KR101701858B1 - Method for controlling washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling the supply of steam in a washing machine. Heating a predetermined space in a duct communicating with a tub of a washing machine to a temperature higher than the temperature of another space in the duct; Directly supplying water to the heated predetermined space to generate steam; And supplying an air flow toward the heated predetermined space so that the generated steam is supplied to the tub.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WASHING MACHINE [0002]

The present invention relates to a method of controlling a washing machine, and more particularly, to a method of controlling a steam supply mechanism of a washing machine.

Generally, a washing machine is a device for washing laundry using detergent and mechanical friction. According to the structural aspect, more specifically, the orientation of the tub accommodating the laundry, the washing machine can be roughly divided into a top-loading washing machine and a front-loading washing machine. In the top loading washing machine, the tub is erected in the housing of the washing machine, and an inlet is formed in the top portion thereof. Thus, the laundry is put into the tub through the opening formed in the upper part of the housing and communicating with the inlet of the tub. Also, in the front loading washing machine, the tub is laid out in the cabinet, and its inlet faces the front of the washing machine. Accordingly, the laundry is inserted into the tub through the opening formed in the front surface of the housing and in communication with the inlet of the tub. In both the top loading and front loading washing machines, a door is installed in the housing and opens and closes the openings of the housing.

These types of washing machines can have a variety of other functions in addition to basic washing functions. For example, a washing machine may be designed to perform drying as well as washing, and may additionally include a mechanism for supplying hot air for drying. In addition, the washing machine may have a function of refreshing the laundry. For such a refresh function, the washing machine may include a mechanism for supplying steam to the laundry. Since steam is gaseous water made by heating liquid water, it has high temperature and can easily supply water to laundry. Therefore, the supplied steam can remove the creases, odors, and static electricity of the laundry. Further, in addition to such a refresh function, steam can sterilize laundry due to high temperature and moisture. Further, when supplied to the washing step, the steam can create an atmosphere having a high temperature and a high humidity in the drum or the tub receiving the laundry, and the washing performance can be greatly improved by this atmosphere.

The washing machine can use various methods to supply such steam. For example, a washing machine may use the mechanism provided for drying for generating steam, and the following conventional techniques exist in relation to this method.

First, Korean Patent KR 10-0709943 has a circulation flow path for circulating hot air, and a heater and a blower installed in the circulation flow path. Water is supplied adjacent to the suction portion of the blower, and the supplied water is discharged from the blower. The discharged water is carried to the heater by the air flow generated by the blower, and is converted into steam by the heater.

Korean Utility Model Publication No. KR 1997-0039170 injects water into the discharge portion of the circulation passage, and the injected water is converted into steam by the heated air flow passing through the heater.

Finally, PCT Publication WO 2004/059070 has a separate pan for receiving water in the circulation channel. Using the hot air flow in the circulation channel, the water in the pan is heated and steam is generated.

Such conventional techniques do not require any additional equipment for generating steam, so that the washing machine can supply steam to the laundry without increasing the production cost according to this conventional technique. However, these prior art techniques do not optimally control or utilize the drying mechanism, so that they do not efficiently generate a sufficient amount of steam when compared to a steam generator, which is an independent device configured to generate steam only. Also, for the same reason, the above prior art techniques can not effectively achieve the intended function, i.e., refresh, sterilization and atmospheric composition functions.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a control method of a washing machine capable of efficiently generating steam.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a control method of a washing machine capable of effectively performing functions intended by steam supply.

In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a washing machine, comprising: heating a predetermined space in a duct communicating with a tub of a washing machine to a temperature higher than the temperature of another space in the duct; Directly supplying water to the heated predetermined space to generate steam; And supplying an air flow toward the heated predetermined space so that the generated steam is supplied to the tub.

Other solutions for attaining the above object can be more clearly ascertained from the appended claims.

The washing machine according to the present invention utilizes a mechanism for supplying hot air, i.e., a drying mechanism, for steam generation and supply, while applying only minimal deformation. Further, the control method according to the present invention optimally controls the existing drying mechanism, i.e., the modified steam supply mechanism. The present invention implements minimal deformation and optimal control for efficiently generating and supplying steam of sufficient quality. For this reason, the present invention can effectively perform various other functions as well as refreshing, washing performance improvement and sterilization, while minimizing the production cost.

1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to the present invention;
2 is a sectional view of the washing machine of FIG. 1;
3 is a perspective view showing a duct of a washing machine according to the present invention;
4 is a perspective view showing a cover of the blower housing of the duct shown in FIG. 3;
5 is a plan view showing a duct of a washing machine;
6 is a perspective view showing a nozzle installed in a duct of a washing machine;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 6;
8 is a partial sectional view showing the nozzle of Fig. 6;
9 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a duct;
10 is a side view of the duct of FIG. 9;
11 is a perspective view showing a heater installed in the duct of FIG. 9;
12 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a duct;
13 is a perspective view showing a heater installed in the duct of FIG. 13;
14 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a duct;
15 is a plan view of the duct of FIG. 15;
16 is a flowchart showing a washing machine control method according to the present invention;
17 is a table showing the control method of Fig. 16;
18 is a flowchart showing a washing machine control method further including a step of determining a water supply amount.
19 is a flowchart showing the step of determining the amount of water supplied;
20 is a flow chart showing steps performed when sufficient water is not supplied; And
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a washing machine control method including the steam supplying step of FIG.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention will be described with reference to the structure of a front loading washing machine as shown in the drawings, but can also be applied to a top loading washing machine without substantial modification.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the washing machine of FIG. 1.

As shown in Fig. 1, the washing machine may have a housing 10 which forms an external shape and accommodates parts necessary for operation. The housing 10 may be formed to surround the entire washing machine. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 10 only partially wraps the washing machine so that it can be easily disassembled for maintenance. Instead, a front cover 12 is mounted on the front portion of the housing 10 to form a front portion of the washing machine, and a control panel 13 is mounted on the front cover 12 to operate the washing machine. A top plate 14 is provided in the housing 10 to cover the top of the washer. The front cover 12, the top plate 14 and the control panel 13 may be regarded as a part of the housing 10 because they form the external shape of the washing machine as the housing 10. The housing 10 or precisely the front cover 12 has an opening 11 formed in the front face thereof and the opening 11 is opened and closed by a door 20 provided in the housing 10 likewise. The door 20 generally has a circular shape, but may be formed to have a substantially rectangular shape as shown in FIG. This rectangular door 20 makes the entrance of the opening 11 and the drum 40 appear larger to the user, which is advantageous for improving the appearance of the washing machine. As shown in FIG. 2, the door 20 is provided with a door glass 21, and the user can look into the inside of the washing machine through the door glass 21 to check the condition of the laundry.

Referring to FIG. 2, a tub 30 and a drum 40 are installed in the housing 10. The tub 30 is installed to store wash water in the housing 10, and the drum 40 is rotatably installed in the tub 30. The tub 30 and the drum 40 are oriented such that their inlets face the front of the housing 10. The openings of the tub and the drums 30 and 40 are communicated with the openings 11 of the aforementioned housing so that once the door 20 is opened the user can open the openings 11 and the tubs 30 and 40 The laundry can be put into the drum 40 through the openings of the drum 40. A gasket (22) is provided between the opening (11) and the tub (30) to prevent leakage of laundry and washing water. The tub 30 may be formed of a plastic material to reduce weight as well as to reduce the material cost. On the other hand, the drum 40 accommodates heavy wet laundry and is repeatedly received impacts by the laundry during washing, so that the drum 40 can be made of a metal material so as to have sufficient strength and rigidity. The drum 40 is provided with a plurality of through holes 40a through which wash water in the tub 30 enters. In addition, a predetermined power unit connected to the drum 40 is installed around the tub 30, and the drum 40 is rotated by the power unit. Generally, the washing machine has a tub 30 and a drum 40 oriented so as to have a substantially horizontal central axis in the installed floor, as shown in Fig. However, the washing machine may have the tub 30 and the drum 40 oriented in an upwardly inclined direction. That is, the inlets (i.e., front portions) of the tub 30 and the drum 40 are positioned higher than the rear portions thereof. The openings 11 and the doors 20 associated with the openings of the tub 30 and the drum 40 as well as the openings 11 and the doors 20 are disposed higher than the openings 11 and the openings 20 shown in FIG. . Therefore, the user can put laundry into the washing machine or remove the laundry from the washing machine without bending the waist.

In order to further improve the washing performance of the washing machine, warm or hot wash water is required depending on the type and condition of the laundry. For this purpose, the washing machine of the present invention may have a heater assembly including a heater 80 and a sump 33 so as to produce hot or warm washing water by itself. This heater assembly is provided in the tub 30 as shown in FIG. 2, and heats the wash water stored in the tub 30 to a desired temperature. The heater 80 is configured to heat the washing water, and the sump 33 is configured to receive the heater 80 and the washing water.

Referring to FIG. 2, the heater assembly may include a heater 80 configured to heat wash water. In addition, the heater assembly may have a sump 33 configured to receive the heater 80. The heater 80 may be inserted into the tub 40 through the opening 33a of the predetermined size formed in the sump 33 and may be inserted into the sump 33 exactly as shown. The sump 33 may be a cavity or a recess formed integrally with the bottom of the tub 30. Accordingly, the sump 33 has an open upper portion, and a predetermined size space is formed therein to accommodate a part of the washing water supplied to the tub 30. Since the sump 33 is formed at the bottom of the tub 30 which is advantageous for discharging the stored washing water as described above, a drain port 33b is formed at the bottom of the sump 33, 91 to the drain pump (90). Therefore, the washing water in the tub 30 can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drain port 33b, the drain pipe 91, and the drain pump 90. [ The drain port 33b may be formed in another part of the tub 30 in place of the bottom part of the sump 33. [ Using the sump 33 and the heater 80, the washing machine can heat the washing water by itself and use hot or warm washing water for washing.

Meanwhile, the washing machine may be configured to dry the laundered laundry for the convenience of the user. For this purpose, the washing machine may have a drying mechanism for generating and supplying hot air. As the drying mechanism, the washing machine may have a duct 100 configured to communicate with the tub 30. The air in the drum 40 as well as the tub 30 can be circulated through the duct 100 since both ends of the duct 100 are connected to the tub 30. [ Although the duct 100 is structurally formed by one asembodiment, it can be divided into a drying duct 110 and a condensing duct 120 functionally. The drying duct 110 is basically configured to generate hot air for drying laundry, and the condensing duct 120 is configured to condense moisture in the circulating air taken from the laundry.

