Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is a washing machine. The washing machine includes a detergent supply part, a washing tub, a water supply part, a motor for supplying a liquid contained in the detergent supply part to the washing tub along a fluid passage connecting the detergent supply part with the washing tub, a first sensor for detecting a type of the liquid contained in the detergent supply part, a second sensor for detecting a water level of the washing tub, and a processor configured to, when a user command for cleaning the fluid passage is input, identify a type of the liquid present in the detergent supply part based on a sensed value detected by the first sensor, when it is identified that the liquid contained in the detergent supply part is water, control the water supply part to supply water to the washing tub, and when the water level of the washing tub detected by the second sensor after the water is supplied to the washing tub is higher than a predetermined value, drive the motor to supply the water contained in the detergent supply part to the washing tub along the fluid passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a washing machine and a method for controlling the washing machine, and more specifically, to a washing machine that can wash clothes with detergent, fabric softener, etc., and a method for controlling the washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a washing machine is a device that includes a washing tub that holds a certain amount of water and a drum that is rotatably installed inside the washing tub. The washing machine washes clothes by rotating the drum that holds the clothes, and drains the water from inside the washing machine to the outside when the wash is complete.

[0003] Unless the user cleans the inside of the detergent supply unit separately after performing a wash, detergent and fabric softener used in previous wash cycles may remain in the fluid channels that connect the detergent supply unit to the wash tub.

[0004] Therefore, when the user adds detergent and fabric softener to perform the next wash, the previous detergent and fabric softener that remain in the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply to the washing tub may mix. If this is ignored for a long time, problems such as mold may occur due to the residual detergent and fabric softener.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to find a method that can easily remove detergent and fabric softener residues in the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit to the washing tub. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] This disclosure is designed in accordance with the aforementioned needs, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a washing machine capable of removing detergent and fabric softener residues in the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply section to the washing tub, and a method for controlling the washing machine.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a detergent supply unit; a washing tub; a water supply unit; a motor for supplying liquid contained in the detergent supply unit to the washing tub along a fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit and the washing tub; a first sensor for detecting the type of liquid contained in the detergent supply unit; a second sensor for detecting the water level in the washing tub; and a processor configured to: based on a user command for cleaning the fluid channel being input, identify the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit based on a sensing value detected by the first sensor, control the water supply unit to supply water to the washing tub based on the identification that the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit is water, and drive the motor to supply water contained in the detergent supply unit to the washing tub along the fluid channel based on the water level in the washing tub detected by the second sensor being greater than or equal to a predetermined value after the water is supplied to the washing tub.

[0010] Here, the detergent supply unit may include a detergent container and a fabric softener container, and the motor may include: a first motor for supplying liquid contained in the detergent container to the washing tub along a fluid channel; and a second motor for supplying liquid contained in the fabric softener container to the washing tub along a fluid channel. The processor may control the water supply unit to supply water to the washing tub based on the identification that the liquid contained in each of the detergent container and the fabric softener container is water, and drive the first motor and the second motor based on the water level in the washing tub detected by a second sensor after the water is supplied to the washing tub being greater than or equal to a predetermined value, so that the water contained in each of the detergent container and the fabric softener container is supplied to the washing tub along a fluid channel.

[0011] Here, the processor can drive the first motor during a predetermined first time period based on the water level in the washing tub detected by the second sensor after water is supplied to the washing tub being greater than or equal to a predetermined value, stop driving the first motor after the predetermined first time period, drive the second motor during a predetermined second time period, and stop driving the second motor after the predetermined second time period.

[0012] Here, the processor can repeatedly execute the driving and pausing of the first and second motors during a predetermined fourth time period after a predetermined third time period following the cessation of driving the second motor.

[0013] Additionally, the washing machine may include a drain pump, and the processor may drive the drain pump based on the water contained in the detergent supply section being supplied to the washing tub along the fluid channel, thereby discharging the liquid contained in the washing tub to the outside of the washing machine.

