Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine may include a cabinet; a tub accommodated in the cabinet to store washing water; a detergent supply device including a first detergent container in which a first detergent is accommodatable and a second detergent container in which a second detergent is accommodatable; a detergent detector configured to detect a presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container; and a controller configured to change a use setting of the first detergent container according to the detected presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT / KR2024 / 020884 designating the United States, filed on Dec. 20, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office, which claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0018852, filed on Feb. 7, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a washing machine including a detergent supply device and a method for controlling the same.Description of Related Art

[0003] A washing machine is a device that stirs laundry, washing water, and detergent put into a tub together using a driving force of a motor so that washing is performed through friction between the laundry, washing water, and detergent.

[0004] The washing machine includes a detergent supply device for automatically or manually supplying a detergent so that the detergent is evenly mixed with water supplied while water is supplied into the tub.

[0005] The detergent supply device includes several different detergent containers depending on the type of detergent and the automatic / manual supply function of the detergent. For example, the detergent supply device includes an automatic detergent container for automatic supply of detergent and a manual detergent container for manual supply of detergent.

[0006] When the user wants to use the automatic detergent container, the user has to preset the use settings of the detergent container such as the type of detergent and the detergent input amount through the control panel of the washing machine or an external electronic device in response to the detergent contained in the automatic detergent container. In this case, the detergent contained in the automatic detergent container is supplied into the tub according to the preset use settings when the washing machine is operated.

[0007] On the other hand, when the user wants to use the manual detergent container without using the automatic detergent container, the user has to directly change the use settings of the washing machine every time to turn off the automatic detergent supply function of the automatic detergent container.SUMMARY

[0008] Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide a washing machine that detects the contents in a manual detergent / softener container and automatically changes the use settings of the automatic detergent container based on a detection result, and a method for controlling the same.

[0009] A washing machine according to the disclosure may include a cabinet; a tub accommodated in the cabinet to store washing water; a detergent supply device including a first detergent container in which a first detergent is accommodatable and a second detergent container in which a second detergent is accommodatable; a detergent detector configured to detect the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container; and a controller configured to change a use setting of the first detergent container according to the detected presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container.

[0010] A method for controlling a washing machine including a cabinet, a tub accommodated in the cabinet to store washing water, a detergent supply device including a first detergent container in which a first detergent is accommodatable and a second detergent container in which a second detergent is accommodatable, a detergent detector configured to detect a presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container, and a controller, may include: detecting the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container through the detergent detector; and changing a use setting of the first detergent container according to the detected presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container.

[0011] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, when the detergent supply device is drawn into the washing machine, the presence or absence of contents in the manual detergent container and the manual softener container is detected through a detergent detector including an optical sensor or an electrode sensor, and the use settings (e.g., the amount of detergent put in or the type of detergent) of the general detergent container or the selective detergent container are automatically changed based on the detected result value, thereby solving the hassle of the user having to directly set the use settings of the automatic detergent container when using the manual detergent container.

[0012] Effects of the disclosure are not limited to the foregoing, and other unmentioned effects would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following description. In other words, unintended effects in practicing embodiments of the disclosure may also be derived by one of ordinary skill in the art from example embodiments of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a drawn-out state of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0018] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are views illustrating an operation of sensing contents of manual detergent containers in a draw-in operation of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a view schematically illustrating a part of a detergent container of a detergent supply device drawn into a detergent container panel according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a view schematically illustrating a part of a detergent container of a detergent supply device drawn into a detergent container panel according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of a manual detergent container according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 8;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a controller of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a screen of an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment.

[0027] It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,”“at least one of A and B,”“at least one of A or B,”“A, B, or C,”“at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases.

[0029] As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0030] It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,”“coupled to,”“connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0031] It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” and / or “have,” as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0032] It will be understood that when a component is referred to as “connected to,”“coupled to”, “supported on,” or “contacting” another component, the components may be connected to, coupled to, supported on, or contact each other directly or via a third component.

[0033] Throughout the specification, when one component is positioned “on” another component, the first component may be positioned directly on the second component, or other component(s) may be positioned between the first and second component.

[0034] The term “and / or” may denote a combination(s) of a plurality of related components as listed or any of the components.

[0035] Hereinafter, the working principle and embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] A home appliance according to various embodiments may include a clothing treatment device. The washing machine, which is a clothing treatment device, may perform washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying cycles. The washing machine is an example of the clothing treatment device. The clothing treatment device encompasses devices for washing clothes (objects to be washed or objects to be dried), devices for drying clothes, and devices capable of performing both washing and drying of clothes.

[0037] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a top-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet for inserting or withdrawing laundry faces upward, or a front-loading washing machine in which a laundry inlet faces forward. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine having various loading schemes other than the top-loading and front-loading washing machines described above.

[0038] The top-loading washing machine may wash laundry using a water flow generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. The front-loading washing machine may wash laundry by repeatedly raising and dropping the laundry by rotating the drum. The front-loading washing machine may include a dryer cum washing machine capable of drying laundry accommodated in the drum. The dryer cum washing machine may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensation device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the dryer cum washing machine may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine of a washing method other than the above-described washing method.

[0039] The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a housing accommodating various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box having a laundry inlet formed in one side thereof.

[0040] The washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry inlet. The door may be rotatably mounted on the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be provided to be transparent or translucent so that the inside of the housing is visible.

[0041] The washing machine may include a tub provided inside the housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed in one side thereof, and may be disposed inside the housing so that the tub opening is disposed to correspond to the laundry inlet.

[0042] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper may absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates and attenuate vibrations transferred to the housing.

[0043] The washing machine may include a drum provided to accommodate laundry.

[0044] The drum may be disposed inside the tub so that a drum opening provided in one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. The laundry may be accommodated in the drum or withdrawn from the drum by sequentially passing through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening.

[0045] The drum may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and / or spinning cycles while rotating inside the tub. A plurality of through holes may be formed in the cylindrical wall of the drum to allow water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0046] The washing machine may include a driving device configured to rotate the drum. The driving device may include a driving motor and a rotation shaft for transferring the driving force generated by the driving motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum through the tub.

[0047] The driving device may perform each operation according to washing, rinsing, and / or spinning, or drying cycle by rotating the drum forward or backward.

[0048] The washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to the tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water supply source. The water supply pipe may extend from an external water supply source to the detergent supply device and / or the tub. Water may be supplied to the tub via the detergent supply device. Water may be supplied to the tub without passing through the detergent supply device.

[0049] The water supply valve may open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the controller. The water supply valve may allow or block water from being supplied from an external water supply source to the tub. The water supply valve may include, e.g., a solenoid valve that is opened and closed in response to an electrical signal.

[0050] The washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device in which the user needs to put a detergent to be used for each washing, and an automatic detergent supply device in which a large amount of detergent is stored and a predetermined amount of detergent is automatically put into the washing. The detergent supply device may include a detergent container for storing the detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through the water supply pipe may be mixed with the detergent via the detergent supply device. Water mixed with the detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a term encompassing a detergent for pre-washing, a detergent for main washing, a fabric softener, a bleach, or the like, and the detergent container may be divided into a pre-washing detergent storage area, a main washing detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0051] The washing machine may include a drain device configured to discharge water contained in the tub to the outside. The drain device may include a drain pipe extending from a lower portion of the tub to the outside of the housing, a drain valve provided in the drain pipe to open and close the drain pipe, and a pump provided on the drain pipe. The pump may pump water from the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0052] The washing machine may include a control panel disposed on one side surface of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for the user and the washing machine to interact with each other. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0053] At least one input interface may convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal.