First, the drying duct 110 may be installed in the housing 10 to be connected to the condensing duct 120 and the tub 30. A heater 130 and a blower 140 may be installed in the drying duct 110. The condensing duct 120 is also disposed in the housing 10 and can be connected to the drying duct 110 and the tub 30, respectively. The condensing duct 120 may include a water supply device 160 that supplies water to condense and remove moisture in the air. The drying duct 110 and the condensing duct 120 or the duct 100 are basically disposed in the housing 10 as described above but may be exposed partially outside the housing 10 if necessary .

The drying duct 110 heats the air using the heater 130 and blows the heated air using the blower 140 toward the tub 30 and the drum 40 disposed therein . Thus, hot and dry air can be supplied to the drum 40 through the tub 30 to dry the laundry from the drying duct 110. The fresh air that has not been heated is supplied to the heater 130 by the blower 140 and then supplied to the tub 30 and the drum 40, The heater 130 may be heated while passing through the heater 130. That is, the supply of the hot and dry air can be continuously performed by the simultaneous operation of the heater 130 and the blower 140. On the other hand, the supplied hot air can dry the laundry and then be discharged from the drum 40 through the tub 30 to the condensing duct 120. The condensing duct 120 removes moisture from the discharged air by using the water supply device 160 to make dried air and supplies the dried air to the drying duct 110 to be heated again. This supply may be generated by a pressure difference between the drying duct 110 and the condensing duct 120, which is actually caused by the operation of the blower 140. That is, the discharged air can be converted into hot and dry air through the condensing duct 120 and the drying duct 110. Accordingly, the air in the washing machine can be continuously circulated through the tub 30, the drum 40, the condensing and drying ducts 120 and 110, and the laundry can be dried. It is preferable that the end portion of the duct 100 supplying the hot and dry air, that is, the end portion communicating with the tub 30 and the drum 40 of the drying duct 110, The opening may form a discharge portion or an outlet 110a of the duct 100. [ The end of the duct 100 that receives the humid air or the tub 30 of the condensing duct 120 and the end or the opening of the drum 40 communicates with the suction port or the inlet port of the duct 100 120a may be formed.

The drying duct 110 or precisely the discharge portion 110a may be connected to the gasket 22 so as to communicate with the tub 30 and the drum 40 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2, the drying duct 110, more precisely, the discharge portion 110a may be connected to the upper region of the front portion of the tub 30. In this case, the tub 30 is provided with a suction port 31 communicating with the drying duct 110. The drum 40 is provided with a suction port 41 communicating with the drying duct through the suction port 31, Can be formed. The condensing duct 120 or the suction portion 120a may be connected to the rear portion of the tub 30. The discharge port 32 may be connected to the lower portion of the rear portion of the tub 30 to communicate with the condensing duct 70. [ Lt; / RTI > region. Due to the location of such dry and condensed ducts 110 and 120 and the connections of the tub 30 the hot and dry air is forced into the drum 40 through the front of the drum 40, To the rear portion. Precisely, the hot, dry air can flow from the upper region of the front portion of the drum to the lower region of the rear portion of the drum. That is, the hot and dry air can flow in the diagonal direction within the drum 40. As a result, the drying and condensing ducts 110 and 120 can be configured to cause the hot, dry air to completely cross the interior space of the drum 40 due to its proper mounting position. Therefore, the hot and dry air is uniformly diffused into the entire inner space of the drum 40, thereby greatly improving drying efficiency and performance.

The duct 100 accommodates various components. Thus, the duct 100, i.e., the drying and condensing ducts 110 and 120, can be made of detachable parts so that such components can be easily installed therein. Particularly, since most of the components such as the heater 130 and the blower 140 are arranged to interlock with the drying duct 110, the drying duct 110 can be made of detachable parts. Since the drying duct 110 can be disassembled in this way, the components therein can be easily removed from the drying duct 110 for maintenance. More specifically, the drying duct 110 may have a lower part 111. The lower part 111 has a substantial space therein, and the parts can be accommodated in this space. In addition, the drying duct 110 may have a cover 112 covering the lower part 111. The lower part 111 and the cover 112 may be fastened to each other using a predetermined fastening member. In addition, the duct 100 may have a separate housing 113 configured to stably accommodate the blower 140 rotating at a high speed. The housing 113 may also be made of detachable parts for easy installation and maintenance of the blower 140. The housing 113 may be a lower housing 113a for housing the blower 140 and an upper housing 113b for covering the lower housing 113a. The lower housing 113a may be formed integrally with the lower part 111 of the drying duct to reduce the number of parts of the duct 100. The lower housing 113a may be formed integrally with the lower part 111 of the drying duct. 3-5 show the lower part 111 and the lower housing 113a integrated with each other. In this case, the drying duct 110 itself can be regarded as being integrated with the housing 113, so that the drying duct 110 can also be considered to accommodate the blower 140 as well. On the other hand, the lower housing 113a may be integrally formed with the condensing duct 120. Since the drying duct 110 generates and transfers air at a high temperature, it requires high heat resistance and heat conductivity. In addition, the housing 113a must have high rigidity and strength because it must stably support the blower rotating at a high speed. Accordingly, the lower housing 113a and the lower part 111 integrated with each other can be made of a metal material. The cover 112 and the upper housing 113b are made of plastic in order to reduce the weight of the duct 110 since the requirements are satisfied by the lower housing 113a and the lower part 111 of the metal .

Furthermore, the washing machine according to the present invention can be configured to supply steam to laundry in order to provide the user with various functions. The laundry can be refreshed by removing wrinkles, static electricity, odors, etc. by the supply of steam, as already discussed above in connection with the prior art. In addition, the steam can sterilize the laundry and create an atmosphere optimized for washing. All of these functions can be performed during the basic washing course of the washing machine while the washing machine can have a separate process or course optimized to perform the respective functions. To provide steam for these functions, the washing machine may have a separate steam generator designed to generate steam only. However, on the other hand, the washing machine may also utilize mechanisms provided for other functions for supplying steam to generate and supply steam. For example, as described above, the drying mechanism includes the heater 130 providing a heat source and the duct 100 and the blower 140 providing the transfer means to the tub 30 and the drum 40 , But also for the supply of steam as well as hot air. Nevertheless, the conventional drying mechanism for steam supply is actually required to be slightly deformed, and a modified drying mechanism for such a steam supply will be described next with reference to FIGS. 3- 15. 3, 5, 9, 12, and 14 illustrate the duct 100 in which the cover 112 of the drying duct is removed to better illustrate the structure inside the duct 100. As shown in FIG.

First, a high-temperature environment suitable for generating steam for supplying steam needs to be provided. Accordingly, the heater 130 may be configured to heat the predetermined space S in the duct 100. As is known, the air itself has a low thermal conductivity, so that if the washing machine is forced from a means for forcibly moving the heat radiating from the heater 130 to other areas of the duct 100, for example, from the blower 140 The heater 130 can heat only the space itself occupied by the heater 130 and the surrounding space thereof. Accordingly, the heater 130 can heat the space in the duct 100 to a locally high temperature for supplying steam. That is, the heater 130 may heat the predetermined space S, which is a part of the space in the duct 100, to a temperature higher than the temperature of the other space in the duct. More specifically, for heating to such a relatively high temperature, the heater 130 can heat only the predetermined space S, while on the other hand, the predetermined space S is directly heated can do. In this case, the predetermined space S may include the space occupied by the heater 130 itself, that is, the space occupied by the heater 130 itself, and the space adjacent to the heater 130. That is, the predetermined space S includes the heater 130 itself. Due to the local and direct heating to a high temperature, the predetermined space S can be quickly formed into an environment suitable for steam generation.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the heater 130 may include a body 131. The body 131 is positioned substantially within the duct 100 and can generate heat for heating. To this end, the body 131 may utilize various heating mechanisms, but it may be a hot wire. More specifically, the body 131 may be a sheath heater having a waterproof structure to prevent a failure due to moisture that may be present in the duct 100. Also, the body 131 may be bent many times on the same plane to generate the maximum heat in a narrow space. The heater 130 may have a terminal 132 electrically connected to the body 131 to supply electricity to the body 131. The terminal 132 may be disposed at an end of the body 131. Such a terminal 82 may be located outside the duct 100 for connection to an external power source. A sealing member may be interposed between the body 131 and the terminal 132 and the duct 100 may be sealed to prevent leakage of air and steam in the duct 100.

The heater 130 may be fixed to the bottom of the duct 100 (more precisely, the lower part 111 of the drying duct) using the bracket 111b. In addition, a boss 111a may be provided at the bottom of the duct 100 in conjunction with the bracket 111b. The boss 111a may protrude from the bottom of the duct 100 by a predetermined length. Actually, the bosses 111a may be provided on both sides of the bottom portion of the duct 100, respectively. The bracket 111b may be fastened to the boss 111a for fixing the heater 130. [ Furthermore, the bracket 111b may be configured to support the body 131 of the heater 130. The bracket 111b extends across the body 131 to support the body 131 as shown in FIG. In addition, the bracket 111b has a bent portion that is bent in accordance with the shape of the body 131, and the body 131 can be supported by the bent portion so as not to move. The bracket 111b includes a through hole to be coupled to the boss 111a, and may be fastened to the boss 111a using a fastening member and a through hole. Therefore, when both the bracket 111b and the boss 111a are used, the heater 130 can be more stably fixed and supported in the duct 100. [ Also, since the boss 111a is spaced apart from the bottom of the duct by a predetermined distance, the heater 130 can make air flow smoothly and can contact with more air. The bracket 111b may be made of metal to withstand the heat of the body 131.

In order to generate steam in the predetermined space S, a predetermined amount of water is required. Accordingly, the nozzle 150 may be additionally provided in the duct 100 to supply water to the predetermined space S.

Generally, steam refers to the vapor phase of water produced by heating liquid water. That is, when the liquid water is heated above the critical temperature, it changes into a gas state through a phase change. On the other hand, mist refers to small water particles in a liquid state. That is, a mist is generated simply by decomposing liquid water into small particles, and does not involve phase change or heating. Therefore, the steam and the mist are clearly distinguished from each other at least in their phase and temperature, and are common in the ability to supply moisture to the object only. These mists are made of small particles, so they have a larger surface area than ordinary liquid water. Accordingly, the mist easily absorbs heat and can be changed into high temperature steam through phase change. For this reason, the washing machine of the present invention can use a nozzle 150 capable of decomposing liquid water into small particles as a means for supplying water instead of an outlet for supplying liquid water as it is. Nevertheless, the washing machine of the present invention may employ a conventional outlet to supply a small amount of water to the predetermined space S. On the other hand, by adjusting the water pressure supplied to the nozzle 150, the nozzle 150 may supply water, that is, a water jet instead of the mist. In any case, since the predetermined space S has a sufficient environment for generating steam, steam can be generated.

