U.S. patent application number 12/504100 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-05 for method for controlling course of washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Han Ki CHO, Ho Sung Jang, Jae Cheol Lyu, Chang Woo Son, Jong Sun Yoon.
Application Number | 20090271930 12/504100 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37563656 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090271930 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHO; Han Ki ; et
al. |
November 5, 2009 |
METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COURSE OF WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
A method for controlling a course of a washing machine is
disclosed, to remove bacilli as well as protein contaminants from a
washing tub and the laundry, which includes (a) selecting an
anti-yellow course of a washing stroke, so as to set washing
conditions which is suitable for activating deposition of protein
in the laundry; and (b) performing the washing stroke based on the
washing conditions.
Inventors: |
CHO; Han Ki; (Gimhae-si,
KR) ; Yoon; Jong Sun; (Jinju-si, KR) ; Jang;
Ho Sung; (Hadong-gun, KR) ; Son; Chang Woo;
(Gimhae-si, KR) ; Lyu; Jae Cheol; (Changwon-si,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KED & ASSOCIATES, LLP
P.O. Box 221200
Chantilly
VA
20153-1200
US
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37563656 |
Appl. No.: |
12/504100 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11476940 |
Jun 29, 2006 |
|
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12504100 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 35/008 20130101;
D06F 34/28 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
8/137 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/02 20060101
D06F033/02; D06F 33/00 20060101 D06F033/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 30, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0057968 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0057970 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling a course of a washing machine
comprising: (a) setting washing conditions for destroying bacilli
from the laundry when an anti-bacteria course is selected; and (b)
performing a washing stroke for the laundry according to the preset
washing conditions.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step (a) for selecting the
anti-bacteria course uses a hot key for directly performing the
anti-bacteria course.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the washing conditions of the
step (a) for the anti-bacteria course includes an optimal
temperature (T2) of washing water at which various bacilli of the
laundry and a tub are destroyed effectively.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the washing conditions of the
step (a) for the anti-bacteria course includes a washing time
period (t2) and a temperature (T2) of the washing water which are
effective in destroying various bacilli of the laundry and a
tub.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the temperature (T2) of the
washing water for the anti-bacteria course is higher than a
temperature of washing water for a normal course.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the temperature (T2) of the
washing water for the anti-bacteria course is about 90.degree. C.
or more.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the washing time period (t2) of
the anti-bacteria course is longer than a washing time period of
the normal course.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein a heating means for heating the
washing water held in the tub is provided for the step (B) of
performing the anti-bacteria course.
9. A method for controlling a course of a washing machine including
a heating means for heating washing water held in a tub comprising:
performing an anti-bacteria course which includes steps of: (a)
operating the heating means so as to heat the washing water to a
preset temperature (T2), to thereby activate deposition of protein
of the laundry; and (b) controlling the heating means so as to
maintain the preset temperature (T2) of the washing water for a
preset time period (t2).
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the preset temperature (T2) of
the washing water is higher than a temperature of washing water in
a normal course using warm water.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the preset temperature (T2) of
the washing water is maintained at 90.degree. C. or more, which is
optimal to destroy bacilli from the laundry and the tub.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the preset time period (t2) of
the anti-bacteria course is longer than a washing time period of
the normal course.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Divisional Application of prior U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/476,940 filed Jun. 29, 2006, which
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to Korean Application
Nos. 10-2005-0057968 and 10-2005-0057970 filed on Jun. 30, 2005,
which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more
particularly, to a method for controlling a course in a washing
machine so as to improve the efficiency in decomposition of protein
and anti-bacteria effect.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Generally, a washing machine is one of widely used electric
home appliances. The washing machine is an apparatus for removing
contaminants from the laundry such as clothes by an emulsification
of detergent, a friction of a washing water motion generated by a
drum rotation, and an impact applied to the laundry.