[0054] The at least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a washing / rinsing / spinning setting button. The at least one input interface may include, e.g., a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0055] The at least one output interface may visually or audibly transfer information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0056] For example, the at least one output interface may transfer information related to the washing course, the operation time of the washing machine, and the washing setting / rinsing setting / spinning setting to the user. The information about the operation of the washing machine may be output as a screen, an indicator, a voice, etc. The at least one output interface may include, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, or the like.

[0057] The washing machine may include a communication module for wired and / or wireless communication with an external device.

[0058] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0059] The communication module may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance) or may receive data from the external device. For example, the communication module may establish communication with a server and / or the user device and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0060] To that end, the communication module may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices and performing communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication module may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external device via a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other.

[0061] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, and a microwave (uWave) communication module.

[0062] The long-range communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range communication, and may include a mobile communication part. The mobile communication part transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server over a mobile communication network.

[0063] In an embodiment, the communication module may communicate with an external device such as a server, a user equipment, another home appliance, or the like through an access point (AP). The AP may connect the local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user equipment is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device may be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The controller may control various components (e.g., a driving motor and a water supply valve) of the washing machine. The controller may control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spinning according to the user input. For example, the controller may control the driving motor to adjust the rotational speed of the drum, or control the water supply valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0064] The controller may include hardware such as a CPU or a memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller may include an algorithm for controlling operations of the components in the washing machine, at least one memory for storing data in the form of a program, and at least one processor for performing the above-described operations using the data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may be implemented as separate chips, respectively. The processor may include one or more processor chips or may include one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or may include one or more memory blocks. Further, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0065] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the door 40 of the washing machine 1 according to an embodiment is opened and the detergent supply device 100 is drawn out.

[0068] Hereinafter, the washing machine 1 is described with a direction in which the detergent supply device 100 is drawn out of the cabinet 10 of the washing machine 1 defined as a front direction (e.g., +x-axis direction) and a direction in which the detergent supply device 100 is drawn in from the cabinet 10 of the washing machine 1 defined as a rear direction (e.g., −x-axis direction), and left and right sides (e.g., +y-axis directions) and upper and lower sides (e.g., +z-axis directions) defined with respect thereto.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may include a cabinet 10 forming an outer appearance and accommodating various components therein, a tub 20 provided inside the cabinet 10 to store mixed water in which water and detergent are mixed, a drum 30 provided inside the tub 20 to accommodate laundry and rotate, a door 40 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 10, a driving device 60 rotating the drum 30, and a detergent supply device 100 supplying detergent to the tub 20.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the cabinet 10 may have a hexahedral shape. In an embodiment, the cabinet 10 may be formed in a box shape with an open front.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the cabinet 10 includes a front panel 11a provided in the open front, side panels 11b and 11c disposed on two opposite side surfaces rearward of the front panel 11a, a rear panel 11d provided at the rear of the cabinet 10, and a top cover 11e provided on an upper side thereof. An example in which in the cabinet 10, the rear panel 11d and two opposite side panels 11b and 11c are integrally formed is illustrated, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0072] According to an embodiment, an opening 12 may be formed in the front panel 11a to allow laundry to be put into the drum 30. An opening may be formed in each of the tub 20 and the drum 30 to allow laundry to be put in or out of the cabinet 10, and the opening of each of the tub 20 and the drum 30 may be positioned to correspond to the opening 12 of the front panel 11a.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the cabinet 10 may include a base 13 provided at the bottom. In an embodiment, the base 13 may include a lower frame 13a formed to cover a lower portion of the cabinet 10 and a lower reinforcing frame 13b formed to extend from the lower frame 13a.

[0074] According to an embodiment, a water supply device 14 including a water supply pipe 14a for supplying washing water to the detergent supply device 100 and / or the tub 20, and a water supply valve 14b for controlling water supply of the water supply pipe 14a may be provided above the tub 20.

[0075] According to an embodiment, a detergent container panel 15 having an opening 15a through which the detergent supply device 100 is drawn in / out may be provided above the tub 20. The detergent supply device 100 may be drawn into the washing machine 1 or withdrawn out of the washing machine 1 through the opening 15a of the detergent container panel 15.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the detergent container panel 15 may be connected to the water supply pipe 14a from the rear. In an embodiment, the detergent container panel 15 may be connected to an upper portion of the tub 20 through a supply pipe 17. The water supplied through the water supply pipe 14a may be mixed with the detergent via the detergent supply device 100, and the mixed water in which the water and the detergent are mixed may be supplied into the tub 20.

[0077] According to an embodiment, a control panel 16 including an input device 161 for receiving an operation command of the washing machine 1 from the user and an output device 162 for outputting operation information about the washing machine 1 may be disposed on the front side of the cabinet 10. The input device 161 may be implemented as an input means such as a dial switch as shown in the drawings, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The output device 162 may be implemented as an output means in the form of a display as illustrated in the drawings, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the tub 20 may store mixed water in which water and a detergent are mixed. The tub 20 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the tub 20 may be fixed inside the cabinet 10. Although not specifically shown in the drawings, a drain device (not shown) including a drain pipe (not shown) for draining water inside the tub 20 and a drain valve (not shown) may be installed under the tub 20.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the tub 20 may be provided to be elastically supported from the cabinet 10 by an upper spring (not shown) and lower dampers 80. When vibration generated when the drum 30 rotates is transferred to the tub 20 and the cabinet 10, the spring and dampers 80 may absorb vibration energy between the tub 20 and the cabinet 10 to attenuate the vibration.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the drum 30 may perform a washing cycle of raising and dropping laundry while rotating inside the tub 20. A plurality of lifters 31 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the drum 30.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the door 40 may be rotatably coupled to the front panel 11a of the cabinet 10. In an embodiment, the door 40 may rotate to open and close the opening 12 of the front panel 11a. In an embodiment, the door 40 may include a door frame 41 and a door glass 43. The door glass 43 may be formed of a transparent tempered glass material to see through the inside of the cabinet 10.

[0082] According to an embodiment, a diaphragm 50 connecting the opening 12 of the front panel 11a and the opening of the tub 20 may be provided between the front panel 11a and the tub 20.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the driving device 60 may be disposed behind the drum 30. In an embodiment, the driving device 60 may be provided to rotate the drum 30 by transferring the driving force generated by a motor 61 to the drum 30 through a rotation shaft 67. In an embodiment, the motor 61 may include a fixed stator 63 and a rotor 65 that rotates by electromagnetically interacting with the stator 63 to convert an electric force into a rotational force.

[0084] According to an embodiment, a spray nozzle 70 connected to a circulation hose 71 to spray the circulating mixed water into the drum 30 may be provided on one side of the diaphragm 50. In an embodiment, the spray nozzle 70 may be configured to evenly spray mixed water to the entire laundry accommodated in the drum 30. In an embodiment, the circulation hose 71 may be connected to a circulation pump 73 for pumping mixed water stored under the tub 20.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may be disposed on the front upper portion of the tub 20. In an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may be supplied with water for washing through the water supply pipe 14a, and may mix the water supplied from the water supply pipe 14a and the internal detergent and supply the mixed water to the tub 20 through the supply pipe 17. In an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may store a detergent for washing therein. The detergent may include a general detergent, a neutral detergent, a baby detergent, or a softener. In an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may include a plurality of detergent containers (or boxes) therein to store various detergents.

[0086] Hereinafter, a detailed structure, shape, and / or function of the detergent supply device 100 is described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, 5B, and 5C.

