Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine according to an embodiment disclosed herein may include a cabinet. The washing machine may include a tub disposed inside the cabinet. The washing machine may include a detergent supply unit for supplying detergent into the tub. The washing machine may include, as a detergent cartridge for storing detergent, a detergent cartridge configured to be insertable into or withdrawable from the detergent supply unit and including a cartridge identification member for storing information on the detergent accommodated in the detergent cartridge. The washing machine may include a cartridge identification device for recognizing the cartridge identification member in a state in which the detergent cartridge is inserted into the detergent supply unit.

Description

washing machine

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

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

[0003] The washing machine includes a detergent supply device that automatically or manually supplies 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, depending on the type of detergent it accepts and whether it can be dispensed automatically or manually. For example, the detergent dispenser includes an automatic dispenser for automatic detergent dispensing and a manual dispenser for manual detergent dispensing.

[0005] Typically, information about the detergent, such as the type of detergent contained in the automatic detergent compartment, the detergent concentration, and the amount of detergent added during a wash (e.g., the detergent dosage), is manually entered into the washing machine by the user. Based on the entered detergent information, the washing machine supplies detergent into the tub during the wash cycle.

[0006] For example, if a user wants to use an automatic detergent drawer, the user must manually set the automatic detergent drawer usage settings based on information about the detergent contained in the automatic detergent drawer through the control panel of the washing machine or an external electronic device.

[0007] Additionally, if the user wants to change the type of detergent contained in the automatic detergent drawer, the user must change the usage settings of the automatic detergent drawer to match the changed detergent.

[0008] That is, users have the inconvenience of having to manually set the usage settings of the automatic detergent compartment according to the detergent contained in the automatic detergent compartment, or manually change the usage settings of the automatic detergent compartment when the detergent contained in the automatic detergent compartment is changed.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a washing machine having an NFC tag, a detergent cartridge containing detergent, and information about the detergent contained in the cartridge obtained using an NFC method, and automatically setting the usage settings of the cartridge based on the obtained information.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a washing machine that detects the remaining amount of detergent in a cartridge by measuring a variable resistance that varies depending on the amount of detergent used.

[0011] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet. The washing machine may include a tub arranged inside the cabinet. The washing machine may include a detergent supply unit for supplying detergent to the tub. The washing machine may include a detergent cartridge for storing detergent, the detergent cartridge being configured to be inserted into or extracted from the detergent supply unit, and including a cartridge identification member for storing information about the detergent contained in the detergent cartridge. The washing machine may include a cartridge identification device arranged to recognize the cartridge identification member when the detergent cartridge is inserted into the detergent supply unit.

[0012] A washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet. The washing machine may include a tub arranged inside the cabinet. The tub may include a detergent supply unit for supplying detergent. The washing machine may include a detergent cartridge configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the detergent supply unit, which stores detergent. The detergent cartridge may include a main body including a first space for storing air and a second space for storing detergent, a partition plate arranged horizontally movably inside the main body and dividing the first space and the second space, a pair of wires extending from the first space to the second space along an inner surface of the main body and spaced apart from each other, and a connector arranged on one surface of the partition plate facing the first space and electrically connecting the pair of wires. The detergent contained in the second space may be supplied to the tub when the detergent cartridge is inserted into the detergent supply unit.

[0013] A method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided for controlling a washing machine including (a) a tub, (b) a detergent supply portion for supplying detergent into the tub, (c) a detergent cartridge storing detergent therein, configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the detergent supply portion, and including a cartridge identification member for storing information about the detergent contained therein, and (d) a cartridge identification device arranged to recognize the cartridge identification member when the detergent cartridge is inserted into the detergent supply portion. The method may include (i) an operation of recognizing the detergent box identification member through the detergent box identification device when the detergent cartridge is inserted into the detergent supply portion, (ii) an operation of acquiring information about the detergent contained in the detergent cartridge, stored in the detergent box identification member, from the recognized detergent box identification member, and (iii) an operation of changing the usage setting of the detergent cartridge based on the acquired information about the detergent contained in the detergent cartridge.

[0014] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when a cartridge is inserted into a detergent supply unit, a cartridge identification device (e.g., an NFC reader) provided in the detergent supply unit recognizes a cartridge identification member (e.g., an NFC tag) provided in the cartridge, thereby obtaining information about the cartridge included in the cartridge identification member (e.g., information about the detergent contained in the cartridge). Based on the obtained information about the cartridge, the washing machine can automatically change the usage settings of the cartridge, such as the type of detergent or the amount of detergent to be injected, thereby improving user convenience.