[0014] In addition, the washing machine may include a third sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the washing tub door, and the processor may identify whether the door is closed based on the sensing values ​​detected by the third sensor, based on user commands input for cleaning the fluid passage, and identify the type of liquid present in the detergent supply section based on the identification that the door is closed.

[0015] Furthermore, the washing machine may also include a fourth sensor for detecting whether the detergent supply unit is coupled, and the processor may identify whether the detergent supply unit is coupled to the washing machine based on the sensing value detected by the fourth sensor, based on the user command input for cleaning the fluid channel, and identify the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit based on the identification that the detergent supply unit is coupled.

[0016] A control method for a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the following steps: identifying the type of liquid contained in the detergent supply unit based on a user command input for cleaning a fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit to the washing tub; supplying water to the washing tub based on the identification that the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit is water; detecting the water level in the washing tub; and supplying water contained in the detergent supply unit to the washing tub along the fluid channel based on the detected water level in the washing tub being greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0017] Here, the detergent supply unit may include a detergent container and a fabric softener container, and in the step of supplying water contained in the detergent supply unit to the washing tub along the fluid channel, the water contained in the detergent container is supplied to the washing tub, and then the water contained in the fabric softener container is supplied to the washing tub.

[0018] Here, in the step of supplying water contained in the detergent supply section to the washing tub along the fluid channel, based on the detected water level in the washing tub being greater than or equal to a predetermined value, water contained in the detergent container can be supplied to the washing tub during a predetermined first time period, and based on the passage of the predetermined first time period, the supply of water contained in the detergent container to the washing tub can be stopped, and water contained in the fabric softener container can be supplied to the washing tub during a predetermined second time period, and based on the passage of the predetermined second time period, the supply of water contained in the fabric softener container to the washing tub can be stopped.

[0019] Here, in the step of supplying water contained in the detergent supply section to the washing tub along the fluid channel, based on a predetermined third time after stopping the supply of water contained in the fabric softener container to the washing tub, the process of supplying water contained in the detergent container and the fabric softener container to the washing tub and stopping the supply can be repeated during a predetermined fourth time.

[0020] In addition, the control method may also include the following steps: water contained in the detergent supply section is supplied to the washing tub along a fluid channel, and the liquid contained in the washing tub is discharged to the outside of the washing machine.

[0021] In addition, the control method may also include the following steps: based on the input of a user command for cleaning the fluid channel, identifying whether the door is closed, and in the step of identifying the type of liquid present in the detergent supply section, based on the identification that the door is closed, the type of liquid present in the detergent supply section can be identified.

[0022] Furthermore, the control method may also include the following steps: based on the input of a user command for cleaning the fluid channel, identifying whether the detergent supply unit is coupled, and in the step of identifying the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit, based on the identification that the detergent supply unit is coupled, the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit can be identified.

[0023] The effects of the invention

[0024] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, users can easily clean the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit to the washing tub by using the washing mode of the washing machine, thereby removing detergent and fabric softener residues inside the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit to the washing tub and keeping the fluid channel clean. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the detergent supply unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the fluid passage connecting the detergent supply unit to the washing tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for cleaning the fluid channels of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating in detail the steps of a method for cleaning the fluid channels of a washing machine according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that these various embodiments are not intended to limit the technology described in this disclosure to the specific embodiments, but should be interpreted as including various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, similar components may be represented by similar reference numerals with reference to the detailed description of the accompanying drawings.

[0033] In this disclosure, expressions such as “having,” “may have,” “include,” and “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., elements such as numerical values, functions, operations, and components), and these expressions do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0034] Furthermore, in this disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and / or B,” or “one or more of A and / or B” can include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” can refer to all of the following cases: (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including at least one A and at least one B.

[0035] Furthermore, the expressions “first,” “second,” etc., used in this disclosure can be used to describe various elements without regard to any order and / or importance. Moreover, such expressions are used only to distinguish one element from another and are not intended to limit the elements.

