WO2007004785A1 - Control method for time display in drum type washer by spray steam - Google Patents

Control method for time display in drum type washer by spray steam Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007004785A1
WO2007004785A1 PCT/KR2006/001432 KR2006001432W WO2007004785A1 WO 2007004785 A1 WO2007004785 A1 WO 2007004785A1 KR 2006001432 W KR2006001432 W KR 2006001432W WO 2007004785 A1 WO2007004785 A1 WO 2007004785A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
steam
steam spray
time
set time
preliminary set
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2006/001432
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Phal Jin Lee
Original Assignee
Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lg Electronics Inc. filed Critical Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority to CN2006800012892A priority Critical patent/CN101068972B/en
Priority to US11/667,995 priority patent/US8011049B2/en
Priority to AU2006266612A priority patent/AU2006266612B2/en
Priority to EP06757487A priority patent/EP1896640A1/en
Publication of WO2007004785A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007004785A1/en

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/40—Steam generating arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/28—Arrangements for program selection, e.g. control panels therefor; Arrangements for indicating program parameters, e.g. the selected program or its progress
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2101/12—Washing temperature
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2101/20—Operation modes, e.g. delicate laundry washing programs, service modes or refreshment cycles
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/04—Quantity, e.g. weight or variation of weight
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/16—Washing liquid temperature
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to washing machines, and more particularly, to a method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine with a steam generator for washing laundry with high temperature steam.
  • the washing machine a home appliance used the most generally, removes dirt from laundry, such as clothes and beddings by using a softening action of detergent, friction of a water circulation caused by rotation, and impact of the water to the laundry.
  • the washing machines there are pulsator type washing machines each having an upright drum, and drum type washing machines each having a drum laid down in a horizontal direction.
  • a washing cycle is a process for removing dirt from ' the laundry put into the drum together with detergent, and washing water by chemical action of detergent in washing water, and physical action of the drum.
  • a rinsing cycle is a process for rinsing the detergent and dirt from laundry by supplying washing water containing no detergent
  • a spinning cycle is a process for rotating a washing tub at the high speed after finish of the rinsing cycle for extracting water from the laundry.
  • a function is provided to the user, in which a time required for a cycle is displayed on display means of the washing machine for the user to notice an entire cycle time or a remained cycle time during the washing is in progress.
  • the cycle time required for a cycle includes not only a time required for washing, rinsing, and spinning, but also a time required for water supply/drainage, and a time of the steam spray. While the time periods of the washing, the rinsing, the spinning are fixed depending on a washing course, the cycle time required for the steam spray varies with environments of application.
  • the preliminarily set time is displayed, and the preliminarily set steam spray time is down counted according to a rate of temperature change of washing water heated by the steam sprayed thereto.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine, in which an error of a preliminarily set steam spray cycle time with respect to an actual time taken can be minimized.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine, which can improve reliability of a time display function provided in a steam spray cycle.
  • the object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a method for contrqlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine including the, steps of (a) determining a preliminary set time of a steam spray cycle according to cycle information of the steam spray cycle, and (b) displaying the preliminary set time determined thus while the steam spray cycle is progressed.
  • the cycle information is a target temperature for heating washing water fixed in the steam spray cycle and a laundry amount at the present time.
  • the (a) step of determining a preliminary set time includes the step of fixing the preliminary set time for the target temperature for heating the washing water in the present steam spray cycle and the laundry amount by using a preliminary set time table for target temperatures and laundry amounts defined in advance.
  • the (b) step of displaying the preliminary set time includes the steps of displaying the preliminary set time of the steam spray cycle determined thus, detecting an inside temperature of a drum heated by the steam sprayed thus during the steam spray cycle is progressed, and down-counting the preliminary set time displayed thus in proportion to a rate of change of a washing water temperature detected thus, to display the time varied thus.
  • the method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine of the present invention has the following advantages.
