CN1969077B - Method for washing of washer - Google Patents

Abstract

A novel washing method of a washing machine that is capable of performing a washing operation of laundry with reduced washing water consumption and low power consumption and, in addition, sterilizing the laundry is disclosed. The washing method includes supplying washing water containing detergent into a tub to perform a high-concentration washing process, and, before or after the high-concentration washing process, supplying steam into a drum.

Description

washing machine washing method

technical field

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a novel washing method of a washing machine capable of performing a washing operation of laundry with reduced washing water consumption and low energy consumption, and additionally capable of sterilizing the laundry.

Background technique

Generally, washing machines are classified into a pulsator type washing machine in which a drum is installed in a vertical direction, and a drum type washing machine in which a drum is installed in a horizontal direction.

In the drum type washing machine, since the drum is installed in a vertical direction as described above, the laundry accommodated in the drum is washed through a lifting and dropping operation.

1 and 2 schematically illustrate the structure of a conventional drum type washing machine.

As shown in the drawing, the drum type washing machine includes a cabinet 10 , a washing tub 20 installed in the cabinet 10 , a drum rotatably installed in the washing tub 20 , and a driving unit for driving the drum 30 .

A laundry entry hole 11 through which laundry is put into the drum is formed at a front portion of the cabinet 10 . The door 40 is installed on the cabinet adjacent to the laundry inlet hole 11 for opening and closing the laundry inlet hole 11 .

At the inner periphery of the laundry inlet hole 11 is installed an edge portion 50 which achieves sealing between the door 40 and the laundry inlet hole 11 .

At the bottom of opposite sides of the outer periphery of the washing tub 20 , shock absorbers 21 are installed, which support the washing tub 20 within the cabinet 10 .

A wash water heater 60 for heating wash water is installed in a lower portion of the wash tub 20 .

The driving unit includes a driving motor 71 for driving the drum 30 and a belt 72 for transmitting the driving force of the driving motor to the drum 30 .

Contents of the invention

technical problem

However, in the conventional washing machine having the above-mentioned structure, even when a washing program is performed to wash a small amount of laundry and even when a washing program is performed to wash laundry with a small amount of dirt, a large amount of washing is unnecessarily consumed. water. Also, the above-mentioned washing procedure is performed for the same period of time as a normal washing procedure, and thus also unnecessarily increases energy consumption.

In particular, since the washing performance is increased through the wetting process, it is more efficient to perform the wetting process before performing the washing process. However, the amount of wash water consumed during the soaking process is very large. For this reason, the soaking program is omitted when performing the normal washing program, and thus the best washing performance cannot be achieved.

Moreover, conventional washing operations do not include laundry sanitization procedures.

Of course, although not shown in the drawings, washing machines including an additional heater for heating wash water so that laundry can be boiled have been proposed in recent years. However, in this case, the amount of wash water and the energy consumed for boiling the laundry are significantly increased.

In addition, the accuracy of water level detection for supplying wash water is low, and thus water is supplied unnecessarily again, thereby increasing waste of water.

Therefore, there is a need for a novel washing method capable of performing a sanitizing operation of laundry with reduced washing water consumption and low energy consumption.

Technical solutions

Therefore, the present invention has taken the above-mentioned problems into consideration, and an object of the present invention is to provide a novel washing method of a washing machine capable of performing washing work of laundry with reduced washing water consumption and low energy consumption, and additionally capable of sterilizing Laundry.

Other advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be partly clarified in the following description of preferred embodiments.

The object of the present invention can be achieved by providing a washing method of a washing machine, the washing method comprising the steps of: supplying washing water containing detergent therein to a washing tub to perform a high-concentration washing process; and Steam is supplied to the drum before or after a high-concentration washing program.

The invention provides a washing method of a washing machine, comprising the following steps: supplying washing water containing detergent to a washing tub to perform a high-concentration washing program, wherein the supplied washing water is lower than the amount preset according to the amount of laundry to be washed. a predetermined water level, but higher than the bottom surface of the drum; performing a high-concentration washing process; supplying steam to the drum during the high-concentration washing process; and supplying wash water until the wash water reaches a predetermined water level, to perform a diluted washing process; and Perform a diluted wash program.

Preferably, the washing method further includes: wetting the laundry and circulating the washing water supplied into the washing tub into the drum simultaneously when performing the washing procedure.

More preferably, the washing method further includes: wetting the laundry, circulating the washing water supplied into the washing tub into the drum, and supplying the steam to the drum simultaneously while performing the washing procedure.

The present invention is characterized in that steam is supplied to the drum while performing the high-concentration washing step.

