Washing machine and method for controlling the same

Abstract

A washing machine having a steam generating device for directly heating wash water to generate optimum steam, and a method for controlling the same are provided. The method includes sensing a temperature of the steam generating device; controlling water supply means according to the temperature of the steam generating device such that wash water is supplied to the steam generating device; and controlling a quantity of wash water supplied from the water supply means. Further, the steam is supplied so as to rapidly soak laundry, thereby shortening overall washing time, and reducing energy consumption. Also, the steam is sprayed onto the laundry to provide sterilizing effects. Soaking effects of the laundry are improved, as well, so as to increase washing efficiency and eliminate wrinkling.

1 . A method for controlling a washing machine, which heats supplied wash water using a steam generating device to generate steam, comprising: 
 sensing a temperature of the steam generating device;    controlling water supply means for supplying wash water to the steam generating device according to the sensed temperature of the steam generating device; and    performing a steam operation for controlling the steam generated from the steam generating device according to a time taken to control the water supply means.    
   
   
       2 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , 
 wherein the water supply means is controlled such that the wash water is supplied to the steam generating device when the temperature of the steam generating device is more than a predetermined reference temperature.    
   
   
       3 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , 
 wherein the water supply means is controlled such that the wash water supplied to the steam generating device is cut off when the temperature of the steam generating device is not more than a predetermined reference temperature.    
   
   
       4 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , 
 wherein the wash water supplied to the steam generating device is cut off to stop generation of the steam, when a time during which the water supply means is turned on to supply water exceeds a predetermined water supply time.    
   
   
       5 . The method as set forth in  claim 1 , 
 wherein the wash water is supplied to the steam generating device to generate the steam, when a time during which the water supply means is turned off to stop supplying water exceeds a predetermined water supply stop time.    
   
   
       6 . A method for controlling a washing machine, which heats supplied wash water using a steam generating device to generate steam, comprising: 
 preheating the steam generating device before wash water is supplied to the steam generating device;    sensing a temperature of the preheated steam generating device;    controlling water supply means for supplying the wash water to the steam generating device by comparing the sensed temperature of the steam generating device to a predetermined reference temperature; and    controlling the generation of the steam by comparing a time, taken to control the water supply means, to a predetermined water supply time and a predetermined water supply stop time.    
   
   
       7 . The method as set forth in  claim 6 , 
 wherein the wash water supplied to the steam generating device is cut off to stop the generation of the steam, when a time during which the water supply means is turned on to supply water exceeds the predetermined water supply time.    
   
   
       8 . The method as set forth in  claim 6 , 
 wherein the wash water is supplied to the steam generating device to generate the steam, when a time during which the water supply means is turned off to stop supplying water exceeds the predetermined water supply stop time.    
   
   
       9 . A washing machine having a steam generating device for heating supplied wash water to generate steam comprising: 
 a temperature sensing unit for sensing a temperature of the steam generating device;    water supply means for supplying wash water to the steam generating device; and    a control unit for controlling the water supply means such that the steam generated from the steam generating device is controlled according to the temperature of the steam generating device.    
   
   
       10 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 9 , 
 wherein the control unit controls the steam generating device such that the steam generating device is preheated before the wash water is supplied to the steam generating device.    
   
   
       11 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 9 , 
 wherein the control unit compares a time, taken to control the water supply means to a predetermined water supply time and a predetermined water supply stop time, and controls the generation of the steam according to the result of the comparison.    
   
   
       12 . The washing machine as set forth in  claim 9 , 
 wherein the water supply means is a steam valve capable of being turned on and off so as to control the wash water supplied to the steam generating device according to control of the control unit.