Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a cabinet; a tub accommodated inside the cabinet and storing washing water; a detergent supply device including a first detergent box capable of accommodating a first detergent and a second detergent box capable of accommodating a second detergent; a detergent detection unit; and a control unit configured to change a usage setting of the first detergent box according to the presence or absence of the detected second detergent in the second detergent box.

Description

washing machine

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a washing machine including a detergent supply device and a control method thereof.

[0002] A washing machine is a device that uses the driving force of a motor to mix laundry, washing water, and detergent placed in a tub together, thereby washing through friction between them.

[0003] The washing machine includes a detergent supply device for automatically or manually supplying detergent so that the detergent is evenly mixed into the supplied water during the process of supplying water into the tub.

[0004] The detergent dispenser includes multiple detergent dispensers, each with its own type of detergent and automatic / manual dispenser function. For example, the detergent dispenser includes an automatic dispenser for automatic detergent dispensing and a manual dispenser for manual detergent dispensing.

[0005] If the user wishes to use the automatic detergent dispenser, the user must preset the detergent dispenser usage settings, such as the type of detergent and the amount of detergent to be dispensed, through the control panel of the washing machine or an external electronic device, corresponding to the detergent contained in the automatic detergent dispenser. In this case, the detergent contained in the automatic detergent dispenser is supplied into the tub according to the preset usage settings when the washing machine is in operation.

[0006] On the other hand, if the user wants to use the manual detergent drawer instead of the automatic detergent drawer, the user has to go through the hassle of manually changing the usage settings of the washing machine each time to turn off the automatic detergent supply function of the automatic detergent drawer.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that detects the contents of a manual detergent / softener drawer and automatically changes the usage settings of an automatic detergent drawer based on the detection results.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a washing machine may include a cabinet, a tub accommodated inside the cabinet for storing wash water, a detergent supply device including a first detergent compartment capable of accommodating a first detergent and a second detergent compartment capable of accommodating a second detergent, a detergent detection unit configured to detect the presence or absence of the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent compartment, and a control unit configured to change the usage settings of the first detergent compartment based on the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent compartment detected through the detergent detection unit.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method of a washing machine including a cabinet, a detergent supply device accommodated inside the cabinet and including a tub for storing wash water, a first detergent compartment capable of accommodating a first detergent and a second detergent compartment capable of accommodating a second detergent, a detergent detection unit configured to detect the presence or absence of a second detergent accommodated in the second detergent compartment, and a control unit may include an operation of detecting the presence or absence of a second detergent in the second detergent compartment through the detergent detection unit, and an operation of changing a usage setting of the first detergent compartment in response to the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent compartment.

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when a detergent supply device is introduced into the washing machine, the presence or absence of contents in the manual detergent box and the manual softener box is detected through a detergent detection unit including a light sensor or an electrode sensor, and the usage settings (e.g., detergent input amount or detergent type) of the general detergent box or the optional detergent box are automatically changed based on the detected result value, thereby resolving the inconvenience of the user having to directly set the usage settings of the automatic detergent box when using the manual detergent box.

[0011] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain, from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a draw out state of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are drawings showing an operation of sensing the contents of manual detergent boxes during a draw in operation of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a portion of a detergent box of a detergent supply device introduced into a detergent box panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of a portion of a detergent box of a detergent supply device introduced into a detergent box panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a manual detergent box according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' shown in Figure 8.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a control unit of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0026] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] In this document, each of the phrases "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 any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0028] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0029] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0030] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0031] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0032] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0033] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0034] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0035] According to various embodiments, home appliances may include a clothing treatment device. A washing machine, one such clothing treatment device, can perform washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying processes. A washing machine is an example of a clothing treatment device, and the term "clothing treatment device" encompasses devices that wash clothing (laundry items, drying items), devices that dry clothing, and devices capable of both washing and drying clothing.

[0036] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include top-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet for loading or removing laundry is provided facing upward, or front-loading washing machines in which the laundry inlet is provided facing forward. Washing machines according to various embodiments may include washing machines of other loading methods other than top-loading washing machines and front-loading washing machines.

[0037] In the case of a top-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed using a water current generated by a rotating body such as a pulsator. In the case of a front-loading washing machine, laundry can be washed by rotating the drum to repeatedly raise and lower the laundry. The front-loading washing machine may include a washing machine with a dryer that can dry the laundry contained inside the drum. The washing machine with a dryer may include a hot air supply device for supplying high-temperature air into the drum and a condensing device for removing moisture from the air discharged from the drum. For example, the washing machine with a dryer may include a heat pump device. The washing machine according to various embodiments may include a washing machine with a washing method other than the washing method described above.

[0038] Washing machines according to various embodiments may include a housing that accommodates various components therein. The housing may be provided in the form of a box with a laundry inlet formed on one side.

[0039] A washing machine may include a door for opening and closing the laundry compartment. The door may be rotatably mounted to the housing by a hinge. At least a portion of the door may be transparent or translucent to allow the interior of the housing to be viewed.

[0040] A washing machine may include a tub provided within a housing to store water. The tub may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape with a tub opening formed on one side, and may be positioned within the housing such that the tub opening corresponds to a laundry inlet.

[0041] The tub may be connected to the housing by a damper. The damper can absorb vibrations generated when the drum rotates, thereby reducing the vibrations transmitted to the housing.

[0042] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0043] The drum may be positioned within the tub such that the drum opening provided on one side corresponds to the laundry inlet and the tub opening. Laundry may be sequentially passed through the laundry inlet, the tub opening, and the drum opening to be accommodated within the drum or taken out from the drum.

[0044] The drum rotates within the tub and can perform each of the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration operations. The cylindrical wall of the drum is formed with a number of perforations, allowing water stored in the tub to flow into or out of the drum.

[0045] A washing machine may include a drive device configured to rotate a drum. The drive device may include a drive motor and a rotating shaft for transmitting driving force generated by the drive motor to the drum. The rotating shaft may be connected to the drum by penetrating the tub.

[0046] The driving device can rotate the drum forward or backward to perform each operation according to the washing, rinsing, and / or dehydration, or drying cycle.

[0047] A washing machine may include a water supply device configured to supply water to a tub. The water supply device may include a water supply pipe and a water supply valve provided on the water supply pipe. The water supply pipe may be connected to an external water source. The water supply pipe may extend from the external water source to a 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.

[0048] The water supply valve can open or close the water supply pipe in response to an electrical signal from the control unit. The water supply valve can allow or block the supply of water to the tub from an external water source. The water supply valve may include, for example, a solenoid valve that opens and closes in response to an electrical signal.

[0049] A washing machine may include a detergent supply device configured to supply detergent to a tub. The detergent supply device may include a manual detergent supply device that requires a user to add detergent for each wash cycle, and an automatic detergent supply device that stores a large amount of detergent and automatically supplies a predetermined amount of detergent during a wash cycle. The detergent supply device may include a detergent compartment for storing detergent. The detergent supply device may be configured to supply detergent into the tub during a water supply process. Water supplied through a water supply pipe may be mixed with detergent via the detergent supply device. The water mixed with detergent may be supplied into the tub. Detergent is used as a comprehensive term for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, fabric softener, bleach, etc., and the detergent compartment may be divided into a pre-wash detergent storage area, a main wash detergent storage area, a fabric softener storage area, and a bleach storage area.

[0050] A washing machine may include a drainage device configured to discharge water contained in a tub to the outside. The drainage device may include a drain pipe extending from the bottom 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 in the drain pipe to the outside of the housing.