[0036] Furthermore, the description in this disclosure that an element (e.g., a first element) is "(operably or communicatively) coupled to" or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element) should be interpreted to include both cases: a component is directly coupled to another component, and a component is coupled to another component via yet another component (e.g., a third element). Conversely, the description that an element (e.g., a first element) is "directly coupled to" or "directly connected to" another component (e.g., a second element) can be interpreted to mean that there is no other component (e.g., a third element) between the two components.

[0037] Furthermore, depending on the circumstances, the expression "configured as" as used in this disclosure may be used interchangeably with other expressions such as "suitable for," "capable of," "designed for," "adapted to," "manufactured for," and "able to." At the same time, the term "configured as" does not necessarily mean that the device is "specifically designed" in terms of hardware. Rather, in some cases, the expression "the device is configured as" may mean that the device is "capable" of performing operations with another device or component. For example, the phrase "the processor is configured to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the corresponding operations, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform the corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a storage device.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 The washing machine 100 can refer to a device that washes clothes using water and detergent and performs a spin-drying process on wet clothes. Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the washing machine 100 can dry clothes that have already undergone spin-drying.

[0040] Users can add detergent and fabric softener to the washing machine 100 to wash clothes, and then input washing commands through an input device (not shown) provided on the washing machine 100. Therefore, the washing machine 100 can perform a washing cycle using the detergent and fabric softener added by the user and water supplied from a separately provided water supply unit.

[0041] However, unless the user cleans the inside of the detergent supply unit separately after performing a wash, detergent and fabric softener used in previous wash cycles may remain in the fluid channels that connect the detergent supply unit to the wash tub.

[0042] Therefore, when the user adds detergent and fabric softener to perform the next wash, the previous detergent and fabric softener that remain in the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply to the washing tub may mix. If this is ignored for a long time, problems such as mold may occur due to the residual detergent and fabric softener.

[0043] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the user can remove detergent and fabric softener residue inside the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit 110 and the washing tub 120 by injecting water into the detergent container 111 and the fabric softener container 112 and operating a mode to clean the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit 110 and the washing tub 120, and keep the fluid channel clean. This aspect will be described in detail below.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 The washing machine 100 may include a detergent supply unit 110, a washing tub 120, a water supply unit 130, a motor 140, a first sensor 150, a second sensor 160, and a processor 170.

[0046] The detergent supply unit 110 is a component for supplying detergent and fabric softener needed for washing clothes, and may include a detergent container 111 and a fabric softener container 112.

[0047] When the user adds detergent and fabric softener into detergent container 111 and fabric softener container 112 respectively and performs the washing function, the detergent and fabric softener can be supplied to the washing tub 120 respectively through an automatic detergent dispensing device (not shown) provided in the detergent supply section 110.

[0048] Here, the automatic detergent dispensing device (not shown) installed in the detergent supply section 110 is a device for automatically supplying liquid contained in the detergent container 111 and the fabric softener container 112 into the washing tub 120 at predetermined times according to the washing mode during the washing cycle. For this purpose, the automatic detergent dispensing device (not shown) may include a pump (not shown) that circulates the liquid contained in the detergent supply section 110 by using mechanical energy generated by the operation of the motor 140.

[0049] The washing tub 120 can be installed inside the washing machine 100 and can be formed into a cylindrical shape with an opening facing the clothes inlet. The washing tub 120 can hold a predetermined amount of water required for washing and detergent supplied from the detergent supply unit 110.

[0050] The drum formed inside the washing tub 120 creates a space for washing the clothes. The drum may have multiple through-holes through which water can pass, allowing water from the washing tub 120 to be introduced into the drum and discharged back into the washing tub 120. The drum is rotated by a drive motor in the washing machine 100, and as the drum rotates, the clothes rub against the water stored in the washing tub 120, thereby performing the washing process.