[0015] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a washing machine can measure the resistance values ​​of wires that change according to the displacement of a connector moving inside a cartridge as detergent is dispensed using a current sensor, and estimate the remaining amount of detergent contained in the cartridge based on the measured resistance values, thereby enabling real-time monitoring of the remaining amount of detergent.

[0016] 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.

[0017] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exterior of a detergent cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a detergent cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a detergent cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which a detergent cartridge is drawn into a detergent supply unit before detergent is ejected to the outside, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a detergent cartridge is drawn into a detergent supply portion when detergent is sprayed outward, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a control unit of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining automatic use setting of a selection cartridge according to contents accommodated in the selection cartridge, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a drawing for exemplarily explaining an alarm operation of a washing machine according to the remaining amount of detergent contained in a detergent cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a draw out state of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0043] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] A washing machine may include a drum configured to accommodate laundry.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0062] 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.

[0063] At least one output interface can visually or audibly convey information related to the operation of the washing machine to the user.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The washing machine may include a communication module for communicating with external devices via wires and / or wirelessly.

[0066] The communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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.

[0070] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the door (40) of a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment is open.

[0076] 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), a detergent supply unit (90) for supplying detergent to the tub (20), and a detergent cartridge (100) provided to be inserted into / withdrawn from the detergent supply unit (90).

[0077] In one embodiment, the cabinet (10) may have an overall hexahedral shape. In one embodiment, the cabinet (10) may be formed in a box shape with an open front.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the cabinet (10) may include a front panel (11a) provided on an open front (e.g., in the +x-axis direction), side panels (11b, 11c) provided on both sides (e.g., faces facing the ±y-axis direction) behind the front panel (11a), a rear panel (11d) provided on the rear side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the cabinet (10), and a top cover (11e) provided on an upper surface (e.g., faces facing the +z-axis direction). 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.

[0079] 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). Openings may be formed in the tub (20) and the drum (30) to allow laundry to be fed into or taken out from the front of the cabinet (10), and the openings of the tub (20) and the drum (30) may be positioned to correspond to the opening (12) of the front panel (11a).

[0080] 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).

[0081] According to one embodiment, a water supply device (14) including a water supply pipe (14a) for supplying washing water to a detergent supply unit (90) and / or the tub (20) and a water supply valve (14b) for controlling the water supply of the water supply pipe (14a) may be provided on the upper part of the tub (20). In addition, the water supply device (14) may further include a water supply nozzle (e.g., the water supply nozzle (14) of FIGS. 6a and 6b) for spraying washing water into the detergent supply unit (90). The water supply device (14) may be referred to as a water supply unit.

[0082] According to one embodiment, a detergent supply portion (90) having an opening (or, inlet) (90a) through which a detergent cartridge (100) is introduced / withdrawn may be provided on the upper portion of the tub (20). In one embodiment, a cover (15) for opening and closing the opening (90a) may be provided on the front of the washing machine (1). The cover (15) may be rotatably connected to the front of the washing machine (1) (e.g., the front panel (11a).

[0083] In one embodiment, the detergent supply unit (90) may be connected to the water supply pipe (14a) from the rear. In one embodiment, the detergent supply unit (90) may be connected to the upper part of the tub (20) via the supply pipe (16). Water supplied through the water supply pipe (14a) is mixed with detergent through the detergent supply unit (90) via the water supply nozzle (14c), and the mixed water of water and detergent may be supplied into the interior of the tub (20) via the supply pipe (16).

[0084] According to one embodiment, a diaphragm (17) 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).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the tub (20) stores a mixture of water and detergent, and may be formed in an overall cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the tub (20) may be fixed inside the cabinet (10). Although not specifically illustrated in this drawing, a drainage device (not illustrated) including a drainage pipe (not illustrated) for draining water inside the tub (20) and a drainage valve (not illustrated) may be installed at the bottom of the tub (20). The drainage device may be referred to as a drainage unit.

[0086] 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).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the drum (30) can perform a washing cycle of raising and lowering laundry while rotating inside the tub (20). A lifter (31) and / or a plurality of holes (32) can be provided on the inner surface of the drum (30). The lifter (31) lifts laundry while the drum (30) rotates, thereby causing the laundry to repeatedly rise and fall, thereby allowing multiple sides of the laundry to be washed evenly. The holes (32) can be passages formed so that water or washing water contained in the tub (20) can flow into the inside of the drum (30), or water or washing water inside the drum (30) can be discharged to the outside.