[0087] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a drawn-out state of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0088] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2) according to an embodiment may include a cabinet 10 forming an outer appearance and a detergent supply device 100 for receiving a detergent and supplying the received detergent to the tub (e.g., the tub 20 of FIG. 2).

[0090] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may be provided to be drawn in or out from the cabinet 10. For example, the detergent supply device 100 may be drawn into the cabinet 10 or drawn out of the cabinet 10 through the opening 15a of the detergent container panel 15 provided in the front upper portion of the cabinet 10.

[0091] When the detergent supply device 100 is drawn into the cabinet 10, during the operation (e.g., the washing cycle) of the washing machine 1, the detergent accommodated in the detergent supply device 100 may be mixed with water supplied through a water supply pipe (e.g., the water supply pipe 14a of FIG. 2), and then may be supplied to the tub 20 along the supply pipe (e.g., the supply pipe 17 of FIG. 2).

[0092] When the detergent supply device 100 is drawn out the cabinet 10, the user may refill detergent containers 120 and 130 to be described below in the detergent supply device 100 with detergent, remove the existing detergent in the detergent containers 120 and 130 and then replace it with another detergent, or remove the detergent containers 120 and 130 from the washing machine 1 and wash the detergent containers 120 and 130.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may include a housing 110 forming an outer appearance, and a plurality of detergent containers 120 and 130 detachably coupled to the housing 110 and accommodating detergent.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the housing 110 may include a front cover 111 provided with a handle 111a for drawing in / out the detergent supply device 100, and a detergent container mounting part 112 extending rearward of the front cover 111 and detachably coupled to the detergent containers 120 and 130.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the front cover 111 of the housing 110 may be disposed on the same plane (e.g., front surface) as the front panel (e.g., front panel 11a of FIG. 1) and / or the control panel (e.g., control panel 16 of FIG. 1) of the cabinet 10 in the drawn-in state of the detergent supply device 100. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the detergent container mounting part 112 of the housing 110 may be partitioned by a plurality of partition walls, and may include a plurality of detergent container mounting parts 1121, 1122, 1123, and 1124 having an open upper side. For example, the detergent container mounting part 112 may include a 1-1th detergent container mounting part 1121 (e.g., a 1st first detergent container mounting part) where a 1-1th detergent container 120a (e.g., a 1st first detergent container) to be described below is mounted, a 1-2th detergent container mounting part 1122 (e.g., a 2nd first detergent container mounting part) where a 1-2th detergent container 120b (e.g., a 2nd first detergent container) to be described below is mounted, a 2-1th detergent container mounting part 1123 (e.g., a 1st second detergent container mounting part) where a 2-1th detergent container 130a (e.g., a 1st second detergent container) to be described below is mounted, and a 2-2th detergent container mounting part 1124 (e.g., a 2nd second detergent container mounting part) where a 2-2th detergent container 130b (e.g., a 2nd second detergent container) to be described below is mounted.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the plurality of detergent container mounting parts 1121, 1122, 1123, and 1124 may be provided to correspond to the size, shape, and / or arrangement of the detergent container mounting parts 120a, 120b, 130a, and 130b.

[0098] In an embodiment, a central portion 1121c of the 1-1th detergent container mounting part 1121 may be designed to have different widths from a front portion 1121a and a rear portion 1121b. In an embodiment, a central portion 1122c of the 1-2th detergent container mounting part 1122 may be designed to have different widths from a front portion 1122a and a rear portion 1122b. In an embodiment, the 1-1th detergent container mounting part 1121 and the 1-2th detergent container mounting part 1122 may be provided to be symmetrical left and right. In an embodiment, the 2-1th detergent container mounting part 1123 may be provided between the central portion 1121c of the 1-1th detergent container mounting part 1121 and the central portion 1122c of the 1-2th detergent container mounting part 1122. In an embodiment, the 2-2th detergent container mounting part 1124 may be provided between the central portion 1121c of the 1-1th detergent container mounting part 1121 and the central portion 1122c of the 1-2th detergent container mounting part 1122.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the plurality of detergent containers 120 and 130 may be designed differently depending on the type of detergent accommodated in the detergent container and / or whether the detergent is automatically put in.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the plurality of detergent containers 120 and 130 may be connected to a detergent pump (e.g., the detergent pump 180 of FIG. 10), and may include a plurality of first detergent containers 120 in which a detergent (e.g., a first detergent) for automatic input is accommodated.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the plurality of first detergent containers 120 may include a 1-1th detergent container 120a and a 1-2th detergent container 120b that are connected to the detergent pump 180 to discharge the detergent accommodated in accordance with the use settings of the detergent container. Although not specifically designated in the drawings, the detergent pump 180 may be connected to each of the 1-1th detergent container 120a and the 1-2th detergent container 120b to suck / discharge the detergent contained in each of the detergent containers 120a and 120b into the detergent container panel 15 according to the input amount according to the detergent container use settings. In an embodiment, the 1-1th detergent container 120a may accommodate a detergent (e.g., a 1st first detergent). In an embodiment, the 1-2th detergent container 120b may accommodate a detergent or a softener (e.g., a 2nd first detergent). The first detergent container 120 may be referred to as an automatic detergent container, the 1-1th detergent container 120a may be referred to as a general detergent container, and the 1-2th detergent container 120b may be referred to as a selective detergent container. In an embodiment, the 1-1th detergent container 120a and the 1-2th detergent container 120b may be disposed left and right.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the 1-1th detergent container 120a may be detachably mounted on the first detergent container mounting part 1121. In an embodiment, the 1-1th detergent container 120a may include a case 121 having an open upper side, a cover 122 having an opening for accommodating detergent and covering the upper side of the case 121, and a cap 123 for opening and closing the opening of the cover 122.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the 1-2th detergent container 120b may be detachably mounted on the second detergent container mounting part 1122. The 1-2th detergent container 120b may include a case 121, a cover 122, and a cap 123, and may have a structure substantially left / right symmetrical to the 1-1th detergent container 120a.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the plurality of detergent containers 120 and 130 may may include a plurality of second detergent containers 130 that are not connected to the detergent pump 180 and contain a detergent for manual input.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the plurality of detergent containers 130 may include a 2-1th detergent container 130a and a 2-2th detergent container 130b that are not connected to the detergent pump 180 and contain a detergent (e.g., a second detergent) mixed with water supplied from the water supply pipe 14a, when the washing machine is operated, regardless of the use settings of the detergent container. In an embodiment, the 2-1th detergent container 130a may be disposed in front of the 2-2th detergent container 130b and may accommodate the detergent (e.g., a 1st second detergent). In an embodiment, the 2-2th detergent container 130b may accommodate a softener (e.g., a 2nd second detergent). The second detergent container 130 may be referred to as a manual detergent / softener container, the 2-1th detergent container 130a may be referred to as a manual detergent container, and the 2-2th detergent container 130b may be referred to as a selective softener container.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the 2-1th detergent container 130a may be detachably mounted on the 2-1th detergent container mounting part 1123, and may be disposed between the 2-1th detergent container 120a and the 2-2th detergent container 120b. In an embodiment, the 2-1th detergent container 130a may have an open upper side and may have a cup shape.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the 2-2th detergent container 130b may be detachably mounted on the 2-2th detergent container mounting part 1124, and may be disposed between the 2-1th detergent container 120a and the 2-2th detergent container 120b. In an embodiment, the 2-2th detergent container 130b may be disposed behind the 2-1th detergent container 130a. The 2-2th detergent container 130b may have substantially the same structure as the 2-1th detergent container 130a.TABLE 1detergentsoftenerchange to detailed use settingsgeneralselectiveset the amount of detergent detergentdetergentput in the general detergentcontainercontainercontainer to one of “save / normal / large”set the detergent type in the selective detergent container to“softener”set the amount of detergent put in the selective detergentcontainer to one of “save / normal / large”manualset the amount of detergent softenerput in the general detergentcontainercontainer to one of “save / normal / large”set the amount put in the selective detergent container to “off”selectivemanualset the amount put in the general detergentsoftenerdetergent container to “off”containercontainerset the detergent type in the selective detergent container to“detergent other than softener”set the amount of detergent put in the selective detergentcontainer to one of “save / normal / large”manualmanualset the amount put in the general detergentsoftenerdetergent container to “off”containercontainerset the amount put in the selective detergent container to “off”