The present invention is characterized in that the washing method further includes: after performing the high-concentration washing step, further supplying water to perform the washing procedure again with diluted washing water.

Preferably, the washing method further includes: wetting the laundry when performing the washing procedure, wherein when the laundry is wetted, driving the drum so that the laundry can be wetted smoothly.

The present invention is characterized in that the high-concentration washing program is controlled such that the high-concentration washing program is performed when the internal temperature of the drum exceeds a predetermined temperature level.

The present invention is characterized in that in the high-concentration washing step, the water level of the supplied wash water is lower than a predetermined water level preset according to the amount of laundry, but higher than the bottom surface of the drum.

The present invention is characterized in that the step of supplying steam to the drum is continuously performed for a predetermined time until the internal temperature of the drum reaches a predetermined temperature range.

The present invention is characterized in that the predetermined temperature range is a sterilizable temperature range, and the predetermined period of time is a sterilizable period of time.

The present invention is characterized in that, for the water level detection necessary to determine whether further supply of washing water to the washing tub is necessary while performing the above steps, during the stop phase of the motor for driving the drum and the circulating pump for circulating the washing water ( off section) for the water level detection.

The present invention is characterized in that when it is determined that further water needs to be supplied based on the water level detection result, water is supplied again to a predetermined water level, and the predetermined water level is set differently according to the amount of laundry, or is set to the washable minimum regardless of the amount of laundry. water level.

The present invention is characterized in that when the motor is driven to rotate the drum and the circulation pump is driven to circulate wash water, a control operation is performed such that the on timing of the drum motor coincides with the on timing of the circulation pump.

The present invention is characterized in that the control operation is performed so that the off timing of the drum motor is consistent with the off timing of the circulating pump.

The present invention is characterized in that in the step of supplying steam to the drum, a motor for driving the drum and a circulation pump for circulating washing water are driven, and the actual operating speed of the motor is consistent with that of the circulating pump.

The present invention is characterized in that in the high-concentration washing step, the control operation is performed so that the actual operating speed of the motor does not coincide with the actual operating speed of the circulation pump.

Beneficial effect

The washing method of a washing machine according to the present invention has the effect of performing a washing operation with reduced washing water consumption and low energy consumption.

In particular, according to the present invention, high-temperature steam is used to achieve disinfection of laundry. Therefore, the washing method according to the present invention has the effect of improving washing performance and achieving a disinfection effect.

Also, according to the present invention, a washing program is first performed with a high-concentration detergent, and then a diluted washing program is performed. Therefore, the washing method according to the present invention has the effect of significantly improving washing performance.

In particular, the amount of further supplied water is precisely controlled by detecting the water level in the washing tub at a stage where the water level changes are stable, that is, at a stop stage of the circulation pump and the drum motor. Therefore, the washing method according to the present invention has the effect of minimizing the amount of washing water and optimizing washing performance.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the washing effect is significantly increased by properly driving the circulation pump and the drum motor together during the washing operation. Therefore, the washing method according to the present invention has the effect of significantly improving user's satisfaction with regard to washing performance.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention.

In the picture:

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view illustrating the internal structure of a conventional drum type washing machine.

FIG. 2 is a sectional front view illustrating an internal structure of a conventional drum type washing machine.

3 is a sectional side view illustrating an internal structure of a washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional front view illustrating the inner structure of the washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method of a washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method of a washing machine according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

7 to 9 are views illustrating a washing method of a washing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an operation diagram illustrating an example of overall operations of the washing machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating water level detection and water resupply control of a washing machine according to the present invention.

12 is an operation time chart of a drum motor and a circulation pump when washing control is performed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an operation time chart of a drum motor and a circulation pump when washing control is performed according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

3 is a sectional side view illustrating an internal structure of a washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a sectional front view illustrating an internal structure of the washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The washing machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 110 , a washing tub 120 , a drum 130 , a steam supply unit, a temperature sensor 150 , a circulation pump 160 and a circulation channel 170 . In this embodiment, the washing machine is a drum type washing machine.

The cabinet 110 constitutes the outer shape of the drum type washing machine. A laundry entry hole 111 is formed at a front portion of the cabinet 110 .

The door 140 is installed on the cabinet 110 adjacent to the laundry inlet hole 111 for opening and closing the laundry inlet hole 111 . An edge portion 112 is installed at the inner periphery of the laundry inlet hole 111 , which achieves sealing between the door 140 and the laundry inlet hole 111 .