[0051] The washing machine may include a control panel positioned on one side of the housing. The control panel may provide a user interface for a user to interact with the washing machine. The user interface may include at least one input interface and at least one output interface.

[0052] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0053] At least one input interface may include a power button, an operation button, a course selection dial (or a course selection button), and a wash / rinse / spin setting button. The at least one input interface may include, for example, 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.

[0054] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0055] For example, at least one output interface may transmit information related to the washing cycle and operating time of the washing machine, as well as washing / rinsing / spin settings to the user. Information related to the operation of the washing machine may be output via a screen, indicator, voice, etc. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0056] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0057] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0058] The communication module can transmit data to or receive data from external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance). For example, the communication module can establish communication with a server, a user device, and / or a home appliance, and transmit and receive various data.

[0059] To this end, the communication module may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one 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 module). Any 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 (WiFi) 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., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0060] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0061] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0062] In one embodiment, the communication module can communicate with external devices such as a server, a user device, and other home appliances through a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the washing machine or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The washing machine or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The control unit can control various components of the washing machine, such as a drive motor and a water inlet valve. The control unit can control various components of the washing machine to perform at least one cycle, including water supply, washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying, according to a user input. For example, the control unit can control the drive motor to adjust the rotation speed of the drum, or control the water inlet valve of the water supply device to supply water to the tub.

[0063] The control unit may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the control unit may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the washing machine, at least one memory storing program-type data, and at least one processor performing the aforementioned operation using data stored in the at least one memory. The memory and the processor may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor may include one or more processor chips or one or more processing cores. The memory may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks. Additionally, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the door (40) of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment is opened and the detergent supply device (100) is drawn out to the outside.

[0067] Hereinafter, the direction in which the detergent supply device (100) is drawn out from the cabinet (10) of the washing machine (1) is defined as forward (e.g., +x-axis direction), and the direction in which the detergent supply device (100) is drawn in from the cabinet (10) of the washing machine (1) is defined as rearward (e.g., -x-axis direction), and the left and right sides (e.g., ±y-axis direction) and the up and down sides (e.g., ±z-axis direction) are defined based on this to describe the washing machine (1).

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include a cabinet (10) that forms an exterior and accommodates various components therein, a tub (20) provided inside the cabinet (10) to store a mixture of water and detergent, 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) that rotates the drum (30), and a detergent supply device (100) for supplying detergent to the tub (20).

[0069] In one embodiment, the cabinet (10) may have a hexahedral shape. In one embodiment, the cabinet (10) may be formed in a box shape with an open front.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the cabinet (10) may include a front panel (11a) provided at an open front, side panels (11b, 11c) provided on both sides to the rear of the front panel (11a), a rear panel (11d) provided at the rear of the cabinet (10), and a top cover (11e) provided on the upper surface. The cabinet (10) is illustrated as an example in which the rear panel (11d) and both side panels (11b, 11c) are formed integrally, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] According to one embodiment, an opening (12) may be formed in the front panel (11a) to allow laundry to be fed into the drum (30). An opening may be formed in each of the tub (20) and the drum (30) to allow laundry to be fed into or taken out of the front of the cabinet (10), and the openings of each of the tub (20) and the drum (30) may be positioned to correspond to the openings (12) of the front panel (11a).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the cabinet (10) may include a base (13) provided on the floor. In one embodiment, the base (13) may include a lower frame (13a) formed to cover the lower portion of the cabinet (10) and a lower reinforcing frame (13b) formed to extend from the lower frame (13a).

[0073] According to one embodiment, a water supply device (14) including a water supply pipe (14a) for supplying washing water to a detergent supply device (100) and / or the tub (20) and a water supply valve (14b) for controlling the water supply to the water supply pipe (14a) may be provided on the upper part of the tub (20).

[0074] According to one embodiment, a detergent box panel (15) having an opening (15a) formed to introduce / withdraw a detergent supply device (100) may be provided on the upper portion of the tub (20). The detergent supply device (100) may be introduced into the washing machine (1) through the opening (15a) of the detergent box panel (15), or may be withdrawn from the washing machine (1).

[0075] In one embodiment, the detergent box panel (15) may be connected to a water supply pipe (14a) at the rear. In one embodiment, the detergent box panel (15) may be connected to the upper part of the tub (20) via a supply pipe (17). Water supplied through the water supply pipe (14a) is mixed with detergent via a detergent supply device (100), and the mixed water containing water and detergent may be supplied into the interior of the tub (20).

[0076] According to one embodiment, a control panel (16) including an input unit (161) for receiving an operation command of the washing machine (1) from a user and an output unit (162) for outputting operation information of the washing machine (1) may be arranged on the front of the cabinet (10). The input unit (161) may be implemented as an input means in the form of a dial switch, as illustrated in this drawing, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The output unit (162) may be implemented as an output means in the form of a display, as illustrated in this drawing, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the tub (20) can store a mixed water containing water and detergent. The tub (20) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the tub (20) can be fixed inside the cabinet (10). Although not specifically shown in this drawing, a drainage device (not shown) including a drain pipe (not shown) for draining water inside the tub (20) and a drain valve (not shown) can be installed at the bottom of the tub (20).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the tub (20) may be provided to be elastically supported from the cabinet (10) by upper springs (not shown) and lower dampers (80). The springs and dampers (80) may absorb vibration energy between the tub (20) and the cabinet (10) to attenuate vibration when vibration generated when the drum (30) rotates is transmitted to the tub (20) and the cabinet (10).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the drum (30) can perform a washing cycle of raising and lowering laundry while rotating inside the tub (20). A plurality of lifters (31) can be provided on the inner surface of the drum (30).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the door (40) can be rotatably coupled to the front panel (11a) of the cabinet (10). In one embodiment, the door (40) can rotate to open and close the opening (12) of the front panel (11a). In one embodiment, the door (40) can include a door frame (41) and a door glass (43). The door glass (43) can be formed of a transparent tempered glass material so as to allow the interior of the cabinet (10) to be viewed.

[0081] According to one 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).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the driving device (60) may be arranged at the rear of the drum (30). In one embodiment, the driving device (60) may be arranged to transmit driving force generated from the motor (61) to the drum (30) through the rotation shaft (67) to rotate the drum (30). In one embodiment, the motor (61) may be configured with a fixed stator (63) and a rotor (65) that rotates by electromagnetically interacting with the stator (63) to convert electrical power into rotational power.

[0083] According to one embodiment, a spray nozzle (70) may be provided on one side of the diaphragm (50) to spray the circulated mixed water into the interior of the drum (30) by being connected to a circulation hose (71). In one embodiment, the spray nozzle (70) may be configured to evenly spray the mixed water onto the entire laundry accommodated inside the drum (30). In one embodiment, the circulation hose (71) may be connected to a circulation pump (73) for pumping the mixed water stored in the lower part of the tub (20).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may be arranged at the front upper portion of the tub (20). In one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may receive water for washing through a water supply pipe (14a), and mix the water supplied from the water supply pipe (14a) with an internal detergent through a supply pipe (17) and supply the mixture to the tub (20). In one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may store detergent for washing inside. The detergent may include a general detergent, a neutral detergent, a detergent for babies, or a fabric softener. In one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may include a plurality of detergent boxes (or containers) inside to store various detergents.

[0085] Hereinafter, the specific structure, shape and / or function of the detergent supply device (100) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5a, 5b and 5c.

[0086] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a draw out state of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a washing machine according to one embodiment (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior and a detergent supply device (100) for accommodating detergent and supplying the accommodated detergent to a tub (e.g., the tub (20) of FIG. 2).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may be arranged to be introduced into or withdrawn from the cabinet (10). For example, the detergent supply device (100) may be introduced into or withdrawn from the cabinet (10) through an opening (15a) of a detergent box panel (15) provided at the front upper portion of the cabinet (10).