Water may be indirectly provided to the predetermined space S for generating steam. For example, the nozzle 150 may supply water to another space in the duct 100 instead of the predetermined space S, and the water may be supplied to the predetermined space S by the air flow provided by the blower 140 S). ≪ / RTI > However, during this transfer, the water adheres to the inner surface of the duct 100, so that all of the provided water does not reach the predetermined space S. In addition, as described above, the predetermined space S has optimum conditions for steam generation by local and direct heating, so that the supplied water can be sufficiently converted into steam.

Considering the above-mentioned reasons, the nozzle 150 can supply water directly to the predetermined space S for efficient steam generation. Also, for the same reason, the nozzle 150 can supply water only to the predetermined space S. Furthermore, the nozzle 150 can spray the mist to the predetermined space S. The predetermined space S includes the heater 130 itself so that the provision of any moisture to the predetermined space S, i.e., water or mist, . If the nozzle 150 directly injects the mist into the predetermined space S, the steam can be effectively generated while using less energy in consideration of the optimum environment formed in the predetermined space S. Further, if the direct mist spray is performed only in the predetermined space S, the generation of steam can be more effective.

The nozzle 150 may be oriented toward the predetermined space S (including the heater 130) in order to supply water directly to the predetermined space S including the heater 130. [ That is, the outlet of the nozzle 150 may be oriented toward at least the predetermined space S. In this case, the nozzle 150 may be disposed above the predetermined space S to directly supply water to the predetermined space S, or may be disposed directly below the predetermined space S below. However, the water (precisely, the mist) supplied from the nozzle 150 is diffused at a predetermined angle due to the water pressure as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, and moves a predetermined distance. On the other hand, the height of the duct 100 is considerably limited in order to make the washing machine compact. That is, the height of the predetermined space S is also limited. Accordingly, when the nozzle 150 is disposed directly above or below the predetermined space S, the water uniformly spreads over the entire space S, considering the diffusion angle and the moving distance of the nozzle 150 And thus steam may not be efficiently generated. For the same reason, such ineffective steam generation may similarly occur when the nozzle 150 is disposed on both sides of the predetermined space S.

On the other hand, the nozzle 150 may be disposed at either end of the predetermined space S, that is, at any one of the areas A and B. As described above, when the blower 140 is operated, air in the duct 100 is discharged from the blower 140 and passes through the heater 130, that is, the predetermined space S, as described above. Considering the direction of the air flow, the region A corresponds to the front portion or the suction portion of the predetermined space S in the air flow direction in the duct, and the region B corresponds to the predetermined space S, As shown in FIG. The area A and the area B may correspond to the entrance and the exit of the predetermined space S, respectively. Accordingly, the nozzle 150 may be disposed in the front portion or the suction portion (i.e., the region A) of the predetermined space S in the air flow direction in the duct. On the other hand, the nozzle 150 may be disposed in the rear portion or the discharge portion (i.e., the region B) of the predetermined space S in the air flow direction in the duct. Even when the nozzle 150 is discharged to the area A or the area B, the water supplied from the nozzle 150 may not reach all the predetermined area S, May remain outside the predetermined area S. However, if the nozzle 150 is disposed in the rear portion or the discharge portion B, the water that has not reached the predetermined space S remains in the vicinity of the rear portion or the discharge portion B. Accordingly, if the blower 140 is operated, these wafers can be supplied to the tub 30 without being transformed into steam. On the other hand, if the nozzle 150 is disposed in the front portion or the suction portion A, the water that has not reached the predetermined space S flows into the predetermined space S by the air flow supplied from the blower 140. [ (S). Therefore, by arranging the nozzles 150 in the area A, all the supplied water can be efficiently changed to steam. In this way, the nozzle 150 can be disposed in the front portion or the suction portion of the predetermined space S in the region A, i.e., the air flow direction, for efficient steam generation. The nozzle 150 disposed in the region B on the side of the air flow direction in the duct 100 supplies water in the same direction as the air flow direction while the nozzle 150 disposed in the region A, (150) supplies water in a direction opposite to the air flow direction. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the air flow direction, the nozzle 150 can supply water to the predetermined space S (including the heater) in the same direction as the air flow direction in the duct, for the same reason as discussed above. If necessary, the nozzle 150 may be positioned in the areas A and B, both sides of the predetermined space S, and areas directly above and below the predetermined space S, Or may be installed in two or more of these parts.

As discussed above, for efficient water supply and steam generation, the nozzle 150 supplies water directly to the predetermined space S and can be oriented toward the predetermined space S. For the same reason, the nozzle 150 can supply water to the predetermined space S in the same direction as the air flow direction in the duct. In order to satisfy all of these conditions, it is most preferable that the nozzle 150 is disposed in the region A, that is, the front portion or the suction portion of the predetermined space S in the air flow direction, as already determined previously. The area A corresponds to the area between the heater 130 and the blower 140 in terms of the structure of the duct 100. Accordingly, the nozzle 150 may be disposed between the heater 130 and the blower 140 in terms of the structure of the duct 100. In other words, the nozzle 150 may be disposed between the predetermined space S and a source of the air flow. Furthermore, the nozzle 150 may be disposed between the suction part of the predetermined space S and the discharge part of the blower 140. Also, as mentioned above, the water supplied from the nozzle 150 is diffused at a predetermined angle. If the nozzle 150 is disposed close to the predetermined area S, precisely the suction part of the nozzle 150, a large part of the water to be supplied is replaced with a predetermined area S (including the heater 130) And is directly supplied to the wall surface of the duct 100. Actually, since the heater 130 has the highest temperature in the predetermined region S, the fact that the supplied water directly enters and contacts the heater 130 of the predetermined region S as much as possible causes the generation of steam It is advantageous to increase the efficiency. The nozzle 150 can be arranged as far as possible from the predetermined space S so that as much water as possible can enter the predetermined space S (i.e., the heater 130) as much as possible. The water supplied in consideration of the diffusion of water can be distributed substantially entirely from the suction portion of the predetermined space S, that is, the inlet, and the efficiency of the predetermined space S The more the nozzle 150 is moved away from the predetermined area S, the closer the nozzle 150 is to the blower 140. For this reason, The nozzles 150 may be arranged close to the blower 140 and may be spaced apart from the heater 130 by a predetermined distance. The nozzle 1 50 may be disposed adjacent to the discharge portion of the blower 140. When the nozzle 150 is adjacent to the discharge portion of the blower 140, the supplied water flows through the discharged air flow, that is, 140 and may be moved farther so as to evenly contact the entirety of the predetermined area S. On the other hand, with the aid of such air flow, the nozzle 150 is provided with a high water pressure 3 and 5, for the arrangement adjacent to the discharge port of the blower 140. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, The nozzle 150 may be installed in the blower housing 113. The nozzle 150 may be installed in the detachable upper housing 113b for easy installation and maintenance. As shown in Fig. 4, The upper housing 113b includes a hole 113c and the nozzle 150 can be fitted into the hole 113c while being oriented toward the predetermined space S .

6 to 8, the nozzle 150 may include a body 151 and a head 152. The body 151 may have a generally cylindrical shape to be inserted into the hole 113c. The body 151 may have a flange 151a extending therefrom. The flange 151a has a fastening hole and can be fastened to the duct 100 by using the fastening hole. In order to reinforce the strength of the flange 151a, a rib may be formed to connect the flange 151a and the body 151, as shown in Fig. In addition, the body 151 may have a rib 151b formed on the outer periphery thereof. The rib 151b is caught by the edge of the hole 113c and prevents the nozzle 151 from being separated from the duct 100, more precisely from the upper housing 113b. The ribs 151b may also serve to determine an accurate mounting position of the nozzle 150. [

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the head 152 may include a discharge port 152a at an end thereof. The discharge port 152a can be designed so that when water having a constant water pressure is supplied, the water can be decomposed into small particles, i.e., mist. In addition, the discharge port 152a may be designed to apply additional pressure to the supplied water, so that the supplied water is diffused at a predetermined angle and can be moved at a predetermined distance. The diffusion angle a of this supplied water can be, for example, 40 °. The head 152 may have a flange 152b extending radially therefrom. Similarly, the body 151 may also have a flange 151d that faces the flange 152 and extends radially therefrom. If the body 151 and the head 152 are made of plastic, the flanges 152b and 151d are melt-joined to each other so that the body 151 and the head 152 are joined together . If the body 151 and the head 152 are made of a material different from plastic, the flanges 152b and 151d may be coupled to each other using a fastening member. 8, the head 152 may have a rib 152c formed in the flange 152b, and the body 151 may have a groove formed in the flange 151d, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 151c. ≪ / RTI > The rib 152c is inserted into the groove 151c to increase the contact area between the body 151 and the head 152. [ Accordingly, the body 151 and the head 152 can be more firmly coupled to each other. In addition, the nozzle 150, more precisely, the body 151 includes a flow path 153 for guiding water supplied therein. 7 and 8, the flow path 153 may extend spirally at an end portion of the body 151, that is, at the discharge portion. By means of this helical flow passage 153, the water swirls and reaches the head 152, so that it can be discharged from the nozzle 150 with a larger diffusion angle and a longer travel distance.

When steam is generated in the predetermined space S, the generated steam needs to be transferred not only to the tub 30 and the drum 40 but also finally to the laundry so as to perform an intended function. Accordingly, the blower 140 may blow air toward the predetermined space S (including the heater 130) to transfer the generated steam. That is, the blower 140 can supply an air flow to the predetermined space S. The generated steam moves along the duct 100 by the air flow, and finally reaches the laundry through the tub 30 and the drum 40. Such steam can perform the intended functions, for example, to refresh the laundry, sterilize the laundry, or create an optimal laundry environment.

9, 10, 12, and 14, the duct 100 may have a recess 114 having a predetermined size. The recess 114 may be configured to receive a predetermined amount of water. In order to accommodate such a predetermined amount of water, the recess 114 may be disposed at the bottom of the duct 100, and more particularly, to the lower part 112 of the drying duct. For various reasons, water may remain in the duct 100. For example, part of the water supplied from the nozzle 150 may remain in the duct 100 without being changed into steam. On the other hand, even if the supplied water is converted into steam, it may be condensed into water again due to heat exchange with the duct 100. In addition, the moisture contained in the air during the drying of a typical laundry can also be condensed by heat exchange with the duct 100. The recess 114 may collect such residual water. As shown clearly in FIG. 10, the recess 114 may have a predetermined slope to facilitate collection of the remaining water.

