RU2362847C2 - Washing machine and method of control thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: mechanics.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method of control over washing machine comprises the steps whereat data on mode selected by the User is received and preset amount of steam is fed into the machine tank or drum, if the selected mode is a refreshing mode. The proposed washing machine comprises mode selector component designed to select refreshing mode and control unit to feed preset amount of steam into washing machine tank or drum to refresh linen, if the selected mode is a refreshing mode.

EFFECT: higher efficiency of washing, water and power savings, elimination of linen folds.

24 cl, 10 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling it, and more particularly, it relates to a washing machine using steam, and a method for controlling it.

State of the art

Typically, a washing machine includes a washing machine for washing clothes and a dryer for drying clothes. In addition, a washing unit with a drying function is being developed. The washing unit is divided into types: vibration type, drum type and “mixer” type. The drum type washing unit has a drum mounted horizontally on it and erases the laundry using it.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a drum-type washing unit will be described as an embodiment of a conventional washing machine.

The drum type washing unit includes a housing (10), a tank (20) mounted inside the housing (10), a drum (30) mounted rotatably inside the tank (20), a drive unit for driving the drum (30).

A hole (11) for loading / unloading the laundry is made in the front of the housing (10), and a door (40) is attached to the hole (11) to open / close the hole (11).

A component (50) in the form of a rim is provided around the inner circumference of the hole (11) to ensure tightness between the door (40) and the hole (11). The tank (20) is supported inside the housing (10) by a shock absorber (21). In addition, a heater (60) is provided inside the tank (20) for heating the washing water.

The drive unit includes an electric motor (71) designed to drive the drum (30), a belt (72) designed to transmit the driving force from the electric motor (71) to the drum (30). Alternatively, an electric motor connected directly to the drum (30) can be used in the drive assembly.

However, in a conventional washing machine, there may be several problems that are described below.

Firstly, in a traditional washing machine there is a problem of high energy consumption, because in the case of washing a small amount of laundry and linen with low pollution, excessive washing water is used. Moreover, in practice, the washing time for a small amount of laundry and lightly soiled laundry is almost the same as the washing time for washing laundry with normal soiling.

Secondly, washing performance can be more effective when a soaking cycle is performed before washing. However, the soaking cycle has the problem of consuming too much washing water. For this reason, the soaking cycle cannot be used frequently.

Thirdly, in the traditional washing process, there is no additional cycle for sterilizing the laundry. Recently, a washing machine with the sanitization function was launched, which can sterilize laundry using another heater to heat the washing water. However, this sanitizing function is not preferable because too much water, as well as energy, is used to sterilize the laundry.

Finally, a traditional desiccant and a washing machine with a drying function can cause wrinkles on dried laundry. Thus, there is the inconvenience that the dried laundry must be ironed to smooth out its folds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technical problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which washing efficiency is improved and washing water and energy are saved.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, which can eliminate wrinkles on linen more efficiently.

Technical solution

To solve these problems and achieve other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, in the form in which it is embodied and broadly described in this invention, a method for controlling a washing machine is provided, which includes the steps of: receiving data about the selected user selectable mode; and supplying a predetermined small amount of steam (amount of steam supplied) to the drum in the case in which the selected mode is a refreshing mode.

The amount of steam supplied is determined based on the amount of laundry loaded in the drum (amount of laundry). The laundry amount is at least one of the following: a measured laundry amount, automatically measured by the sensor, and an input laundry amount input by the user.

Additionally, the method includes a user warning step, in which the user is given a warning when the amount of laundry is greater than the maximum amount of laundry.

The more laundry is loaded, the more steam is fed into the drum. The amount of steam supplied is determined using a predetermined temperature in the drum. The target temperature in the drum is in the range between 40 and 60 ° C.

The target temperature in the drum is 45 ° C in the case where the amount of laundry is relatively large. The target temperature in the drum is 40 ° C in the case where the amount of laundry is relatively small.

Additionally, the method includes a step of “processing” washing water, which produce “processing” of washing water in the drum in the case when the entered mode is a refreshing mode.

The step of “processing” the washing water includes the steps in which: the washing water in the drum is measured and the washing water is discharged from the drum to the outside if the measured amount of washing water in the drum is greater than a predetermined value.

In the steam supplying step, the drum is rotated for a predetermined target rotation time of the drum. The drum is rotated clockwise / counterclockwise.