  • FIG 1 illustrates a longitudinal section of a general steam spray, drum type washing machine
  • FIG 2 illustrates a perspective view of the steam generator mounted on the drum type washing machine in FIG 1;
  • FIG 3 illustrates a flow chart of the steps of a method for controlling a steam spray cycle at a steam spray type washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG 4 illustrates a flow chart of the steps of a method for calculating a preliminary set time for a steam spray cycle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
  • FIG 1 illustrates a longitudinal section of a general steam spray, drum type washing machine
  • FIG 2 illustrates a perspective view of the steam generator mounted on the drum type washing machine in FIG 1.
  • the steam spray type washing machine includes a cabinet 52 of an exterior of the washing machine, a tub 56 suspended from an inside of the cabinet 52 by springs 54 and supported on damper assemblies 55, a drum 58 rotatably mounted in the tub for holding washing water and laundry, a motor 60 mounted in rear of the tub 56 connected to the drum 58 for rotating the drum 58, a steam generator 70 on an upper side of the tub 56 for heating washing water to high temperature and high pressure steam and supplying the steam to the drum 58, and a pump unit 80 under the tub 56 for pumping and circulating the washing water in the tub 56.
  • washing heater 40 for heating the washing water in the tub 56 to a high temperature for improving a washing performance
  • a water temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the washing water circulating the tub 56 and transmitting the temperature to a microcomputer (not shown) for controlling an entire system.
  • the steam spray type washing machine also includes water supply means 62 for supplying washing water to the tub 56 and the drum 58, and water discharge pump assembly 66 for discharging the washing water from the tub 56 and the drum 58.
  • the steam generator 70 is connected to the water supply means 62.
  • the water supply means 62 includes a water supply valve assembly 62a for controlling water supply to the drum 58, a detergent box assembly 62b connected - between the water supply valve assembly 62a and the tub 56 for holding detergent, first and second water supply flow lines 62c and 62c' connected to the detergent box assembly 62b and the steam generator 70 from the water supply valve assembly 62a respectively, and a steam flow line,62d having one end connected to the steam generator 70 and the other end positioned in the tub 56 and the drum 58, for supplying steam to the tub 56 and the drum 58.
  • the steam flow line 62d has a nozzle shaped end 62d' passed through a gasket 57 connected between the tub 56 and the cabinet 52 and positioned in ' the tub 56 and the drum 58 for high speed spray of the steam.
  • the steam generator 70 includes a case 1, a steam heater 2, a water level sensor 3, a temperature sensor 4, and a thermo-fuse 5.
  • the case 1 is an exterior of the steam generator 70 and forms a water holding space required for generation of steam.
  • the case 1 has a water supply pipe Ia at one side connected to the second water supply flow line 62c' and a steam discharge pipe Ib at the other side connected to the steam flow line 62d for supplying the steam from the case to the drum 58.
  • the steam heater 2 is mounted in a lower side space of the case 1 in a horizontal direction for heating water held in the case 1 for generation of steam.
  • the water level sensor 3, and the temperature sensor 4 are mounted passed through one side of an upper surface of the case 1.
  • the water level sensor senses a water level in the case 1, and the temperature sensor 4 senses a temperature of an inside of the case 1.
  • thermo-fuse 5 is provided at a terminal of the steam heater 2 for cutting off power to the steam heater 2 in a case the steam heater 2 is overheated.
  • FIG 3 illustrates a flow chart of the steps of a method for controlling a steam spray cycle at a steam spray type washing machine, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG 4 illustrates a flow chart of the steps of a method for calculating a preliminary set time for a steam spray cycle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention suggests calculating a preliminary set time required to be displayed during a steam spray cycle, taMng a laundry amount together with ' a set temperature, for minimizing an error between the preliminary set time to be displayed and the actual steam spray cycle time.
  • the user selects and inputs a desired washing course, and if the washing course the user selects includes the steam spray cycle, the user also inputs a set temperature which is a temperature up to which the washing water to be heated
  • a table of preliminary set times is provided for various laundry amounts and set time periods in advance through an experiment in which an actual cycle time required for reaching to a particular set temperature for a particular laundry amount in the steam spray cycle is found out by repeating experiments in which the steam spray cycle is performed while varying the laundry amount and the set temperature in a production process.
  • the preliminary set time can be fixed for the steam spray cycle for the laundry amount in the drum presently and the set temperature the user inputted by using the preliminary set time table.