The recess 114 may additionally generate steam using the contained water. Heating is required to convert the contained water to steam. Accordingly, the recess 114 can be disposed directly below the heater 130 so that the received water can be heated by the heater 130. [ That is, the recess 114 can be regarded as being disposed directly below the predetermined space S. Furthermore, since the space in the recess 114 is also heated by the heater 110, the predetermined space S can be extended to the space in the recess 114. [ That is, the predetermined space S may include a space in the recess 114 as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. According to such a configuration, in addition to the steam generated from the water supplied from the nozzle 150, the water in the recess 114 can be converted into steam by the heating of the heater 130. Therefore, a substantially larger amount of steam can be supplied, and the intended function can be performed more effectively.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the heater 130 may be configured to directly heat the water in the recess 114. For this direct heating, a portion of the heater 130 may be submerged in the water in the recess 114. That is, the heater 130 may be in direct contact with the water in the recess 114. The heater 130 may be submerged in the recess 114 in various ways, but a portion of the heater 130 may be bent toward the recess, as shown in FIGS. In other words, the heater 130 may have a water-bending portion 131a in the recess 114. [

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 12-15, the heater 130 may indirectly heat the water in the recess 114. 12 and 13, the heater 130 is mounted on the heater 130, and a heat sink 133 immersed in the water in the recess 114 is heated As a member. The heat sink 133 has a plurality of fins as shown and has a structure suitable for heat dissipation. Accordingly, the heat of the heater 130 is transferred to the water in the recess 114 through the heat sink 133. [ 14 to 15, the heater 130 may have a supporting portion 111c extending from a bottom portion of the recess 114 as a heating member and supporting the heater 130 . As described above, the lower part 111 may be made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity and strength. In this case, the support part 111c may be made of the same metal material as the lower part 111 . The support portion 111c may have a groove for receiving the heater 130 to stably support the heater 130 and have a wide heat transfer area. Accordingly, the heat of the heater 130 is transmitted to the water in the recess 114 through the support portion 111c. The heater 130 is indirectly brought into contact with the water in the recess 114 by the heat sink 133 and the supporting portion 111c, that is, the heating member. More specifically, the heating members 133 and 111c thermally couple the water in the recess 130 and the heater 130, and can heat the water using the heat of the heater.

By the bending portion 131a and the heating members 113 and 112c mentioned above, the heater 130 directly or indirectly contacts the water in the recess 114 and can heat the water more effectively. Without such a structure for direct or indirect contact, the heater 130 can heat water in the recess 114 and generate steam by heat transfer through the air.

Using the steam supply mechanism described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 15, steam is supplied to the washing machine, for example, the refreshment of the laundry, the sterilization of the laundry, and the creation of the laundry atmosphere can be performed. In addition, many other functions may be performed by appropriately controlling the timing of the steam supply, the steam supply amount, and the like, for example. All of these functions can be performed during the basic washing course of the washing machine. On the other hand, the washing machine may have a separate course that is optimized to perform the respective functions. As a separate course as described above, a course optimized for refreshing laundry using steam will be described with reference to Figs. 16 - 17. In order to control such a refresh course, the washing machine of the present invention may include a predetermined control device. The control device is configured to control not only the refresh course to be described later but also all the courses that can be implemented in the washing machine of the present invention. Further, all the operations of each component of the washing machine including the steam supply mechanism described above can be performed or stopped by such a control device. Therefore, all the functions of the steam supply mechanism described above and all the steps of the control method described below are under the control of the control device.

First, in the refresh course, the predetermined space S may be heated (S3). Such heating can be performed by the heater 130 among various devices. This heating step S3 can basically create a high-temperature environment suitable for generating steam.

The predetermined space S means a predetermined space predetermined for steam generation as previously defined. If no other external change is given, the heater 130 heats only the space itself and its surrounding space due to the low thermal conductivity of the air. Accordingly, in the heating step S3, the space of the duct 100 can be locally heated to a high temperature by using the heater 130. That is, the heating step S3 may heat the predetermined space S, which is a part of the space inside the duct 100, to a temperature higher than the temperature of another space in the duct. In this case, the predetermined space S may include the heater 130 itself (more precisely, the space occupied by the heater 130 itself) and the surrounding space heated by the heater 130. That is, the predetermined space S includes the heater 130 itself, and all operations performed in the predetermined space S may be performed for the heater 130 in the same manner. More specifically, in order to effectively perform heating at such a relatively high temperature, the heating step S3 may heat the predetermined space S using the heater 130 only. Furthermore, for the same purpose, the heating step S3 may directly heat the predetermined space S using the heater 130. [ Thus, the heating step S3 can be quickly formed into an environment suitable for steam generation of the predetermined space S, based on local and direct heating to a high temperature. In addition, the heating step S3 requires only heating for a considerably short time, since it only heats the minimum space required for steam generation, i.e., the predetermined space (S). Thus, the heating step S3 utilizes instantaneous heating as well as local and direct heating, thus minimizing energy use. This heating can be performed at least for a part of the heating step S3 if the predetermined environment for the intended steam production can be formed. Further, preferably, the heating may be performed during the whole period of the heating step (S3).

If an external change is given to the predetermined space S during the heating step S3, for example, when the predetermined space S is given to the air flow, the heat emitted from the heater 130 is transmitted to the duct 0.0 > 100, < / RTI > and may unnecessarily heat such other areas. Thus, local and momentary heating can become impossible. Further, it is difficult to make an environment suitable for steam generation in the predetermined space S, and excessive use of energy may be expected. For this reason, it is preferable that the heating step (S3) is performed without supplying the air flow to the predetermined space (S). Further, when the air flow is performed throughout the duct system, that is, when the air is circulated through the duct 100 and the tubs 30, the above-described result becomes more conspicuous. Therefore, the heating step S3 may be performed without air circulation using the duct 100. [ Meanwhile, the predetermined space S may not be sufficiently heated during the heating step S3, that is, before the completion of the heating step S3. If water is supplied to the predetermined space S during the heating step S3, a large amount of water is not converted into steam and a desired amount of steam may not be generated. Therefore, the heating step S3 may be performed without supplying water to the predetermined space S. The exclusion of the air flow supply and / or the water supply can preferably be maintained during the entire period of the heating step S3. However, the exclusion of the air flow supply and / or the water supply may be maintained only during a part of the heating step S3.

Such exclusion of air flow supply and water supply can be accomplished by various methods. However, the components in the steam supply mechanism, i.e., the duct 100 device, can be controlled primarily to perform this exclusion. For example, the blower 140 is a major component that can generate air flow and air circulation. Thus, as shown in FIG. 17, the blower 140 may be stopped during the heating step S3 to exclude the supply of air flow to the predetermined space S. Further, as described above, the nozzle 150 is a main component for supplying water in the duct 100. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 17, the nozzle 150 may be stopped during the heating step S3 to avoid water supply to the predetermined space S. It is preferable that the operation stop of the blower 140 and the nozzle 150 is continuously maintained during the entire period of the heating step S3. However, the operation stop of the blower 140 and the nozzle 150 may be maintained only during a part of the heating step S3. Meanwhile, the heater 130 may be continuously operated during the entire period of the heating step S3. Further, the heater 130 may be operated during a part of the heating step S3.

As discussed above, the air flow supply basically prevents the formation of an optimal high temperature environment for steam production. Since this environment formation is most important in the heating step S3, it is important that the heating step S3 is performed at least without supplying air flow. Further, in consideration of the quality of the steam to be additionally generated, the heating step S3 may be performed without supplying water as well as supplying air flow. However, in spite of the importance of air flow rejection, the heating step S3 may be performed while excluding the water supply without excluding the air flow. For these reasons, the heating step S3 may include at least stopping the blower 140. In addition, the heating step S3 may include stopping the blower 140 and the nozzle 150. Furthermore, the heating step S3 may be a step of stopping only the nozzle 150 without stopping the blower 140. The heater 130 can be continuously operated during the entire period of the heating step S3 even during the selective stoppage of the blower 140 and / or the nozzle 150. [ 17, only the heater 130 among the heater 130, the blower 150, and the nozzle 150, which are the main components of the steam supply mechanism, continuously operates during the heating step S3 . Nevertheless, the heater 130 may only be operated during some period of the heating step S3 if the predetermined environment for the intended steam production, i.e., the high temperature environment, can be achieved.

Referring to FIG. 17, the heating step S3 may be performed for substantially 20 seconds, which is a substantially short time. However, since the heating step S3 performs local and direct heating only on the predetermined space S, it is possible to minimize the use of energy even in such a short time, .

When the heating step S3 is completed, water is supplied to the heated predetermined space S (S4). This water supply can be accomplished by the nozzle 150 of various devices. This water supply step S4 may provide a material for steam generation in the preformed environment of the predetermined space S.

Water may be indirectly provided to the predetermined space S using the nozzle 150 for generating steam. Also, an indirect supply of water may utilize a device other than the nozzle 150, for example a conventional outlet. For example, water can be supplied to other spaces in the duct 100, not the predetermined space S, by using various devices, and the water can be supplied to the predetermined space S ) For steam generation. However, during this transfer, the water adheres to the inner surface of the duct 100, so that all of the supplied water may not reach the predetermined space S. On the other hand, the predetermined space S has optimal conditions for steam generation by local and direct heating, as described above. Therefore, the water supply step S4 may directly supply the water to the predetermined space S using the nozzle 150. [ Also, for the same reason, the water supply step S4 may supply water only to the predetermined space S using the nozzle 150. This water supply can be performed at least for a part of the water supply step S4 if a sufficient amount of steam can be produced as intended. Preferably, however, the water supply may be performed during the entire period of the water supply step S4.

As previously defined, steam refers to the vapor phase of water produced by heating liquid water, while mist refers to small water particles in the liquid state. Such a mist can easily absorb heat and be transformed into a high-temperature steam through a phase change. For this reason, the water supply step S4 may spray the mist toward the predetermined space S using the nozzle 150. 6-8, the nozzle 150 can be optimally designed to generate and feed mist. By supplying the mist, the water supply step (S4) can efficiently generate a sufficient amount of steam in the predetermined space (S). On the other hand, by adjusting the water pressure supplied to the nozzle 150, the nozzle 150 may supply water, i.e., a water stream or a water jet instead of the mist. Even in this case, since the predetermined space S has a sufficient environment for generating steam, steam can be generated. Since the predetermined space S includes the heater 130 itself as described above, the provision of any moisture, i.e., water or mist, to the predetermined space S in the water supply step S4 And supplying moisture to the heater 130. If the water supply step S4 spray mist directly to the predetermined space S using the nozzle 150, considering the optimum environment created in the predetermined space S, It can be made efficiently while using energy. Further, if the water supply step S4 is performed only in the predetermined space S, the generation of steam can be more efficient.