[0006] The generally used washing machine is largely classified
into a pulsator type, an agitator type, and a drum type. Based on
whether a washing tub is separated from a spin-drying tub or not,
the washing machine may be divided into a separation type and an
automatic type.
[0007] In general, a washing operation is performed in a course of
supplying the detergent and the washing water to the laundry to be
washed such that contaminants can be removed from the laundry by a
chemical action of the detergent contained in the washing water and
a physical action of a blade of the washing machine.
[0008] Then, a rinsing operation is performed in a course of
supplying washing water containing no detergent therein such that
the detergent and contaminants can be rinsed out of the laundry. A
spin-drying operation is performed in a course of rotating the
washing tub at a high speed after completing the rinsing operation
such that moisture can be removed from the laundry.
[0009] In the general washing machine, a user can selectively set
the washing conditions relating operation time periods of washing,
rinsing, and spin-drying according to the kind and amount of
laundry.
[0010] For convenience of the user, the washing machine has a
memory in which various course programs for an automatic washing
process are previously stored. Accordingly, the user can select the
corresponding course program from the various programs previously
stored in the memory according to the kind and amount of laundry to
be washed.
[0011] That is, the various course programs, for example, a
centrifugal washing course, a high-consistency washing course, a
pre-washing course, a vibration course, a soaking-type washing
course, and a wool-laundry washing course, are previously stored in
the memory of the washing machine. Accordingly, the user selects
the desired course program in the washing machine, and performs the
automatic washing stroke according to the desired course
program.
[0012] However, even though the various course programs are
provided in the washing machine, the long-time used clothes may be
discolored or yellowed due to the contaminants of protein
components and the limitation in chemical action of the
detergent.
[0013] To remove the contaminants of protein components from the
laundry, it is necessary to increase a mechanical power applied to
the laundry by generating a strong rotary power with the blade or
spin-drying tub. In this case, the laundry may be damaged or
entangled due to the strong rotary power.
[0014] Also, the related art washing machine performs the washing
stroke with the cold water or warm water of low temperature. Thus,
it is difficult to destroy the bacilli of the laundry with the
related art washing machine using the cold or warm water.
Especially, if the bacilli are left in the washed laundry, the
bacilli may damage the user's skin health, and the user may feel
displeased and uncomfortable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method
for controlling a course of a washing machine that substantially
obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages
of the related art.
[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a method
for controlling a course of a washing machine to remove bacilli as
well as protein contaminants from a washing tub and the
laundry.
[0017] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0018] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a method for controlling a course of a
washing machine comprises (a) selecting an anti-yellow course of a
washing stroke, so as to set washing conditions which is suitable
for activating deposition of protein in the laundry; and (b)
performing the washing stroke based on the washing conditions.
[0019] At this time, the step (a) for selecting the anti-yellow
course uses a hot key for directly performing the anti-yellow
course.
[0020] Also, the washing conditions of the step (a) includes a
temperature (T1) of washing water which is optimal to activate
deposition of protein of the laundry.
[0021] Also, the washing conditions of the step (a) includes a
washing time period (t1) and a temperature (T1) of the washing
water which are optimal to activate the deposition of protein of
the laundry.
[0022] Further, the temperature (T1) of the washing water for the
anti-yellow course is about 40.
[0023] The washing time period (t1) of the anti-yellow course is
longer than a washing time period of a normal course.
[0024] In addition, a heating means for heating the washing water
held in a tub is provided for the step (B) of performing the
anti-yellow course.
[0025] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
controlling a course of a washing machine including a heating means
for heating washing water held in a tub comprises (a) operating the
heating means to thereby heat the washing water to a preset
temperature (t1) for activating deposition of protein of the
laundry; and (b) performing an anti-yellow course by controlling
the heating means to thereby maintain the preset temperature (T1)
of the washing water for a preset time period (t1).
[0026] At this time, the preset temperature (T1) of the washing
water is maintained about 40 which is optimal to activate the
deposition of protein of the laundry.
