KR20140102015A - laundry machine and a control mehtod of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry machine and, more specifically, to a laundry machine which can be used by generating steam and to a method for controlling the same. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling a laundry machine, which performs a refreshing course for smoothing or alleviating creases on a laundry fabric by supplying steam to the laundry fabric, comprises a course selecting step of selecting one of a plurality of laundry courses; a steam supplying step of supplying washing water from an external water supplying source into a tub to the height of a steam generating level without passing through the inside of a washing part if the refreshing course is selected; a steaming step of driving a washing heater equipped at the lower part of the tub to heat the washing water and generating steam from the washing water at the steam generating level; and a refreshing step of refreshing the washing fabric by operating a tumbling section and spinning (filtration) section in an alternate manner after the steaming step.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine capable of generating and using steam and a control method thereof.

The washing machine may include a washing machine and a dryer. A washing machine refers to a device for separating contaminants from laundry cloths using washing water and detergent. The contaminants can be separated using the chemical action through the detergent dissolved in the washing water, and the contaminants can be separated by the mechanical action of the washing water or the mechanical action by driving the inner drum (drum).

The dryer means a device for drying the laundry. That is, it means a device for drying the laundry by supplying dry hot air to the laundry.

The washing machine includes a washing machine and a dryer capable of performing both washing and drying. Washing and dryers can also be washed using wash water and detergent. Therefore, the washing machine and dryer are also called washing machines.

Generally, a washing machine includes a horizontal axis washing machine in which a drum, in which a washing cloth is received, is driven based on a horizontal axis to perform washing. The horizontal axis washing machine separates the contaminants by applying mechanical energy to the washing cloth through drum driving.

The laundry environment of the horizontal axis washing machine may be a state in which the laundry is not completely immersed in the washing water. Therefore, most of the mechanical action can be said to be the washing through the friction between the washing cloths, the friction between the laundry cloth and the drum, and the impact force applied to the laundry cloth. Of course, even in this case, the washing is performed through the chemical action by the detergent.

The washing machine includes a vertical axis washing machine in which the inner tank in which the laundry is accommodated rotates with respect to the vertical axis, or the pulsator in the inner tank rotates to perform washing. The vertical axis washing apparatus likewise separates the contaminants by applying mechanical energy to the washing cloth through the driving of the inner tub or pulsator.

The washing environment of the vertical axis washing machine may be such that the laundry can be completely immersed in the washing water. Therefore, most of the mechanical action is generated through friction or impact force between the water and the washing cloth, and the washing is performed by such a mechanical action. Likewise, in this case as well, it can be said that the washing is carried out through the chemical action by the detergent.

Therefore, it can be said that the vertical axis washing machine and the horizontal axis washing machine have a great difference in the amount of washing water used and the washing mechanism.

In spite of this difference, the horizontal axis washing machine and the vertical axis washing machine can both include a washing heater for heating the washing water. The heating of the washing water can be performed to promote the activation of the detergent to increase the washing effect and to increase the sterilizing effect through the high temperature. Accordingly, it is a general matter to increase the temperature of the washing water to the set temperature by driving the washing heater. That is, raising the water temperature of the washing water to improve the washing effect is a general matter.

Recently, a washing machine capable of supplying steam has been widely used in order to make a washing environment of high temperature while reducing energy consumption. In other words, a washing machine has been popular in which steam is generated and then supplied to the inside of the drum to make the washing environment hot and humid, thereby increasing the washing effect. The washing device can be said to enhance the washing effect through the steam washing course using steam together with the water washing.

However, since such a washing machine is provided with a separate steam generator, it is difficult to increase the cost and to control the washing machine. This is because the steam generator has a steam heater for generating steam separately from a general washing heater. For this reason, there has been attempted a washing apparatus that uses a washing heater while excluding a separate steam generator.

Steam can be produced by heating water above its boiling point. Therefore, a washing machine having a separate steam generator can be regarded as a washing machine that generates steam by heating water to a boiling point or higher and uses the steam. Also, steam may be generated by heating water below the boiling point. Therefore, a washing apparatus having a separate washing machine without steam generator and having a washing heater can be regarded as a washing machine that generates steam by heating water to a temperature lower than the boiling point, and uses the laundry.

In a washing machine for generating steam by using a washing heater, steam is generated in the tub. That is, steam can be generated in a relatively large space. Therefore, it is general that steam is generated by heating water below the boiling point through the washing heater.

In addition, in a washing machine for generating steam by using a washing heater, steam is mainly used for water washing due to structural limitations.

Steam can be used for improving the washing effect in water washing and can be used for refreshing the laundry. In particular, a refreshing course can be provided in a washing machine such as a dryer.

The steam in the dryer can be said to be used to refresh the laundry, such as wrinkle removal, odor removal, etc., rather than improving the washing effect.

Hereinafter, a conventional general washing machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

The washing machine may include a cabinet 10 forming an outer shape and a tub 20 provided inside the cabinet. The tub 20 may be provided to receive wash water.

The tub 20 may be provided with a washing heater 60 capable of heating washing water. By the gravity, the water level is gradually increased from the bottom surface of the tub 20. Therefore, it is preferable that the washing heater 60 is located at the lowest part of the tub.

Inside the tub 20, a drum 30 is provided. The drum 30 is rotatably installed in the tub 20. The laundry 30 is accommodated in the drum 30, and the drum 30 can be driven through the driving devices 71 and 72. Through the driving of the drum 30, the washing is performed.

The driving device may include a motor 71. The driving of the motor 71 can be directly switched to the driving of the drum 30. [ This structure is generally referred to as a direct-coupled motor structure. However, as shown, the rotation of the motor 71 may be switched to drive the drum 30 through the pulley 72. [

Vibration may be transmitted to the tub 20 due to driving of the drum 30 or the like. Therefore, the tub 20 can be supported to the cabinet 21 through a damper 21 or the like.

A door 40 is provided at the front of the drum 30 and a gasket 50 is provided at the rear of the door 40. The gasket 50 may be connected to the cabinet 10 and the tub 20. Therefore, it can be said that the front of the tub 20 is elastically supported in the cabinet 10 through the gasket 50.

In order to carry out the washing, the washing water must first be supplied. Accordingly, the water supply means 80 for supplying the washing water from the external water supply source to the inside of the washing apparatus is provided.

The water supply means 80 may include a water supply valve 81 and a wash water flow path 82 that are selectively opened and closed. The washing water channel 82 may be connected to a detergent box 83 for receiving the detergent. The detergent box 83 may be connected to the supply passage 84.

Therefore, when the water supply valve 81 is opened, external water can be supplied into the drum 30 through the wash water flow path 82, the detergent box 83, and the supply flow path 84.

Specifically, the supply passage 84 may be formed to penetrate the gasket 50. Therefore, most of the washing water and detergent supplied through the supply passage 84 can be supplied into the drum 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drum 30 is provided with a plurality of through holes 31. The inside of the drum 30 can communicate with the inside of the tub 20 through the through holes 31.

A heater mounting groove 22 may be formed in the lower portion of the tub 20. And may be provided at the lowermost part of the tub 20 of the heater mounting groove 22. [ Since the washing heater 60 is installed in the heater mounting groove 22, the washing heater 60 can be always locked to the washing water even if the number of the washing heater 60 is the smallest.

The heater mounting groove 22 is preferably connected to the drain passage 23. Accordingly, the washing water in the tub 20 can be drained to the outside of the washing machine through the heater mounting groove 22 and the drainage passage 23.

As described above, generating steam by using the washing heater 60 is generally based on water washing. This can be seen from the structural features of the washing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Specifically, the washing water and the detergent for washing are supplied into the drum 30. That is, when the water supply is performed, the wash water and the detergent wet the laundry contained in the drum 30. A part of the washing water and the detergent become high from the bottom of the tub 20 through the through hole 31 of the drum 3.