[0051] The water supply unit 130 is a component for supplying water to the interior of the washing tub 120. The water supply unit 130 may include a water supply pipe connected to an external water source such as a faucet and a water supply valve for opening or closing the water supply pipe.

[0052] The motor 140 can be housed inside the detergent supply unit 110 and can be used to drive the automatic detergent dispensing device. That is, when the washing machine 100 is operating, the motor 140 can be driven to supply the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 to the washing tub 120 along the fluid passage connecting the detergent supply unit 110 and the washing tub 120. Specifically, the motor 140 can provide the automatic detergent dispensing device with the mechanical energy required for the pumping operation of supplying the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 to the washing tub 120, and thus, the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 can be supplied to the washing tub 120.

[0053] The motor 140 may include: a first motor for supplying liquid contained in detergent container 111 along a fluid channel to washing tub 120; and a second motor for supplying liquid contained in fabric softener container 112 along a fluid channel to washing tub 120.

[0054] Here, fluid channels can refer to all paths formed between the detergent supply section 110 and the washing tub 120, and through which liquid contained in the detergent supply section 110 is supplied to the washing tub 120.

[0055] In other words, referencing Figure 3 The liquid contained in the detergent container 111 and the fabric softener container 112 of the detergent supply unit 110 is fed into the washing tub 120 through the detergent pipe 111-1 and the fabric softener pipe 112-1, respectively, and here, the detergent pipe 111-1 and the fabric softener pipe 112-1 may be included in the fluid channel.

[0056] Additionally, refer to Figure 4 When the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is supplied to the washing tub 120 through a pipe by a pumping operation caused by the drive motor 140, the liquid passes through an automatic detergent dispensing device including the motor 140, and here, the automatic detergent dispensing device including the motor 140 may also be included in the fluid channel.

[0057] The first sensor 150 is a component for detecting the type of liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110, and can be disposed inside the detergent supply unit 110. Specifically, the first sensor 150 can cause an electric current to flow in the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 and measure the resistance value, and send the measured resistance value to the processor 170.

[0058] In this case, the processor 170 can identify the type of liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 based on the resistance value of the liquid received from the first sensor 150. Specifically, the processor 170 can identify whether the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is detergent, fabric softener, or water based on the resistance value of the liquid received from the first sensor 150.

[0059] In other words, the resistance values ​​detected at the first sensor 150 can differ depending on whether the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is detergent, fabric softener, or water. Therefore, the processor 170 can identify whether the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is detergent, fabric softener, or water by using a pre-stored database and the resistance values ​​detected at the first sensor 150, which includes information about the type of liquid indicated by the resistance value for each resistance value.

[0060] The second sensor 160 is a component for detecting the water level in the washing tub 120 and can be located inside the washing tub 120. The second sensor 160 can detect the water level in the washing tub 120 and send the detected water level value to the processor 170.

[0061] The processor 170 can control the overall operation of the washing machine 100. For example, the processor 170 can control the operation of each piece of hardware installed in the washing machine 100 and support various functions by executing an operating system (O / S) or various applications stored in the memory installed in the washing machine 100.

[0062] Specifically, the processor 170 can perform operations for cleaning the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit to the washing tub, and will be described below with reference to... Figure 5 To provide a more detailed explanation of this aspect.

[0063] First, in operation S510, the processor 170 can receive a user command for cleaning the fluid passage. To this end, the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure can display a UI for showing a mode that allows cleaning of the fluid passage, and the user can select the UI and enter a user command for cleaning the fluid passage.

[0064] Therefore, when a user command is entered to clean the fluid passage, the processor 170 can operate in a cleaning mode that allows the fluid passage to be cleaned.

[0065] In this case, if a user command for cleaning the fluid channel is entered in operation S510 - "Yes", the processor 170 can identify the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit 110 based on the sensing value detected by the first sensor 150.