Also, a washing water supply pipe 113 for supplying washing water to the washing tub 120 is installed in the cabinet 110 . A detergent box 114 is installed on the pipe of the washing water supply pipe 113 .

The washing tub 120 is installed in the cabinet 110 in a supported state.

The drain pipe 121 is connected to the lower portion of the washing tub 120, and wash water is discharged through the drain pipe.

Also, a wash water heater 122 for heating wash water supplied into the wash tub 120 is installed in a lower portion of the wash tub 120 .

The drum 130 is rotatably installed inside the washing tub 120 and arranged such that an open side of the drum 130 faces the laundry inlet hole 111 of the cabinet 110 .

A plurality of through holes 131 through which wash water and steam supplied to the washing tub 120 enter the drum 130 are formed at the periphery of the drum.

The steam supply unit is configured to supply a predetermined amount of steam to the washtub 120 and/or the drum 130 . In this embodiment, at least one steam supply unit is provided.

The steam supply unit serves to evaporate water using high-temperature hot air and supply the steam to the washing tub 120 and/or the drum 130 . The steam supply unit includes: a heating part 210 for generating high-temperature hot air for evaporating water; and a steam supply pipe 220 through which steam generated by water evaporation of the heating part 210 flows.

In addition, the steam supply unit further includes spray nozzles 230 for spraying steam flowing through the steam supply pipe 220 into the washing tub 120 and/or the drum 130 .

The injection nozzle 230 is configured in the shape of a nozzle so that steam can be smoothly injected through the nozzle. Preferably, an end of the spray nozzle 230 from which steam is discharged extends through the edge portion 112 such that the end of the spray nozzle 230 faces the inside of the drum 130 .

The temperature sensor 150 is installed at a predetermined position inside the washing tub 120 to detect the inner temperature of the washing tub 120 .

At this time, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 150 is used to control the operation of the steam supply unit.

In particular, the temperature sensor 150 is preferably configured such that the temperature sensor 150 is not directly affected by the steam supplied into the washtub 120 by the steam supply unit, and thus the temperature can be accurately detected by the temperature sensor 150 .

Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the isolation cover 151 around the temperature sensor 150 , particularly, on the side of the temperature sensor 150 opposite to the steam injection direction, and on the upper periphery of the temperature sensor 150 .

As shown, although the temperature sensor 150 is disposed near the central height of the washtub 120, the temperature sensor 150 may be disposed at a lower portion of the washtub 120, that is, an area where the wash water heater 122 is installed.

The circulation pump 160 is installed on the drainage channel 121 , and the drainage channel is connected to the washing tub 120 . The circulation pump 160 is operated to suck the wash water supplied into the wash tub and to circulate the sucked wash water.

The circulation channel 170 is connected to the circulation pump 160 for guiding the circulation of the wash water pumped by the circulation pump 160 .

The end of the circulation channel 170 , that is, the wash water discharge side of the circulation channel 170 extends through the edge portion 112 such that the end of the circulation channel 170 faces the inner wall surface of the drum 130 .

In particular, it is more preferable in this embodiment to connect the end of the circulation channel 170 to the steam supply pipe 220 as shown in the figure.

Hereinafter, a washing method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method of a washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method of a washing machine according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

7 to 9 are views illustrating a washing method of a washing machine according to the present invention.

First, when a washing course is requested by a user, a controller (not shown) constituting a part of the washing machine supplies washing water to the washing tub 120 (S510).

At this time, during the supply of wash water through the wash water supply pipe 113 , the wash water passes through the detergent box 114 installed on the pipe of the wash water supply pipe 113 .

Since a predetermined amount of detergent is contained in the detergent box 114 , the wash water supplied into the washing tub 120 contains the detergent stored in the detergent box 114 .

In particular, in the above-mentioned wash water supply process, the wash water is controlled to be in a high-concentration state.

This is achieved by maintaining the water level of the supplied wash water so that the water level of the supplied wash water is lower than the predetermined water level of the wash water preset according to the amount of laundry to be washed, but higher than the bottom surface of the drum 130, and in particular, the supplied The water level of the wash water is such that the wash water heater 122 is approximately submerged in the wash water, as shown in FIG. 7 .

At this time, most preferably, the water level of the supplied wash water is a height at which the bottom surface of the drum 130 is approximately submerged in the wash water, that is, a height at which the laundry in the drum 130 is wetted ("first water level").

After the above-mentioned water supply process is completed, the drum 130 is driven to enable a washing process using the supplied high-concentration wash water (hereinafter referred to as a 'high-concentration washing process') (S520).

The high-concentration washing program mentioned above is the program that maximizes the washing efficiency.