As the water supply continues, the water level of the washing water gradually increases, and this water level progresses to the set water level.

Especially, in the horizontal axis washing machine, the set water level is relatively low unlike the vertical axis washing machine. In other words, the laundry is washed without being completely immersed in the washing water. Therefore, in order to wet the laundry quickly, a structure for supplying the washing water and the detergent directly to the laundry can be generalized.

Therefore, in order to generate steam by using the washing heater, there is a problem that water must be always supplied through the inside of the drum. That is, inevitably, there is a problem that at least a part of the laundry contained in the drum must be filled in the laundry water supply.

Therefore, it is difficult to utilize steam in various ways because the use of steam is a precondition for water washing. Specifically, there are many problems in using steam for refreshing only. This is because, due to the structural problem, the washing hopper is refreshed so that the washing process is accompanied by a separate drying process even after the refreshing.

On the other hand, in the conventional washing machine, the refreshment was merely at a level of supplying moisture to the laundry using steam. That is, the drum was tumbled to supply steam uniformly and uniformly throughout the laundry. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a way to more effectively perform refreshing by deriving the optimum relationship between the generation of steam and the supply structure, the temperature of steam, and the drive of the drum.

In addition, there is a need to provide a refreshable washing machine that can reduce the drying process that must be followed after the refresh is minimized. That is, there is a need to provide a washing machine that does not require drying through a dryer or natural drying, and that realizes refresh performance so that the clothes that are refreshed can be immediately worn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve the problems of the conventional washing apparatus described above.

The present invention is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can remarkably improve a wrinkle removing effect and an odor removing effect.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine with improved safety and reliability and a control method thereof.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof, in which a separate drying process after the end of the refresh is omitted and a refreshing performance is realized so that the refreshed clothes can be worn immediately.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of generating and supplying steam effectively using a washing heater and a control method thereof.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine capable of not only improving the washing effect using steam but also refreshing using steam, and a control method thereof.

The present invention is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can more effectively perform forced cooling through the supply of washing water.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a control method of the washing machine which can supply washing water at an optimal position according to a selected course by controlling the supplying position of the washing water according to a selected course.

The present invention provides a washing apparatus and a control method thereof that can perform a washing water heating step different from the steam step by using a washing heater through embodiments of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a washing machine for supplying a steam to a washing cloth to perform a refresh course for removing or loosening a laundry cloth, A course selection step of selecting any one of the courses; A steam supply step of supplying wash water from the external water source to the inside of the tub to the steam level for steam generation without going through the drum when the refresh course is selected in the course selection step; A step of heating the washing water by driving a washing heater provided at a lower portion of the tub and generating steam from the washing water at the steam level; And a refresh step of refreshing the laundry after the tumbling driving section and the spin driving section of the drum are alternately performed after the steam step.

The tumbling drive means drum driving in which the laundry falls inside the drum due to rotation of the drum. The spin driving means drum driving in which the laundry in the drum is closely attached to the inner surface of the drum and rotates together with the drum by high-speed rotation of the drum. Therefore, the rotational speed of the drum in the spin driving must be greater than the rotational speed of the drum in the tumbling driving.

Here, the steam level is preferably lower than the bottom surface of the drum. This steam level can be preset. Further, it is preferable that the steam level is at least such that the washing heater can be completely immersed in the washing water.

The plurality of washing courses may include a water washing course in which washing is performed by supplying washing water to the main washing water level to perform water washing. The water washing course may include a heating capable course in which the heating step can be performed after watering to the main washing water level and a heating exclusion course in which the heating step is excluded.

It is preferable that the main wash water level is always higher than the steam water level irrespective of the amount of laundry (bulk) and the selected water washing course.

It is preferable that the water supply to the main wash water level is supplied from the external water source to the inside of the drum via the detergent box. That is, it is preferable that the washing water and the detergent are supplied to the laundry contained in the drum through the water supply.

Preferably, the steam supply is performed through a rear water supply port provided at a rear upper portion of the tub. That is, it is preferable that the supplied water is supplied so as not to touch the laundry contained in the drum.

The time interval from when the heater is driven to when the heater is continuously driven to stop is varied in the steam step, and the amount of the washing water in the steam heater is taken into consideration, The maximum allowable value of the time interval is preferably preset.

Wherein the time interval includes a temperature control period in which the washing heater is continuously driven to a predetermined temperature; And a time control period in which the washing heater is continuously driven from the temperature control period to a predetermined time. Here, the preset time in the time control period may be the maximum allowable maximum value. That is, the time that can be maximally performed may be a preset time.

Accordingly, since the maximum allowable value in the steam step is set in advance as the time required in the temperature control section increases, the time required for the time control section may be shortened.

The predetermined temperature in the temperature control period is preferably not less than 93 degrees Celsius and not more than 97 degrees Celsius. The predetermined temperature is preferably 95C.

The refresh step is preferably performed for a predetermined time.

In the refreshing step, tumbling driving and spin driving of the drum are preferably performed. The drum driving cycle including the tumbling driving period and the spin driving period may be repeated a plurality of times.

When the refresh step is completed, the execution of the refresh course can be ended through the drain step. On the other hand, a refill step may optionally be performed between the refresh step and the drainage step. That is, this refeeding step can be performed according to the washing water temperature at the end of the refreshing step.

It is preferable that the water supply level is higher than the steam water level. However, it is preferable that the water supply level is such that the washing water does not reach the washing cloth. Therefore, it is preferable that the re-supply water level is preset to a water level lower than the bottom surface of the drum.

The water supply to the refill water level is a step of forcibly cooling the interior of the washing machine by supplying cold water. Therefore, it is preferable that the tumbling drive be performed in order to further promote the cooling after completion of water supply to the re-supply water level.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, A drum rotatably installed in the tub and receiving the laundry; A washing heater provided in the tub for heating washing water; A first washing water passage for supplying laundry water from an external water source to the drum via a detergent box; A second washing water passage for directly supplying washing water from the external water source to the inside of the tub without passing through the inside of the drum; A course selection unit configured to select any one of a plurality of laundry courses; And a controller for controlling the first washing water channel and the second washing water channel to be selectively opened according to a course selected through the course selection unit.

And a second water supply valve for opening / closing the second water wash channel, wherein the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve are separately provided . In other words, the first washing water channel and the second washing water channel may be provided to supply wash water to different positions. Of course, the washing water may be supplied from the same external water source.

And the second washing water flow path is a flow path for supplying washing water to the tub through a flow path formed between the tub and the drum. That is, it is preferable to supply the washing water to the tub through the space between the tub and the drum. Specifically, it is preferable that wash water is supplied to the lower portion of the tub from the outside of the drum through the second washing water flow path on the inner surface of the tub.

And a rear water supply port provided at an upper portion of the rear side of the tub and connected to the second washing water flow path. The second washing water flow path may include the rear water supply port. Therefore, the cooling can be effectively performed during the falling time inside the tub.

More specifically, it is preferable that the rear water supply port is formed such that water supply water is supplied from the outside of the drum to the lower portion of the tub through the inner rear surface of the tub. This allows more effective cooling by broadening the heat transfer area.

Preferably, the plurality of washing courses include a washing course (steam course) in which the steam step is performed and a washing course (steam exclusion course) in which the steam step is not performed.

Preferably, the controller controls the washing water to be supplied into the tub through the first water supply valve when the steam exclusion course is selected.

Preferably, the controller controls the washing water to be supplied into the tub through the second water valve when the steam course is selected.

It is preferable that the steam exclusion course basically includes a main washing step of supplying washing water to the washing cloth to wash the laundry.

The steam course may include a steam washing course including a steam step and a main washing step in which water washing is performed through washing water; And a refreshing step including a steam step, wherein the original washing step is excluded and the laundry is refreshed through steam.

The control unit may control the washing water to be supplied into the tub through the second water supply valve when the refresh course is selected.