[0090] When the detergent supply device (100) is introduced into the cabinet (10), when the washing machine (1) is operated (e.g., washing cycle), the detergent contained in the detergent supply device (100) is mixed with water supplied through the water supply pipe (e.g., water supply pipe (14a) of FIG. 2), and can then be supplied to the tub (20) along the supply pipe (e.g., supply pipe (17) of FIG. 2).

[0091] When the detergent supply device (100) is pulled out of the cabinet (10), the user can refill the detergent into the detergent boxes (120, 130) described below of the detergent supply device (100), remove the existing detergent from the detergent boxes (120, 130) and replace it with a different detergent, or separate the detergent boxes (120, 130) from the washing machine (1) and wash them.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may include a housing (110) forming an exterior, and a plurality of detergent containers (120, 130) detachably coupled to the housing (110) and containing detergent.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the housing (110) may include a front cover (111) provided with a handle (111a) for inserting / withdrawing the detergent supply device (100), and a detergent box mounting portion (112) extending to the rear of the front cover (111) and to which detergent boxes (120, 130) are detachably coupled.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the front cover (111) of the housing (110) may be placed on the same plane (e.g., the front) as the front panel (e.g., the front panel (11a) of FIG. 1) and / or the control panel (e.g., the control panel (16) of FIG. 1) of the cabinet (10) in the retracted state of the detergent supply device (100). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the detergent box mounting portion (112) of the housing (110) is partitioned by a plurality of partition walls and may include a plurality of detergent box mounting portions (1121, 1122, 1123, 1124) with an open upper side. For example, the detergent container mounting part (112) may include a 1st first detergent container mounting part (1121) on which a 1st first detergent container (120a) to be described later is mounted, a 1st first detergent container mounting part (2nd first detergent container mounting part) (1122) on which a 1st first detergent container (120b) to be described later is mounted, a 2nd first detergent container mounting part (1123) on which a 2nd first detergent container (130a) to be described later is mounted, and a 2nd second detergent container mounting part (2nd second detergent container mounting part) (1124) on which a 2nd second detergent container (130b) to be described later is mounted.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the plurality of detergent box mounting portions (1121, 1122, 1123, 1124) may be arranged to correspond to the size, shape and / or arrangement of the detergent boxes (120a, 120b, 130a, 130b) to be mounted.

[0097] In one embodiment, the central portion (1121c) of the first-first detergent box mounting portion (1121) may be designed to have a different width from the front portion (1121a) and the rear portion (1121b). In one embodiment, the central portion (1122c) of the first-second detergent box mounting portion (1122) may be designed to have a different width from the front portion (1122a) and the rear portion (1122b). In one embodiment, the first-first detergent box mounting portion (1121) and the first-second detergent box mounting portion (1122) may be provided symmetrically left and right. In one embodiment, the second-first detergent box mounting portion (1123) may be provided between the central portion (1121c) of the first-first detergent box mounting portion (1121) and the central portion (1122c) of the first-second detergent box mounting portion (1122). In one embodiment, the 2-2 detergent box mounting portion (1124) may be provided between the central portion (1121c) of the 1-1 detergent box mounting portion (1121) and the central portion (1122c) of the 1-2 detergent box mounting portion (1122).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the plurality of detergent boxes (120, 130) may be designed differently depending on the type of detergent contained in the detergent box and / or whether or not the detergent is automatically dispensed.

[0099] According to one embodiment, a plurality of detergent containers (120, 130) may be connected to a detergent pump (e.g., detergent pump (180) of FIG. 10) and may include a plurality of first detergent containers (120) containing detergent for automatic injection (e.g., first detergent).

[0100] According to one embodiment, a plurality of first detergent containers (120) may include a first-first detergent container (120a) and a first-second detergent container (120b) that are connected to a detergent pump (180) and discharge detergent contained therein according to the usage settings of the detergent containers. Although not specifically indicated in this drawing, the detergent pump (180) may be connected to each of the first-first detergent container (120a) and the first-second detergent container (120b) to suck / discharge detergent contained in each detergent container (120a, 120b) into the detergent container panel (15) according to the input amount according to the usage settings of the detergent containers. In one embodiment, the first-first detergent container (120a) may contain detergent (e.g., the first-first detergent). In one embodiment, the first-second detergent compartment (120b) can accommodate detergent or softener (e.g., first-second detergent). The first detergent compartment (120) may be collectively referred to as an automatic detergent compartment, the first-first detergent compartment (120a) may be referred to as a general detergent compartment, and the first-second detergent compartment (120b) may be referred to as a selective detergent compartment. In one embodiment, the first-first detergent compartment (120a) and the first-second detergent compartment (120b) may be arranged left and right.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the first-first detergent box (120a) can be detachably mounted on the first detergent box mounting portion (1121). In one embodiment, the first-first detergent box (120a) can include a case (121) with an open upper side, a cover (122) having an opening for receiving detergent and covering the upper side of the case (121), and a cap (123) for opening and closing the opening of the cover (122).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first-second detergent box (120b) can be detachably mounted on the second detergent box mounting part (1122). The first-second detergent box (120b) can include a case (121), a cover (122), and a cap (123), and can have a structure that is substantially symmetrical from left to right with respect to the first-first detergent box (120a).

[0103] In one embodiment, the plurality of detergent containers (120, 130) may include a plurality of second detergent containers (130) that are not connected to the detergent pump (180) and contain detergent for manual injection (e.g., second detergent).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the plurality of detergent containers (130) may include a second-first detergent container (130a) and a second-second detergent container (130b) that are not connected to the detergent pump (180) and contain detergent that is mixed with water supplied from the water supply pipe (14a) when the washing machine is in operation, regardless of the detergent container usage settings. In one embodiment, the second-first detergent container (130a) is arranged in front of the second-second detergent container (130b) and can contain detergent (e.g., the second-first detergent). In one embodiment, the second-second detergent container (130b) can contain fabric softener (e.g., the second-second detergent). The second detergent box (130) may be collectively called a manual detergent / softener box, the 2-1 detergent box (130a) may be called a manual detergent box, and the 2-2 detergent box (130b) may be called a selective detergent box.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the second-1 detergent box (130a) is detachably mounted on the second-1 detergent box mounting portion (1123) and can be placed between the second-1 detergent box (120a) and the second-2 detergent box (120b). In one embodiment, the second-1 detergent box (130a) has an open top and can have a cup shape.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the second-second detergent box (130b) is detachably mounted on the second-second detergent box mounting portion (1124) and may be positioned between the second-first detergent box (120a) and the second-second detergent box (120b). In one embodiment, the second-second detergent box (130b) may be positioned at the rear of the second-first detergent box (130a). The second-second detergent box (130b) may have substantially the same structure as the second-first detergent box (130a).