  • step S205 If the preliminary set time is fixed for the set temperature and the laundry amount in above step S205, the preliminary set time is displayed on display means of the washing machine, and th ⁇ steam spray is started (S206)
  • the steam spray cycle is performed while adjusting the preliminary set time displayed thus, and if the washing water temperature reaches to the set temperature by the steam spray (S209), the steam spray is stopped (S210)
  • the present invention can minimized an error between the preliminary set time and the actual cycle time in the steam spray cycle.
  • the method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine of the present invention enables to reduce the error between the preliminary set time and the actual cycle time in the steam spray by fixing the preliminary set time, not only with reference to the set temperature, but also with reference to the laundry amount.
  • fixing the preliminary set time with reference to the laundry amount in the preferred embodiment of the present invention even though the laundry amount is classed in three stages of small, medium, and large as an example, if the laundry amount is classed in more detail, a more accurate preliminary set time can be fixed.
  • the set temperature is divided into a plurality of levels in providing the preliminary set time table for the laundry amounts for each of the temperature levels.
  • FIG 4 illustrates a flow chart of the steps of a method for calculating a preliminary set time for a steam spray cycle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the first and second ' reference values meet a condition of the first reference value ⁇ the second reference value
  • first, second, and third preliminary set times meet a condition of the first preliminary set time ⁇ the second preliminary set time ⁇ the third preliminary set time.
  • a laundry amount is compared to the first reference value, to determine if the present laundry amount is smaller or the same with the first reference value (S302)
  • the present laundry amount meets a condition of the first reference value ⁇ the laundry amount ⁇ the second reference value, the present laundry amount is determined to be medium, to fix the preliminary set time to be the second preliminary set time (S305)
  • the present laundry amount is greater than the second reference value, such that the present laundry amount does not fall within a range of the first reference value ⁇ the laundry amount ⁇ the second reference value, the present laundry amount is determined to be a large amount, to fix the preliminary set time to be the third preliminary set time (S306)
  • the first, second, and third preliminary set times vary not only with the set temperature, but also with the laundry amount.
  • the time displayed (the preliminary set time) and the actual cycle time can be made more consistent.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a time period display at the steam spray type washing machine with a steam generator for washing laundry by using a high temperature steam, in which a preliminary set time required for display in the steam spray cycle is determined, not only with reference to a set temperature, but also with reference to a laundry amount, to minimize an error between the time displayed and an actual time. According to this, since a difference between the preliminary set time displayed in the steam spray cycle and the actual time reached to the set temperature is small, there will be no error which is liable to make the user misunderstood that the washing machine is out of order. According to this, reliability of the product, and convenience of the user is enhanced.

Description

Description
CONTROL METHOD FOR TIME DISPLAY IN DRUM TYPE WASHER BY SPRAY STEAM
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to washing machines, and more particularly, to a method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine with a steam generator for washing laundry with high temperature steam.
Background Art [2] In general, the washing machine, a home appliance used the most generally, removes dirt from laundry, such as clothes and beddings by using a softening action of detergent, friction of a water circulation caused by rotation, and impact of the water to the laundry. [3] In the washing machines, there are pulsator type washing machines each having an upright drum, and drum type washing machines each having a drum laid down in a horizontal direction. [4] A washing cycle is a process for removing dirt from' the laundry put into the drum together with detergent, and washing water by chemical action of detergent in washing water, and physical action of the drum. [5] A rinsing cycle is a process for rinsing the detergent and dirt from laundry by supplying washing water containing no detergent, and a spinning cycle is a process for rotating a washing tub at the high speed after finish of the rinsing cycle for extracting water from the laundry. [6] Because a related art washing machine consumes a large amount of washing water, recently there are efforts for minimizing an amount of the washing water used in the washing. [7] What has been developed as a result of such an effort is a washing machine with a steam generator, wherein the steam generator assists to progress a highly effective washing with a comparatively small amount of washing water by supplying high temperature steam to the drum. [8] In general, a function is provided to the user, in which a time required for a cycle is displayed on display means of the washing machine for the user to notice an entire cycle time or a remained cycle time during the washing is in progress. [9] The cycle time required for a cycle includes not only a time required for washing, rinsing, and spinning, but also a time required for water supply/drainage, and a time of the steam spray. While the time periods of the washing, the rinsing, the spinning are fixed depending on a washing course, the cycle time required for the steam spray varies with environments of application.