The control unit controls the washing water to be supplied into the drum through the first water supply valve to perform the steam step of the steam washing course, and in order to perform the steam step of the refresh course, So that the washing water can be supplied into the tub through the tub. That is, even if the steam course includes the steam step, the wash water supply flow path can be controlled differently according to the selected course.

The steam is preferably supplied to the inside of the drum by driving the washing heater at a preset steam level lower than the bottom of the drum. That is, the washing heater may be driven in a state in which the laundry in the drum is not in contact with the washing water and the laundry in the drum is not in contact with the washing water.

It is preferable that the steam level is the number of times that the washing heater is completely locked.

The time interval from when the heater is driven to when the heater is continuously driven to stop is varied in the steam step, and the amount of the washing water in the steam heater is taken into consideration, The maximum allowable value of the time interval is preferably preset.

Wherein the time interval includes a temperature control period in which the washing heater is continuously driven to a predetermined temperature; And a time control period in which the washing heater is continuously driven from the temperature control period to a predetermined time.

The predetermined temperature in the temperature control period is preferably not less than 93 degrees Celsius and not more than 97 degrees Celsius. Specifically, the predetermined temperature may be approximately 95 degrees Celsius.

Wherein the refresh course comprises: a steam step of supplying steam into the drum by heating the wash water after completion of water supply; And a refresh step of refreshing the laundry after driving the drum after the steam step, wherein the controller controls the steam step and the refresh step to be sequentially performed when the refresh course is selected.

The control unit may control the refresh step to be performed for a predetermined time.

The controller may control the tumbling driving period and the spin driving period of the drum to be alternately performed in the refreshing step.

The controller may control the drum driving cycle including the tumbling driving period and the spin driving period to be repeated a plurality of times.

In the refresh step, the time required for the tumbling driving period may be 10 times or more the time required for the spin driving period.

Preferably, the control unit controls the washing water to be supplied to the inside of the tub through the second water supply valve to a pre-set refill water level after the completion of the refresh step.

Preferably, the refill water level is higher than the steam level for the steam step and lower than the bottom surface of the drum.

Preferably, the controller controls the drum to be tumbled in the steam step.

The specific features of the embodiments may be combined with other embodiments, as long as they are not mutually exclusive or exclusive.

It is possible to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof capable of remarkably improving a wrinkle removing effect and an odor removing effect through embodiments of the present invention.

Through the embodiments of the present invention, a safe and reliable washing machine and a control method thereof can be provided.

It is possible to provide a washing machine and a control method therefor, in which a separate drying process after the end of the refresh is omitted, and a refreshing performance is realized so that the refreshed clothes can be immediately worn through the embodiments of the present invention.

It is possible to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof capable of generating and supplying steam effectively using a washing heater through embodiments of the present invention.

The embodiments of the present invention can provide a washing machine capable of not only improving the washing effect using steam but also refreshing using steam and a control method thereof.

The embodiments of the present invention can provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can more effectively perform forced cooling through the supply of washing water.

It is possible to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof capable of supplying wash water at an optimal position according to a selected course by controlling the supply position of wash water according to a selected course through the embodiment of the present invention.

It is possible to provide a washing apparatus and a control method thereof that can perform a washing water heating step separate from the steam step by using the washing heater through the embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a simplified side cross-sectional view of a typical washing machine;
FIG. 2 is a simplified front sectional view of the washing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG.
3 is a simplified side cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a simplified front sectional view of the washing apparatus shown in FIG. 2; FIG.
5 is a simplified block diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a front view showing an example of a control panel of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow of the washing apparatus and a temperature change graph according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
8 is a graph of the temperature change in the steam step shown in Fig. 7;
9 is a graph of the temperature change in the cooling step that can be selectively performed after the end of the refresh step shown in Fig.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a washing machine and a control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, referring to Figs. 3 to 4, an example of a washing machine that can be applied to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Fig. The illustrated washing machine may be referred to as a horizontal axis washing machine. However, the washing machine according to the present embodiment and its control method are not necessarily limited to the horizontal axis washing machine.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, the basic construction of the washing machine according to the present embodiment may be similar to that of the conventional general washing machine. Basically, configurations such as the cabinet 100, the tub 200, the drum 300, the door 400, the gasket 500, the washing heater 600, and the driving devices 710 and 720 are installed in a conventional general washing machine . ≪ / RTI >

In addition, the suspension structures such as the damper 210 of the washing apparatus according to the present embodiment may be similar to those of the conventional washing apparatus.

However, the washing apparatus according to the present embodiment may include the first washing water channel 150 and the second washing water channel 160. The first washing water channel 150 and the second washing water channel 160 may be separately provided.

The first washing water channel 150 and the second washing water channel 160 may be provided to receive wash water from an external water source. The washing machine can receive wash water through an external hose connected to an external water source. Therefore, the wash water supplied from the outside can reach the target position through different flow paths in the washing machine.

The first washing water channel 150 and the second washing water channel 160 may communicate with the tub 200. As a result, even if washing water is supplied through any flow path, the washing water can be stored from the lower portion of the tub 200. However, due to such a difference in supply paths, the following differences may occur.

The first washing water channel 150 may be provided to supply wash water from the external water source to the drum 300 via the detergent box 153. To this end, the first wash water flow path 150 may include a first water supply valve 151. And a first water supply hose 152 for communicating the first water supply valve 151 and the detergent box 153 with each other.

The first water supply valve 151 is selectively opened and closed. Accordingly, when the first water supply valve 151 is opened, the first washing water flow path 150 is opened. Accordingly, when the first water supply valve 151 is opened, the wash water can be supplied through the first wash water flow path 150.

The first washing water channel 150 may include a first supply hose 154 for communicating the detergent box 153 with the inside of the drum 300. The first supply hose 154 may be provided to penetrate the gasket 500. Therefore, the wash water can be directly supplied into the drum through the first water supply hose 154. Since the first water supply hose 154 is positioned above the door 400, the wash water falls to the upper portion of the laundry contained in the lower surface of the drum. As a result, the wash water supplied through the first supply hose 154 wets at least a portion of the laundry.

The wash water supplied into the drum may be introduced into the lower portion of the tub through the through holes 310 of the drum shown in FIG.

As a result, the first washing water channel 150 may be an oil path for supplying washing water from an external water source to the drum via the detergent box 153, more specifically, to the upper portion of the drum. Of course, the first washing water channel 150 may include a channel for supplying the washing water to the lower portion of the tub 200 from the inside of the drum through the through hole 310 of the drum.

Through the first washing water channel (150), laundry is wet from the beginning of water supply. Therefore, the washing time can be shortened and the washing effect can be expected to be improved by the quick drying.

In this embodiment, it is preferable that the second washing water flow path 160 is included separately from the first washing water flow path 150. That is, it is preferable that parallel washing water flow paths for supplying washing water with different paths are provided.

The second washing water channel 160 includes a second washing water channel 160 for directly supplying washing water from the external water source into the tub 200 without passing through the inside of the drum 300 .

The second wash water channel 160 includes a second water valve 161. The second water supply valve 161 may be selectively opened. Accordingly, the second water supply valve 161 is opened, and the second wash water flow path 160 is opened, so that wash water can be supplied.

The second water supply valve (161) is preferably provided separately from the first water supply valve (151). Therefore, the control of both can be performed independently of each other. This means that it is possible to open both of them simultaneously and to open one of them. That is, the first washing water flow path 150 and the second washing water flow path 160 can be selectively opened.

The second washing water flow path 160 includes a second supply hose 162. The second supply hose 162 is connected to the second water supply valve 161 to supply the washing water to the tub 200 when the second water supply valve 161 is opened.

The position of the second supply hose 162 communicating with the tub 200 may be different from the position of the first supply hose 164 communicating with the tub 300 or the drum 200. In other words, it is preferable that the position where the washing water is supplied is changed.