During the water supply step S4, a sufficient amount of water has not yet been supplied, so that a sufficient amount of steam may not be generated as intended. If an air flow is supplied to the predetermined space S during the water supply step S4, an insufficient amount of steam can be supplied to the tub 30 with this air flow. In addition, since it takes a certain time until the supplied water is converted into steam, a large amount of liquid water may still exist in the predetermined space S during the water supply step S4. If the air flow is supplied during the water supply step S4 as mentioned above, a considerable amount of liquid water can be carried in the air flow with the steam and supplied to the tub 30. [ That is, the supply of the air flow in the water supply step S4 may degrade the quality of the steam supplied to the tub 30, so that the intended function may not be effectively performed. Therefore, the water supply step S4 may be performed without supplying the air flow to the predetermined space S. Further, when the air flow is performed throughout the duct system, that is, when the air is circulated through the duct 100 and the tubs 30, the above-described results may be more conspicuous. Therefore, the water supply step S4 may be performed without air circulation for the same reason. This air flow / circulation supply exclusion is preferably maintained for the entire period of the water supply step S5, but may be maintained for only a part of the water supply step S5. On the other hand, the water supplied during the water supply step S4 absorbs energy, i.e., heat, in the predetermined space S, so that the temperature of the predetermined space S is lowered. Due to such a temperature drop, the predetermined space S may not have an optimal environment for generating steam, so that a sufficient amount of steam can not be generated due to the presence of a considerable amount of liquid water, . Therefore, in order to continuously maintain the optimum environment for steam generation during the water supply step S4, the heating of the predetermined space S is also preferable in the water supply step S4. For this reason, the water supply step (S4) may be performed together with heating for the predetermined space (S). In this case, the heating may be performed at least during a part of the water supply step (S4), and further, during the entire water supply step (S4). Nevertheless, since the predetermined space S has been heated sufficiently beforehand, steam can be generated in the water supply step S4 without additional heating. Therefore, the water supply step S4 may be performed without additional heating.

Such exclusion and / or heating of the air flow supply can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but can be easily accomplished by controlling the components in the steam supply mechanism, i.e., the duct 100 device. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the blower 140 may be stopped during the water supply step S4 to prevent the supply of the air flow to the predetermined space S. Such an operation stoppage of the blower 140 may preferably be continuously maintained throughout the entire period of the water supply step S4. However, it is also possible to keep this operation stop for a part of the water supply step S4. Also, as described above, the heater 130 is a main component for heating the predetermined space S. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the heater 130 can be operated during the water supply step (S4) for heating required to maintain the optimum environment of the predetermined space (S). In this case, the heater 130 may be operated during at least a part of the water supply step S4, and preferably also during the entire period of the water supply step S4. Also, as noted above, for additional waterless water supply step S4, the heater 130 may be stopped during the water supply step S4. The operation stop of the heater 130 may be continuously maintained during the entire period of the water supply step S4. On the other hand, preferably, the nozzle 140 can be continuously operated during the entire period of the water supply step S4. However, if a sufficient amount of steam can be produced as intended, the heater 130 may be operated only during a portion of the heating step S3.

As discussed above, the air flow supply basically prevents the production of a sufficient amount of steam with good quality. Since steam generation is most important in the water supply step S4, it is important that the water supply step S4 is performed at least without supplying air flow. Further, in consideration of the steam generating environment, the water supplying step S4 may be performed together with the heating without supplying the air flow. However, in spite of the importance of the steam generating environment, the water supply step S4 may be carried out while excluding heating additionally to the exclusion of the air flow. For these reasons, the water supply step (S4) may include at least stopping the blower (140). In addition, the water supply step S4 may include operating the heater 150 while stopping the blower 140. Further, the water supply step S4 may include a step of stopping both the blower 140 and the heater 130.

Since the size of the predetermined space S is limited, if too much water is supplied for a substantially long period of time, all of such water is difficult to be converted into steam. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 17, the water supply step S4 may be performed for 10 seconds, which is shorter than the heating step S3. By this short-time water supply step S4, an appropriate amount of water can be supplied to the predetermined space S and converted to steam all at once.

When the water supply step S4 is completed, air may be blown toward the predetermined space S to move the generated steam (S5). That is, an air flow may be supplied to the predetermined space S so that the generated steam is supplied to the tub 30 (S5). The supply of such an air flow may be performed by the blower 140 among various devices.

The generated steam is moved along the duct 100 by this air flow, and is supplied to the tub 30 primarily. Thereafter, the steam can reach the laundry finally through the drum 40. Such steam can perform the intended functions, for example, to refresh the laundry, sterilize the laundry, or create an optimal laundry environment. If the supplied air flow can transfer all or a sufficient amount of the generated steam to the tub 30, such air supply can be performed during a part of the air supply step S5. Also, the air supply may be performed during the entire period of the heating step S3.

If water is supplied during the air flow supply step S5, the supplied water is directly conveyed by the air flow. Since the supplied water can not stay in the predetermined area S for a sufficient time, all of the supplied water is not converted into steam and a considerable amount of liquid water is supplied to the tub 30 as it is. That is, the quality of the steam may be deteriorated. Therefore, the air flow supply step S5 may be performed without supplying water to the predetermined space S. On the other hand, when the heating is performed in the air flow supply step S4 without the water supply, that is, when the heater 130 is continuously operated, the heater 130 may be overheated. Therefore, the air flow supply step S5 may be performed without heating the predetermined space S. The exclusion of the water supply and / or heating may preferably be performed during the entire period of the air flow supply step S5. Nevertheless, it is also possible that this exclusion is performed only for a part of the period of the air flow supply step S5.

Such exclusion of water supply and / or heating can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but can be easily accomplished by controlling the components in the steam supply mechanism, i.e., the duct 100 device. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the nozzle 150 may be stopped during the air flow supply step S5 to exclude water supply to the predetermined space S. Also, the heater 130 may be stopped during the air supply step S5 to avoid overheating. It is preferable that the operation stop of the heater 130 and the nozzle 150 is continuously maintained during the entire period of the air flow supply step S5. However, the operation stop of the heater 130 and the nozzle 150 may be maintained only during a part of the air flow supply step S5. Meanwhile, the blower 140 may be continuously operated during the entire period of the air supply step S5. In addition, the blower 140 may be operated during a part of the air supply step S5.

As discussed above, the water supply ultimately makes it difficult to transfer the steam of good quality to the tub 30. Since this good quality steam transfer is most important in the air supply step S5, it is important that the air supply step S5 is performed at least without supplying water. Also, for prevention and safety of parts failure, the air flow supply step (S5) can be performed as well as water supply without heating. However, in spite of the importance of water supply exclusion, the air flow supply step S5 may be performed while excluding heating only without excluding the water supply. For these reasons, the air flow supply step (S5) may include at least stopping the nozzle (150). In addition, the air flow supply step S5 may include a step of stopping the nozzle 150 and the heater 130. Further, the air flow supply step S5 may be a step of stopping the heater 130 without stopping the operation of the nozzle 150. The blower 140 can be continuously operated during the entire period of the air flow supply step S5 even when the nozzle 150 and / or the heater 130 are selectively stopped. 17, only the blower 140 among the heater 130, the blower 150, and the nozzle 150, which are the main components of the steam supply mechanism, is continuously supplied during the air flow supplying step S3 Can be operated. Nevertheless, the blower 140 may be operated only during a portion of the feeding step S5 if the supplied air flow can transfer all or a sufficient amount of the generated steam to the tub 30 .

On the other hand, water may be generated in the tub 30 by the steam supplied in the air flow supply step S5. For example, the tub 30 / drum 40 and the air therein have a relatively low temperature compared to the steam supplied. Thus, the supplied steam can be condensed as water by performing heat exchange with the tub 30 / drum 40 and the air therein. Also, in the duct 100, the steam can be condensed while being supplied by heat exchange, and the condensed water can be supplied to the tub 30 again by air flow. Thus, the condensed water may finally collect in the tub 30. If the sump 33 is provided in the tub 30, as shown in FIG. 2, the condensed water may be collected in the sump 33. Such condensed water may rewet the laundry and hinder the intended function by steam supply. For this reason, the water generated by the steam supply during the air supply step (S5) may be discharged from the tub 30. In order to discharge such water, a drain pump 90 can be operated as shown in Fig. When the drain pump 90 is operated, the water in the sump 33 can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drain port 33b and the drain pipe 91. [ The discharge of such water may be performed during the entire period of the air flow supply step S5. Further, if water can be discharged quickly, the discharge of the water may be performed only for a part of the period of the air flow supply step (S5). Likewise, the drain pump 90 may be operated during the entire period of the air flow supply step S5, or may be operated during a part of the period.

Since the size of the predetermined space S is limited, a great deal of time is not required to supply all of the steam generated in the predetermined space S to the tub 30. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the air flow supply step S5 may be performed for 5 seconds which is shorter than the water supply step S4. Since the above steps S3-S5 efficiently perform each function intended for each step as described above, their execution times can be gradually shortened as shown in FIG. 17, Is minimized.

As described above, the heating step (S3), the water supply step (S4), and the air flow supply step (S5) are functionally linked to each other for supplying the steam. Thus, as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, these steps S3-S5 form one process in terms of its function, namely the steam supply process P2. The removal of the refresh effect, that is, the wrinkling, the static electricity, the smell, etc., can be achieved by supplying only a sufficient amount of steam. As described above, since the steam supply process P2 can already generate a sufficient amount of steam, the steam supply process P2 can perform the refresh function intended by itself without the additional steps to be described later. Also, the set of steps S3-S5, that is, the steam supply process may be repeated a number of times, so that more steam can be continuously supplied to the tub 30 to maximize the refresh effect. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the steam supply process P2 may be repeated preferably 18 times. Since it takes 35 seconds to perform the steam supply process (P2) once, it takes about 10 minutes (exactly 10 minutes 30 seconds) to perform it 18 times.

The steam supply process P2 distinguishes in detail the functions and operations required for the steam supply, and imparts these separate functions and operations to the steps S3-S5. As already described above, the heating step (S3), the water supply step (S4) and the air flow supply step (S5) mainly perform only the operation associated with the intended function to effectively perform each intended function Accordingly, only the associated parts are mainly operated. Also, for the same reason, the steps S3-S5 may not selectively perform operations that are not related to the intended function, and thus may not selectively activate components associated with such an operation. For example, the heating step S3 may eliminate both or all of the air flow supply and / or the water supply. In this case, the water supply mainly corresponds to the function of the water supply step (S4), and the air flow supply mainly corresponds to the function of the air flow supply step (S5). Therefore, when the air flow supply and / or the water supply are excluded in the heating step S3, the water supply step S4 and / or the air flow supply step S5 are not performed during the heating step S3 It can be understood that it is not. In addition, the water supply step S4 may selectively exclude the air flow supply. On the other hand, the heating may be performed during the water supply step (S4). Here, the heating mainly corresponds to the function of the heating step (S4). Therefore, if the air flow is not supplied in the water supply step S4 but the heating is performed, the air flow supply step S5 is not performed during the water supply step S4, but the heating step S3 is performed . ≪ / RTI > Finally, the air flow supply step (S5) may or may not exclude both water supply and / or heating. Therefore, when the water supply and / or heating is excluded in the air flow supply step S5, the heating step S3 and / or the water supply step S4 are performed during the air flow supply step S5 It can be understood that it does not. That is, the air flow supply step S5 is not performed until the heating step S3 and the water supply step S4 are completed, and the air flow supply step S5 is performed only in the heating step S3 and Can be performed only after the water supply step S4 is completed. In the steam supply process P2, the heating, the water supply, and the air flow supply may be performed simultaneously for a predetermined time, despite the performance of the originally intended optional function and operation described above. That is, the heater 130, the nozzle 150, and the blower 140 may be simultaneously operated for a predetermined time. Even in this case, steam can be generated and supplied in the process P2.

As described above, the steam supply process P2 has an independent function of generating and supplying steam. Therefore, although the process P2 has been described above as a part of the refresh course, it can be applied to a basic laundry course or other individual course.

On the other hand, if the washing machine itself including the steam supply mechanism can be prepared in advance for the steam supply, the steam supply process P2 (S3-S5) can be performed more efficiently. Thus, steps for such preparation are described next. In all the steps described below as well as in the preparation steps and the described steps S3-S5, if a function is described to be performed or excluded, it is basically possible to perform such a function and a function exclusion May be maintained for a predetermined entire period of the stage, and may also be maintained for some period of the stage. Likewise, the same logic applies when a component associated with such a function is described as operating or shutting down. Furthermore, if no function and / or operation of the part is described, this may mean that the function is not performed in the step and that the part is not working, that is, it is stopped.

First, as a preparation step, the duct 100 may be preliminarily heated (S2) prior to the heating step S3. The preliminary heating step S2 may be performed by various methods, but may be performed by circulating hot air in the duct 100 and the tub 30 connected thereto. This circulation of air can also be easily achieved by using the components in the duct 100 forming the steam supply mechanism. For example, referring to FIG. 17, the blower 140 and the heater 130 may be operated to circulate hot air. When the heater 130 emits heat, the heat is transferred along the duct 100 by the air flow provided by the blower 140. This heat can circulate along with the air flow while heating adjacent parts as well as air. More specifically, such circulating heat and air flow can heat the tub 30 and the drum 40 itself as well as the duct 100 (including the steam supply mechanism) as well as the air therein entirely. That is, while the heating step S3 locally heats only the predetermined space S, the preliminary heating step S2 may substantially heat the entire washing machine system. In addition, while the heating step S3 directly heats the predetermined space S, the preliminary heating step S2 uses air circulation, so that the entire washing machine system can be indirectly heated.

As described above, since the entire duct 100 is primarily heated by the pre-heating step S2, the steam supplied by the steam supplying process P2 (S3-S5) Condensation in the duct 100 can be prevented before reaching the drum 40. Since the tub 30 and the drum 40 are also heated as a whole, the preheating step S2 can prevent the provided steam from condensing in the tub 30 and the drum 40. [ Therefore, since a sufficient amount of steam is supplied without unnecessary loss, the intended function can be effectively performed. This preliminary heating step S2 may be performed, for example, for 30 seconds, as shown in Fig.

Further, as described above, the water remaining in the washing machine, particularly the duct 100, the tub 30 and the drum 40, may interfere with the function intended by the steam supply. In addition, the remaining water can induce rapid condensation of the supplied steam, and the laundry can be re-wetted. For these reasons, prior to the preheating step S2, the water remaining in the washing machine may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine (S1). For the performance of the discharging step S1, the drain pump 90 can be operated as shown in Fig. When the drain pump 90 is operated, water in the tub 30 can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drain port 33b and the drain pipe 91. [ In the circulation step S1, the unheated air, that is, the air at room temperature, is introduced into the duct 100, the tub 30, And finally to the bottom of the tub 30, and more particularly, to the bottom of the tub 30, while circulating through the drum 30 and the drum 40, 2, if the sump 33 is provided at the bottom of the tub 30, all of the remaining water may be collected in the sump 33. In this case, Therefore, the water remaining by this circulation step S1 can be discharged more effectively. In addition, the surface of the heater 130 can be cleaned by the air flow supplied during this circulation step S1. During the repeated operation of the washing machine, the surface of the heater 130 may be impregnated with an impurity such as a lint or the like, and such impurities may interfere with the operation of the heater. However, since these impurities are removed by the circulation step S1, the stable operation of the heater 130 in the following steps, particularly in the steam supply process P2, is ensured. Further, in the circulation step S1, the air flow may cool the heater 130 as a whole. Accordingly, the temperature of the surface of the heater 130 becomes uniform as a whole, so that the heater 130 can operate more stably and effectively in the following steps. As described above, since the circulation step S1 does not require the heating of the circulating air, only the blower 130 is allowed to flow at a normal temperature without operating the heater 130 in the circulation step S1 Can be operated.

The discharging step and the circulating step are preferably performed together, but they may be carried out separately from each other. The draining and / or circulating step S1 may be performed, for example, for 30 seconds, as shown in Fig.

As described above, the discharge / circulation step S1 and the preheating step S2 can create an optimal environment for the following steps S3-S5, i.e., the steam supply process P2. That is, the steps S1 and S2 perform the function of providing preparation for the steam supply process P2. Thus, as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, these steps S1 and S2 form a process, that is, a preparation process P2, in terms of their functions. The preparation process P1 is substantially supplementary to the steam supply process P2 by creating an optimal environment for steam generation and supply. Therefore, if the process P2 is independently applied to supply steam to a basic laundry course or other individual course rather than to the refresh course as mentioned above, the process P1 may also be applied to such courses Can be applied together with the process P2 described above.

On the other hand, the steam supplied in the steam supply process P2 can refresh the laundry by removing the wrinkles, odors, and static electricity of the laundry due to its high temperature and moisture, as intended. Nevertheless, in order to maximize the effect of such a refresh function, a predetermined post-processing may be additionally required. In addition, since the supplied steam supplies moisture to the laundry, a post-treatment for removing moisture from the refreshed laundry may be required for convenience of the user.

With this post-treatment, after the air supply step (S5), the first drying step (S6) is performed first. As is known, in order to wrinkle the fibers, a process of rearrangement of the fibers is required. In order to rearrange the fiber structure, a predetermined amount of moisture is firstly supplied and the moisture in the fiber is slowly removed for a sufficient time. That is, the deformation of the fiber textures can be smoothly restored to the original state only when water is slowly removed. If the fibers are dried at too high a temperature, only water will be removed from the fibers rapidly and the fibers will remain deformed. For this reason, in order to slowly remove moisture, the first drying step (S6) may be configured to dry the laundry while heating the laundry at a relatively low temperature. That is, the first drying step (S6) may substantially correspond to low temperature drying.

The first drying step S6 may be performed by various methods, but may be performed by supplying air heated to a relatively low temperature to the tub 30 for a predetermined time. The supplied heated air can finally be supplied to the laundry in the drum 40. This heated air supply can be easily achieved using the components in the duct 100 forming the steam supply mechanism. For example, referring to FIG. 17, the blower 140 and the heater 130 may be operated to supply heated air. When the heater 130 emits heat, this heat heats the surrounding air, and the heated air can be moved along the duct 100 by the air flow provided by the blower 140. This heated air can reach the laundries via the tub 30 and the drum 40 along with the air flow. In addition, if the heater 130 is continuously operated, the temperature of the supplied air is continuously increased, and accordingly, it is difficult to maintain the temperature at a relatively low temperature. Therefore, in order to supply air heated to a relatively low temperature, the heater 130 may be operated intermittently. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, the heater 130 is operated for 30 seconds, can be stopped for 40 seconds, and the operation and stop can be repeated. Furthermore, for the supply of air heated to a relatively low temperature, the temperature of the air or the heater 130 can be directly controlled. For example, if the air temperature of the duct 100 or the temperature of the heater 130 is 58 ° C, the heater 130 may be operated. Also, if the air temperature of the duct 100 or the temperature of the heater 130 is 63 ° C, the heater 130 may be stopped.

Since the air heated to a relatively low temperature is supplied to the laundry by the above-described first drying step (S6), the fiber texture of the laundry is slowly dried and rearranged. Accordingly, the laundry can be restored so as not to include wrinkles and creases. This paper 1 drying step (S6) may be performed, for example, for 9 minutes, as shown in Fig. 17, so that the laundry is slowly dried for a sufficient time.

Further, since the laundry is wet by the supplied steam, it is necessary to remove water from the laundry. Therefore, after the first drying step (S6), the second drying step (S7) is performed. In order to remove the moisture from the laundry in a short period of time, the second drying step (S7) may be configured to dry the laundry at a high temperature, that is, at a temperature higher than at least the first drying step. That is, the second drying step (S7) may correspond to the high temperature drying as compared with the first drying step (S7).

This second drying step (S7) can be performed by various methods, but can be performed by supplying air having a considerably high temperature to the tub (30) for a predetermined time. At least the second drying step (S7) may supply air having a temperature higher than the air temperature of the first drying step (S6). For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the blower 140 and the heater 130 may be operated to supply air heated to a high temperature, as in the first heating step S6. Unlike the intermittent operation of the first drying step (S6), the heater 130 can be continuously operated for continuous supply of high temperature air. However, the heater 130 may be overheated while the heater 130 is continuously operated. Therefore, in order to prevent the heater 130 from overheating, the temperature of the air or the heater 130 may be directly controlled. For example, when the air temperature of the duct 100 or the temperature of the heater 130 reaches 95 ° C, the heater 130 may be stopped. Meanwhile, when the air temperature of the duct 100 or the temperature of the heater 130 reaches 90 ° C, the heater 130 can be operated again.