[10] In a steam spray cycle, high temperature steam is sprayed to an inside of the drum, for heating washing water in the drum to a temperature higher than a preset temperature. However, in the steam spray cycle, an actual time required for heating the washing water to the preset temperature varies depending on the environment of application of the steam, i.e., a water pressure, use of hot/cold water, and so on.
[11] Due to those reasons, a steam spray cycle time has been set and displayed, preliminarily.
[12] Accordingly, once the steam" spray cycle is started, the preliminarily set time is displayed, and the preliminarily set steam spray time is down counted according to a rate of temperature change of washing water heated by the steam sprayed thereto.
[13] However, since an actual required time of the steam spray cycle varies with the environment of application, the preliminarily set time displayed on the display means can not, but shows an error with respect to an actual time taken.
[14] , For an example, because the rate of the washing water temperature change is high if a laundry amount is small, an interval of decrement of the down count of the preliminarily set time becomes greater, leading the displayed time to be changed rapidly. Opposite to this, because the rate of the washing water temperature change is low if a laundry amount is great, an interval of decrement of the down count of the preliminarily set time becomes smaller, leading the displayed time to be changed slowly, and if the decrement is small extremely, it can be misunderstood that the display time is standstill, temporarily.
[15] That is, due to the error between the preliminarily set time set arbitrarily and the actual cycle time taken to reach to a preset temperature, the user is liable to misunderstood the rapid change or the temporary standstill of the display time as a fault of the washing machine. Moreover, the difficulty of estimating the required time of the steam spray impairs reliability of the washing machine. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
[16] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine, in which an error of a preliminarily set steam spray cycle time with respect to an actual time taken can be minimized.
[17] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine, which can improve reliability of a time display function provided in a steam spray cycle. Technical Solution
[18] The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a method for contrqlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine including the, steps of (a) determining a preliminary set time of a steam spray cycle according to cycle information of the steam spray cycle, and (b) displaying the preliminary set time determined thus while the steam spray cycle is progressed.
[19] Preferably, the cycle information is a target temperature for heating washing water fixed in the steam spray cycle and a laundry amount at the present time.
[20] The (a) step of determining a preliminary set time includes the step of fixing the preliminary set time for the target temperature for heating the washing water in the present steam spray cycle and the laundry amount by using a preliminary set time table for target temperatures and laundry amounts defined in advance.
[21] The (b) step of displaying the preliminary set time includes the steps of displaying the preliminary set time of the steam spray cycle determined thus, detecting an inside temperature of a drum heated by the steam sprayed thus during the steam spray cycle is progressed, and down-counting the preliminary set time displayed thus in proportion to a rate of change of a washing water temperature detected thus, to display the time varied thus. Advantageous Effects
[22] The method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine of the present invention has the following advantages.
[23] First, the determination of the preliminary set time required for display in the steam spray cycle, not only with reference to a set temperature, but also with reference to a laundry amount enables to minimize an error between the time displayed and an actual time.
[24] Second, since a difference between the preliminary set time displayed in the steam spray cycle and the actual time reached to the set temperature is small, there will be no error which is liable to make the user misunderstood that the washing machine is out of order. According to this, reliability of the product, and convenience of the user is enhanced. Brief Description of the Drawings
[25] FIG 1 illustrates a longitudinal section of a general steam spray, drum type washing machine;
[26] FIG 2 illustrates a perspective view of the steam generator mounted on the drum type washing machine in FIG 1;
[27] FIG 3 illustrates a flow chart of the steps of a method for controlling a steam spray cycle at a steam spray type washing machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[28] FIG 4 illustrates a flow chart of the steps of a method for calculating a preliminary set time for a steam spray cycle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[29] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[30] A preferred embodiment of a method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine in accordance with the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. «
[31] FIG 1 illustrates a longitudinal section of a general steam spray, drum type washing machine, and FIG 2 illustrates a perspective view of the steam generator mounted on the drum type washing machine in FIG 1.