The second supply hose 162 may communicate with the tub 200 to prevent washing water from flowing into the drum 200. In other words, it is preferable that the supplied wash water does not come into contact with the laundry contained in the drum.

More specifically, the second supply hose 162 is preferably communicated with the rear water supply port 163. Therefore, the second wash water channel 160 can supply wash water into the tub 200 through the rear water inlet 163.

3, the rear water supply port 163 may be located behind the tub 200. [ Specifically, it may be provided on the rear upper side of the tub 200. This rear water supply port 163 is preferably located further rearward than the rear end of the drum.

Accordingly, the washing water supplied through the rear water supply port 163 flows into the tub 200 from the outside of the drum 300. The inflowing wash water can be stored on the lower side of the tub 200. Due to the position of the rear water supply port 163, the washing water supplied through the second washing water flow path 160 can be supplied into the tub without wetting the laundry.

It is preferable that the position and shape of the rear water supply port 163 are formed to correspond to the rear surface of the tub 200. In other words, it is preferable that the wash water supplied through the rear water supply port 163 is directed toward the rear surface of the tub 200. For this purpose, the rear water supply port 163 may be provided just above the rear surface of the tub 200.

Further, the rear water supply port 163 may be inclined. That is, it may be formed to be inclined rearward. Therefore, the washing water supplied through the rear water supply port 163 may be supplied to the lower portion of the tub 200 by riding on the rear surface of the tub 200.

Therefore, the rear water supply port 163 shown in Fig. 3 can be located further behind the tub, unlike the one shown in the drawing. Also, it may be formed so as to be further inclined as shown in the drawing.

The position of the rear water supply port 163 and the supply direction of the washing water may be designed to have various purposes and effects other than those described above. Details thereof will be described later.

5 is a block diagram of the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

The operation of the washing machine is controlled through the control unit 805. [ The controller 805 may be provided within the control panel 800 (see FIG. 6). The control panel is generally provided on the top of the washing machine and may be provided for user's operation and status display.

The control unit 805 may control the operation of the washing machine based on signals input through various UIs such as a course selection unit 810 provided in the control panel 800. [ That is, the washing apparatus operates according to a course selected through the course selection unit 810 and an option selected through an option selection unit (not shown).

Information on the selected course and options, time information, and current status information may be displayed on a display (not shown) through the control of the controller 805. [

The controller 805 may control the driving of the first water supply valve 151 and the second water supply valve 161. The amount of wash water supplied can be controlled through the control of the water supply valves 151 and 161. In addition, the controller 805 may control the position where the wash water is supplied through the control of the water supply valves.

The control unit 805 may control the operation of the washing heater 600. Accordingly, overheat of the washing heater 600 can be prevented, and the washing heater 600 can be driven so that the washing water reaches a desired temperature.

The controller 805 can control the driving of the motor 710. Therefore, the driving timing of the motor and the driving pattern of the motor (e.g., tumbling driving of the drum, spin driving of the drum, driving of the drum, etc.) can be appropriately performed through the control of the motor 710.

The tumbling drive means drum driving in which the laundry falls inside the drum due to rotation of the drum. The spin driving means drum driving in which the laundry in the drum is closely attached to the inner surface of the drum and rotates together with the drum by high-speed rotation of the drum. Therefore, the rotational speed of the drum in the spin driving must be greater than the rotational speed of the drum in the tumbling driving.

The dewatering drive is similar to the spin drive, but is preferably larger than the drum rotation speed in the spin drive. This is because the dewatering drive is a drive for removing moisture through centrifugal force.

The controller 805 may control the operation of the drain pump 620. [ Therefore, a drainage can be performed at a time when a drainage is required.

The controller 805 is always connected to the water level sensor 630 and the temperature sensor 610. Accordingly, the user can receive desired level information and temperature information at a specific time point through the sensors 630 and 610. [

The control unit 805 may control the driving of the water supply valves 151 and 161 based on the water level information supplied from the water level sensor 630. Therefore, it becomes possible to supply the washing water to the target water level.

The control unit 805 can control the driving of the washing heater 600 based on the temperature information supplied from the temperature sensor 610. Therefore, it becomes possible to heat the supplied washing water to a target temperature.

5 shows an example of a control panel 800 of the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

A plurality of laundry courses may be selected and executed in order to wash various types of laundry. Further, a plurality of laundry courses may be selected and performed in order to provide not only laundry but also functionality. Therefore, it is desirable that the user can easily select a desired laundry course from a plurality of laundry courses.

The washing apparatus according to the present embodiment may include a washing heater 600 for heating wash water. In addition, steam can be generated through the washing heater 600, and the steam can be supplied into the drum 300. More specifically, steam generated in the lower portion of the tub 200 may be supplied into the drum 300 through the through holes 310 of the drum 300.

Steam generation through the washing heater 600 means additional energy consumption. Therefore, it is preferable that the user can clearly grasp whether steam is used or not. For this purpose, in the present embodiment, various courses can be provided in relation to steam.

The course selection unit 810 may be provided for selecting a specific course from a plurality of courses.

The plurality of courses may include a heatable course 820. That is, the washing heater 600 may include a course in which the washing heater 600 can be driven. When the user selects any one of the courses 600 that can be heated, the selected course can be performed. In this case, the control unit 805 can control the washing apparatus to perform the course as programmed.

For example, the heatable course 800 may include a normal course. When the user selects only the general course, a general course with washing, rinsing and dehydration will be performed as programmed.

However, the user can further select the use of the wash heater 620, with the selection of the heatable course 820. [ That is, the driving of the washing heater 620 can be selected as an option of the course.

In order to increase the temperature of the wash water, the heater 820 can be automatically driven or selectively performed. That is, in order to increase the washing efficiency, the temperature of the washing water can be increased.

Generally, this heatable course 820 may be combined with the wash water temperature option. The general course will be explained as an example.

The general course may be a course in which the temperature of the wash water is automatically set to 40 degrees Celsius. In this case, when the cold water is supplied from the external water source, a step of automatically heating the wash water to 40 degrees Celsius may be performed. On the other hand, if the temperature of the wash water is selected to be 60 degrees Celsius as an option, a step of heating the wash water to 60 degrees Celsius may be performed. Of course, you can also choose cold water (cold water or tap water) as the option for your washing water. In this case, the washing water heating process may be omitted.

Therefore, the heatable course 820 may be a course capable of varying the temperature of the wash water in order to enhance the washing effect. Of course, the user can select the driving of the washing heater 600.

The plurality of courses may include a heating exclusion course 840. That is, the washing heater 600 may include a course in which driving of the washing heater 600 is excluded or restricted. In the heating exclusion course 840, driving of the washing heater 600 may be a course. That is, it can be programmed so that the heating step is not included in the course itself.

Such a heating exclusion course 840 may include a laundry course for functional garments or wool clothes with a fear of heat damage or a rapid course for quick washing. Accordingly, in some cases, the washing heater 600 can be automatically set to heat the washing water up to 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. In addition, the temperature of the wash water can be set to be at least 30 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. Of course, the driving of the washing heater 600 may be completely excluded.

The plurality of courses may include a steam course 830. That is, steam may be used automatically. That is, the course itself can be programmed to include a steam step. In Fig. 6, the allergy course 831 and the refresh course 832 are shown as an example of the steam course 830. Fig.

Specifically, the user can select a desired specific course while rotating the rotary knob 815. [ When a specific course is selected, the washing machine automatically ends the course. The rotary knob 815 may be provided with a lighting unit 816, and the lighting unit 816 may correspond to each course. Therefore, the user can easily grasp which course is selected through the lighting unit 816 which is sequentially turned on according to the rotation of the rotary knob 815. [

And, the plurality of courses can be intuitively distinguished by the printed color. For example, the steam course 830 may be printed in red so that the user can intuitively grasp that the course is using high temperature steam.

Here, it can be seen that the washing machine according to the present embodiment can be divided into a plurality of washing courses depending on whether the washing heater 600 is driven or not.