Additionally, the method includes a drum rotation step in which the drum is rotated for a predetermined period of time after the steam supply step.

In the step of rotating the drum, the drum is rotated at a low speed and / or at a high speed. In the step of rotating the drum, the drum is rotated in a clockwise / counterclockwise direction. The rotation time of the drum is determined based on the amount of laundry loaded in the drum.

The amount of laundry is re-determined at the point in time when the stage of rotation of the drum begins.

In another aspect of the present invention, the washing machine includes a mode selection component for selecting a mode by a user, and a control unit for controlling to supply a predetermined amount of steam (amount of steam supplied) in the case in which the selected mode is a refreshing regimen.

This control unit controls the amount of steam supplied based on the amount of laundry loaded in the drum. The washing machine also includes a temperature sensor to measure the temperature in the drum in order to control the amount of steam supplied.

The drum rotates clockwise / counterclockwise.

Additionally, a component for selecting the amount of laundry is included in the washing machine in order to allow the user to select the amount of laundry on this component.

Useful Results

The present invention has a useful result, that washing water, as well as energy, can be saved, and that laundry with little pollution can be washed efficiently, for example, pollution, wrinkles and the smell of laundry are eliminated, the laundry is sterilized, and can be prevented static electrification of linen.

In addition, the present invention has another useful result, namely that wrinkles formed on the dried laundry and from the storage of the laundry can be eliminated without additional ironing.

List of drawings

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

In these drawings:

Figures 1 and 2 are sectional views illustrating a drum-type washing machine of the prior art.

Figure 3 is a sectional view schematically illustrating an embodiment of a washing machine in accordance with the present invention.

4 is a sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a washing machine in accordance with the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a basic concept of a method for controlling a washing machine in accordance with the present invention.

6 and 7 are sectional views illustrating the operations of the washing machine in accordance with the present invention.

8 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for controlling a washing machine in accordance with the present invention.

9 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of a method for controlling a washing machine in accordance with the present invention.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of a method for controlling a washing machine in accordance with the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, a detailed description will be given of preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This embodiment of the invention presents, as an example, a washing machine according to the present invention, a drum type washing machine.

According to FIGS. 3 and 4, a drum type washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention, similarly to the prior art, includes a housing (110), a tank (120), a drum (130) and a temperature sensor (150). In accordance with the present invention, a steam supply component is further included in the washing machine for generating and supplying steam to the drum (130) and / or the tank (120) (it will be described in detail below).

The housing (110) determines the appearance of the drum type washing machine and has a hole (111) in its front part. To open / close the hole (111), a door (140) is attached to the hole (111). To ensure tightness, a component (112) in the form of a rim is provided between the door (140) and the hole (111). The tank (120) is supported within the housing (110) by a shock absorber. To supply washing water to the tank (120) in the housing (110), a washing water supply pipe (161) is provided. To drain the washing water, a channel (121) for draining the water is connected to the lower part of the tank (120). For forced draining of washing water in the channel (121) draining the water provides a pump (123) draining the water. In addition, for heating the washing water located in the tank (120), a heater (122) for washing water is provided.

The drum (130) is rotatably mounted inside the tank (120) and has many through holes formed on the peripheral surface of the drum (130) for overflowing washing water between the tank (120) and the drum (130).

The steam supply component of the present invention will be described below.

The steam supplying component delivers steam to the tank (120) and / or drum (130) (hereinafter referred to as the drum for convenience), and one or more supplying pairs of components can be provided.

The steam supply component includes a heating component (210) for generating steam, a steam supply pipe (220) for supplying the generated steam to the drum (130), and a water supply pipe (162) for supplying water to the heating component (210). Preferably, an injection component (230) is additionally provided at the front end of the steam supply tube (220) for introducing steam into the drum (130), and it is preferable, but not necessary, that the injection component (230) is in the form of a nozzle, and that the front the end of the injection component (230) passed through the component (112) in the form of a rim and was directed inside the drum (130).

The temperature sensor (150) measures the temperature in the tank (120) (hereinafter referred to as the temperature in the tank), and it is preferable that it is provided at the bottom of the tank (120), that is, at the place where the washing water heater (122) is provided. The temperature measured by the temperature sensor (150) is used to control the operation of the steam supply component. Reference numerals (163) and (164) are valves for opening / closing the washing water supply tubes (161) and (162).

Below with reference to FIG. 5 to 7, a washing machine and a method for controlling a washing machine in accordance with the present invention will be described.