[0107] DetergentSoftenerDetailed Use SettingsChange General Detergent BinSelect Detergent BinSet the dosage of the general detergent bin to one of "Economy / Standard / High"Select Set the detergent type of the detergent bin to "Softener"Select Set the dosage of the detergent bin to one of "Economy / Standard / High"Manual Softener BinSet the dosage of the general detergent bin to one of "Economy / Standard / High"Select Set the dosage of the detergent bin to "Off"Select Detergent FunctionManual Softener BinSet the dosage of the general detergent bin to "Off"Select Set the detergent type of the detergent bin to "Detergent other than softener"Select Set the dosage of the detergent bin to one of "Economy / Standard / High"Manual Detergent FunctionManual Softener BinSet the dosage of the general detergent bin to "Off"Select Set the dosage of the detergent bin to "Off"

[0108] As described above, the user can supply detergent to the tub (20) in various ways, such as automatically or manually, by using multiple detergent boxes (120, 130). When the user uses detergent (e.g., detergents excluding fabric softener) and fabric softener, the usage settings of the automatic detergent box (e.g., the general detergent box (120a) or the optional detergent box (120b)) will vary depending on the detergent box containing the detergent and fabric softener, as described in [Table 1]. When the user wants to use the manual detergent box (130a) or the manual fabric softener box (130b), the user must directly change the usage settings of the automatic detergent box (120) by 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., a user terminal), which may be inconvenient for the user. In order to eliminate this inconvenience when using a manual detergent drawer (130a) or a manual fabric softener drawer (130b), the washing machine (1) may be configured to detect the contents (e.g., detergent or fabric softener) in the manual detergent drawer (130a) or the manual fabric softener drawer (130b) through a detergent detection unit (e.g., an optical sensor (141, 141') of FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 6 and 7 or an electrode sensor (142) of FIGS. 8 and 9), and automatically change the usage settings of the automatic detergent drawer (120) based on the detection result. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 6, 7, 8 and 9, the structure of the detergent detection unit (140, 140') and the operation of detecting the contents of the manual detergent / fabric softener drawer (130) through the detergent detection unit (140') will be described. In addition, a method for changing the automatic use setting of the automatic detergent box (120) based on the detection result of the detergent detection unit (140, 140') will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0109] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are drawings showing an operation of sensing the contents of manual detergent boxes during a draw in operation of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] FIGS. 5a to 5c schematically illustrate manual detergent / softener boxes (130a, 130b) among a plurality of detergent boxes (120, 130) of a detergent supply device (100), and are drawings explaining the detection operation of contents contained in the manual detergent / softener boxes (130a, 130b) by the detergent detection unit (140) at each position during the introduction process of the detergent supply device (100).

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, a washing machine according to one embodiment (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior and a detergent supply device (e.g., the detergent supply device (100) of FIG. 2) for accommodating detergent and supplying the accommodated detergent to a tub (e.g., the tub (20) of FIG. 2).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may include a plurality of detergent containers (130) for containing detergent.

[0113] According to one embodiment, among the plurality of detergent drawers (130), the plurality of second detergent drawers (hereinafter, manual detergent / softener drawers) (130) may include a second-first detergent drawer (hereinafter, manual detergent drawer) (130a) and a second-second detergent drawer (hereinafter, manual softener drawer) (130b) that are not connected to a detergent pump (e.g., detergent pump (180) of FIG. 10) and that contain detergent (D1, D2) mixed with water supplied from a water supply pipe (e.g., water supply pipe (14a) of FIG. 2) when the washing machine is operated regardless of the detergent drawer usage setting. In one embodiment, the manual detergent drawer (130a) is arranged in front of the manual softener drawer (130b) and may contain detergent (D1) (e.g., the second-first detergent). In one embodiment, the manual softener box (130b) can accommodate a softener (D2) (e.g., a 2-2 detergent).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may be provided to detect the presence or absence of contents (e.g., detergent or fabric softener) contained in the manual detergent / softener box (130). In one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may be implemented in the form of a light sensor (141). In one embodiment, the light sensor (141) may be electrically connected to a control unit (e.g., the control unit (150) of FIG. 10). In one embodiment, the light sensor (141) may include a light emitting unit (1411) that emits light and a light receiving unit (1412) that receives (or receives) light emitted from the light emitting unit (1411) and reflected on a counterpart (e.g., the manual detergent / softener box (130) or detergents (D1, D2) contained in the manual detergent / softener box (130).

[0115] According to one embodiment, a light absorbing member (131) that absorbs light emitted from a light sensor (141) may be provided on the bottom surface of the manual detergent / softener drawer (130). The light absorbing member (131) may include, for example, a black paint applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the second detergent drawer (130), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0116] In one embodiment, the light sensor (141) may be positioned on the upper side of the manual detergent drawer (130a) when the detergent supply device (100) is fully inserted.

[0117] Hereinafter, the operation of detecting the contents of a manual detergent / softener drawer (130) using a light sensor (141) will be described. In the process in which the manual detergent / softener drawer (130) of the detergent supply device (100) is introduced into the washing machine (1) through the opening (15a) of the detergent drawer panel (15) (see FIGS. 5a to 5c), when the manual softener drawer (130b) reaches below the light sensor (141), the light sensor (141) emits light toward the manual softener drawer (130b) and receives the light reflected by the manual softener drawer (130b) or the softener (D2) contained in the manual softener drawer (130b) (see FIG. 5b). At this time, the detergent detection unit (140) can determine that there is a detergent (D2) in the manual detergent compartment (130b) if the amount of light detected by the light sensor (141) is greater than or equal to the preset amount of light. Thereafter, when the introduction of the detergent supply device (100) is completed and the manual detergent compartment (130a) is positioned below the light sensor (141), the light sensor (141) emits light toward the manual detergent compartment (130a) and receives the light reflected by the manual detergent compartment (130a) or the detergent (D1) contained in the manual detergent compartment (130a) (see FIG. 5c). At this time, the detergent detection unit (140) can determine that there is a detergent (D1) in the manual detergent compartment (130a) if the amount of light detected by the light sensor (141) is greater than or equal to the preset amount of light.

[0118] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a portion of a detergent box of a detergent supply device introduced into a detergent box panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates manual detergent / softener boxes (130a, 130b) among a plurality of detergent boxes (130) of a detergent supply device (100), and is a drawing explaining the detection operation of contents contained in the manual detergent / softener boxes (130a, 130b) by the detergent detection unit (140') during the introduction process of the detergent supply device (100).

[0120] Referring to FIG. 6, a washing machine according to one embodiment (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior and a detergent supply device (100) for accommodating detergent and supplying the accommodated detergent to a tub (e.g., the tub (20) of FIG. 2).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may include a plurality of detergent containers (120, 130) for containing detergent.

[0122] According to one embodiment, among the plurality of detergent drawers (120, 130), the manual detergent / softener drawers (130) are not connected to a detergent pump (e.g., detergent pump (180) of FIG. 10) and may include a manual detergent drawer (130a) and a manual softener drawer (130b) that accommodate detergent (D1, D2) mixed with water supplied from a water supply pipe (e.g., water supply pipe (14a) of FIG. 2) when the washing machine is in operation, regardless of the detergent drawer usage setting. In one embodiment, the manual detergent drawer (130a) is arranged in front of the manual softener drawer (130b) and can accommodate detergent (D1). In one embodiment, the manual softener drawer (130b) can accommodate softener (D2).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140') may be provided to detect the presence or absence of contents (e.g., detergent or softener) contained in the manual detergent / softener box (130). In one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140') may be implemented in the form of a light sensor (141'). In one embodiment, the light sensor (141') may be electrically connected to a control unit (e.g., the control unit (150) of FIG. 10). In one embodiment, the light sensor (141') may include a light emitting unit (1411) that emits light and a light receiving unit (1412) that receives (or receives) light emitted from the light emitting unit (1411) and reflected on a counterpart (e.g., detergent (D1, D2) contained in the manual detergent box (130a) or the manual softener box (130b).