[0088] 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.

[0089] According to one embodiment, a control panel (50) including an input unit (51) for receiving an operation command of the washing machine (1) from a user and an output unit (52) for outputting operation information of the washing machine (1) may be arranged on the front of the cabinet (10). The input unit (51) 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 (52) 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] According to one embodiment, a spray nozzle (70) connected to a circulation hose (71) and spraying the circulated mixed water into the interior of the drum (30) may be provided on one side of the diaphragm (17). In one embodiment, the spray nozzle (70) may be configured to spray the mixed water evenly over 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).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the detergent cartridge (100) may be placed at the front upper portion of the tub (20). In one embodiment, the detergent cartridge (100) may be introduced into the washing machine (1) through the opening (90a) of the detergent supply portion (90), or may be withdrawn from the outside of the washing machine (1). In one embodiment, the detergent cartridge (100) may store detergent for washing therein. The detergent may include a general detergent, a neutral detergent, a baby detergent, or a fabric softener. In one embodiment, the detergent cartridge (100), when introduced into the detergent supply portion (90), may automatically supply detergent into the inside of the washing machine (1) (e.g., the tub (20)) by interaction with a nozzle pressurizing device (e.g., a nozzle pressurizing device (930) of FIGS. 6A and 6B) described below. The detergent cartridge (100) may also be referred to as an automatic detergent drawer.

[0093] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the structure and / or shape of the detergent cartridge (100) will be described in detail.

[0094] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exterior of a detergent cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a detergent cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the detergent cartridge (100) may include a pair of left and right detergent cartridges (100a, 100b) that are introduced into a detergent supply unit (e.g., detergent supply unit (90) of FIG. 2).

[0097] According to one embodiment, a pair of detergent cartridges (100a, 100b) may include a first cartridge (100a) containing detergent and a second cartridge (100b) containing detergent or softener. The first cartridge (100a) may be referred to as a general cartridge, and the second cartridge (100b) may be referred to as a selective cartridge.

[0098] According to one embodiment, a pair of detergent cartridges (100a, 100b) can selectively contact a nozzle pressurizing device (e.g., nozzle pressurizing device (930) of FIGS. 6a and 6b) described below, and can accommodate detergent therein for automatic injection.

[0099] According to one embodiment, a pair of detergent cartridges (100) may include a main body (110) in which detergent is contained, a partition plate (120) that divides the inside of the main body (110) into a first space (110a) and a second space (110b), a nozzle device (130) for ejecting detergent to the outside, a pair of wires (140) spaced apart from each other, a connector (150) for electrically connecting the pair of wires (140), and a cartridge identification member (160) that includes information about the detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the main body (110) of the detergent cartridge (100) may have an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape. According to one embodiment, the main body (110) may include a first space (110a) filled with air and a second space (110b) filled with detergent. The first space (110a) and the second space (110b) may be divided from each other by a partition plate (120). The first space (110a) and the second space (110b) may be arranged in a horizontal direction, and the first space (110a) may be positioned in front of the second space (110b). The first space (110a) may be referred to as an air region, and the second space (110b) may be referred to as a detergent region. The air filled in the first space (110a) can continuously pressurize the partition plate (120), and when the nozzle device (130) and the nozzle pressurization device (930) described later interact, the detergent filled in the second space (110b) can be ejected to the outside.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the partition plate (120) may be horizontally movably arranged within the main body (110). In one embodiment, the partition plate (120) may partition a first space (110a) and a second space (110b). In one embodiment, the partition plate (120) may move horizontally depending on the remaining amount of detergent contained in the second space (110b). For example, the partition plate (120) may move horizontally to the right as the amount of detergent contained in the second space (110b) decreases.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the nozzle device (130) may be provided to eject detergent contained in the second space (110b) of the main body (110) to the outside. In one embodiment, the nozzle device (130) may include a nozzle body (131), an elastic member (132) that provides elasticity to the nozzle body (131), and a fixing member (133) for fixing the elastic member (132) to the second region (110b).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the nozzle body (131) may include a detergent-flowing path (1311) and a pair of stoppers (1312) extending vertically from the side of the nozzle body (131).