[0066] Specifically, the processor 170 can identify, based on the liquid resistance value received from the first sensor 150 and according to a pre-stored database, whether the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is detergent, fabric softener, or water.

[0067] Then, if it is identified in operation S520-"Yes" that the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is water, the processor 170 can control the water supply unit 130 to supply water to the washing tub 120.

[0068] In other words, if it is determined that the liquid contained in each of the detergent container 111 and the fabric softener container 112 is water, the processor 170 can supply water to the washing tub 120.

[0069] Specifically, the processor 170 can supply water to the washing tub 120 by controlling the water supply unit 130 to open or close the water supply valve of the water supply pipe connected to the external water source. Thus, when the cleaning mode is operated, the water contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is supplied to the washing tub 120 along the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit 110 and the washing tub 120, thereby removing detergent and fabric softener residues from the fluid channel. In this case, the water contained in the detergent supply unit 110 mixes with the detergent and fabric softener residues from the fluid channel, and the processor 170 can pre-supply a specific amount of water to the washing tub 120 to facilitate its discharge.

[0070] Subsequently, if in operation S540-"Yes", the water level in the washing tub 120 detected by the second sensor 160 after water is supplied to the washing tub 120 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, then in operation S550, the processor 170 can drive the motor 140 so that the water contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is supplied to the washing tub 120 along the fluid channel.

[0071] In other words, the processor 170 can identify the water level of the washing tub 120 detected by the second sensor 160, and if the water level in the washing tub 120 does not reach a predetermined value, the processor 170 can maintain control of the water supply unit 130 to supply water to the washing tub 120. Then, if the water level in the washing tub 120 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the processor 170 can stop the water supply operation through the water supply unit 130 by closing the water supply valve, and then drive the motor 140 so that the water contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is supplied to the washing tub 120 along the fluid channel.

[0072] Here, if the water level in the washing tub 120 detected by the second sensor 160 after water is supplied to the washing tub 120 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the processor 170 can drive the first motor and the second motor so that the water contained in each of the detergent container 111 and the fabric softener container 112 is supplied to the washing tub 120 along the fluid channel.

[0073] In other words, as described above, the motor 140 includes a first motor and a second motor, and the processor 170 can drive the first motor and the second motor to supply water contained in each of the detergent container 111 and the fabric softener container 112 included in the detergent supply unit 110 to the washing tub 120.

[0074] Here, if the water level in the washing tub 120 detected by the second sensor 160 after water is supplied to the washing tub 120 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the processor 170 may drive the first motor during a predetermined first time period and stop driving the first motor after the predetermined first time period, and drive the second motor during a predetermined second time period and stop driving the second motor after the predetermined second time period.

[0075] For example, processor 170 can operate a first motor for ten seconds to supply water contained in detergent container 111 to washing tub 120, and stop driving the first motor after ten seconds, and operate a second motor for ten seconds to supply water contained in fabric softener container 112 to washing tub 120, and then stop driving the second motor again after ten seconds.

[0076] However, this is just an example, and the time for driving the first and second motors can be various time periods (e.g., 5 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.).

[0077] Here, if a predetermined third time elapses after stopping the second motor, the processor 170 can repeatedly execute the driving and pausing of the first and second motors during a predetermined fourth time period.

[0078] In other words, during a predetermined third time period after stopping the drive of the second motor, the processor 170 can prevent the motor 140 from overheating by stopping the drive of the motor 140.

[0079] For example, during a ten-second period after stopping the second motor, processor 170 can stop driving both the first and second motors. Subsequently, processor 170 can repeat the process of driving and stopping the first and second motors over a five-minute period.

[0080] However, this is just an example, and the time for stopping the drive motor 140 can be various time periods (e.g., 5 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.), and the time for repeatedly performing the process of driving and stopping the first and second motors can be various time periods (e.g., 3 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.).

[0081] The process described below is as follows: the water contained in the detergent supply section 110 mixes with residual detergent and fabric softener as it flows through the fluid channel to the washing tub 120, and is then discharged to the outside.