[0124] According to one embodiment, a light absorbing member (131) that absorbs light emitted from a light sensor (141) may be provided on the bottom surface of the manual detergent / softener drawer (130). The light absorbing member (131) may include, for example, a black paint applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the second detergent drawer (130), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0125] In one embodiment, the light sensor (141') may be positioned above the boundary between the manual detergent drawer (130a) and the manual fabric softener drawer (130b) when the detergent supply device (100) is fully inserted.

[0126] In one embodiment, the light sensor (141') may be configured to be rotatable to change the positions of the light emitting portion (1411) and the light receiving portion (1412). For example, the light sensor (141') may further include a separate motor (not shown) for rotation. In one embodiment, the light sensor (141') may be rotatable so that the positions of the light emitting portion (1411) and the light receiving portion (1412) are positioned rearward, for example, at the upper side (e.g., the first position) of the manual softener drawer (130b). In one embodiment, the light sensor (141') may be rotatable so that the positions of the light emitting portion (1411) and the light receiving portion (1412) are positioned forward, for example, at the upper side (e.g., the second position) of the manual detergent drawer (130a).

[0127] Hereinafter, the operation of detecting the contents of the manual detergent / softener drawer (130) using the light sensor (141') will be described. When the detergent supply device (100) is completely inserted, the light sensor (141') rotates to the first position to emit light toward the manual softener drawer (130b), and receives the light reflected by the manual softener drawer (130b) or the softener (D2) contained in the manual softener drawer (130b). At this time, the detergent detection unit (140') can determine that the softener (D2) is present in the manual softener drawer (130b) when the amount of light detected by the light sensor (141') is greater than or equal to a preset amount of light.

[0128] Thereafter, the light sensor (141') rotates to the second position to emit light toward the manual detergent compartment (130a) and receives light reflected from the manual detergent compartment (130a) or the detergent (D1) contained in the manual detergent compartment (130a). At this time, the detergent detection unit (140') can determine that detergent (D1) is present in the manual detergent compartment (130a) if the amount of light detected by the light sensor (141') is greater than a preset amount of light.

[0129] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of a portion of a detergent box of a detergent supply device introduced into a detergent box panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates manual detergent / softener boxes (130a, 130b) among a plurality of detergent boxes (130) of a detergent supply device (100), and is a drawing explaining the detection operation of contents contained in the manual detergent / softener boxes (130a, 130b) by the detergent detection unit (140) during the introduction process of the detergent supply device (100).

[0131] Referring to FIG. 7, a washing machine according to one embodiment (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior and a detergent supply device (100) for accommodating detergent and supplying the accommodated detergent to a tub (e.g., the tub (20) of FIG. 2).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may include a plurality of detergent containers (120, 130) for containing detergent.

[0133] According to one embodiment, among the plurality of detergent drawers (120, 130), the manual detergent / softener drawers (130) are not connected to a detergent pump (e.g., detergent pump (180) of FIG. 10) and may include a manual detergent drawer (130a) and a manual softener drawer (130b) that accommodate detergent (D1, D2) mixed with water supplied from a water supply pipe (e.g., water supply pipe (14a) of FIG. 2) when the washing machine is in operation, regardless of the detergent drawer's usage setting. In one embodiment, the manual detergent drawer (130a) is arranged in front of the manual softener drawer (130b) and can accommodate detergent (D1). In one embodiment, the manual softener drawer (130b) can accommodate softener (D2).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may be provided to detect the presence or absence of contents (e.g., detergent or fabric softener) contained in the manual detergent / softener box (130). In one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may be implemented in the form of a plurality of light sensors (141). In one embodiment, the light sensor (141) may be electrically connected to a control unit (e.g., the control unit (150) of FIG. 10). In one embodiment, the light sensor (141) may include a light emitting unit (1411) that emits light and a light receiving unit (1412) that receives (or receives) light emitted from the light emitting unit (1411) and reflected on a counterpart (e.g., the manual detergent / softener box (130) or detergents (D1, D2) contained in the manual detergent / softener box (130).

[0135] According to one embodiment, a light absorbing member (131) that absorbs light emitted from a light sensor (141) may be provided on the bottom surface of the manual detergent / softener drawer (130). The light absorbing member (131) may include, for example, a black paint applied to at least a portion of the bottom surface of the manual detergent / softener drawer (130), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the plurality of light sensors (141) may include a first light sensor (141a) positioned on the upper side of the manual detergent drawer (130a) and a second light sensor (141b) positioned on the upper side of the manual softener drawer (130b) when the detergent supply device (100) is fully introduced.

[0137] Hereinafter, the operation of detecting the contents of a manual detergent / softener drawer (130) using a plurality of light sensors (141a, 141b) will be described. When the introduction of the detergent supply device (100) is completed, the first light sensor (141a) emits light toward the manual detergent drawer (130a) and receives the light reflected by the manual detergent drawer (130a) or the detergent (D1) contained in the manual detergent drawer (130a). At this time, the detergent detection unit (140) can determine that detergent (D1) is present in the manual detergent drawer (130a) when the amount of light detected by the first light sensor (141a) is greater than or equal to a preset amount of light. The second light sensor (141b) emits light toward the manual softener box (130b) and receives the light reflected by the manual softener box (130b) or the softener (D2) contained in the manual softener box (130b). At this time, the detergent detection unit (140) can determine that the softener (D2) is present in the manual softener box (130b) if the amount of light detected by the second light sensor (141b) is greater than a preset amount of light.

[0138] FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a manual detergent box according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' shown in Figure 8.

[0140] Fig. 8 is a drawing of a manual detergent box (130a) mounted on a detergent box mounting part (112) (e.g., 2-1 detergent box mounting part (1123)) viewed from above.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a washing machine according to one embodiment (e.g., a washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a cabinet forming an exterior (e.g., a cabinet (10) of FIGS. 1 and 2) and a detergent supply device (100) for accommodating detergent and supplying the accommodated detergent to a tub (e.g., a tub (20) of FIG. 2).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may include a plurality of detergent containers (130) for containing detergent.

[0143] According to one embodiment, among the plurality of detergent drawers (130), the manual detergent / softener drawers (130) are not connected to a detergent pump (e.g., detergent pump (180) of FIG. 10) and may include a manual detergent drawer (130a) and a manual softener drawer (e.g., manual softener drawer (130b) of FIGS. 3 and 4) that accommodate detergent (D1, D2) mixed with water supplied from a water supply pipe (e.g., water supply pipe (14a) of FIG. 2) when the washing machine is operated regardless of the detergent drawer usage setting. In one embodiment, the manual detergent drawer (130a) is arranged in front of the manual softener drawer (130b) and can accommodate detergent. In one embodiment, the manual softener drawer (130b) can accommodate softener.

[0144] In one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may be configured to detect the presence or absence of contents (e.g., detergent or softener) contained in the manual detergent / softener box (130). In one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may be implemented in the form of an electrode sensor (142).

[0145] In one embodiment, the electrode sensor (142) may penetrate the bottom surface of the manual detergent / softener box (130) and include horizontally spaced electrodes (1421, 1422). The electrode sensor (142) may be electrically connected to a control unit (e.g., control unit (150) of FIG. 10).

[0146] In one embodiment, the electrode sensor (142) can, in response to being supplied with power, cause a current to flow through the detergent or fabric softener in contact with the electrodes (1421, 1422) and detect the intensity of the current (e.g., voltage value). When the amount of detergent remaining is insufficient, the electrodes (1421, 1422) of the electrode sensor (142) cannot come into contact with the detergent, thereby preventing current from flowing through the detergent, and thus detecting a relatively large voltage value. Conversely, when the amount of detergent remaining is sufficient, the electrodes (1421, 1422) of the electrode sensor (142) come into contact with the detergent, thereby allowing current to flow through the detergent, and thus detecting a relatively small voltage value.