[0027] Also, the preset time period (t1) of the anti-yellow course
is longer than a washing time period of a normal course.
[0028] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
controlling a course of a washing machine comprises (a) setting
washing conditions for destroying bacilli from the laundry when an
anti-bacteria course is selected; and (b) performing a washing
stroke for the laundry according to the preset washing
conditions.
[0029] At this time, the step (a) for selecting the anti-bacteria
course uses a hot key for directly performing the anti-bacteria
course.
[0030] Also, the washing conditions of the step (a) for the
anti-bacteria course includes an optimal temperature (T2) of
washing water at which various bacilli of the laundry and a tub are
destroyed effectively.
[0031] Also, the washing conditions of the step (a) for the
anti-bacteria course includes a washing time period (t2) and a
temperature (T2) of the washing water which are effective in
destroying various bacilli of the laundry and a tub.
[0032] Further, the temperature (T2) of the washing water for the
anti-bacteria course is higher than a temperature of washing water
for a normal course. Also, the temperature (T2) of the washing
water for the anti-bacteria course is about 90 or more. Also, the
washing time period (t2) of the anti-bacteria course is longer than
a washing time period of the normal course.
[0033] In addition, a heating means for heating the washing water
held in the tub is provided for the step (B) of performing the
anti-bacteria course.
[0034] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
controlling a course of a washing machine including a heating means
for heating washing water held in a tub comprises performing an
anti-bacteria course which includes steps of (a) operating the
heating means so as to heat the washing water to a preset
temperature (T2), to thereby activate deposition of protein of the
laundry; and (b) controlling the heating means so as to maintain
the preset temperature (T2) of the washing water for a preset time
period (t2).
[0035] At this time, the preset temperature (T2) of the washing
water is higher than a temperature of washing water in a normal
course using warm water.
[0036] Also, the preset temperature (T2) of the washing water is
maintained at 90 or more, which is optimal to destroy bacilli from
the laundry and the tub.
[0037] Also, the preset time period (t2) of the anti-bacteria
course is longer than a washing time period of the normal
course.
[0038] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of illustrating a drum
washing machine according to the present invention;
[0041] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a key panel including a
corresponding hot key for an anti-yellow course or an anti-bacteria
course in a washing machine according to the present invention;
[0042] FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts of illustrating a washing
stroke of an anti-yellow course according to the present invention;
and
[0043] FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts of illustrating a washing
stroke of an anti-bacteria course according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0045] Hereinafter, a method for controlling a course of a washing
machine according to the present invention will be explained with
reference to the following drawings.
[0046] First, a structure of a drum washing machine will be
described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the drum washing machine includes an
outer case 1 which forms the exterior thereof; a door 3 which is
provided in front of the outer case 1, the door 3 through which the
laundry is taken in or is taken out of the inside; and an outer tub
5 which is provided inside the outer case 1 so as to hold washing
water.
[0048] In addition, an inner tub 7 is provided inside the outer tub
5, wherein the inner tub 7 includes a plurality of water holes 7a.
The inner tub 7 is rotated at a high speed, to thereby dehydrate
the laundry. Also, a lift 9 is provided at an inner side of the
inner tub 7, for lifting and dropping the laundry.
[0049] Also, a water supplying valve 11 and a water supplying hose
13 are provided at one side of the outer case 1, to thereby supply
the washing water.
[0050] A detergent box 15 is provided at an inner upper side of the
outer case 1, to thereby supply detergent required for washing.
Also, a water supplying bellows 17 is provided at one side of the
detergent box 15 and outer tub 5, to thereby supply the washing
water containing the detergent, according as the washing water
flows into the detergent box 15 through the water supplying hose
13, to the outer tub 5. The water supplying bellows 17 is expanded
and jointed to the outer tub 5.
[0051] Also, a motor 19 for generating a power is provided at one
side of the outer tub 5. A belt 21 and a pulley 23 are provided at
one side of the motor 19 so as to transmit a rotary power of the
motor 19 to the inner tub 7, whereby the inner tub 7 is rotated at
a forward/backward direction.