In particular, considering the fact that washing performance is improved due to an increase in detergent concentration, which is one of the main factors affecting washing performance, excellent washing performance can be achieved by the above-mentioned high-concentration washing program.

At this time, the high-concentration washing process by driving the drum may be controlled so that the high-concentration washing process can be performed simultaneously with the above-mentioned washing water supply process.

In addition, at this time, it is more preferable to control the circulation pump 160 so that the wash water in the washing tub 120 can be sucked by the circulation pump 160, and then can be circulated into the drum 130 through the circulation channel 170 (S530).

This is because high-concentration wash water can be sprayed to the laundry in the drum 130 when the high-concentration washing program is performed, and thus uniform washing of all the laundry can be achieved.

Of course, a control operation may be performed so that the wash water circulation process can be performed simultaneously with the wash water supply process, or the wash water supply process, the high-concentration wash process, and the wash water circulation process can be performed simultaneously.

On the other hand, during the high concentration washing process described above, the steam supply unit may be controlled so that high temperature steam can be sprayed into the drum 130, and thus the internal temperature of the drum 130 can be maintained at an optimum temperature level for maximizing the increase in washing performance.

In particular, the internal temperature of the drum is maintained at an optimum temperature level (about 40°C to 60°C) at which the most effective washing performance is achieved by detergent activated by high-temperature steam, and thus washing efficiency is improved.

Of course, control operations may be performed so that the steam supply process can be performed simultaneously with the wash water supply process, so that the steam supply process can be performed simultaneously with the wash water circulation process, or so that the steam supply process, the wash water supply process, and the wash water circulation process can be performed simultaneously. proceed.

After the above-described high-concentration washing procedure has been performed for a predetermined period of time, the steam supply unit is controlled so that high-temperature steam can be sprayed into the drum 130 (S540).

The reason why the high-temperature steam is sprayed into the drum is to increase the inner temperature of the drum 130 to a sterilizing temperature so that various bacteria contained in the laundry can be killed at the sterilizing temperature.

Of course, the drum 130 is continuously driven even at this time, and thus the high-concentration disinfection washing process (S550) is continuously performed. This state is shown in FIG. 8 .

In particular, the above-mentioned steam injection program can be controlled such that the steam injection program can be continuously performed during the high-concentration disinfection washing program. In this case, however, the amount of steam supplied to the drum 130 may be excessively increased, or the internal temperature of the drum 130 may be excessively increased, thereby increasing power consumption accordingly.

For this reason, the steam injection program is most preferably controlled such that the steam injection program can only be performed within a predetermined temperature range and for a predetermined period of time.

Here, the predetermined temperature range is a temperature range in which bacteria may be killed, and a predetermined period of time is a period of time in which bacteria may be killed, and thus an optimal disinfection effect can be obtained.

A control method of controlling the steam injection program so that the steam injection program can be performed only within a predetermined temperature range and for a predetermined period of time is performed by repeatedly operating the steam supply unit and interrupting the operation of the steam supply unit.

In particular, the power for controlling the heating operation of the heating part 210 is selectively turned on and off so that the internal temperature of the drum 130 is maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

At this time, the temperature is confirmed by reading a signal detected by the temperature sensor 150 .

Therefore, through the above-described procedures, the high-concentration washing procedure and the sanitizing washing procedure are sequentially performed.

After the high-concentration washing program and the disinfection washing program are completed, washing water is further supplied to the washing tub 120 (S560).

At this time, the wash water supplied into the wash tub 120 does not contain detergent. The wash water is further supplied until the wash water reaches a predetermined water level ("second water level") preset according to the amount of laundry to be washed. This state is shown in FIG. 9 .

The above-mentioned program is a program for diluting the high-concentration detergent contained in the laundry, in order to prevent damage to the laundry due to the prolonged exposure of the laundry to the high-concentration detergent, and in order to Detergent is rinsed from the laundry.

In addition, the drum 130 is controlled such that the drum 130 is continuously driven during the above procedure.

Therefore, the diluted washing procedure is performed so that the high-concentration detergent can be smoothly removed from the laundry (S570).

In particular, considering the fact that various kinds of dirt separated from the laundry are contained in a high-concentration detergent, the dirt is also smoothly removed from the laundry.

On the other hand, considering that during the diluted washing process by further supplying wash water, the temperature of the further supplied wash water is about 30°C or lower, by mixing the existing wash water and the further supplied wash water so that all the wash water The temperature drops below the optimum wash temperature for optimum wash performance, eg 40°C or lower.