[0147] In this way, the electrode sensor (142) can determine that there is content (e.g., detergent or softener) in the manual detergent / softener box (130) if the detected voltage value is lower than a preset voltage value.

[0148] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a control unit of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 10, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include a detergent detection unit (140), a control unit (150), a memory (151), an input unit (161), an output unit (162), a communication unit (170), and a detergent pump (180).

[0150] Below, description of parts overlapping with the configuration described in FIGS. 1 to 9 is omitted.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may include a light sensor (141) or an electrode sensor (142), but this is merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the detergent detection unit (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).

[0152] In one embodiment, the light sensor (141) may be configured to emit light toward the manual detergent / softener drawer (130) and detect the amount of reflected light. The control unit (150) may use the amount of light measured by the light sensor (141) to determine whether there is content (e.g., detergent or softener) in the manual detergent / softener drawer (130).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the electrode sensor (142) may be arranged to detect a voltage value by coming into contact with the contents contained in the manual detergent / softener compartment (130). The control unit (150) may use the voltage value measured by the electrode sensor (142) to determine whether contents (e.g., detergent or softener) are present in the manual detergent / softener compartment (130).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the control unit (150) can control the overall operation of the washing machine (1). To this end, the control unit (150) may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The control unit (150) may be, for example, a microcontroller (MCU).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the control unit (150) may control hardware or software components connected to the control unit (150) by, for example, driving an operating system or application program, and may also perform various data processing and operations. In addition, the control unit (150) may load commands or data received from at least one of the other components into volatile memory and process them, and store various data in non-volatile memory.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the control unit (150) can control the washing process using, for example, a signal received from the input unit (161) or the communication unit (170). For example, the control unit (150) can control at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydration cycle, or a drying cycle. The control unit (150) can control the operation of a driving device (e.g., a driving device 60 of FIG. 2), a water supply device (not shown), or a drainage device (not shown) to control at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle, or the drying cycle.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the control unit (150) can change the usage settings of the detergent supply device (100) based on the detection result value of the contents in the manual detergent / softener box (130) by the detergent detection unit (140). The usage settings of the detergent supply device (100) relate to, for example, the usage settings of the automatic detergent boxes (120), and may include settings regarding the amount of detergent / softener contained in the automatic detergent boxes (120) or the type of detergent / softener contained in the selected detergent box (120b) among the automatic detergent boxes (120).

[0158] For example, the control unit (150) can control the detergent pump (180) to adjust the detergent input amount of the automatic detergent box (120) based on the detection result value of the contents in the manual detergent / softener box (130) by the detergent detection unit (140). For example, the control unit (150) can change the detergent type of the selection detergent box (120b) based on the detection result value of the contents in the manual detergent / softener box (130) by the detergent detection unit (140).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the memory (151) can store data supporting various functions of the washing machine (1). The memory (151) can store, for example, a plurality of application programs (or applications) used in the washing machine (1), data for the operation of the washing machine (1), and commands. In one embodiment, the memory (151) can store data regarding the usage settings of the detergent supply device (100). At least some of these application programs can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication. In addition, at least some of these application programs can be stored in the memory (151) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine (1). The application programs can be stored in the memory (151), for example, and driven by the control unit (150) to perform operations (or functions) of the washing machine (1). According to some embodiments, the memory (151) may be included as a part of the control unit (150) configuration.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (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., an external electronic device (200)), or between the washing machine (1) and an external server. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (170) may also include one or more modules that connect the washing machine (1) to one or more networks. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (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.

[0161] According to one embodiment, a mobile communication module may transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network constructed according to, for example, technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include, for example, various forms of data resulting from the transmission and reception of voice call signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia messages.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the wireless Internet module may be, but is not limited to, 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), or LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced). Data may be transmitted and received according to at least one wireless Internet technology, including Internet technologies not listed above.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the short-range communication module may support short-range communication using at least one of, for example, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The short-range communication module may support 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 located, for example, via a short-range wireless communication network. Here, the wireless short-range communication network may be a short-range wireless personal area network.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the location information module may be, for example, a module for obtaining the location of the washing machine (1), and may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a Wi-Fi module. When the washing machine (1) utilizes a GPS module, information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) can be received using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. When the washing machine (1) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, information regarding the location of the washing machine (1) can be received based on information from a wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module.

[0165] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0167] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of operations for changing the usage settings of an automatic detergent compartment (e.g., an automatic detergent compartment (120) of FIGS. 3 and 4) by determining whether there is content in a manual detergent / softener compartment (e.g., a manual detergent / softener compartment (130) of FIGS. 3 and 4) based on a detection value of a detergent detection unit (e.g., a detergent detection unit (140) of FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 6, 7, 8, and 9).

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the washing machine (1) can determine whether there is content (e.g., detergent) in the manual detergent compartment (e.g., the manual detergent compartment (130a) of FIGS. 3 and 4) (1105). For example, the washing machine (1) can determine that there is detergent in the manual detergent compartment (130a) when the amount of light detected from the upper side of the manual detergent compartment (130a) through the light sensor of the detergent detection unit (140) (e.g., the light sensor (141) of FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 6, and 7) is greater than a preset amount of light. For example, the washing machine (1) can determine that detergent is present in the manual detergent compartment (130a) when the voltage value detected by the electrode sensor (e.g., the electrode sensor (142) of FIGS. 8 and 9) of the detergent detection unit (140) provided in the manual detergent compartment (130a) is lower than a preset voltage value.

[0169] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) determines that there is no content in the manual detergent compartment (130a) (NO in 1105), it can determine whether there is content (e.g., fabric softener) in the manual fabric softener compartment (e.g., the manual fabric softener compartment (130b) of FIGS. 3 and 4) (1110). For example, when the amount of light detected from the upper side of the manual fabric softener compartment (130b) through the light sensor (141) of the detergent detection unit (140) is equal to or greater than a preset light amount value, the washing machine (1) can determine that there is detergent in the manual fabric softener compartment (130a). For example, when the voltage value detected through the electrode sensor (142) of the detergent detection unit (140) provided in the manual fabric softener compartment (130b) is equal to or less than a preset voltage value, the washing machine (1) can determine that there is detergent in the manual fabric softener compartment (130b).

[0170] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) determines that there are contents in the manual softener drawer (130b) (e.g., in 1110), the washing machine (1) may provide the user with a notification regarding the selection of whether to use the regular detergent drawer (120a) or the optional detergent drawer (120b) (1115). For example, although not specifically stated in this drawing, the washing machine (1) may output text regarding the status of the manual softener drawer (130b), such as “There are contents in the manual softener drawer,” and / or text regarding the selection notification of using the automatic detergent / softener drawer (120), such as “Please select the automatic detergent drawer you wish to use,” to an output unit such as a display (e.g., the output unit (162) of FIG. 1).

[0171] For example, the washing machine (1) can output text (1210) regarding the status of the manual softener drawer (130b), such as “There are contents in the manual softener drawer” and “Please select the automatic detergent drawer you wish to use”, and / or text (1220, 1230) regarding the selection of “regular detergent drawer” and “selection detergent drawer”, to the display screen (1200) of the external electronic device (200) through the communication unit (170) (see FIG. 12).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether a user input regarding the selection of use of the automatic detergent / softener drawer (120) has been received from an input unit (e.g., input unit (161) of FIG. 1) or an external electronic device (200) (1120).