[0052] Then, a water draining bellows 25 is provided at a lower
side of the outer tube 5, so as to drain the washing water
contaminated after completing the washing process from the washing
machine. Also, a water draining pump 27 is provided at one side of
the water draining bellows 25 to pump the washing water drained
through the water draining bellows 25. A water draining hose 29 is
provided at one side of the water draining pump 27, so as to drain
the water out of the washing machine to the outside.
[0053] There is a water level sensor 31 that is provided at one
inner side of the outer case 1, to sense a level of the water
provided to the inside of the outer tube 5 through a water
pressure. Also, a water level hose 33 transmits the water pressure
inside the outer tub 5 to the water level sensor 31.
[0054] Also, a gasket 35 is provided between the outer tub 5 and
the door 3, wherein the gasket 35 prevents the washing water held
in the outer tube 5 from leaking.
[0055] A heater 41 is provided between the lower side of the outer
tub 5 and the inner tub 7, wherein the heater 41 heats the washing
water. A water temperature sensor 43 senses a temperature of the
washing water held in the outer tub 5 and heated by the heater 18,
and transmits the sensed temperature to a system micom (not
shown).
[0056] Preferably, a hot key for an anti-yellow or anti-bacteria
course is provided in a control panel (not shown) of the washing
machine, to thereby realize a direct selection to the anti-yellow
or anti-bacteria course by the user.
[0057] First, as shown in FIG. 2, the control panel includes the
hot key 50 for inputting the anti-yellow course, and a display part
60 for displaying whether the inputted anti-yellow course is
selected or not.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the control panel includes the hot key
70 for inputting the anti-bacteria course, and a display part 80
for displaying whether the inputted anti-bacteria course is
selected or not.
[0059] As the user selects the hot key 50 or 70 corresponding to
the anti-yellow course or the anti-bacteria course, the anti-yellow
or anti-bacteria washing stroke is performed, and the corresponding
washing state is displayed on the display part 60 or 80 during
performing the anti-yellow or anti-bacteria washing stroke.
[0060] The anti-yellow washing stroke using the above drum washing
machine according to the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0061] First, after the user puts the laundry into the inside of
the washing machine, the user selects the desired stroke course. At
this time, whether the user selects the anti-yellow course or not
is sensed (S10).
[0062] If the user selects the anti-yellow course, a first preset
time period t1 is determined as a washing stroke time, and a first
preset temperature T1 is determined as a temperature of the washing
water for the anti-yellow course.
[0063] In this state, according as the heater 41 is turned on, the
washing water is heated to the first preset temperature T1. That
is, the washing stroke for removing dirt from the laundry is
performed during the first preset time period t1 (S20).
[0064] At this time, the anti-yellow course controls the heater 41
to be turned on/off alternatively and repetitively, to thereby
maintain the first preset temperature T1 during performing the
anti-yellow course.
[0065] In the meantime, if the user selects not the anti-yellow
course but a normal course, a preset washing stroke time period t0
is selected, and the heater 41 is turned off, whereby the washing
stroke is performed during the preset washing stroke time period t0
in state of turning off the heater 41 (S30).
[0066] At this time, preferably, the first preset time period t1 of
the anti-yellow course is longer than the preset washing stroke
time period t0 of the normal course.
[0067] On completing the washing stroke of the corresponding preset
time period according to the washing course selected by the user,
rinsing and spin-drying strokes (S40 and S50) are performed in
sequence. The rinsing stroke (S40) is performed to rinse the
laundry in the clean water, to thereby remove detergent and
contaminants from the laundry. The spin-drying stroke (S50) is
performed by rotating the drum (inner and outer tubs) at a high
speed, to thereby remove the moisture from the laundry.
[0068] In detail, the washing stroke of the anti-yellow course will
be explained with reference to FIG. 5.