Since the air heated to a high temperature is supplied to the laundry by the second drying step (S7) described above, the laundry can be completely dried in a short time. The second drying step S7 may be performed for one minute, for example, shorter than the first drying step S6, as shown in Fig. That is, the period of the first drying step (S6) is longer than that of the second drying step (S7).

As described above, the first and second drying steps S6 and S7 are associated with each other to provide a drying function as a sort of post-treatment. Thus, as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, these steps S6 and S7 form a process, i.e., a drying process P3, in terms of their functions.

The laundry after the drying steps S6 and S7 has a high temperature by heating by the heated air. Accordingly, the user may be burnt by the laundry, and can not immediately dry the laundry even though the moisture has been removed. For this reason, after the second drying step (S7), the laundry may be cooled (S8). More specifically, the cooling step (S8) may supply unheated air to the laundry. For example, only the blower 130 can be operated for the flow of room-temperature air without the operation of the heater 130 in the cooling step S8 to supply unheated air. Unheated air, that is, air at room temperature, can be finally supplied to the laundry while moving through the duct 100, the tub 30, and the drum 40. The supplied normal-temperature air can cool the laundry by heat exchange with the laundry. Therefore, the user can directly wear the refreshing laundry, so that the convenience of the user is increased. In addition, the supplied air at room temperature can cool the duct 100, the tub 30, and the drum 40 as well as the entire components of the washing machine to some extent. Therefore, it is also possible to substantially prevent the user from wearing the image. The cooling step S8 may be performed for four minutes, for example, as shown in Fig. Since this cooling step S8 performs an independent function, it can be regarded as one cooling process P4, like the other processes defined above. If necessary, as shown in FIG. 17, after the cooling step S8, the laundry and the washing machine may be naturally cooled under the air at room temperature for a predetermined time.

The laundry may be scrambled in at least one of the steps S1-S8 described above. For this mixing, the drum 40 can be rotated, as shown in Fig. For example, the drum 40 can be continuously rotated in one direction, and the laundry is lifted up to a predetermined height by a lifter provided in the drum 40, and then dropped repeatedly. That is, the laundry is tumble. Since the laundry and the laundry in the drum 40 have a considerable weight, the inertia also greatly affects them. Therefore, the drum 40 need not be continuously powered by the motor to rotate. Even if the motor is stopped, the drum 40 and the laundry can be rotated for a predetermined time by inertia. Therefore, during rotation of the drum 40, the motor can be operated intermittently. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the motor can be operated for 16 seconds to stop energy and to stop for 4 seconds. By the rotation of the drum 40, the laundry is well mixed and can help the functions intended in each step S1-S7 to be performed effectively. Therefore, the shuffling of the laundry, that is, the rotation of the drum 40, can be continuously performed during all the steps S1-S7. Also, if the laundry can be well decayed, the motion of the other drum 40 can also be applied.

The refresh course shown in Figs. 16 and 17 can be completed by continuously performing the above-mentioned courses (S1-S8). In view of the functional aspect, the steam supply process P2 can efficiently generate sufficient high-quality steam by optimally controlling the steam supply mechanism, thereby mainly performing the intended function of the refresh course. The preparation process P1 forms an optimal environment for steam generation and the drying and cooling processes P3 and P4 are post treatment or cooling processes such as drying and cooling, additinal treatment. By appropriate association of these processes, the refresh course can effectively perform the intended function such as wrinkles, odors, and static elimination.

On the other hand, if the nozzle 150 abnormally operates or fails, the amount of water supplied to the predetermined space S in the water supply step S4 of the steam supply process P2 is less than a predetermined amount , The supply of water may be interrupted. Unlike other components, abnormal operation or failure of the nozzle 150 may immediately cause the heater 150 to overheat, which may further damage the washing machine. Abnormal operation or failure of the nozzle 150 directly affects the amount of water supplied to the predetermined space S (hereinafter referred to as " water supply amount ") as described above, Can be judged. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 18, the refresh course may further include a step (S9) of judging the water supply amount in the water supply step (S3). A refresh course including this water amount determination step S9 will be described next with reference to Figs. In the modified refresh course of FIG. 18, most of the steps are the same as those described above with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, and thus only the water amount determination step S9 and the steps related thereto are mainly described.

The water supply amount determination step (S9) can directly measure the actual amount of water supplied for accurate determination. However, this direct method requires a relatively expensive apparatus, which can increase the production cost of the washing machine. Therefore, the water supply amount determination step S9 may be performed by determining whether only a sufficient amount of water is supplied in the water supply step S4. That is, the determination step S9 may adopt an indirect method in the determination of the water supply amount. The water supplied in the water supply step S4 is changed into steam, thereby increasing the temperature of the air in the duct 100. More specifically, for example, if water is supplied in a predetermined amount, a sufficient amount of steam may be generated and the air temperature in the duct 100 may be increased to a certain level. On the other hand, if the water supply is reduced or the water supply is stopped, a relatively small amount of steam will be generated and the air temperature will increase to a relatively low level. Considering these results, the water supply amount has a correlation with the temperature rise amount of the air in the duct 100. That is, a large water supply leads to a large temperature increase, and a relatively small water supply also results in a relatively small temperature increase. Therefore, in this indirect determination, the determination step S9 can determine the water supply amount in the water supply step S4 based on the temperature increase amount in the duct 100 for a predetermined period.

Since the air in the predetermined space S is heated not only by the steam but also by the heater 130, the amount of temperature increase of the air by the steam alone may not be accurately measured in the predetermined space S. On the other hand, the space in the duct 100 outside the predetermined space S can accurately reflect the temperature increase of only the steam. As described above, the generated steam is discharged from the predetermined space S together with the air flow provided in the air flow supply step S5, and heats the space in the duct 100, not the predetermined space S . Therefore, in order to measure the accurate temperature increase amount, the determination step S9 may measure the temperature increase amount of the air discharged from the predetermined space S for the predetermined period. That is, the determination step S9 is located outside the predetermined space S and is mixed with the discharged steam, whereby the temperature increase amount of the heated air is measured. Since the discharged air and steam enter the discharge portion 110a of the duct, the determination step S9 can measure the increase in the temperature of the air at the discharge port 110a of the duct. Actually, for the drying control of the laundry, the discharging portion 110a may be equipped with a sensor for measuring the temperature of circulating hot air. In this case, the sensor can be used not only in the drying steps S6 and S7 (including the usual laundry drying step) but also in the determining step S9. Therefore, the above-described judgment step S9 is very advantageous in reducing the production cost of the washing machine. Further, the determination step S9 may be performed after completion of the water supply and air supply steps S4 and S5. However, in order to quickly determine the abnormal operation of the nozzle, the determination step S9 may be performed during the water supply and air supply steps S4 and S5, that is, during these steps. That is, the predetermined period during which the determination step S9 is performed may be a predetermined period in the water supply step S4 and the air supply step S5. For example, the steam generated during the water supply step S4 is naturally discharged from the predetermined space S while expanding greatly. Therefore, even during the water supply step S4, an increase in air temperature due to the discharged steam may be measured. Of course, the air flow supply step S5 basically induces the steam discharge from the predetermined space S, so that the air temperature increase can be measured naturally. Accordingly, preferably, the predetermined period may start in the water supply step S4 and end in the air supply step S5.

More specifically, in the determination step S9, as shown in FIG. 19, the first temperature may be measured first (S9a). The first temperature corresponds to the temperature of the air discharged from the predetermined space (S). In other words, the first temperature is located outside the predetermined space S and corresponds to the temperature of the air heated while being mixed with the discharged steam. Also, as described above, the first temperature may correspond to the air temperature at the outlet 110a of the duct. Furthermore, since the steam can be discharged naturally from the predetermined space S when the water supply step S4 is started, the measurement step S9a can be performed any time after the water supply step S4 is started .

 When the measurement step S9a is completed, a second temperature, which is the temperature of the air, is measured after a predetermined period of time (S9b). The air in the measuring step S9b is the same as the air described in the measuring step S9b. Also, as described above, the predetermined period may be a predetermined period during the water supply step S4 and the air supply step S5. Preferably, the predetermined period may start in the water supply step S4 and end in the air supply step S5.

When the measurement step S9b is completed, a temperature rise amount can be calculated from the measured first and second temperatures (S9c). The amount of lift can generally be obtained by subtracting the first temperature from the second temperature.

Thereafter, the calculated temperature rise amount can be compared with a predetermined reference value (S9d). If the calculated temperature increase amount is less than the predetermined reference value in the comparison step S9d, this means that the temperature increase has not been sufficiently performed. Furthermore, this result means that there has not been enough water supplied or that the supply of water has been stopped so that sufficient steam has not been generated. Therefore, when the calculated temperature increase amount is less than the predetermined reference value, it can be determined that at least sufficient water is not supplied (S9e). On the other hand, if the calculated temperature increase amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined reference value in the comparison step S9d, this means that the temperature increase has been sufficiently performed. Further, this result means that sufficient water was supplied and sufficient steam was not generated. Therefore, if the calculated temperature increase amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined reference value, it can be determined that at least sufficient water has been supplied (S9f). In this comparison and determination step (S9d-S9f), the predetermined reference value can be obtained through experimentation or analysis and can be, for example, 11 [deg.] C.

If it is determined that sufficient water is supplied as in the determination step S9f, it can be determined that the nozzle 150 is normally operating without any failure. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 19, the first drying step (S6) can be performed subsequently. Also, if necessary, the set of steps (S3-S5), i.e., the steam supply process, may be repeated a predetermined number of times before the first drying step (S6).

If it is determined in the determination step S9e that sufficient water is not supplied, it may also be determined that the nozzle 150 is abnormally operated or broken. The abnormal operation of the nozzle 150 may be caused by various reasons, for example, a case where the water pressure supplied to the nozzle 150 is abnormally low. Such abnormal operation or failure of the nozzle 150 may lead to overheating and malfunction of the heater 150 as mentioned above, and further, breakage of the washing machine. Therefore, if it is determined that sufficient water is not supplied as in the determination step S9e, the operation of the washing machine may be stopped for safety reasons. Nevertheless, even under abnormal conditions, the refresh course can be configured to perform its intended function. In particular, the refresh course may be modified to perform the intended function if the nozzle 150 is small in size but still has the ability to supply water. To this end, Figure 20 illustrates alternative steps.