When using the washing machine, the user can select the modes that he / she needs (step S1). Typically, the modes may include a standard, by type of fabric, tank / drum washing mode and a sanitary mode. The present invention further includes a refreshing laundry treatment mode (hereinafter, a refreshing treatment). In refreshing mode, steam is applied to the laundry. According to a study by the inventor, folds on the laundry can be smoothed out in a refreshing mode, and its smell can also be eliminated, which results in favorable results in sterilization, as well as in counteracting static electrification. Steam is used so that the laundry contains a small amount of moisture, so that folds on the laundry can be smoothed out. In particular, since the temperature of the steam is high, wrinkles can be eliminated more efficiently. Dried laundry and dehydrated laundry that contains a small amount of moisture after centrifugation can be freshened in a refreshing mode.

As shown in FIG. 6, if the user selects a refreshing mode, steam is supplied to the drum (S3). In the steam supplying step, the amount of steam supplied is determined based on a predetermined criterion. Preferably, the drum rotates in the steam supplying step.

As shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that after steam is supplied, the drum rotates for a predetermined period of time (hereinafter referred to as the rotation time of the drum) in a state in which steam is not supplied (step S5). In the drum rotation step, the drum rotation time is determined based on predetermined criteria. Therefore, the drum rotates for a certain period of time.

With reference to FIG. 8, a preferred embodiment of a method for controlling a washing machine in accordance with the present invention will be described in detail.

In this embodiment, the basic concept of the present invention is specifically applied. Although the mode selection step (S1), the steam supply step (S3) and the drum rotation step (S5) are divided into several sub-steps in FIG. 8, they are shown in order to facilitate understanding of the basic concept of the present invention. From another point of view, the subdivision of steps S1, S3 and S5 can be changed.

The control unit (not shown in the drawing) of the washing machine receives a signal about the mode selected by the user (step S110). The control unit checks whether the selected mode is a refreshing mode (step S115).

In the case where the selected mode is not a refreshing mode, the corresponding mode is performed based on an algorithm predetermined in accordance with each mode (step S120). Whereas in the case in which the selected mode is a refreshing mode, steps (S150-S180) of supplying steam are performed. Preferably, prior to the start of the steam supplying steps, the washing water “processing” steps (steps S150-S180) are carried out in a predetermined manner. At the stages of the "processing" of washing water, the outside of the washing water is released inside the drum, which could remain in it. The reasons why washing water should be discharged are as follows. In the refreshing mode, steam is used instead of washing water to eliminate creases on the laundry, as well as its smell. But if washing water would remain inside the drum in the refreshing mode, the laundry inside the drum could become damp due to this remaining washing water. In addition, since the temperature sensor (150) is provided in the lower part of the tank (120), the temperature sensor (150) is immersed in washing water, so that the temperature in the drum cannot be measured with accuracy (the function of the temperature sensor will be described later). Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the washing water inside the drum, if it remains there, should be “treated” during the refreshing mode. It is also preferred that the maximum level of washing water inside the tank (120) is a water level high enough not to touch the temperature sensor (150).

The steps of “processing” washing water will be described in detail.

First, a washing water level in the tank (120) is measured by a water level sensor (not shown in the drawing) (step S130). If the measured water level in the tank is higher than the permissible maximum level (step S135), then the washing water is drained outward (step S140).

If the washing water level is at the same height as or similar to the temperature sensor, then the washing water may touch the temperature sensor due to vibration caused by the operation of the drum type washing machine. For this reason, the temperature may not be measured or incorrect values may be obtained as a result of the measurement. Thus, the permissible maximum water level must be lower than at least the temperature sensor (150). Preferably, the permissible water level is zero or lower than zero water. Zero water level can be defined as the level of water in a state in which the washing water inside the drum is completely empty. Of course, even in a state of zero water level inside the tank (120), washing water could remain. However, the remaining washing water is large enough not to affect the operation of the temperature sensor (150).

As mentioned above, after the washing water inside the drum (130) is drained sufficiently below the allowable level of the washing water, the steam supply component is controlled to generate steam, and this steam is supplied to the drum (130). The following is an example of steam formation and supply. The control unit controls each valve (163) and (164) for supplying washing water in such a way as to supply washing water only to the steam supply component, but not to the tank (120). The water supplied to the steam supply component is heated until it is converted to steam supplied to the drum (130). The formation of steam and its supply to the drum can be carried out in several ways. Therefore, a specific description will be omitted.