[0082] In order to discharge water containing detergent and fabric softener residue in the fluid channels to the outside after the cleaning operation of the fluid channels is completed, the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may also include a drain pump 180.

[0083] Then, if the water contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is supplied to the washing tub 120 along the fluid channel, the processor 170 can drive the drain pump 180 and discharge the liquid contained in the washing tub 120 to the outside of the washing machine 100.

[0084] Here, the drain pump 180 is a component used to drain the water contained in the washing tub 120 to the outside of the washing machine 100 during the rinsing and spin-drying cycles performed after the washing cycle. For this purpose, the drain pump 180 may be equipped with a motor (not shown) and applies mechanical energy to the liquid contained in the washing tub 120 and discharges the liquid to the outside of the washing machine 100.

[0085] Meanwhile, the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure may be provided with a third sensor (not shown) that detects the opening and closing of the door 10, which opens or closes the washing tub 120. When the cleaning fluid channel is activated while the door 10 is open, water contained in the washing tub 120 can be discharged to the outside through the door 10. Therefore, if the door 10 is identified as closed based on the sensing value detected by the third sensor (not shown), the processor 170 can operate a cleaning mode.

[0086] In other words, if a user command for cleaning the fluid channel is entered, the processor 170 can identify whether the door 10 is closed based on the sensing value detected by the third sensor 190, and if the door 10 is identified as closed, the processor 170 can identify the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit 110.

[0087] Furthermore, the washing machine 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure may be provided with a fourth sensor (not shown) for detecting whether the detergent supply unit 110 is coupled. When the function of operating the cleaning fluid channel is not coupled to the washing machine 100, the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 cannot be properly supplied to the washing tub 120. Therefore, if the detergent supply unit 110 is identified as coupled to the washing machine 100 based on the sensing value detected by the fourth sensor (not shown), the processor 170 can operate the cleaning mode.

[0088] In other words, if a user command for cleaning the fluid channel is entered, the processor 170 can identify whether the detergent supply unit 110 is in a coupled state with the washing machine 100 based on the sensing value detected by the fourth sensor (not shown), and if the detergent supply unit 110 is identified as being coupled, the processor 170 can identify the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit 110.

[0089] Through the above process, the user can remove the detergent and fabric softener residue in the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit 110 and the washing tub 120 by supplying water to the detergent container 111 and fabric softener container 112 included in the detergent supply unit 110 and operating the cleaning mode.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Reference Figure 6 In addition to the detergent supply unit 110, washing tub 120, water supply unit 130, motor 140, first sensor 150, second sensor 160, processor 170 and drain pump 180, the washing machine 100 may also include a third sensor 190, a fourth sensor 191 and a display 192.

[0092] at the same time, Figure 5 The components shown are merely examples, and at least some components may be omitted as appropriate in the embodiments.

[0093] Meanwhile, since the detergent supply unit 110, washing tub 120, water supply unit 130, motor 140, first sensor 150, second sensor 160, processor 170, drain pump 180, third sensor 190 and fourth sensor 191 have been described above, repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0094] As described above, the motor 140 may include: a first motor 141 for supplying liquid contained in the detergent container 111 to the washing tub 120; and a second motor 142 for supplying liquid contained in the fabric softener container 112 to the washing tub 120.

[0095] The display 192 can display various screens. Specifically, the display 192 can display information related to the washing machine 100 and information related to the washing cycle, etc. In addition, the display 192 can display a screen suggesting that the user clean the fluid channels of the washing machine 100, or a screen notifying that the cleaning mode cannot be operated if the liquid contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is not water, etc.

[0096] In this case, the display 192 can be implemented as a display of various forms such as an LCD display or an LED display, and can also be implemented as a touch screen for receiving touch input from a user.

[0097] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating in detail the steps of a method for cleaning the fluid channels of a washing machine according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0098] To summarize the above steps, firstly, in operation S510, it is determined whether a user command for cleaning the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit to the washing tub has been entered.

