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.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of the Korean Patent 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 OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [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. Discussion of the Related Art  
         [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&#39;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° C.  
         [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° C. 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° C. 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° C. 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 OF THE INVENTION  
       [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  7   a . 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 (S 10 ).  
         [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 (S 20 ).  
         [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  (S 30 ).  
         [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 (S 40  and S 50 ) are performed in sequence. The rinsing stroke (S 40 ) is performed to rinse the laundry in the clean water, to thereby remove detergent and contaminants from the laundry. The spin-drying stroke (S 50 ) 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 (S 21 ), the water level is determined corresponding to the measured amount of laundry.  
         [0070]     After the water is supplied to the corresponding level (S 22 ), 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 (S 23  and S 24 ).  
         [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° C. 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 (S 60 ).  
         [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 (S 70 ).  
         [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 (S 80 ).  
         [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° C. 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 (S 90  and S 100 ) are performed in sequence. The rinsing stroke (S 90 ) 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 (S 100 ) 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 (S 71 ), the water level is determined corresponding to the measured amount of laundry.  
         [0083]     After the water is supplied to the determined level (S 72 ), 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 (S 73  and S 74 ).  
         [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.