[0104] In one embodiment, the nozzle body (131) can penetrate the rear wall (113) of the body (110) of the detergent cartridge (100). The flow path (1311) of the nozzle body (131) can be provided such that the inlet end is opened on the side of the nozzle body (131) and the outlet end is opened on the upper surface of the nozzle body (131) by bending and extending from the inlet end. The nozzle body (131) can selectively communicate with the second space (110b) depending on the degree of external force applied by the nozzle pressurization device (930) and spray detergent to the outside through the flow path (1311). For example, when no external force is applied to the nozzle device (130), the inlet end of the nozzle body (131) may be surrounded by the rear wall (113) of the body (110) of the detergent cartridge (100) and may not communicate with the second space (110b). For example, when an external force is applied to the nozzle device (130), the inlet end of the nozzle device (1311) can communicate with the second space (110b) depending on the degree of compression of the elastic member (1232) by the nozzle pressurization device (180), and the detergent contained in the second space (110b) can be ejected to the outside through the flow path (1311).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the elastic member (132) can be elastically connected to the nozzle body (131). The elastic member (132) can continuously provide elastic force to the nozzle body (131). The elastic member (132) can connect the flow path (1311) of the nozzle body (131) and the second space (110b) by varying the amount of compression depending on the degree of external force applied to the nozzle device (130).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the fixing member (133) accommodates an elastic member (132) on the inside and can be fixed to the rear wall (113) of the main body (110) of the detergent cartridge (100). In one embodiment, an opening (133a) is formed on one side (e.g., the front) of the fixing member (133), and detergent accommodated in the second space (110b) can be introduced into the fixing member (133) through the opening (133a).

[0107] According to one embodiment, a pair of wires (140) may be provided on the inner surface of the main body (110) of the detergent cartridge (100). In one embodiment, the pair of wires (140) may include a first wire (140a) and a second wire (140b) spaced apart from each other on the inner surface of the main body (110). The pair of wires (140) may be collectively referred to as resistance wires or lead wires. In one embodiment, the first wire (140a) may have one end (143a) provided on the lower surface (112) of the main body (110) in the form of an electrode, and may include a first-first extension portion (141a) extending vertically along the one end (143a) and a first-second extension portion (142a) extending horizontally from the first-first extension portion (141a). In one embodiment, the second wire (140b) may include a second-first extension portion (141b) extending vertically along the first end (143b) and a second-second extension portion (142b) extending horizontally from the second-first extension portion (141b), and an end (143b) provided on the lower surface (112) of the main body (110) in the form of an electrode.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the connector (150) can electrically connect the first wire (140a) and the second wire (140b). In one embodiment, the connector (150) is fixed to one side (e.g., the front) of the partition plate (122) and can move together with the partition plate (120). When the connector (150) moves to the right, the overall length of the first wire (140a) and the second wire (140b) connected by the connector (150) increases, so that the resistance of the circuit formed by the first wire (140a) and the second wire (140b) may also increase. In one embodiment, the connector (150) may include a connector body (151) fixed to one side of the partition plate (120) and connector members (1521, 1522) fixed to the connector body (151) and made elastic contact with the first wire (140a) and the second wire (140b), respectively. The connector member (1521, 1522) may be provided in the form of a C-clip having, for example, an elastically deformable conductive material, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the cartridge identification member (160) can store information about the detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100). The information about the detergent may include, for example, information about the type of detergent, the standard amount of detergent, the manufacturer of the detergent, and the concentration of the detergent. Here, the standard amount of detergent may mean the amount of detergent to be added corresponding to the amount of laundry (the amount of laundry). The cartridge identification member (160) may be implemented in the form of, for example, an NFC tag, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the cartridge identification member (160) will be referred to as an NFC tag. In one embodiment, the NFC tag (160) may be disposed on the upper surface (111) of the main body (110) of the detergent cartridge (100). The NFC tag (160) may be disposed, for example, on the upper surfaces of the first cartridge (100a) and the second cartridge (100b), respectively. In one embodiment, the NFC tag (160) may be positioned adjacent to an NFC reader (detergent box identification device (hereinafter, NFC reader (920) of FIGS. 6A and 6B) described below). The NFC tag (160) may support automatic setting of detergent usage settings of the detergent cartridge (100) by transmitting information about detergent stored by the NFC reader (920) to the washing machine (1).

[0110] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a detergent cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 5, a pair of detergent cartridges (100') according to one embodiment may include a main body (110) in which detergent is contained, a partition plate (120) that divides the inside of the main body (110) into a first space (110a) and a second space (110b), a nozzle device (130) for ejecting detergent to the outside, a pair of wires (140) spaced apart from each other, a connector (150) for electrically connecting the pair of wires (140), and an NFC tag (160) that includes information about the detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100).

[0112] Below, the description of the overlapping parts with the configuration described in FIGS. 3 and 4 is omitted.

