may be performed using alkaline water steam, and the second refresh step may be performed using acidic water steam. In this case, in the first refresh step, the cleaning effect by the alkaline water steam, swelling and wrinkle removal effect can be obtained, and in the second refresh step, sterilization and deodorization effect can be obtained. Depending on the strength of the effect to be obtained, the amount of steam supplied in each refresh step, the temperature in the tub 120 or drum, step time, etc. may be set differently. And a selection device may be provided so that a user can select the intensity of such an effect.

Steam and hot air may be supplied simultaneously or sequentially in each refresh step in the refresh course as described above. Preferably, each step is performed by only supplying steam and then forcedly blow air. In the forced air blowing as described above, the hot air heated by the heater is supplied first, and the unheated air is finally blown. Alkaline water vapors can penetrate the fabric and then evaporate by hot air to remove water-soluble contaminants.

In addition, the refresh course as described above can be applied to the dryer as it is.

The washing apparatus according to the present invention as described above uses the electrolytic water steam, such a course using the electrolytic water steam can be provided in various ways, the user can select the course through the selection device. For example, the amount of electrolytic water steam, temperature, time, time of use (washing step, rinsing step, refresh step, etc.) and the like may be set differently according to the type of laundry, the degree or type of contamination, and the like. And, such various forms can be provided as a course so that the user can select through the selection device.

On the other hand, Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the control panel of the washing machine according to the present invention. The control panel is usually provided on the top of the drum washing machine. The user selects the washing course and the like through various buttons or knobs on the control panel. In addition, the control panel is generally provided with an LCD window or various LED lamps for displaying the user's selection or the selected washing course progress.

In addition, when a user inputs various commands through the control panel, the control unit controls the washing apparatus according to the selected command. Such a control unit may also be provided in the control panel. In some cases, the control unit may be separated from the control panel and installed elsewhere in the washing apparatus. The control unit has a microcomputer and the like and controls an associated device in the washing machine to perform a command selected by the user.

The control panel 400 of FIG. 3 includes an option selector 410, a course selector 420, and steam selectors 430 to 432 for each step of the course.

The option selector 410 is for receiving a condition for performing various washing course-specific steps (eg, washing step, rinsing step, etc.).

In this case, the option selector 410 is configured as a button structure that recognizes whether the selection is made by a pressing operation and provides the selection signal to the controller, and includes a plurality of selection buttons.

Each selection button constituting the option selection unit 410 of FIG. 3 includes a selection button 411 for the washing method, a selection button 412 for the number of rinses, and a selection button for the rotational speed of the drum when dewatering. 413, selection button 414 for water temperature, selection button 415 for drying degree, and the like.

Although not shown, the option selector 410 may be configured to light or blink when a course capable of steam washing is selected by an operation of the course selector 420.

In addition, the course selection unit 420 constituting the control panel 400 is a configuration for the selection of each washing course.

At this time, the course selection unit 420 is made of a dial structure that recognizes whether the selection by the rotation operation to provide the selection signal to the control unit, and comprises a rotatable rotary knob (421).

At this time, each of the washing course selected by the course selector 420 includes a course for each type of laundry (for example, wool washing, synthetic fiber washing, futon washing, etc.), a standard course, a refreshing course, a whole washing course, and a boiling course. At least one washing course is included, and the selection is made according to the rotation direction and the amount of rotation of the rotary knob 421.

At this time, the refresh course is a course for driving such as wrinkle removal or sterilization of laundry.

In addition, the steam selector 430 to 432 constituting the control panel 400 is a configuration for selecting the operation of the steam generator.

The steam selector may be provided to be selected according to the type of steam. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a button 430 for selecting neutral water steam and a button 431 for selecting alkaline water steam may be provided. In some cases, a button 432 for selecting the acidic water steam may be provided together or in place of the alkaline water steam selection button 431.

Thus, for example, when the user presses the alkaline water steam selection button 431, the control unit supplies the alkaline water to the steam generator using an electrolysis device so that the alkaline water steam is supplied to the drum.

Similarly, when the acidic water steam selection button 432 is provided, when the selection button 432 is selected, the controller controls the electrolysis device to supply acidic water to the steam generator. Then, the steam generator is controlled to supply steam to the drum.

When the neutral water steam selection button 430 is pressed, water is directly supplied from the water supply valve to the steam generator without passing through the electrolysis device.

In this case, the steam selector is not separately provided as shown in FIG. 3, and may be configured to recognize whether the steam selector is selected by pressing the option selector 410 and provide the selection signal to the controller. Alternatively, it may be configured to recognize whether the selection is made by the rotation operation of the course selection unit 420 and provide the selection signal to the controller. As another example, the steam selector may be configured to recognize the selection by the pressing operation of the option selector 410 and the rotation operation of the course selector 420, and provide the selection signal to the controller.

In addition, considering that the operation of the steam generator should not be performed for every type of washing course, courses that do not require the operation of the steam generator in order to prevent user confusion, for example, wool washing or duvet washing, etc. At the time of performing, even if the selected bundle is pressed, the operation of the steam generator can be prevented.

To this end, in the embodiment of the present invention, the steam selector 430 to 432 may select the steam selector 430 to 432 for each course selected according to the rotation of the course selector 420, or It is configured to be impossible.

That is, when the washing course selected by the rotation operation of the course selector 420 is unreasonable to use steam, even if the user selects steam use through the steam selector 430 to 432, the control unit controls the steam to the drum. Do not supply

To this end, the controller can be programmed to control the operation of the steam generator only when two conditions (a course that can use steam by the course selector and a selection button of the steam selector are pressed) are satisfied.

Particularly, in the embodiment of the present invention, a separate active lamp 450 is further included in the control panel 400 so that a user can recognize whether the steam selection units 430 to 432 can be selected. present.

At this time, the activation lamp 450 is configured to be activated while being controlled by the controller only when the washing course selected according to the rotation operation of the course selection unit 420 satisfies the activation condition.

Here, the washing course satisfying the conditions in which the active lamp 450 is activated is illustrated in FIG. 3 as the standard course, the refresh course, the whole washing course, and the like.

On the other hand, the option selector 410 of the control panel 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention described above is further provided with a separate steam control button 416 capable of adjusting the strength of the steam and / or the washing time using the steam It can be configured to include.

In FIG. 3, as the steam control button 416 is pressed, 'power saving steam' or 'turbo steam' may be selected.

In addition, the course selection unit 420 of the control panel 400 of FIG. 3 further includes a display unit 422 that recognizes that only some washing courses can be steam-washed.

That is, the user does not know whether the course can be steam-washed by directly operating the course selector 420, but it is possible to prevent the confusion of the user by allowing the steam-washable washing course to be recognized in advance. It is to make it possible.

In this case, the display unit 422 may use a display unit made of LCD or LED, or a lamp, but in the example of FIG. 3, the display unit 422 is formed by printing a character that can recognize that steam washing is possible.

In addition, the control panel 400 further includes a steam washing display unit 460 for displaying that the steam washing is in progress.

At this time, the steam washing display 460 may be configured as a display unit consisting of LCD or LED, but in the embodiment of the present invention suggests that it consists of a lighting lamp that lights when the steam washing is in progress.

On the other hand, Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the control panel 400.

In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the same reference numerals are used for those substantially the same as those shown in Fig. 3, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the second selector associated with the use of the alkaline water steam is presented to the detergent selector 472-474.

The detergent selector is for receiving the amount of detergent, the selection button 472 for receiving the amount of detergent used in the prior art, for the selection of about half the amount of detergent compared to the selection button 472 A selection button 473 and a selection button 474 for receiving a selection of not using a detergent at all are proposed.

Thus, when the Full detergent button 472 is selected, it means that the same amount of detergent is used as before.

If the select button 473 is selected, it means that only about half of the detergent is used, and the control unit controls the related device to use the alkaline water steam. That is, when the detergent detergent selection button 473 is selected, the controller controls the laundry machine to perform the detergent detergent course using alkaline water steam.

In addition, when the detergent-free selection button 474 is selected, it means that the washing course is performed without using any detergent, and the control unit controls the related device to use the alkaline water steam even at this time. That is, when the detergent-free selection button 474 is selected, the control unit controls the washing apparatus to perform the detergent-free washing course using alkaline water steam.

Before performing the semi-detergent washing course or detergent-free washing course, the controller may display a warning message for checking the amount of detergent in the detergent container on the LCD window as described above.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a display unit 424 for displaying a washing course capable of a semi-detergent washing course or a detergent-free washing course may be provided. In the example of FIG. 4, a semi-detergent or no-detergent washing course can be selected for the 'sportswear' course and the 'children's course'. Thus, for example, if the 'sportswear' course is selected using the rotary knob 421, and the detergent selector selects the detergent detergent selection button 473 or the detergent free selection button 474, the detergent detergent washing course or detergent is not selected. A laundry course is performed.

Here, although not shown, the detergent selection unit 472 to 474 is not provided, and if the 'sportswear' course or the 'children's course' is selected through the rotary knob 421 of the course selection unit 420, a semi-detergent It can be configured to perform a washing course. Similarly, the courses may be configured to automatically perform a detergent-free washing course when selected.

In addition, the 'sportswear' course or the 'children's course' may be displayed under a different name. For example, it may be displayed as 'sweat' or 'dirt dust' according to the type of contamination. Alternatively, when the 'anti-detergent' course or the 'detergent-free' course is directly displayed and such a course is selected by the rotary knob 421, the semi-detergent washing course or the detergent-free washing course may be automatically performed. .

Hereinafter, an example of a control method for a semi-detergent or detergent-free washing course using alkaline water steam will be described.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a control method for the alkaline water steam washing course.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the alkaline water semi-washed washing course is selected by the user (S10), the controller performs a first washing step (S20), a second washing step (S30), and a rinsing step (S40) to perform the course. ), And the washing machine to perform the dehydration step (S50).

In the first washing step (S20), the water supply valve is opened and water is supplied to the tub together with the detergent via the detergent container. In some cases, steam is also supplied.

The first washing step S20 is performed by washing for a predetermined time, and is completed by draining the washing water in the tub.

When steam is supplied, the steam is supplied until the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor capable of sensing the temperature in the drum reaches a set temperature. For example, when the set temperature is 40 ° C, the steam is supplied until the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is 40 ° C.

The fat-soluble contaminants are removed from the laundry by the surfactant activity through the first washing step (S20).

In the first washing step (S20), the drum is rotated, wash water in the tub can be circulated by the circulation pump if necessary.

By using hot water as washing water, supplying steam, and circulating the washing water with a circulation pump, the set temperature can be reached more efficiently and quickly.

After the first washing step S20 is completed, a second washing step S30 is performed. In the second washing step (S30), alkaline water steam is supplied. Here, the steam is supplied until the temperature in the drum reaches the set temperature. If necessary, neutral or alkaline water may be supplied together.

In addition, when the alkaline water steam is insufficient, neutral water steam may be supplied together.

The second washing step (S30) is performed for a set time, and is completed while draining the wash water in the tub.

In the second washing step (S30) as described above, particularly water-soluble contaminants are removed from the laundry by alkaline water steam action.

After the second washing step S30 is completed, a rinsing step is performed. In the rinsing step, neutral or acidic water may be used. By using acidic water electrolyzed through the electrolysis device to have a bactericidal effect, in the case of insufficient acidic water may be used with neutral water. Alternatively, neutral water may be used to supply water, and acidic water may be supplied in the form of steam.

When the rinsing step is completed, the dehydration step is performed and the course is completed.

In addition, Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a control method for an alkali water steam free washing course.

As shown in Fig. 3, when the alkaline water-free washing course is selected by the user (S110), the controller performs the first washing step (S120), the second washing step (S130), and the rinsing step (S110). S140), and controls the washing machine to perform the dehydration step (S150).

In the first washing step (S120), the water supply valve is opened to supply water. At this time, when passing through the detergent container, there is no detergent in the detergent container. In some cases, steam is also supplied.

The first washing step S120 is performed by washing for a predetermined time, and is completed by draining the washing water in the tub.

When steam is supplied, the steam is supplied until the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor capable of sensing the temperature in the drum reaches a set temperature. For example, when the set temperature is 40 ° C, the steam is supplied until the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is 40 ° C.

In the first washing step (S120), the washing water used for washing may be acidic or alkaline water in the electrolysis device. In this case, water from the water supply valve is supplied to the tub via an electrolysis device.

In the first washing step (S120) the drum is rotated, wash water in the tub can be circulated by the circulation pump if necessary.

By using hot water as washing water, supplying steam, and circulating the washing water with a circulation pump, the set temperature can be reached more efficiently and quickly.

After the first washing step S120 is completed, a second washing step S130 is performed. In the second washing step (S130), alkaline water steam is supplied. Here, the steam is supplied until the temperature in the drum reaches the set temperature. If necessary, neutral or alkaline water may be supplied together.

In addition, when the alkaline water steam is insufficient, neutral water steam may be supplied together.

The second washing step (S130) is performed for a set time and is completed while draining the washing water in the tub.

After the second washing step S130 is completed, a rinsing step is performed. In the rinsing step, neutral water or acidic water may be used. By using acidic water electrolyzed through the electrolysis device to have a bactericidal effect, in the case of insufficient acidic water may be used with neutral water. Alternatively, neutral water may be used to supply water, and acidic water may be supplied in the form of steam.

When the rinsing step is completed, the dehydration step is performed and the course is completed.

The laundry machine according to the present invention is not limited to the type of washing machine illustrated in the drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in various forms, and is also within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention proposes a control panel of various forms in a washing machine capable of washing with alkaline water steam.

The use of alkaline water steam may be directly user selectable, or the use of alkaline water steam may be selected through other choices, such as the amount of detergent.

Claims (8)

A first selection unit provided to receive one of a plurality of washing courses divided according to the type of laundry or the type of contamination; A second selection associated with the use of alkaline water steam; A control unit controlling the washing machine to use an alkaline water steam according to a selection result of the second selection unit; Washing machine comprising a. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the second selector is a detergent selector receiving the amount of detergent, and the controller controls the washing machine to use an alkaline water steam as the amount of detergent is selected through the detergent selector. washer. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the detergent selection unit is provided to be selected including a case of half detergent or zero detergent. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein at least a part of the plurality of washing courses is displayed to select a semi-detergent or no detergent. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the first and second selection units are integrated. The method of claim 1, wherein the control unit, A washing step of washing laundry using alkaline water steam; Rinse step of rinsing laundry; Dehydration step of dehydrating the laundry; Washing machine characterized in that for controlling the washing machine to perform the washing course. The method of claim 3, wherein when the anti-tax detergent is selected, the control unit, A first washing step of washing and draining using the washing water and the detergent; A second washing step of washing using alkaline water steam; Washing machine characterized in that for controlling the washing machine to perform the washing course. The method of claim 3, wherein when the detergent is selected, the control unit, A washing step of washing and draining using washing water without detergent; A second washing step of washing using alkaline water steam; Washing machine characterized in that for controlling the washing machine to perform the washing course.

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