[32] A steam spray type washing machine having the present invention applied thereto will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[33] Referring to FIG 1, the steam spray type washing machine includes a cabinet 52 of an exterior of the washing machine, a tub 56 suspended from an inside of the cabinet 52 by springs 54 and supported on damper assemblies 55, a drum 58 rotatably mounted in the tub for holding washing water and laundry, a motor 60 mounted in rear of the tub 56 connected to the drum 58 for rotating the drum 58, a steam generator 70 on an upper side of the tub 56 for heating washing water to high temperature and high pressure steam and supplying the steam to the drum 58, and a pump unit 80 under the tub 56 for pumping and circulating the washing water in the tub 56.
[34] On a lower side of the tub 56, there are a washing heater 40 for heating the washing water in the tub 56 to a high temperature for improving a washing performance, and a water temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the washing water circulating the tub 56 and transmitting the temperature to a microcomputer (not shown) for controlling an entire system.
[35] Along with this, the steam spray type washing machine also includes water supply means 62 for supplying washing water to the tub 56 and the drum 58, and water discharge pump assembly 66 for discharging the washing water from the tub 56 and the drum 58. The steam generator 70 is connected to the water supply means 62.
[36] The water supply means 62 includes a water supply valve assembly 62a for controlling water supply to the drum 58, a detergent box assembly 62b connected - between the water supply valve assembly 62a and the tub 56 for holding detergent, first and second water supply flow lines 62c and 62c' connected to the detergent box assembly 62b and the steam generator 70 from the water supply valve assembly 62a respectively, and a steam flow line,62d having one end connected to the steam generator 70 and the other end positioned in the tub 56 and the drum 58, for supplying steam to the tub 56 and the drum 58.
[37] The steam flow line 62d has a nozzle shaped end 62d' passed through a gasket 57 connected between the tub 56 and the cabinet 52 and positioned in' the tub 56 and the drum 58 for high speed spray of the steam.
[38] Particularly, referring to FIG 2, the steam generator 70 includes a case 1, a steam heater 2, a water level sensor 3, a temperature sensor 4, and a thermo-fuse 5.
[39] The case 1 is an exterior of the steam generator 70 and forms a water holding space required for generation of steam.
[40] The case 1 has a water supply pipe Ia at one side connected to the second water supply flow line 62c' and a steam discharge pipe Ib at the other side connected to the steam flow line 62d for supplying the steam from the case to the drum 58.
[41] The steam heater 2 is mounted in a lower side space of the case 1 in a horizontal direction for heating water held in the case 1 for generation of steam.
[42] The water level sensor 3, and the temperature sensor 4 are mounted passed through one side of an upper surface of the case 1. The water level sensor senses a water level in the case 1, and the temperature sensor 4 senses a temperature of an inside of the case 1.
[43] The thermo-fuse 5 is provided at a terminal of the steam heater 2 for cutting off power to the steam heater 2 in a case the steam heater 2 is overheated.
[44] According to this system, if the steam generator 70 is put into operation, the water supply valve assembly 62a is opened, to supply washing water to the water holding space in the case 1 through the second water supply flow line 62c'.