[0113] According to one embodiment, a pair of wires (140a', 140b') may be provided on the inner surface of the main body (110) of the detergent cartridge (100'). In one embodiment, the pair of wires (140a', 140b') may include a first wire (140a') and a second wire (140b') spaced apart from each other on the inner surface of the main body (110). The pair of wires (140a', 140b') may be collectively referred to as resistance wires or lead wires. In one embodiment, the pair of wires (140a', 140b') may have various pattern shapes. The pair of wires (140a', 140b') may have, for example, a rough pattern (see FIG. 5) or a wave pattern. Compared to the pair of wires (140a, 140b) illustrated in FIG. 4, the pair of wires (140a', 140b') illustrated in FIG. 5 have various patterns, so that the total length of the wires increases compared to the horizontal length of the wires, allowing for more precise measurement of the change in resistance value according to movement of the connector (150).

[0114] In one embodiment, the first wire (140a') may have one end (143a) provided on the lower surface (112) of the main body (110) in the form of an electrode, and may include a first-first extension portion (141a) extending vertically along the end (143a) and a first-second extension portion (144a) extending horizontally from the first-first extension portion (141a). In one embodiment, the second wire (140b') may have one end (143b) provided on the lower surface (112) of the main body (110) in the form of an electrode, and may include a second-first extension portion (141b) extending vertically along the end (143b) and a second-second extension portion (144b) extending horizontally from the second-first extension portion (141b).

[0115] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which a detergent cartridge is drawn into a detergent supply unit before detergent is ejected to the outside, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a detergent cartridge is drawn into a detergent supply portion when detergent is sprayed outward, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings for explaining an operation of detecting whether a detergent cartridge (100) is mounted in a detergent supply unit (90) or an operation of detecting the remaining amount of detergent by measuring the resistance values ​​of wires (140a, 140b) that change according to the movement of a connector (150) when detergent contained in a detergent cartridge (100) is dispensed. Specifically, FIG. 6A is a drawing showing a state before detergent is dispensed, and FIG. 6B is a drawing showing a state after detergent is dispensed.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, a pair of detergent cartridges (100) according to one embodiment may include a main body (110) in which detergent is contained, a partition plate (120) that divides the inside of the main body (110) into a first space (110a) and a second space (110b), a nozzle device (130) for ejecting detergent to the outside, a pair of wires (140a, 140b) spaced apart from each other, a connector (150) for electrically connecting the pair of wires (140a, 140b), and a cartridge identification member (hereinafter, NFC tag) (160) that includes information about detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply unit (90) may include a detergent supply unit housing (910) defining an opening (90a) for inserting a detergent cartridge (100) into the washing machine and a space (90b) in which the detergent cartridge (100) is accommodated.

[0120] According to one embodiment, a washing machine (e.g., the washing machine (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a cartridge identification device (920) for obtaining information about detergent stored in an NFC tag (160). The cartridge identification device (920) may be implemented in the form of an NFC reader for recognizing an NFC tag. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the cartridge identification device (920) will be referred to as an NFC reader (920). In one embodiment, the NFC reader (920) may be positioned adjacent to the NFC tag (920). For example, the NFC reader (920) may be positioned on an upper inner surface (911) of the detergent supply unit (90) so that at least a portion of the NFC tag (160) faces the detergent cartridge (100) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90). The NFC reader (920) can be electrically connected to the control unit of the washing machine (1) (e.g., the control unit (190) of FIG. 7).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a current sensor (183) (e.g., the second current sensor (183) of FIG. 7) for measuring the resistance value of a pair of wires (140a, 140b).

[0122] In one embodiment, the current sensor (183) is electrically connected to each of a pair of wires (140a, 140b) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90), and may form a closed circuit together with the pair of wires (140a, 140b) and the connector (150). In one embodiment, the current sensor (183) may include a pair of electrodes (183a, 183b) that contact each of the ends (143a, 143b) of the pair of wires (140a, 140b) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90). In one embodiment, a pair of electrodes (183a, 183b) may be provided at a position facing the ends (143a, 143b) of each of a pair of wires (140a, 140b) on the bottom surface (912) of the detergent supply unit (90) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90).