[0099] Subsequently, if a user command for cleaning the fluid channel is detected in operation S510 - "Yes", then in operation S511, it is determined whether the detergent supply unit is coupled.

[0100] If the detergent supply unit is identified as coupled in operation S511 - "Yes", then the door is identified as being closed in operation S512.

[0101] If the door is closed in operation S512 - "Yes", then the type of liquid contained in the detergent supply section is identified in operation S520.

[0102] Then, if it is identified in operation S520 - "Yes" that the liquid contained in the detergent supply section is water, then in operation S530, water is supplied to the washing tub.

[0103] Then, the water level in the washing tub is checked during operation S540.

[0104] If the water level in the washing tub detected in operation S540 - "Yes" is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the first motor is operated in operation S551 during a predetermined first time period, and the water contained in the detergent container is supplied to the washing tub.

[0105] Then, in operation S552, the operation of the first motor is stopped, and the second motor is operated during a predetermined second time period, and the water contained in the fabric softener container is supplied to the washing tub.

[0106] Then, in operation S553, the operation of the first motor and the second motor is stopped, and the motors are kept in a suspended state for a predetermined third time period.

[0107] Subsequently, in operation S554, it is determined whether the process of repeatedly driving and pausing the first and second motors has elapsed for a predetermined fourth time.

[0108] If it is identified in operation S554 - "Yes" that the process of repeatedly driving and pausing the first and second motors has elapsed for a predetermined fourth time, then in operation S560, the liquid contained in the washing tub is discharged to the outside of the washing machine.

[0109] As described above, the water contained in the detergent supply unit 110 is supplied to the washing tub 120 through the fluid channel, and thus, detergent and fabric softener remaining in the fluid channel can be removed. Therefore, the mixing of detergent and fabric softener added for use in the washing machine 100 with detergent and fabric softener used in previous washing cycles can be prevented, and problems such as mold growth due to detergent and fabric softener residue in the fluid channel can be solved.

[0110] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the various embodiments described above can be implemented as software, which includes instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). A machine refers to a device that invokes instructions stored in the storage medium and is capable of operating according to the invoked instructions, and this device may include the device according to the embodiments described above. When instructions are executed by a processor, the processor may perform the function corresponding to the instruction itself, or by using other components under its control. Instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer that temporarily stores data.