Therefore, it is most preferable to operate the wash water heater 122 in the wash tub 120 during the diluted washing program by further supplying wash water, so that the wash water in the wash tub 120 can be heated by the wash water heater 122, and thus, all The temperature of the wash water can be maintained at about 40°C or higher.

Of course, a control operation may be performed such that high temperature steam is sprayed into the drum 130 without directly heating wash water, and thus, the inner temperature of the wash tub 130 reaches an optimum wash temperature at which wash performance is improved.

In particular, it is more preferable to control the circulation pump 160 so that during the above procedure, that is, the dilution washing procedure by further supplying washing water, the wash water in the washing tub 120 can be sucked by the circulation pump 160 and then can pass through the circulation passage 170. Supply to the drum 130 .

This is because high-concentration detergent can be smoothly removed from the laundry, and thus, uniform washing of all the laundry can be achieved.

After performing the above-mentioned diluted washing program for a predetermined period of time, the washing operation of the laundry is completed, and the heat generation by the washing water heater 122 is stopped, the circulation pump 160 is stopped, and the drum 130 is stopped.

After the above-mentioned washing operation is completed, the washing water in the washing tub 120 is drained through the drain pipe 121, and then at least one rinsing operation is performed by supplying new washing water.

Of course, it is preferable to further include a procedure of rotating the drum 130 at a high speed to remove water from the laundry after draining the washing water and before performing the rinsing operation.

Now, a washing method of a washing machine according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 6, when a washing course is requested by a user, a controller (not shown) constituting a part of the washing machine controls the steam supply unit to supply high temperature steam to the drum 130 (S610).

As a result, the high-temperature steam wets the laundry inside the drum 130, and further, the inner temperature of the drum 130 reaches an optimum temperature level for maximally realizing washing performance.

In particular, the internal temperature of the drum 130 reaches an optimum temperature level to maximize washing performance by high temperature steam, and thus improves washing efficiency.

At this time, the temperature is 40°C or higher. Preferably, the temperature is between 40°C and 80°C.

In addition, it is more preferable to perform a control operation such that the drum 130 is driven while steam is supplied to the drum as described above, whereby the laundry in the drum 130 can be uniformly wetted. This state is shown in FIG. 8 .

When the internal temperature of the drum 130 is maintained at a high temperature level through the above procedure, the controller performs a control operation such that wash water is supplied to the wash tub 120 (S620).

At this time, during the supply of wash water through the wash water supply pipe 113 , the wash water passes through the detergent box 114 installed on the pipe of the wash water supply pipe 113 . Since a predetermined amount of detergent is contained in the detergent box 114 , the wash water supplied into the washing tub 120 contains the detergent stored in the detergent box 114 .

In particular, in the above-mentioned wash water supply process, the wash water is controlled to be in a high-concentration state.

This is achieved by maintaining the water level of the supplied wash water so that the water level of the supplied wash water is lower than the predetermined water level of the wash water preset according to the amount of laundry to be washed, but higher than the bottom surface of the drum 130, and in particular, the supplied The water level of the wash water is such that the wash water heater 122 is approximately submerged in the wash water, as shown in FIG. 7 .

At this time, it is most preferable that the water level of the supplied wash water is such that the bottom surface of the drum 130 is approximately submerged in the wash water, that is, the height at which the laundry in the drum 130 is approximately wet ("first water level"). .

After the above-mentioned water supply process is completed, the drum 130 is driven to enable a washing process using the supplied high-concentration wash water (hereinafter referred to as a 'high-concentration washing process') (S630).

The high-concentration washing program mentioned above is the program that maximizes the washing efficiency.

In particular, considering the fact that washing performance is improved due to an increase in detergent concentration, which is one of the main factors affecting washing performance, it is possible to achieve excellent washing performance through the above-mentioned high-concentration washing program.

At this time, the high-concentration washing process by driving the drum 130 may be controlled so that the high-concentration washing process can be performed simultaneously with the above-mentioned washing water supply process.

In addition, at this time, it is more preferable to control the circulation pump 160 so that the wash water in the washing tub 120 can be sucked by the circulation pump 160, and then can be circulated into the drum 130 through the circulation channel 170 (S640).

This is because high-concentration wash water can be sprayed to the laundry in the drum 130 when the high-concentration washing program is performed, and thus uniform washing of all the laundry can be achieved.

Of course, a control operation may be performed so that the wash water circulation process can be performed simultaneously with the wash water supply process, or the wash water supply process, the high-concentration wash process, and the wash water circulation process can be performed simultaneously.