[0108] As described above, the user may supply the detergent to the tub 20 in various ways such as automatic or manual using the plurality of detergent containers 120 and 130. When the user uses a detergent (e.g., detergents other than a softener) and a softener, as shown in Table 1, the use settings of the automatic detergent container (e.g., the general detergent container 120a or the selective detergent container 120b) may be changed according to the detergent container in which the detergent and the softener are accommodated. When the user wants to use the manual detergent container 130a or the manual softener container 130b, the user has to directly change the use settings of the automatic detergent container 120 using the control panel 16 of the washing machine 1 or an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device 200 of FIG. 10) (e.g., the user terminal), which may cause inconvenience to the user. In order to eliminate such inconvenience when the manual detergent container 130a or the manual softener container 130b is used, the washing machine 1 may detect the contents (e.g., detergent or softener) in the manual detergent container 130a or the manual softener container 130b through a detergent detector (e.g., the optical sensor 141 and 141′ of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 6 and 7, or the electrode sensor 142 of FIGS. 8 and 9), and automatically change the use settings of the automatic detergent container 120 based on the detection result.

[0109] Hereinafter, the structure of the detergent detector 140 and 140′ and the operation of detecting the contents of the manual detergent / softener container 130 through the detergent detector 140 and 140′ are described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 6, 7, 8, and 9, and a method for changing the automatic use settings of the automatic detergent container 120 based on the detection result of the detergent detector 140 and 140′ is described below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0110] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are views illustrating an operation of sensing contents of manual detergent containers in a draw-in operation of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0111] FIGS. 5A to 5C schematically illustrate manual detergent / softener containers 130a and 130b among the plurality of detergent containers 130 of the detergent supply device 100, and are views illustrating a detecting operation of contents accommodated in the manual detergent / softener containers 130a and 130b by the detergent detector 140 for each position during the draw-in process of the detergent supply device 100.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2) according to an embodiment may include a cabinet 10 forming an outer appearance and a detergent supply device (e.g., the detergent supply device 100 of FIG. 2) for accommodating a detergent and supplying the received detergent to a tub (e.g., the tub 20 of FIG. 2).

[0113] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may include a plurality of detergent containers 130 accommodating the detergent.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the plurality of the second containers (below, manual detergent / softener containers) 130 among the plurality of detergent containers 130 may include a 2-1th container (below, a manual detergent container) 130a and a 2-2th container (below, a manual softener container) 130b that are not connected to a detergent pump (e.g., the detergent pump 180 of FIG. 10) and contain the detergents D1 and D2 mixed with water supplied from a water supply pipe (e.g., the water supply pipe 14a of FIG. 2), when the washing machine is operated, regardless of the use settings of the detergent container. In an embodiment, the manual detergent container 130a may be disposed in front of the manual softener container 130b and may accommodate the detergent D1 (e.g., the 1st second detergent). In an embodiment, the manual softener container 130b may accommodate the softener D2 (e.g., the 2nd second detergent).

[0115] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may be provided to detect the presence or absence of the contents (e.g., detergent or softener) accommodated in the manual detergent / softener container 130. In an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may be implemented in the form of an optical sensor 141. In an embodiment, the optical sensor 141 may be electrically connected to a controller (e.g., the controller 150 of FIG. 10). In an embodiment, the optical sensor 141 may include a light emitter 1411 emitting light and a light receiver 1412 receiving light emitted from the light emitter 1411 and reflected by a counterpart (e.g., the detergents D1 and D2 accommodated in the manual detergent / softener container 130 or the manual detergent / softener container 130).

[0116] According to an embodiment, a light absorbing member 131 for absorbing light emitted from the optical sensor 141 may be provided on the bottom surface of the manual detergent / softener container 130. The light absorbing member 131 may include, e.g., a black paint applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the second detergent container 130, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0117] In an embodiment, the optical sensor 141 may be positioned above the manual detergent container 130a in a state in which the detergent supply device 100 is completely drawn into the detergent supply device 100.

[0118] Hereinafter, the operation of detecting the contents of the manual detergent / softener container 130 using the optical sensor 141 is described. In the process in which the manual detergent / softener container 130 of the detergent supply device 100 is drawn into the washing machine 1 through the opening 15a of the detergent container panel 15 (see FIGS. 5A to 5C), if the manual softener container 130b reaches the bottom of the optical sensor 141, the optical sensor 141 emits light toward the manual softener container 130b and receives light reflected from the manual softener container 130b or the softener D2 accommodated in the manual softener container 130b (see FIG. 5B). In this case, when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor 141 is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount of light, the detergent detector 140 may determine that the softener D2 is present in the manual softener container 130b. Thereafter, when the detergent supply device 100 is completely drawn in and the manual detergent container 130a is positioned below the optical sensor 141, the optical sensor 141 emits light toward the manual detergent container 130a and receives light reflected from the detergent D1 accommodated in the manual detergent container 130a or the manual detergent container 130a (see FIG. 5C). In this case, when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor 141 is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount of light, the detergent detector 140 may determine that the detergent D1 is present in the manual detergent container 130a.

[0119] FIG. 6 is a view schematically illustrating a part of a detergent container of a detergent supply device drawn into a detergent container panel according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0120] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates manual detergent / softener containers 130a and 130b among the plurality of detergent containers 130 of the detergent supply device 100, and are views illustrating an operation of detecting contents accommodated in the manual detergent / softener containers 130a and 130b by the detergent detector 140′ in a process in which the detergent supply device 100 is drawn in.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 6, a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2) according to an embodiment may include a cabinet 10 forming an outer appearance and a detergent supply device 100 for receiving a detergent and supplying the received detergent to a tub (e.g., the tub 20 of FIG. 2).

[0122] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may include a plurality of detergent containers 130 accommodating the detergent.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the manual detergent / softener containers 130 among the plurality of detergent containers 130 may include a manual detergent container 130a and a manual softener container 130b that are not connected to a detergent pump (e.g., the detergent pump 180 of FIG. 10) and contain detergents D1 and D2 mixed with water supplied from a water supply pipe (e.g., the water supply pipe 14a of FIG. 2), when the washing machine is operated, regardless of the use settings of the detergent container. In an embodiment, the manual detergent container 130a may be disposed in front of the manual softener container 130b and may accommodate the detergent D1. In an embodiment, the manual softener container 130b may accommodate the softener D2.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140′ may be provided to detect the presence or absence of the contents (e.g., detergent or softener) accommodated in the manual detergent / softener container 130. In an embodiment, the detergent detector 140′ may be implemented in the form of an optical sensor 141′. In an embodiment, the optical sensor 141′ may be electrically connected to a controller (e.g., the controller 150 of FIG. 10). In an embodiment, the optical sensor 141′ may include a light emitter 1411 configured to emit light, and a light receiver 1412 configured to receive (or receive) light emitted from the light emitter 1411 and reflected by a counterpart (e.g., the detergents D1 and D2 accommodated in the manual detergent container 130a or the manual softener container 130b).