[0173] According to one embodiment, when a signal regarding selection of use of a general detergent container is received from an input unit (161) or an external electronic device (200) (regular detergent container selection at 1120), the washing machine (1) may set the setting regarding the detergent input amount of the general detergent container (120a) to on and set the setting regarding the detergent input amount of the selected detergent container (120b) to off (1125). Here, the setting regarding the detergent input amount on may include at least one setting among “saving, standard, and large” regarding the detergent input amount (see [Table 1] described above).

[0174] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) receives a signal regarding selection of use of the optional detergent compartment from the input unit (161) or the external electronic device (200) (selection of the optional detergent compartment at 1120), the washing machine (1) sets the setting regarding the detergent input amount of the general detergent compartment (120a) to off, and sets the type of detergent contained in the optional detergent compartment (120b) to detergent (1130).

[0175] In this way, the washing machine (1) can estimate the intention of using the manual softener compartment (130b) by determining that there is no detergent in the manual detergent compartment (130a) and that there is softener in the manual softener compartment (130b), and can provide the user with a notification regarding the selection of using the general detergent compartment (120a) or the optional detergent compartment (120b) for using the detergent. In this case, when the washing machine (1) is in operation, the detergent can be discharged only from one of the general detergent compartments (120a) or the optional detergent compartment (120b) depending on the user's selection.

[0176] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) determines that there is no content in the manual softener compartment (130b) (NO in 1110), the washing machine may set the setting for the detergent input amount of the regular detergent compartment (120a) to on and set the setting for the detergent input amount of the optional detergent compartment (120b) to on (1135). For example, the washing machine (1) may estimate the user's intention to use the regular detergent compartment (120a) and the optional detergent compartment (120b) by determining that there is no detergent and softener in the manual detergent compartment (130a) and the manual softener compartment (130b), and may set the usage settings of the automatic detergent compartments (120). In this case, when the washing machine (1) is in operation, detergent may be discharged from the regular detergent compartment (120a) and softener may be discharged from the optional detergent compartment (120b).

[0177] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) determines that there is content in the manual detergent compartment (130a) (e.g., in 1105), it can change the usage settings of the general detergent compartment (e.g., the general detergent compartment (120a) of FIGS. 3 and 4) (1140). For example, the washing machine (1) can set the detergent input amount setting of the general detergent compartment (120a) to off. For example, the washing machine (1) can estimate the user's intention to use the manual detergent compartment (130a) and not to use the general detergent compartment (120a) by determining that there is detergent in the manual detergent compartment (130a). Accordingly, when the washing machine (1) is in operation, detergent may not be discharged from the general detergent compartment (120a).

[0178] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) determines that there are contents in the manual detergent compartment (130a) (yes in 1105), it can determine whether there are contents in the manual fabric softener compartment (130b) (1145). For example, when the amount of light detected from the upper side of the manual fabric softener compartment (130b) through the light sensor (141) of the detergent detection unit (140) is equal to or greater than a preset light amount value, the washing machine (1) can determine that there is detergent in the manual fabric softener compartment (130a). For example, when the voltage value detected through the electrode sensor (142) of the detergent detection unit (140) provided in the manual fabric softener compartment (130b) is equal to or less than a preset voltage value, the washing machine (1) can determine that there is detergent in the manual fabric softener compartment (130b).

[0179] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) determines that there are contents in the manual softener compartment (130b) (yes in 1145), the washing machine (1) can set the detergent input amount of the optional detergent compartment (120b) to off (1150). For example, the washing machine (1) can estimate the user's intention not to use the automatic detergent compartments (120) by determining that there are contents (e.g., detergent and softener) in the manual detergent compartment (130a) and the manual softener compartment (130b), and can set the use setting of the automatic detergent compartments (120). In this case, when the washing machine (1) is in operation, detergent or softener may not be discharged from the automatic detergent compartments (120a, 120b).

[0180] According to one embodiment, when the washing machine (1) determines that there is no content in the manual softener compartment (130b) (No in 1145), the washing machine may set the detergent input amount of the selective detergent compartment (120b) to on and set the type of detergent in the selective detergent compartment (120b) to softener (1155). For example, the washing machine (1) may estimate the user's intention to use the softener in the selective detergent compartment (120b) by determining that there is detergent in the manual detergent compartment (130a) and there is no softener in the manual softener compartment (130b), and may set the usage setting of the selective detergent compartment (120b). In this case, when the washing machine (1) is in operation, detergent may not be discharged from the general detergent compartment (120a), and softener may be discharged from the selective detergent compartment (120b).

[0181] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet (10). The washing machine (1) may be accommodated inside the cabinet (10) and may include a tub (20) for storing wash water. The washing machine (1) may include a detergent supply device (100) including a first detergent container (120) capable of accommodating a first detergent and a second detergent container (130) capable of accommodating a second detergent. The washing machine (1) may include a detergent detection unit (140) configured to detect the presence or absence of the second detergent accommodated in the second detergent container (130). The washing machine may include a control unit (150) configured to change the usage settings of the first detergent container (120) depending on the detected presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent container (130).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may further include a detergent pump (180) for supplying detergent contained in the first detergent box (120) to the tub (20). The usage settings of the first detergent box (120) may include settings regarding the input amount of the first detergent supplied to the tub (20) by the detergent pump (180) and the type of the first detergent.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may include a light sensor (141, 141') positioned above the second detergent compartment (130). The light sensor (141, 141') may include a light emitting unit (1411) that irradiates light toward the second detergent compartment (130) and a light receiving unit (1412) that detects light reflected from the second detergent compartment (130) or detergent contained in the second detergent compartment (130).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the second detergent box (130) may be placed on the bottom surface and include a light absorbing member (131) configured to absorb light irradiated from the light emitting unit (1411).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the control unit (150) may be configured to determine whether there is detergent in the second detergent box (130) based on the amount of light detected by the light sensor (141, 141').

[0186] According to one embodiment, the first detergent compartment (120) may include a first detergent compartment (120a) capable of containing a first-first detergent, and a first-second detergent compartment (120b) capable of containing a first-second detergent. The first-second detergent may be the same as or different from the first-first detergent.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the second detergent box (130) may include a second-first detergent box (130a) that accommodates a second-first detergent, and a second-second detergent box (130b) that is positioned at the rear of the second-first detergent box (130a) and accommodates a second-second detergent. The second-second detergent may be a different detergent from the second-first detergent.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may be configured to detect the presence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent compartment (130a) and the presence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent compartment (130b). If the detergent detection unit (140) detects the presence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent compartment (130a), the control unit (150) may change the usage setting of the 1-1 detergent compartment (120a) to off.

[0189] According to one embodiment, when the control unit (150) detects the presence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b) through the detergent detection unit (140), the control unit (150) can change the use setting of the 1-2 detergent box (120b) to off, and when the detergent detection unit (140) detects the absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b), the control unit (150) can change the user setting of the 1-2 detergent box (120b) to on.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may be configured to detect the presence or absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) and the presence or absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b). When the detergent detection unit (140) detects the absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) and the absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b), the control unit (150) may change the use setting of the 1-1 detergent box (120a) to on and the use setting of the 1-2 detergent box (120b) to on.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may be configured to detect the presence or absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) and the presence or absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b). When the detergent detection unit (140) detects the absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) and the presence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b), the control unit (150) may provide a notification regarding a selection of a change in the usage settings of the 1-1 detergent box (120a) or a selection of a change in the usage settings of the 1-2 detergent box (120b) to the output unit (162) or the external electronic device (200).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may be configured to be drawn in / out of the cabinet (10). The control unit (150) may be configured to sequentially determine the presence or absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b) and the presence or absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) through the light sensor (141) while the detergent supply device (100) is drawn in to the cabinet (10).

[0193] According to one embodiment, the light sensor (141) may be located on the upper side of the second-first detergent box (130a) when the detergent supply device (100) is completely drawn into the cabinet (10).

[0194] According to one embodiment, the light sensor (141') is positioned above the boundary between the 2-1 detergent box (130a) and the 2-2 detergent box (130b), and can be configured to rotate to irradiate light toward the 2-1 detergent box (130a) or the 2-2 detergent box (130b) and detect reflected light.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may include an electrode sensor (142) disposed on the bottom surface of the second detergent container (130). The electrode sensor (142) may be configured to detect voltage by coming into contact with the second detergent while the second detergent is contained in the second detergent container (130).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the control unit (150) may be configured to determine whether there is detergent in the second detergent box (130) based on the voltage detected by the electrode sensor (142).

[0197] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method of a washing machine (1) including a cabinet (10), a tub (20) accommodated inside the cabinet (10) for storing wash water, a detergent supply device (100) including a first detergent compartment (120) capable of accommodating a first detergent and a second detergent compartment (130) capable of accommodating a second detergent, a washing detection unit (140) configured to detect the presence or absence of a second detergent in the second detergent compartment (130), and a control unit may include an operation of detecting the presence or absence of a second detergent accommodated in the second detergent compartment (130) through the detergent detection unit (140). The control method of the washing machine (1) may include an operation of changing a usage setting of the first detergent compartment (120) in response to the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent compartment (130).

[0198] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (100) may further include a detergent pump (180) for supplying the first detergent contained in the first detergent box (120) to the tub (20). The usage settings of the first detergent box (120) may include settings regarding the input amount of the first detergent supplied to the tub (20) by the detergent pump (180) and the type of the first detergent.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may include a light sensor (141, 141') located above the second detergent compartment (130). The light sensor (141, 141') may include a light emitting unit (1411) that irradiates light toward the second detergent compartment (130) and a light receiving unit (1412) that detects light reflected from the second detergent compartment (130) or detergent contained in the second detergent compartment (130). The operation of detecting the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent compartment (130) may determine the presence or absence of the second detergent in the second detergent compartment (130) based on the amount of light detected by the light sensor (141, 141').

[0200] According to one embodiment, the detergent detection unit (140) may include an electrode sensor (142) arranged on the bottom surface of the second detergent compartment (130). The electrode sensor (142) may be configured to detect voltage by coming into contact with the second detergent while the second detergent is contained in the second detergent compartment (130). The operation of detecting the presence or absence of detergent contained in the second detergent compartment (130) may be based on the detected voltage.

Claims

1. In the washing machine (1), Cabinet (10); A tub (20) housed inside the above cabinet (10) for storing washing water; A detergent supply device (100) including a first detergent container (120) capable of accommodating a first detergent and a second detergent container (130) capable of accommodating a second detergent; A detergent detection unit (140) configured to detect the presence or absence of a second detergent contained in the second detergent box (130); and A washing machine including a control unit (150) configured to change the usage settings of the first detergent box (120) depending on the presence or absence of a second detergent in the detected second detergent box (130).

2. In paragraph 1, The above detergent supply device (100) is It further includes a detergent pump (180) for supplying the first detergent contained in the first detergent box (120) to the tub (20), A washing machine in which the usage settings of the first detergent compartment (120) include settings regarding the amount of first detergent supplied to the tub (20) by the detergent pump (180) and the type of first detergent.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above detergent detection unit (140) includes a light sensor (141, 141') located on the upper side of the second detergent box (130), The above light sensor (141, 141') is A light emitting part (1411) that irradiates light toward the second detergent box (130), A washing machine including a light receiving unit (1412) that detects light reflected from the second detergent box (130) or the second detergent contained in the second detergent box (130).

4. In paragraph 3, A washing machine in which the second detergent compartment (130) is disposed on the bottom surface and includes a light absorbing member (131) configured to absorb light emitted from the light emitting unit (1411).

5. In paragraph 3 or 4, A washing machine, wherein the control unit (150) is configured to determine whether there is detergent in the second detergent compartment (130) based on the amount of light detected by the light sensor (141, 141').

6. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 5, The above first detergent box (120) is, A 1-1 detergent box (120a) that can accommodate 1-1 detergent, and Includes a 1-2 detergent box (120b) capable of accommodating 1-2 detergents, The above 1-2 detergent is the same as or different from the above 1-1 detergent, a washing machine.

7. In paragraph 6, The above second detergent box (130) is A 2-1 detergent box (130a) that can accommodate 2-1 detergent, and It is arranged at the rear of the above 2-1 detergent box (130a) and includes a 2-2 detergent box (130b) capable of accommodating the 2-2 detergent. The above 2-2 detergent is different from the above 2-1 detergent, washing machine.

8. In paragraph 7, The above detergent detection unit (140) It is configured to detect the presence or absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) and the presence or absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b), The above control unit (150) A washing machine that changes the use setting of the 1-1 detergent box (120a) to off when the detergent detection unit (140) detects the presence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a).

9. In paragraph 8, When the detergent detection unit (140) detects the presence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b), the control unit (150) changes the use setting of the 1-2 detergent box (120b) to off. A washing machine in which, when the detergent detection unit (140) detects the absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent compartment (130b), the control unit (150) changes the use setting of the 1-2 detergent compartment (120b) to on.

10. In paragraph 7, The above detergent detection unit (140) It is configured to detect the presence or absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) and the presence or absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b), The above control unit (150) A washing machine, wherein when the detergent detection unit (140) detects the absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) and the absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b), the use setting of the 1-1 detergent box (120a) is changed to on and the use setting of the 1-2 detergent box (120b) is changed to on.

11. In paragraph 7, The above detergent detection unit (140) It is configured to detect the presence or absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) and the presence or absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b), The above control unit (150) A washing machine, wherein when the detergent detection unit (140) detects the absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) and the presence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b), a notification is provided to the output unit (162) or the external electronic device (200) regarding the selection of a change in the usage settings of the 1-1 detergent box (120a) or the selection of a change in the usage settings of the 1-2 detergent box (120b).

12. In paragraph 7, The above detergent supply device (100) is configured to be inserted into / withdrawn from the cabinet (10), The above control unit (150) is configured to sequentially determine the presence or absence of the 2-2 detergent in the 2-2 detergent box (130b) and the presence or absence of the 2-1 detergent in the 2-1 detergent box (130a) through the light sensor (141) while the detergent supply device (100) is drawn into the cabinet (10).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1, 2, 6 to 11, The above detergent detection unit (140) includes an electrode sensor (142) placed on the bottom surface of the second detergent box (130), The above electrode sensor (142) is configured to detect voltage by coming into contact with the second detergent while the second detergent is contained in the second detergent compartment (130).

14. In paragraph 13, A washing machine in which the control unit (150) is configured to determine whether there is detergent in the second detergent compartment (130) based on the voltage detected by the electrode sensor (142).

15. A method for controlling a washing machine (1) comprising a cabinet (10), a tub (20) accommodated inside the cabinet (10) for storing washing water, a detergent supply device (100) including a first detergent container (120) capable of accommodating a first detergent and a second detergent container (130) capable of accommodating a second detergent, a washing detection unit (140) configured to detect the presence or absence of a second detergent in the second detergent container (130), and a control unit, An operation of detecting the presence or absence of a second detergent in the second detergent box (130) through the detergent detection unit (140); and A control method for a washing machine, including an operation of changing the usage settings of the first detergent box (120) in response to the presence or absence of a second detergent in the second detergent box (130).

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