Meanwhile, it is preferable that when steam is supplied to the drum (130), the drum (130) rotates, because the rotation of the drum (130) can prevent tangles, as well as the steam can be fed more evenly onto the laundry. To enhance the result of counteracting tangles, it is preferred, but not necessary, that the drum rotate in a clockwise / counterclockwise direction. Also, the drum (130) can be rotated repeatedly or periodically. The rotation speed of the drum (130) is not limited. That is, it is possible to combine low speed and high speed of rotation of the drum, but it is preferable that the speed of rotation of the drum (130) be the speed of "reloading". At the “transshipment” speed, the laundry does not stick to the inner surface of the drum (130).

There are several ways to determine the amount of steam supplied in the steam supply steps. For example, steam may be supplied to the drum for a predetermined period of time. If steam is fed into the drum for a long period of time, the laundry may become damp from a large amount of steam. Preferably, in the refreshing mode, the laundry is not damp. The higher the temperature in the drum can be, the more effectively the refreshing function can be performed. But in the case where the temperature in the drum is too high, problems such as tissue damage or tissue deformation can occur. Therefore, the amount of steam supplied must be determined in such a way as to prevent damage to the tissue, as well as to ensure good refreshment treatment efficiency.

According to a study by the inventor, it is very efficient to control the amount of steam by using the temperature in the drum instead of the steam supply time. In other words, the inventor guessed and realized that there is a correlation between the time of steam supply and the temperature in the drum. According to the present invention, the temperature in the drum increases as steam is supplied. Therefore, the temperature in the drum is measured, and the measured temperature in the drum is monitored so that it does not exceed a predetermined predetermined temperature, whereby the amount of steam is controlled. Moreover, since the temperature in the drum is used as a controlled indicator, the refreshing function can be performed easily as well as efficiently.

A predetermined temperature in the drum, determining the amount of steam supplied, could be determined in a variety of ways. In a preferred embodiment, when steam is supplied to the drum until the temperature in the drum reaches 40-60 ° C, preferably 45 ° C, tissue damage can be prevented with a good refreshing function. A determination is made as to whether the measured temperature in the drum reaches a predetermined temperature (step S175). Therefore, when the measured temperature in the drum reaches a predetermined temperature, the steam supply component is controlled to stop the steam supply to the drum (step S180).

Meanwhile, the washing water level in the tank (120) may rise due to the steam supplied to the drum (130). Thus, it is preferable to “process” the washing water in the tank (120) in the process of supplying steam to the drum (130). That is, when the measured washing water reaches the allowable water level during the refreshing mode, it is preferable to drain the washing water. At this time, the operation of the steam supply component can be stopped.

Preferably, in a state in which the steam supply is stopped, the drum (130) would rotate for a predetermined period of time. It is also preferred that the drum (130) rotates in a clockwise / counterclockwise direction. Also, the drum (130) can be rotated repeatedly or periodically. The rotation speed of the drum (130) is not limited. That is, it is possible to combine a low rotational speed and a high rotational speed, respectively, but it is preferable that the drum rotates at a low speed, for example, with a “transfer rate” at which the laundry does not adhere to the inner wall of the drum under the action of centrifugal force.

The drum rotation time can be determined based on the amount of laundry loaded in the drum. For example, if the laundry has approximately five items, then the drum rotation time can be set to 10 minutes.

Preferably, the rotation time of the drum was predetermined before the start of the refreshing mode, that is, before the steam is fed into the drum. A predetermined time of rotation of the drum is stored in the memory in the control unit. It is also preferred that the actual drum rotation time is counted after the temperature in the drum reaches a predetermined temperature. In other words, the actual time of rotation of the drum is counted only as the rotation of the drum (130) after the temperature in the drum reaches a predetermined temperature in the drum. When the actual rotation time of the drum reaches a predetermined duration of rotation of the drum, the rotation of the drum (130) is stopped and the operations of the remaining drive component are stopped (step S190).

With reference to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

This embodiment from the point of view of the basic concept is the same as the embodiment described above. But in accordance with another embodiment, it will be more specifically described how, based on the amount of laundry loaded in the drum, a predetermined temperature in the drum is set.

After the laundry is loaded, a measurement of the laundry amount (hereinafter, the laundry amount) is performed (step S152). The measurement of the amount of linen can be performed by well-known methods used in a traditional washing machine. For example, the amount of laundry can be measured by the time during which the rotation speed of the electric motor reaches a predetermined rotation speed, and also, it can be measured by the rotation speed of the electric motor developed over a predetermined period of time.