Therefore, through the above procedure, high concentration washing of the laundry in the drum 130 is performed while the internal temperature of the drum is maintained at a high temperature level, thereby obtaining maximum washing performance.

After the above-mentioned high-concentration washing procedure is completed for a predetermined period of time, a control operation is performed such that washing water is further supplied into the washing tub 120 (S650).

At this time, the wash water supplied into the wash tub 120 does not contain detergent. The wash water is further supplied until the wash water reaches a predetermined water level ("second water level") preset according to the amount of laundry to be washed. This state is shown in FIG. 9 .

The above-mentioned program is a program for diluting the high-concentration detergent contained in the laundry, in order to prevent damage to the laundry due to the prolonged exposure of the laundry to the high-concentration detergent, and in order to Detergent is rinsed from the laundry.

In addition, the drum 130 is controlled such that the drum 130 is continuously driven during the above procedure.

Therefore, the diluted washing procedure is performed so that the high-concentration detergent can be smoothly removed from the laundry (S660).

In particular, considering the fact that various kinds of dirt separated from the laundry are contained in a high-concentration detergent, the dirt is also smoothly removed from the laundry.

On the other hand, considering that during the diluted washing process by further supplying wash water, the temperature of the further supplied wash water is about 30°C or lower, by mixing the existing wash water and the further supplied wash water so that all the wash water The temperature drops below the optimum wash temperature for optimum wash performance, eg 40°C or lower.

Therefore, it is most preferable to operate the wash water heater 122 in the wash tub 120 during the diluted washing program by further supplying wash water, so that the wash water in the wash tub 120 can be heated by the wash water heater 122, and thus, all The temperature of the wash water can be maintained at about 40°C or higher.

Of course, a control operation may be performed such that high temperature steam is sprayed into the drum 130 without directly heating wash water, and thus, the inner temperature of the wash tub 130 reaches an optimum wash temperature at which wash performance is improved.

At this time, a control operation may be performed such that the wash water heating process can be performed while the wash water is further supplied, after the further supply of the wash water is completed but before the diluted wash process is performed, or while the diluted wash process is performed.

In particular, it is more preferable to control the circulation pump 160 so that during the above procedure, that is, the dilution washing procedure by further supplying washing water, the wash water in the washing tub 120 can be sucked by the circulation pump 160 and then can pass through the circulation passage 170. Supply to the drum 130 .

This is because high-concentration detergent can be smoothly removed from the laundry, and thus, uniform washing of all the laundry can be achieved.

After performing the above-mentioned diluted washing program for a predetermined period of time, the washing operation of the laundry is completed, and the heat generation by the washing water heater 122 is stopped, the circulation pump 160 is stopped, and the drum 130 is stopped.

After the above-mentioned washing operation is completed, the washing water in the washing tub 120 is drained through the drain pipe 121, and then at least one rinsing operation is performed by supplying new washing water.

Of course, it is preferable to further include a procedure of rotating the drum 130 at a high speed to remove water from the laundry after draining the washing water and before performing the rinsing operation.

In this embodiment, it is preferable to appropriately drive the circulation pump together with the drum motor so that the washing performance can be significantly improved. To this end, it is preferable to perform washing operation.

Hereinafter, the driving control and water level detection of the drum motor and circulation pump in the washing method of the washing machine according to the present invention will be described.

10 is an operation diagram illustrating an example of overall operations of the washing machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating water level detection and water resupply control of the washing machine according to the present invention.

12 is an operation time chart of the drum motor and circulation pump when washing control is performed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is an operation time chart of the drum motor and circulation pump when washing control is performed according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. time chart.

According to the present invention, the stable water detection stage ensures increased accuracy of water level detection of further supplied water during the steam supply program and the washing program.

For this reason, a control operation is performed such that a motor for drum rotation and a circulation pump for washing water circulation are driven to be on/off (on/off) steps to repeat, the stop time of the circulation pump coincides with the stop time of the drum motor, Or the circulating pump is turned off earlier than the drum motor.

As shown in FIG. 10, water is first supplied to the wash tub and the steam supply unit. After the water is supplied to a predetermined water level, the supply of water is stopped.

While the heating operation is being performed to generate steam, the circulation pump is driven to evenly supply detergent to the laundry and save washing water. Based on the result of the water level detection, water is supplied to the washing tub again.

After the heating operation is performed so that the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature level, the washing operation is performed for a predetermined period of time.

During the washing operation, resupplying water to the washing tub based on water level detection and operating/stopping the circulation pump are repeated.

After performing the washing operation for a predetermined period of time, a draining operation, a spin-drying operation, and a rinsing operation are performed.