First, a heating exclusion course may be provided in which driving of the washing heater 600 is completely eliminated. Also, the driving of the washing heater 600 may be selected or a course may be automatically included.

The driving of the washing heater 600 can be divided into a heatable course and a steam course which can simply raise the temperature of the washing water by driving the washing heater 600. The difference between the heatable course and the steam course will be described.

The heating step on the heatable course may be similar to the steam phase on the steam course. That is, the same washing heater 600 can be driven in both the heating step and the steam step. However, the heating step and the steam step may be fundamentally different from the water level when the washing heater 600 is driven.

4, various levels can be determined in the relationship between the tub 200, the drum 300, and the washing heater 600. As shown in FIG.

First, as the water level rises, there may be a water level A where the washing heater 600 is fully immersed, a water level B to the bottom of the drum, and a water level C where washing water is stored to the inside of the drum.

In the horizontal axis washing machine, washing is performed by driving the drum. Nevertheless, it is desirable that the drum be driven in a state in which the laundry is wet with the washing water. Therefore, it is preferable that the washing water is stored in the inside of the drum when the laundry is washed using water. Therefore, the water level for washing is preferably at least C level.

On the other hand, it is preferable that a larger amount of washing water is supplied as the amount of laundry to be washed is larger. Accordingly, as the amount of the laundry is increased, the amount of laundry to be supplied becomes larger. This means that the water level of washing water gradually becomes higher than the water level C as the amount of the laundry increases.

Basically, in order to carry out the washing in the washing machine, a batch determination step is carried out. That is, when the course is selected and the execution of the course is started, a step of determining the amount of pack is performed. At this time, the level of the washing water for the water washing (main washing) is determined according to the determined amount. Accordingly, the water supply is performed up to the determined washing water level, and when the water supply is completed, the washing heater 600 is driven as needed to raise the water temperature in the washing water level. It is general that the main washing is carried out after the water supply is completed or the drum is driven after the heating is completed.

Accordingly, the heating step may be a step in which the washing heater is driven after the water level is raised to the inside of the drum. Therefore, at least a part of the laundry cloth is immersed in the heated washing water.

However, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the steam step is clearly distinguished from the heating step.

Specifically, the washing water level in the steam step is preferably lower than the water level in the heating step.

As shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the washing water level in the steam step is at least lower than the B water level and higher than the A water level. In other words, the washing water level is preferably set so that the heated washing water and the laundry contained in the drum do not contact each other. In addition, the washing water level is preferably set so that the washing heater 600 is not exposed to the air.

In addition, it is preferable that the washing water level in the steam step is always set lower than the main washing water level for washing the water. That is, irrespective of the course and the amount of laundry, the washing water level in the steam stage can be determined between the A level and the B level, and the present washing level is always set higher than the B level.

Due to the difference between the heating step and the steam step, the above-mentioned plurality of courses can be classified as follows.

First, the course or laundry course on which the steam step is performed may be referred to as a steam course. The course or laundry course in which the execution of the steam step is excluded can be referred to as a steam exclusion course. Therefore, the steam exclusion course may include a heating step, but may be a course in which the steam step is not performed.

The steam course may include a steam washing course and a refresh course. An example of the steam washing course is the allergy care course 831 shown in Fig. 6, and another example may be the refresh course 832. Fig.

The steam washing course may be a course including a steam stage and a main washing step in which water washing is performed through the washing water. That is, it may be a course in which the steam step and the main washing step are performed during course execution.

Here, in the steam step, the washing heater 600 is driven at the steam level, and the washing heater 600 may be driven at the present washing level for the main washing step. That is, a heating step may be performed for the present washing step. Of course, the difference between the steam step and the heating step can be related to the wash water level as described above.

The steam course may be a course that includes a steam phase and excludes the present washing phase. That is, the course may be a course in which the main washing at the present washing water level is not performed during the course execution. Specifically, it may include a refreshing course for refreshing laundry or laundry through steam.

Hereinafter, the refresh course will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. Fig. The steam phase can be explained in detail through the refresh course.

As shown in FIG. 6, any one of a plurality of courses can be selected through the course selection unit 810. When the refresh course 832 is selected through the course selection unit 810, the refresh course can be performed.

In order to perform the refresh course, the wash water inside the tub 200 can be drained for a predetermined time t0 (S1). In order to perform the steam step, the wash water may be supplied for a predetermined time t1. This can be referred to as a steam supply step (S2).

As described above, the water supply in the steam supply step S2 is performed up to the steam water level. Accordingly, the steam supply step S2 may be performed until the water level sensor 630 senses the steam level. Therefore, the predetermined time t1 in the steam supply step S2 may be an allowable period. That is, it can be said to be the maximum permissible watering period. This can be determined in consideration of the variation of the water pressure, and the predetermined time t1 can be set to about two minutes. This means that watering can be performed up to 2 minutes. In many cases, since the water level sensor 630 senses the steam level before the above two minutes, the water supply may be terminated before the elapse of 2 minutes.

Here, it is preferable that the water supply in the steam supply step S2 is performed differently from the water supply in the general washing course. That is, it is preferable that the water supply for performing the steam step in the refresh course is performed differently from the water supply in the steam exclusion course.

More specifically, when the refresh course 832 is selected, the controller 805 preferably controls the second water supply valve 161 to be opened so that the wash water flows into the tub through the second wash water flow path 160 Do. In other words, it is preferable to control so that the wash water supplied does not reach the laundry inside the drum.

The refresh course is a course for refreshing a dry laundry without performing water washing. For example, it is a course for refreshing a washing cloth such as a shirt worn once without washing with water. Therefore, it is possible to provide a relatively simple and quick refreshing of the wrinkles and odors without washing the laundry with water.

For this reason, in order to perform the refresh course, it is highly desirable that the laundry is not soaked with the washing water. This is because, once the laundry is wetted with the washing water, the drying has to be carried out for a separate time. That is, drying or natural drying through a dryer must be performed before the laundry can be worn.

As described above, it is preferable that the refresh course be provided so that a shirt or the like that has been refreshed immediately after the end of the course can be worn immediately. Therefore, it can be said that water supply through the second wash water channel 160 is very preferable.

On the other hand, the second washing water flow path 160 may be an oil path independent of the detergent box 153. Therefore, clean water such as tap water can always be supplied through the second washing water flow path 160. On the other hand, the first washing water channel 160 includes a detergent box 153. Therefore, detergent residue or the like may still remain on the first washing water channel 160. These detergent residues do not cause major problems in water washing. This is because water washing is carried out through a relatively large amount of wash water.

However, the second washing water flow path 160 is not related to the detergent residue or the like. Therefore, the detergent residue or the like does not flow into the tub.

Theoretically, it is difficult for the contact between the washing cloth and the washing water flowing through the second washing water flow path 160 to be completely blocked. This is because it is not possible to exclude the possibility that the supplied water of washing water hits the tub 200 and small droplets are introduced into the drum.

In this case, it is very undesirable for the detergent residue to flow into the washing cloth on the refreshing course without water washing. This is because detergent residue may remain in the laundry after the end of the course.

However, as described above, it is preferable that the washing water feed in the refresh course is performed through the second washing water flow path 160. As a result, only pure water can be supplied into the tub. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the contaminants such as the detergent residue, etc., which may possibly be transferred from being transferred to the laundry cloth.

When the steam supply S2 is completed, it is preferable that the steam step S3 is performed.

The steam step S3 may be a step of generating steam by driving the washing heater 600 at a steam level. In addition, the process of generating steam and delivering steam to the laundry in the drum 300 can be performed at the same time.

In the steam step S3, the driving of the washing heater 600 may be intermittent. However, not only the water temperature rise but also the evaporation may require a lot of energy. Therefore, in the steam step S3, the washing heater 600 is preferably driven continuously. Accordingly, steam can be continuously generated in the steam step S3.