[0069] First, after measuring the amount of laundry (S21), the
water level is determined corresponding to the measured amount of
laundry.
[0070] After the water is supplied to the corresponding level
(S22), counting of washing time is started and the heater 41 is
turned on, at the same time.
[0071] During the first preset time period t1, the washing stroke
is performed in state of that the heater 41 is operated and the
rotation and stop of the drum occur in alternation and repetition
(S23 and S24).
[0072] At this time, the water temperature sensor 43 periodically
reads the temperature of washing water heated by the heater 41,
whereby the heater 41 is repetitively turned on/off to thereby
maintain the first preset temperature T1 of the washing water
during performing the washing stroke.
[0073] Preferably, the washing water for the anti-yellow course is
maintained at a temperature of 40 or more, at which the
decomposition of protein is activated.
[0074] The anti-bacteria course of the present invention will be
explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0075] First, after the user puts the laundry into the inside of
the washing machine, the user selects the desired stroke course. At
this time, whether the user selects the anti-bacteria course or not
is sensed (S60).
[0076] If the user selects the anti-bacteria course, a second
preset time period t2 is determined as a washing stroke time, and a
second preset temperature T2 is determined as a temperature of the
washing water for the anti-bacteria course. That is, the washing
stroke for removing dirt and bacilli from the laundry is performed
during the second preset time period t2 at the second preset
temperature T2 (S70).
[0077] In the meantime, if the user selects not the anti-bacteria
course but a normal warm-water course, a washing stroke time period
t0 and a temperature T0 of warm washing water, which are previously
set according to the normal warm-water course, are selected. In
this state, the washing stroke is performed during the time period
t0 at the temperature T0 of the washing water (S80).
[0078] Preferably, the second preset time period t2 of the
anti-bacteria course is longer than the time period t0 of the
normal warm-water course, and the second preset temperature T2 of
the anti-bacteria course is higher than the temperature T0 of the
normal warm-water course.
[0079] Especially, the second preset temperature T2 of the
anti-bacteria course is set above the boiling point, for example,
about 95 or more, at which the bacilli of the laundry is
destroyed.
[0080] After completing the washing stroke of the preset time
period according to the washing course selected by the user,
rinsing and spin-drying strokes (S90 and S100) are performed in
sequence. The rinsing stroke (S90) is performed to rinse the
laundry in the clean water, to thereby completely remove the
detergent and contaminants from the laundry. The spin-drying stroke
(S100) is performed by rotating the drum (inner and outer tubs) at
a high speed, to thereby remove the moisture from the laundry.
[0081] In detail, the washing stroke of the anti-bacteria course
will be explained with reference to FIG. 7.
[0082] First, after measuring the amount of laundry (S71), the
water level is determined corresponding to the measured amount of
laundry.
[0083] After the water is supplied to the determined level (S72),
counting of washing time is started and the heater 41 is turned on,
at the same time.
[0084] During the second preset time period t2, the washing stroke
is performed in state of that the heater 41 is operated and the
rotation and stop of the drum occur in alternation and repetition
(S73 and S74).
[0085] At this time, the water temperature sensor 43 periodically
reads the temperature of washing water heated by the heater 41,
whereby the heater 41 is repetitively turned on/off to thereby
maintain the second preset temperature T2 of the washing water
during performing the washing stroke.
[0086] The washing water is heated to the second preset temperature
T2, and the heated washing water of high temperature is used for
the washing stroke of the laundry, to thereby completely destroy
the bacillus of the laundry.
[0087] As mentioned above, the method for controlling the course of
the washing machine according to the present invention has the
following advantages.
[0088] When performing the anti-yellow course, the washing water is
maintained at the temperature which can activates the decomposition
of protein, to thereby prevent the laundry from being contaminated
and yellowed.
[0089] Also, the anti-bacteria course provides the washing algorism
which is effective in destroying the various bacilli of the laundry
and the tub, thereby improving the reliability of product.
[0090] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *