Washing method in steam injection type washing machine

• US 20070169521A1
• Filed: 03/21/2007
• Published: 07/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/14/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jin Kim, Kyung Woo, Si Jeon, Soo Oh
• Original Assignee: Jin Kim, Kyung Woo, Si Jeon, Soo Oh
• Inventors: Kim, Jin, Oh, Soo, Jeon, Si, Woo, kyung
• Granted Patent: US 7,743,632 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 68/5.R
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 2105/02 Water supply
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 33/36 of washing
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/083 Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/40 Steam generating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: F22B 1/284 with water in reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 40/00 Technologies aiming at improving the efficiency of home appliances, e.g. induction cooking or efficient technologies for refrigerators, freezers or dish washers

Abstract

A washing method in a steam injection type washing machine in which wash water is heated to generate high temperature and high-pressure steam while passing through the steam supply unit in the wash or rinse cycle, and the generated steam is injected into the wash tub at the top of the wash tub. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly achieve the wetting of clothes with wash water while achieving an enhancement in sterilization and washing performances. In addition, consumption of water and electrical energy can be reduced.

Claims

1. A dual injection type washing machine comprising:

a wash tub for holding wash water;

at least one steam supply unit provided with an inlet allowing wash water drawn therein, a heater for heating the wash water and an outlet for discharging steam into the wash tub; and

at least one circulation pump for pumping and re-supplying the wash water of the wash tub into the tank.

2. The dual injection type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the steam supply unit and the circulation pump are connected each with at least one air channel in communication with an inner space of the wash tub.

3. The dual injection type washing machine of claim 2, wherein a nozzle is provided in at least one end of the fluid supply lines.

4. The dual injection type washing machine of claim 3, wherein the fluid supply line connected with the steam supply unit and the fluid supply line connected with the circulation pump are independently provided.

5. The dual injection type washing machine of claim 2, wherein the fluid supply line connected with the stream supply unit and the fluid supply lines connected with the circulation pump are independently provided.

6. The dual injection type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the steam supply unit is connected in direct communication with the inner space of the wash tub.

7. The dual injection type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the steam supply unit is disposed in communication with the inner space of the wash tub.

8. The dual injection type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the wash tub includes a tank and a drum and the drum is rotatably provided within the tub.

9. The dual injection type washing machine of claim 1, wherein the steam supply unit further comprises a pressure container for holding wash water.

10. The dual injection type washing machine of claim 9, wherein the heater is provided within the pressure tank.

11. The dual injection type washing machine of claim 1, wherein supplying steam and circulating wash water is performed simultaneously or respectively.

12. The dual injection type washing machine comprising:

a tub for holding wash water therein;

a drum rotatably provided within the tub;

a steam supply unit for generating high-temperature and high-pressure steam;

a stream supply line for guiding the steam into the drum;

a circulating pump for pumping and circulating the wash water of the tub into the drum;

a wash supply line for guiding the wash water pumped by the circulating pump into the drum; and

at least one injection nozzle provided on at least one end of the steam channel and the circulation channel.