[45] If the water is supplied to the steam generator 70 up to a preset water level, the water supply valve assembly 62a is cut off and, at the same time with this, the steam heater 2 generates heat. [46] The heat of the steam heater 2 heats the washing water supplied to the case 1 to generate steam, and the steam is glided along the steam flow line 62d, and sprayed to the tub 56 and the drum 58. [47] The steam spray by using the steam generator 70 is an additional function in the washing. [48] A method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine will be described in detail, taMng the foregoing steam spray type washing machine as an example. [49] FIG 3 illustrates a flow chart of the steps of a method for controlling a steam spray cycle at a steam spray type washing machine, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG 4 illustrates a flow chart of the steps of a method for calculating a preliminary set time for a steam spray cycle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [50] The present invention suggests calculating a preliminary set time required to be displayed during a steam spray cycle, taMng a laundry amount together with' a set temperature, for minimizing an error between the preliminary set time to be displayed and the actual steam spray cycle time. [51] Referring to FIG 3, the user selects and inputs a desired washing course, and if the washing course the user selects includes the steam spray cycle, the user also inputs a set temperature which is a temperature up to which the washing water to be heated
(S201) [52] If user's input is finished, and the user inputs a cycle start order, water is supplied to the drum 58 and the steam generator 70 (S202) [53] If a water level of the steam generator 70 reaches to a preset level, the water supply to the steam generator 70 is stopped, and, if a water level of the drum 58 reaches to a preset level, the water supply to the drum 58 is also stopped. [54] If the water supply to the drum 58 is stopped (S203), it is determined whether the washing course the user selects is a washing course that includes the steam spray cycle or not (S204 [55] As a result of the determination (S204, if the washing course the user selects is a washing course that does not include the steam spray cycle, the cycle selected by the user is performed according to an algorithm required for the washing course the user selects (S211) [56] On the other hand, as a result of the determination (S2Oj>, if the washing course the user selects is a washing course that includes the steam spray cycle, a preliminary set time is determined for the steam spray cycle with reference to an mount of laundry in the drum presently together with the set temperature received in above step S201 (S205)
[57] It is preferable that a table of preliminary set times is provided for various laundry amounts and set time periods in advance through an experiment in which an actual cycle time required for reaching to a particular set temperature for a particular laundry amount in the steam spray cycle is found out by repeating experiments in which the steam spray cycle is performed while varying the laundry amount and the set temperature in a production process.
[58] The preliminary set time can be fixed for the steam spray cycle for the laundry amount in the drum presently and the set temperature the user inputted by using the preliminary set time table.
[59] If the preliminary set time is fixed for the set temperature and the laundry amount in above step S205, the preliminary set time is displayed on display means of the washing machine, and thς steam spray is started (S206)
[60] Then, a water temperature in the drum 58 is detected periodically during the steam spray (S207), to down-count and vary the preliminary set time displayed according to a rate of change of the water temperature detected thus (S208)
[61] Thus, the steam spray cycle is performed while adjusting the preliminary set time displayed thus, and if the washing water temperature reaches to the set temperature by the steam spray (S209), the steam spray is stopped (S210)
[62] Thus, by providing the preliminary set time table for the laundry amounts and the set temperatures, the present invention can minimized an error between the preliminary set time and the actual cycle time in the steam spray cycle.
[63] That is, the smaller the error between the preliminary set time and the actual cycle time, the time displayed and the actual cycle time are become the more consistent, to make a decrement of adjustment of the time display as the time goes by to be comparatively constant.
[64] The method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine of the present invention enables to reduce the error between the preliminary set time and the actual cycle time in the steam spray by fixing the preliminary set time, not only with reference to the set temperature, but also with reference to the laundry amount. [65] In fixing the preliminary set time with reference to the laundry amount in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, even though the laundry amount is classed in three stages of small, medium, and large as an example, if the laundry amount is classed in more detail, a more accurate preliminary set time can be fixed.
[66] Though it is a prerequisite that the set temperatures are the same in the embodiment described below, it is preferable that the set temperature is divided into a plurality of levels in providing the preliminary set time table for the laundry amounts for each of the temperature levels.
[67] An example of a process for setting the preliminary set time for the steam spray cycle of the present invention will be described.
[68] , FIG 4 illustrates a flow chart of the steps of a method for calculating a preliminary set time for a steam spray cycle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[69] At first, a present laundry amount in the drum 58 is detected, and the following process is progressed with reference to the detected laundry amount and a set temperature the user inputted, to fix the preliminary set time (S301)
[70] Iij the following description, the first and second'reference values meet a condition of the first reference value < the second reference value, and first, second, and third preliminary set times meet a condition of the first preliminary set time < the second preliminary set time < the third preliminary set time.