As shown in Fig. 20, if it is determined that sufficient water is not supplied (S9e), the steam supply process P2 is no longer advanced or repeated. That is, the additional generation and supply of steam is stopped. Instead, a third drying step (S10) is performed. In the refresh course, since the removal of wrinkles can be the most important function, the third drying step (S10) can be configured for at least such wrinkle removal. As described above, the deformation of the fiber textures can be smoothly restored to the original state only when water is slowly removed. Also, if the fiber is dried at too high a temperature, only wrinkles can be removed rapidly from the fibers without wrinkles being removed. Therefore, in order to slowly remove moisture from the laundry, the third drying step (S10) may be configured to dry the laundry while heating the laundry at a relatively low temperature. That is, the third drying step (S10) may also be a low temperature drying similar to the first drying.

The third drying step S10 may be performed by supplying air heated to a relatively low temperature to the tub 30 for a predetermined period of time. In order to supply heated air, the blower 140 and the heater 130 may be operated. Further, in order to supply air heated to a relatively low temperature, the heater 130 may be intermittently operated (S10a). For example, the heater 130 may be operated for 40 seconds, stopped for 30 seconds, and may repeat such operation and stop. Since the third drying step (S10) is performed without supplying high temperature steam, the laundry and its surrounding temperature in the third drying step (S10) are lower than the first drying step (S6). Therefore, even though the intermittent operation of the same heater is performed, the heater operation time (40 seconds) in the third drying step (S10) is longer than the heater operation time (30 seconds) in the first drying step (S6) Respectively.

Similarly, the laundry in the third drying step (S10) may not be provided with sufficient moisture due to the stop of the steam supplying process (P2). However, as described earlier in the first drying step (S6), it is advantageous to supply a predetermined amount of water and then remove the supplied water for effective wrinkle removal. For this reason, in the third drying step (S10), moisture may be supplied to the laundry (S 10 b). Such moisture can be supplied to the laundry in various forms, for example, gaseous water or liquid water can be supplied to the laundry. However, as mentioned above, steam in the gaseous state is difficult to be supplied in the third drying step (S10). On the other hand, since the mist is made of small particles in spite of the liquid state, it is sufficiently effective in providing moisture to the laundry. Accordingly, the moisture supply step (S10b) can supply the mist to the laundry. That is, the mist may be supplied to the tub 30 to be supplied to at least the laundry. In addition, such mist supply can also be achieved by a method which is difficult. For example, if the nozzle 150 is in an abnormal state but is still operable, i.e., it can still supply a small amount of water, the nozzle 150 may spray mist. During the third drying step (S10), air flow may be continuously generated to supply the heated air to the laundry. That is, the blower 140 may be continuously operated during the third drying step S10. Accordingly, the mist sprayed from the nozzle 150 can be carried by the air flow from the blower 140 and reach the laundry through the duct 100, the tub 30, and the drum 40. Further, much of the injected mist can be converted to steam while passing through the heater 130, thereby effectively performing the functions intended in the refresh course. On the other hand, in case that the nozzle is completely broken, a separate device may be provided in the washing machine so as to directly supply moisture to the laundry, and more particularly, to spray the mist. This separate device may operate with or operate independently of the nozzle 150. The mist supplied in the separate device can also be at least partially converted to steam by the high temperature environment in the tub 30. [ Further, the nozzle 150 and the separate device may supply liquid water instead of mist in order to supply moisture to the laundry.

The moisture supply step (S10b) may be started at any time during the third drying step (S10). However, supplying water in a high-temperature environment is basically advantageous in removing the supplied moisture. In addition, in order to partially convert the supplied mist into steam, it is preferable that the mist is injected into the environment as high as possible. Accordingly, the moisture supplying step (S10b) may be performed while the air supplied to the laundry is heated. That is, the moisture supply step (S10b) may be performed during the operation of the heater 150 in the intermittent operation of the heater. Furthermore, for more reliable results, the moisture supply step (S10b) can be performed only while the air supplied to the laundry is heated. That is, the moisture supplying step (S10b) may be performed only during the intermittent operation of the heater while the heater (150) is operated. More specifically, it is preferable that the moisture supply step S10 is performed for 40 seconds during which the heater 150 is operated. Further, it is more preferable to perform the last 10 seconds of the operation of the heater 150 in which the hottest environment can be formed. Also, if too much water is supplied, the wrinkles of the laundry are not removed, and the laundry becomes rather wet. Therefore, the moisture supply step (S10b) is performed only during a part of the third drying step (S10). Furthermore, for the same reason, it is preferable that the moisture supply step (S10b) is performed only during the first half of the third drying step (S10). On the other hand, since the third drying step (S10) is performed in a state in which no high-temperature steam is supplied, it may be performed for 20 minutes, for example, to have sufficient time for wrinkle removal. The period of the third drying step (S10) is set longer than the similar first drying step (S6). Also, the water supply step S10b may be performed during the first half of the third drying step S10 of 20 minutes, that is, up to 11 minutes after the third drying step S10 is started.

In addition, since the laundry is made wet by the supplied moisture, it is necessary to remove water from the laundry. Therefore, after the third drying step (S10), the fourth drying step (S11) is performed. The fourth drying step S11 may be substantially the same in the second drying step S7 described above and its function and concrete operation. Therefore, all the features discussed above with respect to the second drying step (S7) can be applied to the fourth drying step S11 as it is, so that further explanation will be omitted from the following.

The above-described third and fourth drying steps (S10, S11) are linked to perform a refresh function when steam supply is impossible and simultaneously provide a drying function. Thus, as shown in Fig. 20, these steps S6 and S7 form one process in terms of their function, namely the drying and refreshing process P5.

Since the laundry having been subjected to the drying steps described above has a high temperature due to the heated air, after the fourth drying step S11, the laundry may be cooled (S12). This cooling step S12 may be substantially the same in the cooling step S8 described above and its function and concrete operation. Therefore, all the features discussed with respect to the cooling step S8 can be applied to the cooling step S12 as they are, and thus further explanation is omitted in the following. Since this cooling step S12 also performs an independent function, it can be regarded as one cooling process P6, like the other processes defined above. If necessary, as shown in FIG. 17, after the cooling step S12, the laundry and the washing machine may be naturally cooled under air at room temperature for a predetermined time.

The refresh course shown in Figs. 18-20 includes modified steps S10-S12 to perform the intended function even when a sufficient supply or supply of steam is not possible. This modified refresh course can provide mist to the laundry instead of the steam to supply the required moisture. It is also possible to partially supply steam in the modified refresh course. Furthermore, not only corrugation but also static electricity can be removed by properly operating the relevant components. Therefore, the modified refresh course can realize the intended refresh function by optimally controlling the existing parts of the washing machine even though the supply of steam is stopped.

On the other hand, the steam supply process (P2: S3-S5) can be applied to the basic washing course or other individual course as well as the refresh course, as already discussed above, due to its independent steam generating and feeding function. Fig. 21 shows a basic washing course to which the steam supply process is applied. Referring to FIG. 21, the function of the steam supplying process in the basic washing course will be described as follows.

In general, the washing course may include a washing water supplying step (S100), a washing step (S200), a rinsing step (S300), and a dewatering step (S400). In addition, if the washing machine has a structure for drying as shown in FIG. 2, it may further include a drying step (S500) after the dewatering step (S400).

If the steam supply process is performed before the supplying step S100 and / or during the supplying step S100 (P2a, P2b), the laundry may be prewetted by the supplied steam, and the supplied washing water may be heated . If the steam supply process is performed before the laundry step S200 and / or during the washing step S200 (P2c, P2d), the supplied steam is supplied to the tub 30 and the drum 40, By heating, a high-temperature environment favorable for washing can be formed. When the steam supply process is performed before the rinsing step (S300) and / or during the rinsing step (S300) (P2e, P2f), the supplied steam can also heat the inner air and the rinsing water to favor rinsing. When the steam supply process is performed before the dewatering step (S400) and / or during the dewatering step (S400) (P2g, P2h), the supplied steam mainly serves to sterilize the laundry. When the steam supply process is performed before the drying step (S500) and / or during the drying step (S500), the steam supplied increases the internal temperature of the tub (30) and the drum (40) Thereby inducing moisture to evaporate easily from the laundry. If necessary, a steam supply process (P2k) may be performed after the drying step (S500) in order to finally sterilize the laundry. In addition, all of the steam supply processes P2a-P2j described above basically perform a function of sterilizing laundry using steam. Further, the preparation process P1 may be performed together to assist the steam supply process.

As described above, the steam supplying process P2 according to the present invention forms an atmosphere favorable for washing by supplying a sufficient amount of steam, thereby greatly improving washing performance. In addition, the steam supply process P2 can sterilize the laundry, thereby preventing, for example, a user's allergy.

Considering the above-described steam supply mechanism as well as the refresh course and the basic laundry course, the washing machine according to the present invention uses a mechanism for supplying hot air, i.e., a drying mechanism, for steam generation and supply, do. In addition, the control method according to the invention, in particular the steam supply process P2, optimally controls the existing drying mechanism, i.e. the modified steam supply mechanism. Thus, the present invention implements minimal deformation and optimal control for efficiently generating and supplying steam of sufficient quality. For this reason, the present invention can effectively perform various other functions as well as refreshing, washing performance improvement and sterilization, while minimizing the production cost.

It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, Accordingly, the above-described embodiments are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

100: duct 110: drying duct
120: condensing duct 130: heater
140: Blower 150: Nozzle
160: Water supply device

Claims (10)

A control method for a washing machine having a steam supply process,
Heating a predetermined space in a duct communicating with a drum for receiving the tub and / or the laundry of the washer to a temperature higher than the temperature of the other space in the duct through the heater;
Directly supplying water to the heated predetermined space to generate steam; And
Activating the blower to supply the air flow toward the heated predetermined space so that the generated steam is supplied to the laundry,
Wherein the water supplying step is performed without air flow by the blower for a predetermined period of time. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the heater occupies a space in the duct. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the heating step is performed for a predetermined time without supplying an air flow to the predetermined space. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Further comprising a preparation process,
The preparation process comprises:
Wherein the heating step comprises at least one of a preheating step of heating at least the entire duct before the heating step or a step of discharging water remaining in the duct before the heating step. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Further comprising a preliminary heating step of circulating high-temperature air in the tub and the duct to heat the duct before the heating step. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the heater and the blower installed in the duct are continuously operated during the preheating step. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Further comprising a drying process,
The drying process comprises:
Performing a first drying to supply heated air to the tub and / or drum for a predetermined time; And
And performing a second drying to supply heated air having a temperature higher than the air temperature in the first drying to the tub and / or the drum,
Wherein the first drying step and the second drying step are performed after the air flow supplying step. 8. The method of claim 7,
And cooling the laundry by circulating the unheated air after the second drying step. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Further comprising the step of determining a water supply amount in the water supplying step. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the water supply amount is determined based on a temperature rise amount in the duct for a predetermined period.

Images