The present invention provides a more precise steam washing control method for reducing washing water consumption, reducing energy consumption, and improving washing performance in the above washing operation.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, power is turned on (S901), the amount of laundry is detected (S902), and a water supply valve is opened to supply wash water to a washing tub and a steam supply unit (SG) (S903).

Here, the reference water level set for supplying the wash water may be different according to the amount of laundry that is graded based on the laundry amount detection valve. However, in order to save washing water, the reference water level may be equally set such that the reference water level is the minimum water level regardless of the amount of laundry.

The reference water level is set so that the reference water level value when initially supplying water is equal to the reference water level value for further water supply. Alternatively, the reference water level may be set such that a water level value referenced when water is initially supplied is different from a water level value referenced when water is further supplied.

When it is necessary to set the water level value differently, it is preferable to set the water level value so that the reference water level value when further water is supplied is smaller than the reference water level value when water is initially supplied, thereby improving the washing water saving effect.

And the present invention applies not only an algorithm of setting the water level differently based on the detected amount of laundry, but also an algorithm of setting equal water levels regardless of the amount of laundry.

When it is determined that the water level reaches the target water level as a result of the water level detection (S904), the water supply valve is closed to interrupt water supply (S905).

Therefore, a heating operation is performed to generate steam until the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature level, and the generated steam is supplied so that the inside of the drum is kept in a high temperature state. Meanwhile, the circulation pump and the drum motor are driven to operate/stop, so that the laundry can be uniformly wetted and detergent can be uniformly supplied to the laundry (S906).

The washing performance is improved by keeping the inside of the drum at a temperature enabling the most effective washing performance achieved by activating the detergent using high temperature steam. At this time, the temperature is 40°C or higher. Preferably, the temperature is between 40°C and 80°C.

In this way, it is determined whether it is necessary to further supply water by detecting the water level in the steam generating unit (SG) and the washing tub while performing the heating operation, and the circulation pump and the drum motor are driven to work/stop, which can be performed according to the following aspects of the present invention. The embodiment is realized.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, the driving time of the drum motor for rotating the washing drum and the driving time of the circulation pump are controlled.

In particular, when the steam washing operation of supplying water to the steam supply unit, the operation of the circulation pump, the supply of water to the washing tub, and the heating operation for generating steam are repeatedly performed according to predetermined conditions, the control operation is performed so that the water level detection may be more stable. stage, and can effectively control the above-mentioned operations.

First, control operation is performed so that the operation time of the drum motor coincides with the operation time of the circulation pump (A).

Secondly, the control operation is performed so that the stop time of the drum motor coincides with the stop time of the circulation pump (B), and the water level detection is performed during the stop phase of the drum motor and the circulation pump.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13, the driving time of the drum motor for driving the washing drum and the driving time of the circulation pump are controlled.

First, the control operation is performed so that the working time of the drum motor is consistent with the working time of the circulating pump.

Secondly, the control operation is carried out so that the working stage (on section) ② + stop stage ⑤ of the drum motor is consistent with the working stage ① + stop stage ③ of the circulating pump, and the water level detection is performed during the stop stage of the drum motor and the circulating pump. Preferably, the control operation is performed such that the water level detection is performed during the stop phase ⑤ in which both the drum motor and the circulation pump are stopped.

Here, in order to sufficiently ensure a stable water level detection stage, the control operation is performed so that the operation stage ① of the circulation pump is shorter by one stage ④ than the operation stage ② of the drum motor. Preferably, the control operation is performed so that the ratio of the working phase ② of the drum motor to the working phase ① of the circulation pump is 10:8, thereby increasing the accuracy of water level detection.

By carrying out the control operation as described above, the working phase ① of the circulating pump is shortened by one phase ④, and the change of the water volume in the water level detection area is more stable.

In this way, the water level detection according to the present invention is performed in a stage where the water level of the wash water does not change, that is, a stage in which the drum motor and the circulation pump are stopped. In this case, collect the wash water in the wash tub as much as possible.

The change in the water level of the wash water is large at the stage of rotating the drum and driving the circulation pump, and thus it is difficult to perform stable water level detection, with the result that unnecessary further water supply may be performed. According to the present invention, this problem is prevented, and thus the consumption of wash water is reduced.

And it is preferable to perform water level detection in the second half of the stop phase when the entire drum motor and circulation pump are stopped. This ensures that sufficient time is saved to stabilize changes in water level.

Specifically, the driving of the circulation pump and the drum motor and the detection of the water level are performed as follows in the stage where the circulation pump and the drum motor are driven to operate/stop.

