Patent ID: 9328443
Filing Date: 2016-05-03
CPC Classification: D06F,Y02B

Claim Text:
1. An operating method of a washing machine which includes a tub for storing washing water, a drum rotatably installed in the tub for accommodating laundry, and a steam generator disposed separately from the tub and supplied with water through a supply line separate from a supply line for the washing water, wherein the water is used for generating steam to be supplied to the laundry , the operating method comprising: performing a primary rinsing operation with cold water for rinsing first contaminants from the laundry while operating the drum; draining the washing water after the primary rinsing operation and supplying washing water containing a detergent to a preset water level; performing a steam washing operation for supplying steam to steep second contaminants adhered to the laundry in water and to sterilize the laundry while operating the drum, wherein the steam washing operation is performed for a specified period of time or until a specified temperature is reached in the drum; performing a main washing operation for removing remaining general contaminants, from the laundry, through high-temperature washing water containing a detergent while operating the drum, wherein the high-temperature washing water is sprayed and circulated to the laundry through the operation of the drum, wherein the temperature of the laundry and the inner atmosphere temperature of the drum are maintained at an optimum temperature for detergent activation by accounting for any temperature change achieved in the steam washing operation, and wherein the high-temperature washing water is heated by a heater and by steam from a concurrent steam washing operation; performing a secondary rinsing operation in multiple steps including multiple water supply and rinse steps to discharge remaining contaminants separated from the laundry from previous operations, wherein the drum is strongly operated during the secondary rinsing operation; and performing a water-extracting operation for discharging water and contaminants further remaining in the laundry out of the tub after the secondary rinsing operation, wherein when any one of a number of operation courses is selected by a course selector without a selection of options by an option selector which is separately provided from the course selector before an operation of the washing machine is started, the operating method of the washing machine is automatically and sequentially performed, and wherein the high-temperature washing water is heated to about 70° C. to maintain the optimum temperature at a range of 50° C. to 60° C.