Method and Apparatus For Controlling Water Supply of Washing Machine

Abstract

An apparatus of controlling water supply in a washing machine is provided. The apparatus includes a key-input part, a controller, a heater, and a pulsator. A user inputs a washing condition using the key-input part. The controller controls a washing cycle to be performed according to a washing course selected through the key-input part and controls washing water to be supplied over a multi-step during a water-supply cycle. The heater heats the washing water according to a control signal of the controller. The pulsator performs an agitation motion according to a control signal of the controller. Also, a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine is provided. According to the method, a washing condition is inputted. Washing water is supplied over a multi-step. The heater and the pulsator operate during the water supply. When the water supply is completed, a washing cycle is performed according to a selected course.

1 . An apparatus of controlling water supply in a washing machine comprising:
 a key-input part for inputting a washing condition;   a controller for controlling a washing cycle to be performed according to a course selected by the key-input part and controlling washing water to be supplied over a multi-step during a water-supply cycle;   a heater for beating the washing water according to a control signal of the controller; and   a pulsator for performing an agitation motion according to a control signal of the controller.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the controller supplies cool water and hot water simultaneously or supplies only the hot water. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the heater operates when only hot water is supplied. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the heater and the pulsator simultaneously operate. 
   
   
       5 . A method of controlling water supply in a washing machine comprising:
 receiving a washing condition;   supplying washing water over a multi-step so as to reach a set temperature according to a selected course;   operating a heater and a pulsator while the washing water is supplied; and   performing a washing cycle according to a selected course when the supply of the washing water is completed.   
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the supplying of the washing water comprises:
 supplying cool water and hot water simultaneously; and   supplying only hot water.   
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the operating of the heater and the pulsator comprises:
 operating the heater and the pulsator until the washing water reaches the set temperature during the supplying of only the hot water.   
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the supplying of the cool water and the hot water comprises:
 judging whether the washing water reaches the set temperature or a set water level to control the supplying of cool water.   
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the operating of the heater stops during the washing cycle. 
   
   
       10 . A method of controlling water supply in a washing machine comprising:
 receiving a washing condition through a key-input part;   receiving an operation command through the key-input part;   primarily supplying cool water and hot water simultaneously into an inside of a reservoir tub;   secondarily supplying only hot water and stopping the supplying of the cool water; and   controlling an operation of a heater and/or a pulsator according to temperature of the washing water stored in the reservoir tub.   
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the primarily supplying of the water comprises:
 detecting a temperature of the supplied washing water to judge whether the temperature reaches a set temperature; and   detecting a water level of the supplied washing water to judge whether the water level reaches a set water level.   
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the supplying of the cool water stops when it is judged that the washing water reaches the set temperature or the set water level. 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the controlling of the operation of the heater and/or the pulsator comprises:
 operating the heater and/or the pulsator until the washing water reaches the set temperature during the secondarily supplying of the water.   
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the secondarily supplying of the water comprises:
 judging whether the washing water reaches a predetermined set water level and; and   if the washing water is judged to have reached the predetermined set water level, judging whether the washing water reaches a predetermined set temperature.   
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the controlling of the operation of the heater and/or the pulsator comprises:
 controlling the heater and/or the pulsator to operate after the washing water reaches a predetermined set water level by the secondarily supplying of the washing water.   
   
   
       16 . A method of controlling water supply in a washing machine, wherein cool water and hot water are simultaneously supplied until water reaches an initial set temperature or an initial set water level, and then only the hot water is supplied until the water reaches a final set water level during a water-supply cycle for washing; and when the water supply is completed, an operation of a heater and/or a pulsator is controlled depending on whether a temperature of the washing water reaches a final set temperature. 
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the heater stops when a washing cycle starts. 
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the pulsator stops when the washing water reaches the final set temperature and operates again when a washing cycle starts. 
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the pulsator keeps operating even when the supplying of the washing water is completed.