First, it is determined whether the circulation pump and the drum motor are stopped while the heating operation is performed by the steam generating unit (SG) (S907).

When it is determined that the operations of the circulation pump and the drum motor are stopped, the water level in the washing tub is detected (S908); otherwise, the washing water is circulated by operating the circulation pump, and the drum is rotated.

And by comparing the water level detection result with the predetermined water level, it is determined whether to supply water further (S909).

When it is determined that further water supply is required, further water supply is performed (S910); otherwise, it is determined whether the current temperature inside the drum has increased to a predetermined temperature level, and no further water supply is performed (S911).

When it is determined that the current temperature inside the drum has not increased to a predetermined temperature level, the water level at the stop stage is detected while the circulation pump and the drum motor are driven based on a predetermined reference, and the detection operation is repeated.

When it is determined that the current temperature inside the drum has not increased to the predetermined temperature level, the heating operation for supplying steam is continuously performed, and the water level in the steam supply unit is detected to determine whether water needs to be supplied to the steam supply unit (S913).

When it is determined that water needs to be supplied to the steam supply unit, the heating operation is interrupted, water is supplied, and then the heating operation is restarted (S914). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not necessary to supply water to the steam supply unit, the heating operation is continuously performed until the internal temperature of the drum reaches a predetermined temperature level.

When the internal temperature of the drum reaches a predetermined temperature level, the heater of the steam supply unit is turned off, and then the following operations are performed (S912).

The latter operations include: a further washing operation in which the drum is rotated without supplying steam and the circulation pump is driven to be operated/stopped; a rinsing operation; and a spin-drying operation.

The embodiment of the present invention applies only the SG heating step shown in FIG. 10, in which the water level is stably detected during the stop phase of the circulation pump and the drum motor; Afterwards, the water level is detected in a washing procedure for a predetermined period of time.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of presented inventions which come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Industrial applicability

The invention provides a washing machine, in particular a novel washing method of the washing machine. The washing machine can wash the laundry with reduced washing water consumption and low energy consumption, and can also sterilize the laundry.

Claims (13)

1. A washing method for a washing machine, comprising the following steps: supplying washing water containing detergent therein to the washing tub to perform a high-concentration washing process, wherein the supplied washing water is lower than a predetermined water level preset according to the amount of laundry to be washed but higher than the bottom surface of the drum; Perform high-concentration washing procedures; supplying steam to the drum during a heavy wash program; and supplying wash water until the wash water reaches a predetermined water level to perform a diluted washing process; and Perform a diluted wash program. 2. washing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, further comprises: While performing the high-concentration washing process, wetting the laundry and circulating the washing water supplied into the washing tub into the drum are performed simultaneously. 3. washing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, further comprises: While performing the high-concentration washing course, wetting the laundry, circulating wash water supplied into the washing tub into the drum, and supplying steam to the drum are simultaneously performed. 4. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein steam supply is controlled, whereby an inner temperature of the drum is maintained at an optimum temperature level. 5. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optimum temperature level is a temperature range between 40°C and 60°C. 6. washing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, further comprises: After the high-concentration washing program has been performed for a predetermined period of time, steam is sprayed into the drum to increase the inner temperature of the drum to a sterilizing temperature, so that various bacteria contained in the laundry can be killed at the sterilizing temperature. 7. The washing method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the step of injecting steam into the drum is continuously performed for a predetermined time until an inner temperature of the drum reaches a predetermined temperature range. 8. The washing method according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined temperature range is a sterilizable temperature range, and the predetermined period of time is a sterilizable period of time. 9. The washing method according to claim 1, wherein water level detection is necessary for determining whether further supply of washing water to the washing tub is required while performing said steps, in the motor for driving the drum and for the cycle This water level detection is performed when the circulation pump of the washing water is stopped. 10. The washing method as claimed in claim 9, wherein when the motor is driven to rotate the drum and the circulation pump is driven to circulate the washing water, a control operation is performed so that the operation time of the drum motor is consistent with that of the circulation pump. The time is consistent. 11. The washing method as claimed in claim 9, wherein a control operation is performed such that a stop time of the drum motor coincides with a stop time of the circulation pump. 12. The washing method according to claim 1, wherein in the step of supplying steam to the drum, a motor for driving the drum and a circulation pump for circulating washing water are driven, and at the same time, the actual operating speed of the motor is the same as that of The actual operating speed of the circulation pump is consistent. 13. The washing method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the high-concentration washing step, a control operation is performed such that an actual operating speed of the motor does not coincide with an actual operating speed of the circulation pump.

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