Meanwhile, the measured amount of laundry is previously classified on the basis of an appropriate criterion, for example, as “large” and “small”. By this, the target temperature in the drum is determined (step S154). At the same time, it is not easy to precisely determine the “big” and “small”, which serve as the classification criteria for the measured amount of linen, since their values change in accordance with the capacity of each washing machine and the type of each washing machine. Thus, the determination of “large” and “small” could be made through experiments in accordance with the washing machine, and it is preferable that the determination criterion for evaluating the determined “large” and “small” be stored in memory of the control unit in advance.

Based on the measured amount of laundry, the target drum temperature is set (steps S158 and S159). In the case where the amount of laundry is large, a relatively large amount of steam is supplied to the drum. In the case where the amount of laundry is small, a relatively small amount of steam is supplied to the drum. Thus, in the case of large quantities of laundry, the set temperature in the drum is set relatively high. In the case of small amounts of laundry, the set temperature in the drum is set relatively low. The more steam is supplied, the higher the temperature in the drum becomes. Thus, when the target temperature in the drum is low, a small amount of steam is supplied, since the temperature in the drum reaches the target temperature in the drum quickly. Whereas when the target temperature in the drum is high, a large amount of steam is supplied, since the temperature in the drum reaches the target temperature in the drum relatively slowly.

According to this embodiment of the invention, if less than 3 items of laundry are loaded into the drum, the amount of laundry is classified as small, and if more than 4 items of laundry are loaded into the drum, the amount of laundry is classified as large. In the case where the measured amount of laundry is large, the target temperature in the drum is set equal to 45 ° C. In the case where the measured amount of laundry is small, the target temperature in the drum is set equal to 40 ° C. It is preferable that in this case, the linen was a shirt, such as white shirt under the evening suit, which are sensitive to the appearance of wrinkles. But it is not limited to shirts, and in the refreshing mode, other types of garments, such as trousers, which are sensitive to wrinkles, can be refreshed. The amount of laundry could be classified based on another criterion. For example, in this case, the number of items for a "small" amount may be less than 3 items, due to the different capacity of the washing machine.

Meanwhile, according to the type of washing machine, a maximum amount of laundry can be set. Thus, a determination is made whether the measured laundry amount exceeds the maximum laundry amount (step S154). Based on this, if the measured amount of linen exceeds the maximum amount of linen, it is preferable to warn the user about this. The user warning method can be implemented in several versions, for example, by sound messages, such as a beep sound or a warning alarm, or by visual messages, such as turning on / off the display device.

It is possible to automatically measure the amount of linen using a sensor, and also, the user can select the amount of linen directly. In the case where the user selects the amount of laundry directly, it is preferable that a control panel (not shown) for controlling the washing machine has a component for selecting the amount of laundry (not shown). The component for selecting the amount of laundry may be a button.

The ways in which the user selects the amount of laundry directly can be presented in several ways. For example, the user may enter the number of items of laundry loaded in the drum and / or type of laundry. Alternatively, the user may enter a “large” or “small” amount of laundry. Moreover, since the “large” or “small” amount of laundry can have different values in accordance with each capacity and each model of washing machines, it must be predetermined accordingly. For example, when the laundry is 1 ~ 3 items, the amount of laundry is set to “small”. When the laundry is 4 ~ 5 items, the amount of laundry is set to “large”. Preferably, the criteria for the amount of laundry are determined based on the number of items and type of laundry.

If the user enters the number of items of laundry, then the criterion for “small” and “large” quantities of laundry corresponding to the number of items of laundry should be predetermined in the control unit. In this case, the washing machine is controlled for the "large" and "small" quantities.

With reference to FIG. 10, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

This embodiment of the invention is also in its basic concept the same as the embodiment of the invention described above. That is, in accordance with this embodiment of the invention, if a refreshing mode is selected, steps (S20 ~ S33) for supplying steam and steps (S40) for rotating the drum are performed. But in this embodiment, it will be more specifically described how the drum rotation time is set in the step (S40) of the rotation of the drum.