[0125] According to an embodiment, a light absorbing member 131 for absorbing light emitted from the optical sensor 141′ may be provided on the bottom surface of the manual detergent / softener container 130. The light absorbing member 131 may include, e.g., a black paint applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the second detergent container 130, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0126] In an embodiment, the optical sensor′141 may be positioned above the boundary between the manual detergent container 130a and the manual softener container 130b in a state in which the detergent supply device 100 is completely drawn into the detergent supply device 100.

[0127] In an embodiment, the optical sensor 141′ may be configured to be rotatable to change the positions of the light emitter 1411 and the light receiver 1412. For example, the optical sensor 141′ may further include a separate motor (not shown) for rotation. In an embodiment, the optical sensor 141′ may rotate so that the positions of the light emitter 1411 and the light receiver 1412 are positioned in the rear, e.g., on the upper side (e.g., the first position) of the manual softener container 130b. In an embodiment, the optical sensor 141′ may rotate so that the positions of the light emitter 1411 and the light receiver 1412 are positioned in the front, e.g., on the upper side (e.g., the second position) of the manual detergent container 130a.

[0128] Hereinafter, the operation of detecting the contents of the manual detergent / softener container 130 using the optical sensor 141′ is described. When the draw-in of the detergent supply device 100 is completed, the optical sensor 141′ rotates to the first position to emit light toward the manual softener container 130b, and receives light reflected from the manual softener container 130b or the softener D2 accommodated in the manual softener container 130b. In this case, when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor 141′ is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount of light, the detergent detector 140′ may determine that the softener D2 is present in the manual softener container 130b.

[0129] Thereafter, the optical sensor 141′ rotates to the second position to emit light toward the manual detergent container 130a, and receives light reflected from the detergent D1 accommodated in the manual detergent container 130a or the manual detergent container 130a. In this case, when the amount of light detected by the optical sensor 141′ is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount of light, the detergent detector 140′ may determine that the detergent D1 is present in the manual detergent container 130a.

[0130] FIG. 7 is a view schematically illustrating a part of a detergent container of a detergent supply device drawn into a detergent container panel according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0131] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates manual detergent / softener containers 130a and 130b among the plurality of detergent containers 130 of the detergent supply device 100, and are views illustrating an operation of detecting contents accommodated in the manual detergent / softener containers 130a and 130b by the detergent detector 140 in a process in which the detergent supply device 100 is drawn in.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 7, a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2) according to an embodiment may include a cabinet 10 forming an outer appearance and a detergent supply device 100 for receiving a detergent and supplying the received detergent to a tub (e.g., the tub 20 of FIG. 2).

[0133] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may include a plurality of detergent containers 130 accommodating the detergent.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the manual detergent / softener containers 130 among the plurality of detergent containers 130 may include a manual detergent container 130a and a manual softener container 130b that are not connected to a detergent pump (e.g., the detergent pump 180 of FIG. 10), and contain detergents D1 and D2 mixed with water supplied from a water supply pipe (e.g., the water supply pipe 14a of FIG. 2), when the washing machine is operated, regardless of the use settings of the detergent container. In an embodiment, the manual detergent container 130a may be disposed in front of the manual softener container 130b and may accommodate the detergent D1. In an embodiment, the manual softener container 130b may accommodate the softener D2.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may be provided to detect the presence or absence of the contents (e.g., detergent or softener) accommodated in the manual detergent / softener container 130. In an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may be implemented in the form of a plurality of optical sensors 141. In an embodiment, the optical sensor 141 may be electrically connected to a controller (e.g., the controller 150 of FIG. 10). In an embodiment, the optical sensor 141 may include a light emitter 1411 emitting light and a light receiver 1412 receiving light emitted from the light emitter 1411 and reflected by a counterpart (e.g., the detergents D1 and D2 accommodated in the manual detergent / softener container 130 or the manual detergent / softener container 130).

[0136] According to an embodiment, a light absorbing member 131 for absorbing light emitted from the optical sensor 141 may be provided on the bottom surface of the manual detergent / softener container 130. The light absorbing member 131 may include, e.g., a black paint applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the second detergent container 130, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the plurality of optical sensors 141 may include a first optical sensor 141a positioned above the manual detergent container 130a and a second optical sensor 141b positioned above the manual softener container 130b, in a state in which the draw-in of the detergent supply device 100 is completed.

[0138] Hereinafter, the operation of detecting the contents of the manual detergent / softener container 130 using the plurality of optical sensors 141a and 141b is described. When the draw-in of the detergent supply device 100 is completed, the first optical sensor 141a emits light toward the manual detergent container 130a, and receives light reflected from the manual detergent container 130a or the detergent D1 accommodated in the manual detergent container 130a. In this case, when the amount of light detected by the first optical sensor 141a is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount of light, the detergent detector 140 may determine that the detergent D1 is present in the manual detergent container 130a. The second optical sensor 141b emits light toward the manual softener container 130b and receives light reflected from the softener D2 accommodated in the manual softener container 130b or the manual softener container 130b. In this case, when the amount of light detected by the second optical sensor 141b is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount of light, the detergent detector 140 may determine that the softener D2 is present in the manual softener container 130b.

[0139] FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of a manual detergent container according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0140] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 8.

[0141] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the manual detergent container 130a mounted on the detergent container mounting part 112 (e.g., the 2-1th detergent container mounting part 1123) when viewed from above.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2) according to an embodiment may include a cabinet (e.g., the cabinet 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2) forming an outer appearance and a detergent supply device 100 for receiving a detergent and supplying the received detergent to a tub (e.g., the tub 20 of FIG. 2).

[0143] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may include a plurality of detergent containers 130 accommodating the detergent.

[0144] According to an embodiment, the manual detergent / softener containers 130 among the plurality of detergent containers 130 may include a manual detergent container 130a and a manual softener container (e.g., the manual softener container 130b of FIGS. 3 and 4) that are not connected to a detergent pump (e.g., the detergent pump 180 of FIG. 10) and contain detergents D1 and D2 mixed with water supplied from a water supply pipe (e.g., the water supply pipe 14a of FIG. 2), when the washing machine is operated, regardless of the use settings of the detergent container. In an embodiment, the manual detergent container 130a may be disposed in front of the manual softener container 130b and may accommodate the detergent. In an embodiment, the manual softener container 130b may accommodate the softener.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may be provided to detect the presence or absence of the contents (e.g., detergent or softener) accommodated in the manual detergent / softener container 130. In an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may be implemented in the form of an electrode sensor 142.

[0146] In an embodiment, the electrode sensor 142 may include electrodes 1421 and 1422 that penetrate the bottom surface of the manual detergent / softener container 130 and horizontally spaced apart from each other. The electrode sensor 142 may be electrically connected to a controller (e.g., the controller 150 of FIG. 10).

[0147] In an embodiment, the electrode sensor 142 may allow a current to flow through the detergent or softener contacting the electrodes 1421 and 1422 in response to receiving power, and may detect the intensity (e.g., a voltage value) of the current. When the remaining amount of the detergent is insufficient, the electrodes 1421 and 1422 of the electrode sensor 142 may not come into contact with the detergent, and accordingly, a current may not flow through the detergent, and thus a relatively large voltage value may be detected. Conversely, when the remaining amount of the detergent is sufficient, the electrodes 1421 and 1422 of the electrode sensor 142 may contact the detergent, and accordingly, a current may flow through the detergent, thereby detecting a relatively small voltage value.

[0148] As such, if the detected voltage value is less than or equal to a preset voltage value, the electrode sensor 142 may determine that the contents (e.g., detergent or softener) are present in the manual detergent / softener container 130.

