Patent ID: 7721368
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: D06F,F22B,Y02B

Abstract:
1. A washing method in a washing machine having a cabinet, a wash tub located in the cabinet, a wash drum located in the wash tub, a valve connected to a water source, a water supply line connected to the valve, and a steam generator located in the cabinet between an outer circumferential side of the wash tub and the cabinet, the steam generator being connected to the water supply line, the method comprising: supplying water to the wash tub through the steam generator; rotating the wash drum about a substantially horizontal axis when water is in the wash tub; storing water in a space between the valve and the wash tub; generating steam from the stored water by the steam generator after supplying water to the wash tub through the steam generator; and supplying the generated steam into the wash tub while rotating the drum, the generated steam being supplied through a steam supply line that is independent of the water supply line, the steam supply line being in communication with the wash tub at an upper portion of the wash tub.