Here, the time required for the steam step S3 may vary. This is because the time required for the steam step S3 may vary depending on the amount of the washing water for generating steam (related to the water level), the capacity of the washing heater 600, and the set temperature.

In addition, overheat of the washing heater 600 should be prevented in the steam step S3. This means that it is necessary to prevent the washing heater 600 from being driven in an exposed state to the air.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the driving time of the washing heater 600 in the steam step S3 is controlled to be variable. That is, it is preferable that the time interval from the driving point of the washing heater 600 until the driving is continuously performed and stopped is varied. In addition, the maximum allowable value of the time interval is preferably set in advance. In other words, the time interval may be variable, but it is preferable that the maximum allowable value is preset. The maximum allowable value may be determined in consideration of the capacity of the washing heater 600 and the amount of the washing water at the steam level.

First, the steam step S3 may include a temperature control period and a time control period in terms of control of the washing heater 600. [ The sum of the time t2 required for the temperature control period and the time t3 required for the time control period is the time t4 required for the steam step.

Here, the time control period may be a time t3 during which the heater is maintained for a predetermined time. And the time t3 may be a preset time.

However, the required time t3 of the time control period may be set to the maximum allowable time. That is, it can be varied according to the time t2 used in the temperature control period, but it can be set to the maximum allowable time. Therefore, it can be said that the variable time t4 required for the steam step is substantially changed by t2 and t3.

Specifically, the temperature control period may be a period during which the washing heater 600 is continuously driven until the predetermined temperature T1. Therefore, the target temperature may be a fixed value, but the time until the target is reached is variable. This is because there may be factors such as a variation in the amount of the washing water, a variation in the voltage applied to the heater, a temperature variation in the initial washing water, and a variation in the laundry cloth.

In addition, it is preferable that the predetermined temperature T1 is set to a water boiling point of less than 100 degrees Celsius. This is because a time control period in which the washing heater 600 is driven continuously after the temperature control period is performed. In other words, it is intended to prevent the steam from being overheated more than necessary for the washing water, while sufficiently ensuring the steam generation time.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the washing heater 600 starts driving in the steam step S3, the temperature of the washing water gradually rises. When the temperature of the washing water approaches the boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius, there is a point at which the upward slope of the temperature changes.

As a result of an experiment in a heating environment of the washing machine, it can be confirmed that the temperature rising slope of the washing water becomes gentle at about 95 degrees centigrade. It can be considered that the rising temperature gradient is gentle because a large part of the heat of heating is used as the heat of vaporization.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the predetermined temperature T1 of the temperature control period can be set to about 95 degrees centigrade. This temperature control period may be performed until the temperature sensor 610 senses the predetermined temperature T1, and the time required for the temperature control period may be referred to as t2. Therefore, t2 can be said to be a variable time.

The predetermined temperature T1 is preferably sensed by a temperature sensor 610 provided near the washing heater 600. [ That is, it is preferable that the temperature sensor 610 is provided to sense the temperature at a position very close to the heat generation point. FIG. 4 shows an example of a temperature sensor 610 provided on one side of the washing heater 600.

Therefore, the temperature sensor 610 can sense the temperature of the washing water heated through the washing heater 600 very quickly, rather than directly sensing the temperature of the washing heater 600.

On the other hand, when the temperature control period ends, a time control period is performed. Of course, the washing heater 600 is continuously driven. In other words, it can be said that when the temperature control period ends, the heater continues to be driven for a predetermined time t3. Of course, t3 can be a fixed value.

The predetermined time t3 may be appropriately set in consideration of the washing water or the overheat of the washing heater 600, the amount of washing water, and the steam generation time.

The inventor of the present invention has experimentally found that it is preferable to set the time required for the time control to approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds. It can be seen that the maximum rise of the wash water temperature can be controlled to less than 103 degrees Celsius by performing such time control.

Of course, this can be varied in relation to the preset temperature T1 in the temperature control period described above. This is because it is preferable that t2 becomes larger as T1 becomes smaller.

As a result, by performing the steam step S4 with the temperature control period and the subsequent time control period continuously, it is possible to prevent overheating and ensure a sufficient steam generation time.

The temperature control period and the time control period in the above-described steam step will be described as an example.

The temperature control period can last for 7 minutes. Here, 7 minutes is a variable time. Thereafter, the time control period can be continued for a fixed time of 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Therefore, it can be said that the steam step is performed for 9 minutes and 30 seconds.

On the other hand, the temperature control period can last for 8 minutes. However, after this, the time control period can be continued. However, in this case, the time control period can be continued for 2 minutes instead of the fixed time of 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Therefore, it can be said that the time required for the time control is variably controlled according to the time required for the temperature control period. The maximum allowable value is preferably fixed. For example, it may be the maximum value allowed by 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

That is, as the maximum allowable value of the time required for the time control period is fixed, the maximum allowable value in the steam step can be determined. For example, the maximum allowable value at the steam stage may be 10 minutes. As described above, if the temperature control period is performed only for 7 minutes, it can be said that the steam step is performed for 9 minutes and 30 seconds.

Therefore, since the temperature control and the time control are sequentially performed, overheating of the washing heater and the washing water can be prevented. In addition, the steam generation time can be sufficiently ensured. In addition, since the maximum allowable value is previously set for the time control period, the maximum allowable value for the steam step as a whole is also set in advance. Therefore, the time required for the steam step is not longer.

For example, if the time control is not performed, the time required for the steam step may become excessively long under certain circumstances. For example, we can imagine an extreme environment of excessive amounts of wash water, very low initial temperatures of wash water, low external voltages, very cold external environments, and excessive amounts of water. In this case, the time spent in the steam step may be 10 minutes or more.

As described above, the refresh course is a course for refreshing the laundry for a short period of time. Therefore, it is preferable that the time required for the entire refresh course is set in advance. Therefore, even in an extreme environment, it is not desirable that the refresh course be performed for more than a predetermined time.

For this reason, the maximum allowable value of the time spent in the steam step is preferably preset. It is preferable that the time required for the time control period is varied in consideration of the time spent in the temperature control period within the maximum allowable value. Of course, it is preferable that the maximum allowable value of the time required for the time control period is also set in advance.

Therefore, in some cases, the time control period may be omitted, and the time control period may be performed only for a time period that is shorter than the maximum allowable value. Of course, a time control period may be performed during the maximum allowable value.

In the steam step S3, it is preferable that the drum 300 is controlled to be tumbled. That is, the stirring step is preferably carried out.

This tumbling drive is to ensure that the generated steam is effectively transferred to the laundry. The tumbling driving is intended to make the environment of the tub 200 as well as the interior of the drum 300 a steam environment as a whole. Therefore, through the tumbling drive, steam can be spread evenly in the inside of the tub or in a part of the drum. Similarly, through the tumble drive, steam is supplied as a whole rather than a specific part of the laundry.

Through the steam step S3, the laundry is exposed to a high temperature and high humidity environment. Odor molecules can be removed through high temperature and high humidity environments. In addition, the wrinkles of the laundry can be removed through a high temperature and high humidity environment. Of course, in the steam step, water in a steaming state, rather than in a liquid state, is supplied to the washing cloth, so that the moisture can be supplied to a very wide area in the same amount.

When the steam step S3 is completed, a refresh step S4 is preferably performed. That is, it is preferable that the steam step S3 and the refresh step S4 are performed sequentially. The control unit 820 may control the steam step S3 and the refresh step S4 to be sequentially performed according to a predetermined program.

The refreshing step S4 may be a step for further increasing the moisture content through the steam. In addition, it is a step to uniformly supply steam to the laundry in the steam environment.

The refreshing step S4 may be a step of gradually lowering the temperature inside the drum 300 or the tub 200. [ Therefore, it is preferable that the drum is similarly driven in the refresh step S4.

Generally, the tumbling drive means drum driving from the bottom of the drum such that the laundry rises after riding on the drum. Therefore, a part of the laundry becomes folded. Of course, the laundry is flowed through the tumbling drive, and the surface exposed to the outside can be changed.

However, the steam in the steam step S3 is not directly sprayed to the laundry at high pressure. In other words, the laundry can absorb steam in the steam environment. Thus, it is desirable that the surface area of the laundry be evenly and at the most exposed to the external steam environment.

In addition, in order to remove wrinkles, it is more effective to apply a constant tension to the laundry. In other words, by supplying water to the wrinkles and pulling them both, the wrinkles can be removed more effectively.

Therefore, it is preferable that the drum driving in the refresh step S4 includes spin driving in order to more effectively supply steam to the laundry more effectively and remove the wrinkles of the laundry more effectively.

In the spin driving, the number of revolutions of the drum 300 is relatively higher than that of the tumbling driving. That is, this means that the drum 300 is rotated so that the laundry can overcome gravity. Generally, such spin driving can be realized through a rotation speed of about 80RMP.

In the spin driving, the laundry is closely attached to the inner wall of the drum and rotated integrally with the drum. Therefore, a tensile force can be applied to the laundry by rotating the drum. In addition, the steam can be in contact with the steam in the tub through the through hole 310 of the drum. In addition, steam inside the drum can be flowed so that the steam can be more smoothly supplied to the laundry.

That is, since the laundry can be spread through the spin driving, the contact area with the steam can be increased. In addition, since the tensile force can be applied to the laundry, the wrinkle removing effect can be further increased.

On the other hand, the present inventor has found that, in the refresh step S4, the spin drive is more preferably performed in conjunction with the tumbling drive. This is because the tumbling driving is a driving which inverts the laundry cloth or changes the outer surface through agitation of the laundry cloth. In other words, it is judged that this is the drive that exposes the whole outer surface of the laundry cloth to the steam environment, not only the specific portion.

For this reason, it can be considered that only the tumbling drive is performed in the refresh step S4. However, as described above, due to the spin driving, the effect of increasing the water content and removing wrinkles can be increased. In other words, it can be seen that the spin rate drive is added rather than performing only the tumbling drive, whereby the moisture content can be increased, that is, the laundry can absorb a relatively large amount of moisture. It was also found that the wrinkle removing effect can be enhanced.

Therefore, in the refresh step S4, it is preferable that the tumbling driving period and the spin driving period of the drum are alternately performed. That is, it is preferable that the tumbling driving is performed for a predetermined period and the spin driving is performed again for a certain period. The tumbling driving period and the spin driving period may be performed a plurality of times, respectively. In other words, it is preferable that the drum driving cycle consisting of the tumbling driving period and the spin driving period is repeated a plurality of times.

In order to easily realize various controls of such drum driving, it is preferable that the driving device for driving the drum is a direct drive device, unlike the one shown in FIG. Since the direct drive type driving device is a general matter in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Specifically, it is preferable that the time required for the tumbling drive section is larger than the time required for the spin drive section. For example, in the refresh step S4, the total time required for the tumbling drive sections is preferably about 10 times or more longer than the total time required for the spin drive sections. This is because, as the spin driving time becomes longer, wrinkles may occur rather.

Thus, refresh step S4 preferably begins with tumbling drive and ends with tumbling drive. In addition, it is preferable that the spin drive is performed between the tumbling drive and the tumbling drive for a relatively short time.

As described above, the spin driving is preferably performed a plurality of times. Here, the spin drive may have different characteristics depending on the point of time. First, the spin driving performed in the early stage of the refreshing step S4 may be said to increase the wetting rate. Of course, it can be said to be for wrinkle removal. This is because, when spin driving is initially performed, it is a high temperature and high humidity environment.

However, the temperature is lowered and the humidity is lowered toward the latter half of the refresh step S4. This is because the inside of the tub 200 is not completely sealed from the outside. Therefore, the moisture inside the drum or the tub decreases as the latter half of the refreshing step S4. This means that the water content of the laundry is also reduced.

Therefore, it can be said that the spin driving in the latter half of the refresh step S4 is performed to reduce the moisture content of the laundry cloth rather. That is, it can be regarded as a spin drive for removing water from the washing cloth through the air flow inside the drum or the tub.

Therefore, subsequent to the end of the refresh course, the subsequent drying process can be substantially omitted. In other words, a shirt such as a shirt may be worn immediately after the end of the refreshing course. Therefore, it becomes possible to use the refresh course very effectively.

On the other hand, the refresh course 832 is very different from the general water washing course. That is, the washing cloth is quickly refreshed in a state in which the dry laundry is not soaked in the liquid water.

Therefore, in order to improve the reliability of the washing machine and the satisfaction of the user, the spin driving in the refresh step S4 can be said to be very effective. That is, as the spin driving is repeated with the tumbling driving in the general washing, the user can visually and intuitively grasp that the refresh step S4 is performed. This is because the user can see the washing cloth flowing from inside the drum through the transparent window provided in the door from the outside.

The refresh step S4 may be performed for a predetermined time t5. As described above, it is preferable that the time required for the entire refresh course is set in advance. This is because the user may try to wear the laundry immediately after the end of the refresh course. Therefore, it is preferable that the time required for the refresh step S4 is also set in advance.

Based on the preset time t5, it is possible to determine the number of times of the tumbling drive section, the number of times of the spin drive section, the required time of each drive section, the difference between the time required between the tumbling drive section and the spin drive section will be.

Through the refresh step S4, the temperature inside the drum or the temperature of the washing water will gradually decrease. Therefore, when the refresh step S4 is finished, the refresh course can be ended (S6) through the drain S5. The time t6 required for the drainage S5 may be set in advance.

As described above, the refresh course may end without additional watering after the refresh step S4. And, the refresh step S4 may be performed for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Therefore, after the completion of the refresh course, the temperature inside the drum 300 and the temperature of the laundry can be high. Therefore, if the door 400 is opened after the refresh course is finished, the user may feel discomfort due to the opening. For this reason, a cooling process for lowering the temperature inside the tub 200 or the drum 300 may be required. Of course, the cooling step to lower the temperature may not always be performed. This is because the cooling step may not be necessary depending on the amount of the laundry or depending on the maximum temperature temperature of the washing water.

According to the present embodiment, after the completion of the refresh step S4, a cooling step may be performed if necessary.

That is, a cooling process may be performed between the refresh step S4 and the drain step S5. This cooling process is a process of forcibly lowering the temperature of the washing water and the internal atmosphere temperature of the washing machine by using cold water.

Specifically, when the refresh step S4 is completed, the temperature of the washing water can be sensed through the temperature sensor 610. [ Since the temperature sensor 610 can be provided near the washing heater 600, the maximum temperature in the tub can be sensed. Therefore, a step of comparing the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 610 with the predetermined temperature T2 may be performed.

This predetermined temperature may be, for example, approximately 60 degrees centigrade.

If the sensed temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature T2, the drainage step S5 may be performed without performing a separate cooling process as described above. However, when the sensed temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature T2, it is preferable that the cooling step is performed.

As shown in Fig. 9, the period in which the temperature is sensed can be performed very shortly, and the water level at this time will not be changed. In practice, the water level in the section where the temperature is sensed will be lower than the steam level. That is, it will be lower than the A level.

If the sensed temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature T2, it is preferable that the cold water is supplied through the external water source. That is, re-watering is preferably performed.

In this case as well, it is preferable that the cold water is supplied through the second washing water channel in the same manner as the steam water supply. The refeeding can also proceed to the steam level. For example, the refueling water level may be A level, which is an example of the steam level. However, in order to make cooling even faster, it is preferable that the additional water level is higher than the steam level A. That is, additional water can be supplied to the bottom level of the drum or to the level B close to the bottom.

That is, it is preferable that the water level of the additional water is higher than that of the steam water level. Likewise, it is preferable that the additional water level is lower than the present water level. Therefore, even when the water supply is performed up to the additional water supply level, the laundry is not wetted by the wash water. This is because the washing water is not heated again.

On the other hand, since the washing water is heated at the steam level, it is preferable that the steam level is set to be lower than the B level in consideration of the generation of bubbles due to heating.

Due to the difference between the steam level and the additional water level, a larger amount of wash water can be supplied so as not to wet the laundry. As a result, the temperature inside the drum can be lowered more quickly.

Here, as described above, it can be seen that the position of the rear water supply port 163 and the water supply direction are important. The additional water supply can be performed not only to lower the temperature of the wash water stored in the lower part of the tub, but also to quickly lower the temperature inside the tub and the inside of the drum. Therefore, it is desirable to maximize the heat exchanging area between the outside and the wash water.

The rear water supply port 163 may be provided so that the washing water supplied may descend through the rear wall of the tub 200. That is, the washing water supplied is heat-exchanged with a large area of the tub 200. Thus, faster cooling can be achieved.

When the additional water supply is completed, the tumbling drive can be performed during the set time, for example, for 2 minutes to 3 minutes. Through the tumbling drive, the air flow inside the tub and the drum is generated, enabling rapid cooling.

After the end of the tumbling drive, the multiplication may be performed and the execution of the refresh course may be terminated.

In the foregoing, the refresh course has been described in detail as an example of the steam course.

Hereinafter, the steam washing course will be described in detail.

6 shows an allergy care course 831 as an example of a steam laundering course. The allergy care course 831 may be a course in which the steam step is performed with water washing. It is preferable that the water supply for the main washing in which the water washing is performed, that is, the water supply to the main washing water level is performed through the first washing water flow path 150. In other words, since the washing water and the detergent are applied to the laundry from the beginning of the course, the washing effect can be improved.

The steam step in the allergy care course 831 may be performed before the main wash. Thus, additional water supply can be performed after the water supply to the steam level and the end of the steam phase. Here, the additional water supply may mean water supply up to the present washing water level.

The water supply for performing the steam step in the allergy care course 831 can be performed through the second wash water flow path 160 as well as the refresh course. However, since the allergy care course 831 includes water washing, it is more preferable to supply the washing water through the first washing water flow path 150.

That is, it is preferable to supply the washing water and the detergent to the steam level through the first washing water flow path (150). Therefore, the washing water and the detergent can be supplied to the laundry from the beginning. Thereafter, the steam step is performed, so that steam can be supplied to the laundry.

In the allergy care course 831, it can be said that at least a part of the laundry is wetted with the washing water and the detergent, and then the steam step is performed. Therefore, through the steam step, pollutants and washing-up of the laundry can be performed more actively and the detergent can be actively called.

Therefore, in the steam washing course in which the water washing is performed, it is preferable that the washing water is always supplied through the first washing water channel 150. On the other hand, in the steam course in which the water washing is excluded, it is preferable that the washing water is always supplied through the second washing water flow path (160).

In other words, even in the course on which the steam step is performed, the flow path for supplying the wash water may vary depending on whether or not the water is washed. Further, even if the water supply of the washing water for the same steam step is performed, it is preferable that the flow path for supplying the washing water varies depending on the selected course.

Specifically, it is preferable that the water supply for the main washing using water is performed through the first washing water channel 150 irrespective of the selected course. The water supply for performing the steam step may be always performed through the second wash water channel 160 or may be performed through the first wash water channel according to the course.

For example, in a course including a water washing step and a steam step, it is preferable that the water supply for performing the steam step is performed through the first washing water flow path (150). However, in the course where the water washing is excluded and only the steam step is included, it is preferable that the water supply for performing the steam step is performed through the second washing water flow path 160.

The control unit 805 of the washing apparatus according to the present embodiment may selectively switch the first washing water flow path 150 and the second washing water flow path 160 according to the course selected through the course selection unit 810 It can be said that it is controlled to open. The selection of the specific flow path may be performed by controlling to open each of the water supply valves 151 and 161 alternatively.

Specifically, the water washing course (including the steam washing course, the heatable course, and the heating exclusion course) in which the washing water is supplied to the main washing water level to wash water is always controlled to supply the washing water through the first washing water channel 150 can do. Accordingly, the washing water and the detergent can be supplied to the laundry from the beginning, and the rapid drying and the washing effect can be expected to be improved. Here, it is preferable that the present washing water level is always higher than the above-mentioned steam water level irrespective of the selected course and the amount of laundry.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the equivalents thereof are included in the scope of the present invention Should be interpreted.

150: first washing water channel 151: first water valve
152: first water supply hose 153: detergent box
154: first supply hose 160: second washing water channel
161: second water supply valve 162: second supply hose
163: rear water supply port 200: tub
300: drum 310: through hole
600: Washing heater 610: Temperature sensor
630: Level sensor 800: Control panel
805: control unit 810:
820: Heating course (water washing course)
830: Steam course 831: Steam washing course (allergy care course)
832: Refresh course 840: Heating exclusion course (water washing course)

Claims (22)

A control method of a washing machine for supplying a steam to a washing cloth to perform a refreshing course for removing or alleviating wrinkles in the laundry,
A course selection step of selecting any one of a plurality of laundry courses;
A steam supply step of supplying wash water from the external water source to the inside of the tub through the drum without passing through the drum when the refresh course is selected in the course selection step;
A step of heating the washing water by driving a washing heater provided at a lower portion of the tub and generating steam from the washing water at the steam level;
After the steam step, a tumbling driving section in which the laundry in the drum drops due to the rotation of the drum, and a spin driving section in which the laundry in the drum closely contacts the inner surface of the drum and rotates together with the drum by high- And a refreshing step of refreshing the laundry. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the steam level is a predetermined level lower than the bottom of the drum. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the steam level is a level at which the washing heater is completely immersed. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the plurality of washing courses include a water washing course in which washing is performed by supplying washing water to the main washing water level to perform water washing. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the main wash water level is always higher than the steam water level irrespective of the amount of washed laundry and the selected water washing course. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the water supply to the main washing water level is supplied from the external water source to the inside of the drum via the detergent box. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the steam supply is performed through a flow path formed between the tub and the drum. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the steam supply is performed through a rear water inlet provided at a rear upper portion of the tub. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the steam supply water is supplied from the outside of the drum to the lower portion of the tub through the inner surface of the tub. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The time interval from when the heater is driven to when the heater is continuously driven to stop is varied in the steam step, and the amount of the washing water in the steam heater is taken into consideration, Wherein the maximum allowable value of the time interval is pre-set. 11. The method of claim 10,
The time interval may be,
A temperature control section in which the washing heater is continuously driven to a predetermined temperature; And
And a time control section in which the washing heater is continuously operated from the temperature control section to a preset time. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the predetermined temperature in the temperature control period is not less than 93 degrees Celsius and not more than 97 degrees Celsius. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the refreshing step is performed for a preset time. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the drum driving cycle including the tumbling driving period and the spin driving period is repeated a plurality of times. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the time required for the tumbling driving section in the refresh step is ten times greater than the time required for the spin driving section. 14. The method of claim 13,
And in the steam step, the drum is driven by tumbling. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the washing water is supplied from the external water source to the inside of the tub through the drum without passing through the drum after the completion of the refreshing step. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the re-supplying water level is higher than the steam water level and lower than the bottom surface of the drum. 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the drum is tumbled for a preset period of time after the refill step. 20. The method of claim 19,
Wherein after the tumbling operation, a drainage step of draining wash water in the tub is performed, and the refresh course is terminated. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein after the completion of the refreshing step, a temperature determining step of determining a temperature of the washing water or a temperature inside the drum is performed, and the refilling step is performed only when the determined temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. / RTI > 22. The method of claim 21,
Wherein when the determined temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the refilling step is not performed and a drainage step of draining the wash water in the tub is performed, thereby completing the refresh course.

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