[0149] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a controller of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 10, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment may include a detergent detector 140, a controller 150, a memory 151, an input device 161, an output device 162, a communication part 170, and a detergent pump 180.

[0151] Therefore, a description of portions overlapping those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 is omitted.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may include an optical sensor 141 or an electrode sensor 142, but this is exemplary, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the detergent detector 140 may include various sensors such as a level sensor, an infrared sensor, and a load sensor for detecting the contents of a manual detergent / softener container (e.g., the manual detergent / softener container 130 of FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0153] According to an embodiment, the optical sensor 141 may be provided to emit light to the manual detergent / softener container 130 and detect the reflected amount of light. The controller 150 may determine whether the contents (e.g., detergent or softener) are present in the manual detergent / softener container 130 using the amount of light measured by the optical sensor 141.

[0154] According to an embodiment, the electrode sensor 142 may be provided to contact the contents accommodated in the manual detergent / softener container 130 to detect a voltage value. The controller 150 may determine whether the contents (e.g., detergent or softener) are present in the manual detergent / softener container 130 using the voltage value measured by the electrode sensor 142.

[0155] According to an embodiment, the controller 150 may control the overall operation of the washing machine 1. To that end, the controller 150 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The controller 150 may be, e.g., a micro control unit (MCU).

[0156] According to an embodiment, the controller 150 may control hardware or software components connected to the controller 150 by driving, e.g., an operating system or an application program, and may perform various data processing and operations. Further, the controller 150 may load and process a command or data received from at least one of other components in a volatile memory, and store various data in a non-volatile memory.

[0157] According to an embodiment, the controller 150 may control the washing cycle using, e.g., a signal received from the input device 161 or the communication part 170. For example, the controller 150 may control at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a spin-dry cycle, or a drying cycle. The controller 150 may control the operation of the driving device (e.g., the driving device 60 of FIG. 2), the water supply device (not shown), or the drain device (not shown) to control at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the spinning cycle, or the drying cycle.

[0158] According to an embodiment, the controller 150 may change the use settings of the detergent supply device 100 based on the result value of detecting the contents in the manual detergent / softener container 130 by the detergent detector 140. The use settings of the detergent supply device 100 are related to, e.g., the use settings of the automatic detergent containers 120, and may include settings related to the amount of the detergent / softener put in the automatic detergent containers 120 or the type of the detergent / softener accommodated in the selective detergent container 120b among the automatic detergent containers 120.

[0159] For example, the controller 150 may adjust the amount of detergent put in the automatic detergent container 120 by adjusting the detergent pump 180 according to the result value of detecting the contents in the manual detergent / softener container 130 by the detergent detector 140. For example, the controller 150 may change the type of detergent in the selective detergent container 120b according to the result value of detecting the contents in the manual detergent / softener detergent container 130 by the detergent detector 140.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the memory 151 may store data supporting various functions of the washing machine 1. The memory 151 may store, e.g., a plurality of application programs (or applications) used in the washing machine 1, or data or instructions for operating the washing machine 1. According to an embodiment, the memory 151 may store data supporting various functions of the washing machine 1. At least some of these applications may be downloaded from an external server through wireless communication. Further, at least some of the application programs may be stored in the memory 151 from the time of shipping to perform default functions of the washing machine 1. For example, the application program may be stored in the memory 151 and driven to perform an operation (or function) of the washing machine 1 by the controller 150. According to an embodiment, the memory 151 may be included as a part of the controller 150.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the communication part 170 may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the washing machine 1 and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine 1 and another device (e.g., the external electronic device 200), or between the washing machine 1 and an external server. According to an embodiment, the communication part 170 may include one or more modules for connecting the washing machine 1 to one or more networks. According to an embodiment, the communication part 170 may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, or a location information module.

[0162] According to an embodiment, the mobile communication module may transmit / receive a wireless signal to / from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network established according to technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include, e.g., voice call signals, video call signals, or other various types of data according to transmission / reception of text / multimedia messages.

[0163] According to an embodiment, the wireless Internet module may be, but is not limited to, e.g., WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), or 5G. Data may be transmitted and received according to at least one wireless Internet technology in the scope encompassing Internet technologies even not enumerated above.

[0164] According to an embodiment, the short-range communication module may be intended for, e.g., short-range communication and may support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), ZigBee, near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or wireless universal serial bus (USB) technology. The short-range communication module may support, e.g., wireless communication between the washing machine 1 and a wireless communication system, between the washing machine 1 and another device, or between the washing machine 1 and a network in which the other device is positioned through a short-range wireless communication network. Here, the wireless local area network may be a wireless personal area network.

[0165] According to an embodiment, the location information module may be, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) module or a Wi-Fi module as a module for obtaining the location of the washing machine 1. When the washing machine 1 utilizes the GPS module, the washing machine 1 may receive information about the location of the washing machine 1 using the signal transmitted from the GPS satellite. When the washing machine 1 utilizes the Wi-Fi module, the washing machine 1 may receive information about the location of the washing machine 1 based on information about a wireless access point (AP) that transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from the Wi-Fi module.

[0166] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0167] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a screen of an external electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0168] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of operations for changing use settings of an automatic detergent container (e.g., the automatic detergent container 120 of FIGS. 3 and 4) by determining whether contents are present in a manual detergent / softener container (e.g., the manual detergent / softener container 130 of FIGS. 3 and 4) based on the detection value of a detergent detector (e.g., the detergent detector 140 of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 6, 7, 8, and 9).

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the washing machine 1 may determine whether the contents (e.g., detergent) are present in the manual detergent container (e.g., the manual detergent container 130a of FIGS. 3 and 4) (1105). For example, when the amount of light detected at the upper side of the manual detergent container 130a through the optical sensor (e.g., the optical sensor 141 of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 6 and 7) of the detergent detector 140 is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount of light, the washing machine 1 may determine that the detergent is present in the manual detergent container 130a. For example, when the voltage value detected through the electrode sensor (e.g., the electrode sensor 142 of FIGS. 8 and 9) of the detergent detector 140 provided in the manual detergent container 130a is less than or equal to a preset voltage value, the washing machine 1 may determine that the detergent is present in the manual detergent container 130a.

[0170] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the contents are not present in the manual detergent container 130a (No in 1105), the washing machine 1 may determine whether the contents (e.g., the softener) are present in the manual softener container (e.g., the manual softener container 130b of FIGS. 3 and 4) (1110). For example, when the amount of light detected at the upper side of the manual softener container 130b through the optical sensor 141 of the detergent detector 140 is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount of light, the washing machine 1 may determine that the detergent is present in the manual detergent container 130a. For example, when the voltage value detected through the electrode sensor 142 of the detergent detector 140 provided in the manual softener container 130b is less than or equal to a preset voltage value, the washing machine 1 may determine that the detergent is present in the manual softener container 130b.

[0171] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the contents are present in the manual softener container 130b (Yes in 1110), the washing machine 1 may provide the user with a notification regarding the selection of whether to use the general detergent container 120a or the selective detergent container 120b (1115). For example, although not specifically specified in the drawings, the washing machine 1 may output, to an output device (e.g., the output device 162 of FIG. 1) such as a display, a text regarding the state of the manual softener container 130b such as “Contents are present in the manual softener container” and / or a text regarding the use selection notification of the automatic detergent / softener container 120 such as “Please select the automatic detergent container to be used”.

[0172] For example, the washing machine 1 may allow the communication part 170 to output the text 1210 regarding the state of the manual softener container 130b and the use selection notification of the automatic detergent / softener container 120 such as “Contents are present in the manual softener container” and “Please select the automatic detergent container to be used”, and / or the text 1220 and 1230 regarding the selection of “general detergent container” and “selective detergent container” on the display screen 1200 of the external electronic device 200 (see FIG. 12).