[71] A laundry amount is compared to the first reference value, to determine if the present laundry amount is smaller or the same with the first reference value (S302)
[72] If the present laundry amount is smaller or the same with the first reference value, it is determined that the present laundry amount is small, to fix the preliminary set time of the steam spray cycle to be the first preliminary set time (S304
[73] If the present laundry amount is greater than the first reference value, it is determined if the present laundry amount is greater than the first reference value and smaller than the second reference value (S303)
[74] If the present laundry amount meets a condition of the first reference value <the laundry amount < the second reference value, the present laundry amount is determined to be medium, to fix the preliminary set time to be the second preliminary set time (S305)
[75] If the present laundry amount is greater than the second reference value, such that the present laundry amount does not fall within a range of the first reference value <the laundry amount < the second reference value, the present laundry amount is determined to be a large amount, to fix the preliminary set time to be the third preliminary set time (S306)
[76] In this instance, the first, second, and third preliminary set times vary not only with the set temperature, but also with the laundry amount. By dividing the set temperature and the laundry amount into smaller scales, the time displayed (the preliminary set time) and the actual cycle time can be made more consistent.
[77] It will be apparent to those sMlled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claims
[1] A method for controlling a time period display at a steam spray type washing machine comprising the steps of:
(a) determining a preliminary set time of a steam spray cycle according to cycle information of the steam spray cycle; and
(b) displaying the preliminary set time determined thus while the steam spray cycle is progressed.
[2] The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cycle information is a target temperature for heating washing water fixed in the steam spray cycle and a laundry amount at the present time.
[3] The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the (a) step of determining a preliminary set time includes the step of fixing the preliminary set time for the target temperature for heating the washing water in the present steam spray cycle and the laundry amount by using a preliminary set time table for target temperatures and laundry amounts defined in advance.
[4] The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the (b) step of displaying the preliminary set time includes the steps of; displaying the preliminary set time of the steam spray cycle determined thus, detecting an inside temperature of a>drum heated by the steam sprayed thus during the steam spray cycle is progressed, and down-counting the preliminary set time displayed thus in proportion to a rate of change of a washing water temperature detected thus, to display the time varied thus.
PCT/KR2006/001432 2005-06-30 2006-04-18 Control method for time display in drum type washer by spray steam WO2007004785A1 (en)

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CN2006800012892A CN101068972B (en) 2005-06-30 2006-04-18 Control method for time display in drum type washer by spray steam
US11/667,995 US8011049B2 (en) 2005-06-30 2006-04-18 Control method for time display in drum type washer by spray steam
AU2006266612A AU2006266612B2 (en) 2005-06-30 2006-04-18 Control method for time display in drum type washer by spray steam
EP06757487A EP1896640A1 (en) 2005-06-30 2006-04-18 Control method for time display in drum type washer by spray steam

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KR1020050057972A KR101154971B1 (en) 2005-06-30 2005-06-30 Control Method for time display in drum type washer by spray steam

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US7841219B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-11-30 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treating appliance utilizing steam
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US7941885B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2011-05-17 Whirlpool Corporation Steam washing machine operation method having dry spin pre-wash
US7765628B2 (en) 2006-06-09 2010-08-03 Whirlpool Corporation Steam washing machine operation method having a dual speed spin pre-wash
US7841219B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-11-30 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treating appliance utilizing steam
US7707859B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-05-04 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance
US7681418B2 (en) 2006-08-15 2010-03-23 Whirlpool Corporation Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance using a temperature sensor
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US7905119B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2011-03-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam generator having a variable thermal output
US8555675B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2013-10-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam backflow device
US8555676B2 (en) 2007-08-31 2013-10-15 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treatment appliance with steam backflow device
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DE102008048910B4 (en) 2007-10-01 2019-05-02 Lg Electronics Inc. Method for controlling a steam domestic appliance
US9618263B2 (en) 2012-12-14 2017-04-11 Flash Rockwell Technologies, Llc Non-thermal drying systems with vacuum throttle flash generators and processing vessels
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KR20070002434A (en) 2007-01-05
AU2006266612B2 (en) 2009-10-29
KR101154971B1 (en) 2012-06-18
RU2007140379A (en) 2009-05-10
CN101068972A (en) 2007-11-07
RU2367734C2 (en) 2009-09-20
US8011049B2 (en) 2011-09-06
AU2006266612A1 (en) 2007-01-11
CN101068972B (en) 2011-05-18
US20080250573A1 (en) 2008-10-16

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