Laundry device and method for controlling the same

Abstract

Disclosed hereinafter is a laundry device. More particularly, a washing machine comprises a steam generation unit installed therein to generate and supply steam to an outside of the washing machine or to a laundry-receiving device to remove wrinkles on laundry by using the steam supplied from the steam generation unit, and a method for controlling operation thereof. A method for controlling the washing machine is also disclosed. The washing machine comprises a steam generation unit to generate steam, and an steam outside-supplying pipe connected with the steam generation unit to supply the steam to an outside of the washing machine.

1 . A washing or drying machine, comprising:
 a steam generation unit to generate steam; and   an steam outside-supplying pipe connected with the steam generation unit to supply the steam to an outside of the washing or drying machine.   
   
   
       2 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the steam outside-supplying pipe is able to be drawn out from the washing or drying machine. 
   
   
       3 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 2 , wherein the steam outside-supplying pipe is length-adjustable. 
   
   
       4 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 3 , wherein the steam outside-supplying pipe has at least a part of a length-adjustable corrugated pipe. 
   
   
       5 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 3 , wherein the steam outside-supplying pipe has at least a part of a telescopic shape. 
   
   
       6 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a mounting part formed on a cabinet of the washing or drying machine, the mounting part having one end connected with the steam outside-supplying pipe, and the other end detachably connected with an outer connection pipe coupled to an external device.   
   
   
       7 . A washing or drying machine, comprising:
 a steam generation unit to generate steam;   a laundry-receiving device having a space to receive laundry therein when unfolded; and   a laundry-steam supplying pipe connected with the steam generation unit to supply the steam to the laundry-receiving device.   
   
   
       8 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 7 , wherein the laundry-receiving device comprise:
 a base;   a cover to cover the base; and   a body between the base and the cover to provide the space for receiving the laundry when unfolded.   
   
   
       9 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 8 , wherein the laundry-steam supplying pipe is detachably connected with either the cover or the base. 
   
   
       10 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a support capable of being drawn out from the washing or drying machine and having an accommodation space to which the laundry-receiving device is installed.   
   
   
       11 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 10 , wherein the base is integrally formed with the support. 
   
   
       12 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 10 , wherein the laundry-steam supplying pipe is length-adjustable. 
   
   
       13 . A washing or drying machine, comprising:
 a steam generation unit to generate steam;   a drum to receive laundry to be washed or dried;   a laundry-receiving device having a space to receive the laundry therein when unfolded;   a laundry-steam supplying pipe having a steam-laundry valve controlled by a controller to supply the steam to the laundry-receiving device; and   a drum-steam supplying pipe having a steam-drum valve controlled by the controller to supply the steam to the drum.   
   
   
       14 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 13 , wherein the steam-drum valve and the steam-laundry valve are solenoid valves. 
   
   
       15 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 13 , wherein the steam-laundry supplying pipe is branched from the steam-drum supplying pipe, and the steam-laundry valve and the steam-drum valve are integrated and placed at the branch point. 
   
   
       16 . The washing or drying machine according to  claim 15 , wherein the integrated valve is a three-way valve 
   
   
       17 . A method for controlling the washing or drying machine, comprising the steps of:
 a) a course requiring steam being selected;   b) determining an object to be supplied with the steam according to the selected course;   c) controlling a valve of a steam supplying pipe to supply the steam to the determined object; and   d) generating and supplying the steam through control of a steam generation unit.   
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the course is at least one of a course requiring the steam to be supplied to the drum, a course requiring the steam to be supplied to the laundry-receiving device, and a course requiring the steam to be supplied to both the drum and the laundry-receiving device. 
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein at the step of d), operation of the steam generation unit is controlled on the basis of at least one of operation cycle, operation temperature, and operation time. 
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the course is at least one of a course requiring the steam to be supplied to the drum, a course requiring the steam to be supplied to an outside of the washing or drying machine, and a course requiring the steam to be supplied to both the drum and the outside of the washing or drying machine.