[0173] According to an embodiment, the washing machine 1 may determine whether a user input regarding use selection of the automatic detergent / softener container 120 is received from an input device (e.g., the input device 161 of FIG. 1) or the external electronic device 200 (1120).

[0174] According to an embodiment, when the washing machine 1 receives a signal regarding use selection of the general detergent container from the input device 161 or the external electronic device 200 (selection of the general detergent container in 1120), the washing machine 1 may set the setting regarding the amount of detergent put in the general detergent container 120a to on, and may set the setting regarding the amount of detergent put in the selective detergent container 120b to off (1125). Here, the setting regarding ‘amount of detergent put in’ ON may include at least one of “save, normal, and large” (see Table 1 above).

[0175] According to an embodiment, when the washing machine 1 receives a signal regarding use selection of the selective detergent container from the input device 161 or the external electronic device 200 (selection of the selective detergent container in 1120), the washing machine 1 may set the setting regarding the amount of detergent put in the general detergent container 120a to off, and may set the type of detergent accommodated in the selective detergent container 120b to detergent (1130).

[0176] As such, the washing machine 1 may estimate the intention to use the manual softener container 130b by determining that the detergent is not present in the manual detergent container 130a and the softener is present in the manual softener container 130b, and may provide the user with a notification regarding use selection of the general detergent container 120a or the selective detergent container 120b for using the detergent. In this case, when the washing machine 1 is operated, the detergent may be discharged from only one of the general detergent container 120a or the selected detergent container 120b according to the user's selection.

[0177] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the contents are not present in the manual softener container 130b (No in 1110), the washing machine 1 may set the setting regarding the amount of detergent put in the general detergent container 120a to on, and may set the setting regarding the amount of detergent put in the selective detergent container 120b to on (1135). For example, the washing machine 1 may determine that the detergent and the softener are not present in the manual detergent container 130a and the manual softener container 130b, thereby estimating the user's intention to use the general detergent container 120a and the user's intention to use the selective detergent container 120b, and setting the use settings of the automatic detergent containers 120. In this case, when the washing machine 1 is operated, the detergent may be discharged from the general detergent container 120a and the softener may be discharged from the selective detergent container 120b.

[0178] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the contents are present in the manual detergent container 130a (Yes in 1105), the washing machine 1 may change the use settings of the general detergent container (e.g., the general detergent container 120a of FIGS. 3 and 4) (1140). For example, the washing machine 1 may set the setting regarding the amount of detergent put in the general detergent container 120a to off. For example, the washing machine 1 may estimate the user's intention to use the manual detergent container 130a and the intention not to use the general detergent container 120a by determining that the detergent is present in the manual detergent container 130a. Accordingly, when the washing machine 1 is operated, the detergent may not be discharged from the general detergent container 120a.

[0179] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the contents are present in the manual detergent container 130a (Yes in 1105), the washing machine 1 may determine whether the contents are present in the manual softener container 130b (1145). For example, when the amount of light detected at the upper side of the manual softener container 130b through the optical sensor 141 of the detergent detector 140 is larger than or equal to a predetermined amount of light, the washing machine 1 may determine that the detergent is present in the manual detergent container 130a. For example, when the voltage value detected through the electrode sensor 142 of the detergent detector 140 provided in the manual softener container 130b is less than or equal to a preset voltage value, the washing machine 1 may determine that the detergent is present in the manual softener container 130b.

[0180] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the contents are present in the manual softener container 130b (Yes in 1145), the washing machine 1 may set the setting regarding the amount of detergent put in the selective detergent container 120b to off (1150). For example, the washing machine 1 may determine that the contents (e.g., detergent and softener) are present in the manual detergent container 130a and the manual softener container 130b, thereby estimating the user's intention not to use the automatic detergent containers 120 and setting the use settings of the automatic detergent containers 120. In this case, when the washing machine 1 is operated, the detergent or softener may not be discharged from the automatic detergent containers 120a and 120b.

[0181] According to an embodiment, when it is determined that the contents are not present in the manual softener container 130b (No in 1145), the washing machine 1 may set the setting regarding the detergent input amount in the selective detergent container 120b to on, and may set the type of detergent in the selective detergent container 120b to softener (1155). For example, the washing machine 1 may determine that the detergent is present in the manual detergent container 130a and the softener is not present in the manual softener container 130b, thereby estimating the user's intention to use the softener in the selective detergent container 120b and setting the use settings of the selective detergent container 120b. In this case, when the washing machine 1 is operated, the detergent may not be discharged from the general detergent container 120a, and the softener may be discharged from the selective detergent container 120b.

[0182] A washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cabinet 10. The washing machine 1 may include a tub 20 that is accommodated in the cabinet 10 to store washing water. The washing machine 1 may include a detergent supply device 100 including a first detergent container 120 in which a first detergent is accommodatable and a second detergent container 130 in which a second detergent is accommodatable. The washing machine 1 may include a detergent detector 140 configured to detect the presence or absence of the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container 130. The washing machine 1 may include a controller 150 configured to change a use setting of the first detergent container 120 depending on the detected presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container 130.

[0183] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may further include a detergent pump 180 to supply the first detergent accommodated in the first detergent container 120 to the tub 20. The use setting of the first detergent container 120 may include a setting regarding the amount of first detergent supplied to the tub 20 by the detergent pump 180 and the type of the first detergent.

[0184] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may include an optical sensor 141 or 141′ positioned above the second detergent container 130. The optical sensor 141 or 141′ may include a light emitter 1411 to emit light toward the second detergent container 130 and a light receiver 1412 to detect light reflected from the second detergent container 130 or from the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container 130.

[0185] According to an embodiment, the second detergent container 130 may include a light absorbing member 131 disposed on a bottom surface that is configured to absorb light emitted from the light emitter 1411.

[0186] According to an embodiment, the controller 150 may be configured to determine the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container 130 based on an amount of light detected by the optical sensors 141 or 141′.

[0187] According to an embodiment, the first detergent container 120 may include a 1-1th detergent container 120a in which a 1st first detergent is accommodatable and a 1-2th detergent container 120b in which a 2nd first detergent is accommodatable. The 2nd detergent may be identical to or different from the 1st first detergent.

[0188] According to an embodiment, the second detergent container 130 may include a 2-1th detergent container 130a in which a 1st second detergent is accommodatable, and a 2-2th detergent container 130b disposed behind the 2-1th detergent container 130a and in which a 2nd second detergent is accommodatable. The 2nd second detergent may be different from the 1st second detergent.

[0189] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may be configured to detect a presence or absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container 130a and a presence or absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container 130b. when detergent detector detects the presence of the 1st second in the 2-1th detergent container 130a, the controller 150 may change the use setting of the 1-1th detergent container 120a to off.

[0190] According to an embodiment, when the detergent detector 140 detects the presence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container 130b, the controller 150 may change a use setting of the 1-2th detergent container 120b to off, and when the detergent detector 140 detects the absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container 130b, the controller 150 may change the user setting of the 1-2th detergent container 120b to on.

[0191] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may be configured to detect a presence or absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container 130a and a presence or absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container 130b. when the detergent detector 140 detects the absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container 130a and the absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container 130b, the controller 150 may change a use setting of the 1-1th detergent container 120a to on and a use setting of the 1-2th detergent container 120b to on.

[0192] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may be configured to detect a presence or absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container 130a and a presence or absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container 130b. when the detergent detector 140 detects the absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container 130a and the presence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2 detergent container 130b, the controller 150 may provide a notification for use setting change selection of the 1-1th detergent container or a use setting change selection of the 1-2th detergent container to an output device 162 or an external electronic device 200.

[0193] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may be configured to be drawn into, and drawn out of the cabinet 10. The controller 150 may be configured to sequentially determine, through the optical sensor 141 and 141′, a presence or absence of 2nd second the detergent in the 2-2th detergent container 130b and a presence or absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container 130a 141 while the detergent supply device 100 being drawn into the cabinet 10.

[0194] According to an embodiment, with the detergent supply device drawn into the cabinet, the optical sensor 141 may be positioned above the 2-1th detergent container 130a.

[0195] According to an embodiment, the optical sensor 141′ may be positioned above a boundary between the 2-1th detergent container 130a and the 2-2th detergent container 130b, and be rotatable and be configured to emit light toward the 2-1th detergent container 130a or the 2-2th detergent container 130b and to detect reflected light.

[0196] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may include an electrode sensor 142 disposed on a bottom surface of the second detergent container 130. The electrode sensor 142 may be configured to, with the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container 130, contact the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container 130 to detect a voltage.

[0197] According to an embodiment, the controller 150 may be configured to determine the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container 130 based on the detected voltage.

[0198] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for controlling a washing machine 1 including a cabinet 10, a tub 20 accommodated in the cabinet 10 to store washing water, and a detergent supply device 100 including a first detergent container 120 in which a first detergent is accommodatable and a second detergent container 130 in which a second detergent is accommodatable, a detergent detector configured to detect a presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container 130, and a controller 150 may comprise detecting the presence or absence of the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container 130 through the detergent detector 140. The method for controlling the washing machine 1 may comprise changing a use setting of the first detergent container 120 according to the detected presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container 130.

[0199] According to an embodiment, the detergent supply device 100 may further include a detergent pump 180 to supply the first detergent accommodated in the first detergent container 120 to the tub 20. The use setting of the first detergent container 120 may include a setting regarding the amount of first detergent supplied to the tub 20 by the detergent pump 180 and the type of the first detergent.

[0200] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may include an optical sensor 141 positioned above the second detergent container 130. The optical sensor 141 may include a light emitter 1411 to emit light toward the second detergent container 130 and a light receiver 1412 to detect light reflected from the second detergent container 130 or from the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container 130. Detecting the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container 130 may include determining the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container 130 based on an amount of light detected by the optical sensor 141.

[0201] According to an embodiment, the detergent detector 140 may include an electrode sensor 142 on a bottom surface of the second detergent container 130. The electrode sensor 142 may be configured to, with the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container, contact the second to detect a voltage. The detecting the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container 130 may be based on the detected voltage.

Claims

1. A washing machine, comprising:a cabinet;a tub accommodated in the cabinet to store washing water;a detergent supply device including a first detergent container in which a first detergent is accommodatable and a second detergent container in which a second detergent is accommodatable;a detergent detector configured to detect a presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container; anda controller configured to change a use setting of the first detergent container according to the detected presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container.

2. The washing machine of claim 1, whereinthe detergent supply device further includes a detergent pump to supply the first detergent accommodated in the first detergent container to the tub, andthe use setting of the first detergent container includes a setting regarding an amount of the first detergent supplied to the tub by the detergent pump and a type of the first detergent.

3. The washing machine of claim 1, whereinthe detergent detector includes an optical sensor positioned above the second detergent container, andthe optical sensor includes:a light emitter to emit light toward the second detergent container, anda light receiver to detect light reflected from the second detergent container or from the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container.

4. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the second detergent container includes a light absorbing member on a bottom surface that is configured to absorb light emitted from the light emitter.

5. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to determine the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container based on an amount of light detected by the optical sensor.

6. The washing machine of claim 3, whereinthe first detergent container includes:a 1-1th detergent container in which a 1st first detergent is accommodatable, anda 1-2th detergent container in which a 2nd first detergent is accommodatable, and the 2nd first detergent is identical to, or different from, the 1st first detergent.

7. The washing machine of claim 6, whereinthe second detergent container includes:a 2-1th detergent container in which a 1st second detergent is accommodatable, anda 2-2th detergent container that is behind the 2-1th detergent container and in which a 2nd second detergent is accommodatable, andthe 2nd second detergent is different from the 1st second detergent.

8. The washing machine of claim 7, whereinthe detergent detector is configured to detect a presence or absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container and a presence or absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container, andwhen the detergent detector detects the presence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container, the controller changes a use setting of the 1-1th detergent container to off.

9. The washing machine of claim 8, whereinwhen the detergent detector detects the presence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container, the controller changes a use setting of the 1-2th detergent container to off, andwhen the detergent detector detects the absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container, the controller changes a use setting of the 1-2th detergent container to on.

10. The washing machine of claim 7, whereinthe detergent detector is configured to detect a presence or absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container and a presence or absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container, andwhen the detergent detector detects the absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container and the absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container, the controller changes a use setting of the 1-1th detergent container to on and a use setting of the 1-2th detergent container to on.

11. The washing machine of claim 7, whereinthe detergent detector is configured to detect a presence or absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container and a presence or absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container, andwhen the detergent detector detects the absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container and the presence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container, the controller provides a notification for a use setting change selection of the 1-1th detergent container or a use setting change selection of the 1-2th detergent container to an output device or an external electronic device.

12. The washing machine of claim 7, whereinthe detergent supply device is configured to be drawn into, and drawn out of, the cabinet, andthe controller is configured to sequentially determine, through the optical sensor, a presence or absence of the 2nd second detergent in the 2-2th detergent container and a presence or absence of the 1st second detergent in the 2-1th detergent container while the detergent supply device is being drawn into the cabinet.

13. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein, with the detergent supply device drawn into the cabinet, the optical sensor is positioned above the 2-1th detergent container.

14. The washing machine of claim 7, whereinthe optical sensor is positioned above a boundary between the 2-1th detergent container and the 2-2th detergent container, andthe optical sensor is rotatable and configured to emit light toward the 2-1th detergent container or the 2-2th detergent container and to detect reflected light.

15. The washing machine of claim 1, whereinthe detergent detector includes an electrode sensor on a bottom surface of the second detergent container, andthe electrode sensor is configured to, with the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container, contact the second detergent to detect a voltage.

16. The washing machine of claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to determine the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container based on the detected voltage.

17. A method for controlling a washing machine including a cabinet, a tub accommodated in the cabinet to store washing water, a detergent supply device including a first detergent container in which a first detergent is accommodatable and a second detergent container in which a second detergent is accommodatable, a detergent detector configured to detect a presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container, and a controller, the method comprising:detecting the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container through the detergent detector; andchanging a use setting of the first detergent container according to the detected presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container.

18. The method of claim 17, whereinthe detergent supply device further includes a detergent pump to supply the first detergent accommodated in the first detergent container to the tub, andthe use setting of the first detergent container includes a setting regarding an amount of the first detergent supplied to the tub by the detergent pump and a type of the first detergent.

19. The method of claim 17, whereinthe detergent detector includes an optical sensor positioned above the second detergent container,the optical sensor includes:a light emitter to emit light toward the second detergent container, anda light receiver to detect light reflected from the second detergent container or from the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container, andthe detecting the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container includes determining the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container based on an amount of light detected by the optical sensor.

20. The method of claim 17, whereinthe detergent detector includes an electrode sensor on a bottom surface of the second detergent container,the electrode sensor is configured to, with the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container, contact the second detergent to detect a voltage, andthe detecting the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container is based on the detected voltage.

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