[0111] Furthermore, according to embodiments, the methods according to the various embodiments described in this disclosure can be provided when included in a computer program product. A computer program product refers to a product that can be traded between a seller and a buyer. A computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or can be distributed directly between two user devices (e.g., a smartphone), and through an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM Online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be stored, at least temporarily, on a storage medium such as the manufacturer's server, the app store's server, or the memory of a relay server, or may be temporarily generated.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising: Detergent Supply Department; Washing tub; Water supply department; An electric motor is used to supply liquid contained in the detergent supply unit to the washing tub through a fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit to the washing tub; A first sensor is used to detect the type of liquid contained in the detergent supply section; The second sensor is used to detect the water level in the washing tub; as well as The processor is configured as follows: Based on a user command input for cleaning the fluid channels, the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit is identified based on the sensing value detected by the first sensor. Based on the identification that the liquid contained in the detergent supply section is water, the water supply section is controlled to supply water to the washing tub, and Based on the fact that the water level in the washing tub is greater than or equal to a predetermined value as detected by the second sensor after water is supplied to the washing tub, the motor is driven so that the water contained in the detergent supply section is supplied to the washing tub along the fluid channel.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, in, The detergent supply unit includes: Detergent containers and fabric softener containers, and The motor includes: A first motor is used to supply liquid contained in the detergent container to the washing tub along the fluid channel; and A second motor is used to supply the liquid contained in the fabric softener container along the fluid channel into the washing tub, and The processor is configured to: Based on the identification that the liquid contained in each of the detergent container and the fabric softener container is water, the water supply unit is controlled to supply water to the washing tub, and Based on the fact that the water level in the washing tub is greater than or equal to the predetermined value detected by the second sensor after water is supplied to the washing tub, the first motor and the second motor are driven so that water contained in each of the detergent container and the fabric softener container is supplied to the washing tub along the fluid channel.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, in, The processor is configured to: Based on the fact that the water level in the washing tub, detected by the second sensor after water is supplied to the tub, is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the first motor is driven during a predetermined first time period. Based on the predetermined first time period, the driving of the first motor is stopped, and the second motor is driven during a predetermined second time period, and Based on the predetermined second time interval, the driving of the second motor is stopped.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, in, The processor is configured to: Based on a predetermined third time elapsed after stopping the second motor, the driving and pausing of the first and second motors are repeated during a predetermined fourth time period.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: Drain pump, and The processor is configured to: Water contained in the detergent supply unit is supplied to the washing tub along the fluid channel, driving the drain pump and discharging the liquid contained in the washing tub to the outside of the washing machine.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: The third sensor is used to detect the opening and closing of the washing tub door. The processor is configured as follows: Based on the user command input for cleaning the fluid channel, the system identifies whether the door is closed based on the sensing value detected by the third sensor. Based on the identification that the door is closed, the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit is identified.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: The fourth sensor is used to detect whether the detergent supply unit is coupled. The processor is configured as follows: Based on the user command input for cleaning the fluid channels, the system identifies whether the detergent supply unit is in a coupled state with the washing machine based on the sensing value detected by the fourth sensor. Based on the identification that the detergent supply unit is coupled, the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit is identified.

8. A method for controlling a washing machine, the method comprising: The type of liquid contained in the detergent supply unit is identified based on a user command input for cleaning the fluid channel connecting the detergent supply unit to the washing tub; Based on the identification that the liquid contained in the detergent supply section is water, water is supplied to the washing tub; Detect the water level in the washing tub; as well as Based on the detected water level in the washing tub being greater than or equal to a predetermined value, water contained in the detergent supply unit is supplied to the washing tub along the fluid channel.

9. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 8, wherein, The detergent supply unit includes a detergent container and a fabric softener container, and supplying water contained in the detergent supply unit to the washing tub along the fluid channel includes: Water contained in the detergent container is supplied to the washing tub, and then water contained in the fabric softener container is supplied to the washing tub.

10. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 9, in, Supplying water contained in the detergent supply section to the washing tub along the fluid channel includes: Based on the detected water level in the washing tub being greater than or equal to the predetermined value, water contained in the detergent container is supplied to the washing tub during a predetermined first time period; and Based on the predetermined first time interval, the supply of water contained in the detergent container to the washing tub is stopped, and during the predetermined second time interval, the supply of water contained in the fabric softener container to the washing tub is resumed; and Based on the predetermined second time, the supply of water contained in the fabric softener container to the washing tub is stopped.

11. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 10, in, Supplying water contained in the detergent supply section to the washing tub along the fluid channel includes: Based on a predetermined third time elapsed after the supply of water contained in the fabric softener container to the washing tub, the process of supplying water contained in the detergent container and the fabric softener container to the washing tub and stopping the supply is repeated during a predetermined fourth time elapsed.

12. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 8, further comprising: Water contained in the detergent supply section is supplied to the washing tub along the fluid channel, and the liquid contained in the washing tub is discharged to the outside of the washing machine.

13. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 8, further comprising: Based on the user command input for cleaning the fluid channel, it is determined whether the door is in the closed state. The identification of the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit includes: Based on the identification that the door is closed, the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit is identified.

14. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 8, further comprising: Based on the input of the user command for cleaning the fluid channels, it is identified whether the detergent supply unit is coupled. The identification of the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit includes: Based on the identification that the detergent supply unit is coupled, the type of liquid present in the detergent supply unit is identified.

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