After the laundry is loaded into the drum, the control unit measures the amount of the laundry, and based on the amount of the laundry, a predetermined rotation time of the drum without supplying steam is determined. That is, if the laundry amount is “large”, then the rotation time of the drum is set large enough to eliminate wrinkles. If the amount of laundry is “small”, then the drum rotation time is set relatively short. Preferably, the predetermined drum rotation time, based on the amount of the laundry, is pre-stored in the control unit (not shown).

In accordance with these embodiments of the invention, the amount of laundry is measured, and the rotation time of the drum is set immediately after the laundry is loaded into the drum. However, as an alternative, the amount of laundry is measured and the rotation time of the drum is set at a point in time when the steam supply to the drum is stopped and the rotation of the drum begins.

The present invention described above can be applied to a steam washing machine. In addition, it is preferable that the washing machine of the present invention could further include a drying function and in this case combine the refreshing mode and the drying function.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Industrial applicability

The washing machine and the control method of the washing machine in accordance with the present invention described above have the following favorable industrially applicable result.

The present invention has a favorable industrially applicable result, namely, that washing water can be saved, as well as energy, and that linen with little pollution can be effectively washed. For example, pollution, creases and the smell of laundry are eliminated. In addition, the laundry is sterilized and the static electrification of the laundry can be prevented.

In addition, the present invention has another favorable industrially applicable result, namely that wrinkles formed on the dried laundry and from the storage of the laundry can be eliminated without additional ironing.

Claims (24)

1. A method of controlling a drum-type washing machine, comprising the steps of receiving a signal from a component for selecting a mode indicating that the mode selected by the user is a refreshing mode in order to refresh the laundry, and supplying a predetermined suitable amount of steam to a tank or drum to refresh laundry. 2. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 1, wherein supplying the amount of steam includes supplying an amount of steam corresponding to the amount of laundry loaded in the drum. 3. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 2, wherein said laundry amount is determined by using at least one of the following: a laundry amount measuring sensor and a data input device that is used to input the laundry amount. 4. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 3, which further comprises the step of warning the user when the amount of laundry is greater than the maximum allowable amount of laundry in the drum. 5. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 2, in which the more laundry is loaded, the more steam is supplied to the drum. 6. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 1, wherein supplying a quantity of steam includes supplying an amount of steam corresponding to a predetermined target temperature. 7. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 6, in which the target temperature is in the range between about 40 and 60 ° C. 8. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 7, in which the target temperature is about 45 ° C in the case where the amount of laundry is relatively large. 9. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 7, in which the target temperature is about 40 ° C in the case where the amount of laundry is relatively small. 10. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 1, in which additionally process the washing water in the tank or drum in the case when the selected mode is a refreshing mode. 11. The method of controlling the washing machine of claim 10, wherein the step of processing the washing water comprises the steps of measuring the amount of washing water in the tank or drum and discharging the washing water from the tank or drum if the measured amount of washing water is greater than before specific value. 12. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 2, which further comprises the step of rotating the drum during steam supply to the tank or drum. 13. The method of controlling the washing machine according to item 12, which further comprises the step of rotating the drum in a clockwise / counterclockwise direction. 14. The method of controlling the washing machine according to claim 2, further comprising the step of rotating the drum for a predetermined period of time after steam is supplied to the tank or drum. 15. The method of controlling the washing machine of claim 14, further comprising the step of rotating the drum at a certain speed, said speed being at least one combination of low speed and high speed. 16. The method of controlling the washing machine according to 14, further comprising the step of rotating the drum in a clockwise / counterclockwise direction. 17. The method of controlling the washing machine according to 14, in which the drum rotation time is further determined based on the amount of laundry loaded in the drum. 18. The method of controlling the washing machine according to 17, in which the amount of laundry is re-determined at the point in time when the drum starts to rotate. 19. A drum type washing machine comprising a mode selection component to allow a user to select a refreshing mode to refresh laundry, and a control unit for controlling to supply a predetermined suitable amount of steam to the tub or drum to refresh the laundry . 20. The washing machine according to claim 19, in which the control unit controls the supply of an amount of steam corresponding to the amount of laundry loaded in the drum. 21. The washing machine according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising a sensor that measures the amount of laundry. 22. The washing machine according to claim 20, further comprising an input device that is used to input the amount of laundry. 23. The washing machine according to claim 19, further comprising a temperature sensor that measures the temperature inside the tank or drum, the control unit controlling the supply of the amount of steam until the measured temperature reaches a predetermined target temperature. 24. The washing machine according to claim 19, in which the control unit controls the supply of the amount of steam for a predetermined time.

Images