[0123] When the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90), the respective ends (143a, 143b) of the wires (140a, 140b) provided in the detergent cartridge (100) come into contact with the electrodes (183a, 183b) of the current sensor (183), so that current flows along the wires (140a, 140b), and the resistance values ​​of the wires (140a, 140b) can be measured. At this time, by comparing the resistance value (or current) measured by the current sensor (183) with a preset setting value, it is possible to determine whether the detergent cartridge (100) is installed in the detergent supply unit (90).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a nozzle pressurization device (930) for ejecting detergent contained in a detergent cartridge (100). In one embodiment, the nozzle pressurization device (930) may be positioned at the rear of the detergent cartridge (100) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply portion (90). For example, the nozzle pressurization device (930) may be positioned to face the nozzle device (130) of the detergent cartridge (100) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply portion (90).

[0125] In one embodiment, the nozzle pressurization device (930) can pressurize the nozzle device (130) to connect the flow path (1311) of the nozzle device (130) and the second space (110b) containing the detergent, thereby ejecting the detergent to the outside.

[0126] In one embodiment, the nozzle pressurization device (930) may include a pair of pressurization portions (931, 932) arranged to face a pair of stoppers (1312) of the nozzle device (130). In one embodiment, the nozzle pressurization device (930) may be configured to be horizontally movable. In one embodiment, the pair of pressurization portions (932, 932) may pressurize the stoppers (1312) of the nozzle device (130) by contacting them when the nozzle pressurization device (930) horizontally moves toward the nozzle device (130), thereby moving the nozzle device (130) toward the inside of the detergent cartridge (100). In this case, the detergent may be ejected to the outside by the flow path (1311) of the nozzle device (130) being connected to the second space (110b) where the detergent is accommodated.

[0127] When the detergent is sprayed out of the detergent cartridge (100) by the operation of the nozzle pressurization device (930), the volume of the second space (110b) decreases by the amount of the sprayed detergent, and the partition plate (120) moves horizontally to the right. When the partition plate (120) moves, the connector (150) also moves to the right, and the length of the circuit formed by the wires (140a, 140b) and the connector (150) increases. In this case, the resistance of the circuit formed by the wires (140a, 140b) and the connector (150) increases, and the resistance value measured by the current sensor (183) increases. In this way, the washing machine (1) can monitor the remaining amount of detergent present in the detergent cartridge (100) in real time by measuring the resistance value of the wires (140a, 140b) that change due to the movement of the partition plate (120) or connector (150) when the detergent is sprayed according to the operation of the nozzle pressurization device (930) through the current sensor (183).

[0128] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating components connected to a control unit of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 7, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment may include an input unit (51), a sensor unit (180), an NFC tag (160), a communication unit (170), a control unit (190), a memory (191), a driving unit (60), an output unit (52), a nozzle pressurization device (930), or a water supply unit (14).

[0130] Below, description of parts overlapping with the configuration described in FIGS. 1 to 6 is omitted.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit (180) may include a dehydration sensor (181), a first current sensor (182), a second current sensor (183), a door sensor (184), or a light sensor (185), but this is exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the dehydration sensor (181) is a sensor designed to detect the water level within the tub (20), and may be provided to determine the progress of the dehydration process when performing the dehydration process. The control unit (190) may receive information regarding the water level within the tub (20) from the dehydration sensor (181) and use it as a reference for controlling the dehydration process.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the first current sensor (182) may be provided to detect the current flowing to the motor (61) of the driving unit (60). The control unit (190) may estimate the torque value applied to the motor (61) using the current value measured by the first current sensor (182). The control unit (190) may, for example, estimate the amount of laundry loaded into the drum (e.g., the drum (30) of FIG. 2) based on the estimated torque value.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the second current sensor (183) may be configured to detect a resistance value (or current) flowing through the wires (140a, 140b) of the detergent cartridge (100). The control unit (190) may estimate the movement displacement of the partition plate (120) or the connector (150) using the current value measured by the second current sensor (183). The control unit (190) may, for example, estimate the remaining amount of detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100) based on the estimated movement displacement.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the door sensor (184) may be provided to determine whether the user has closed the door (40) before the control unit (190) performs the washing operation.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the light sensor (185) may be provided to check the level of contamination inside the washing machine (1) by measuring the reflectivity of a portion of the inner surface of the washing machine (1) (e.g., tub (20)). The control unit (190) (or processor) may receive the level of contamination inside the washing machine (1) from the light sensor (145), determine whether to wash (e.g., whether to wash the tub), and transmit the information to the user through the output unit (52), or execute at least one command preset (or stored) in the memory (191) to proceed with washing.

[0137] 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, 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.

[0138] 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 such as voice call signals, video call signals, or text / multimedia message transmission and reception.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the wireless Internet module may be, for example, 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), but is not limited thereto, and may transmit and receive data according to at least one wireless Internet technology, including Internet technologies not listed above.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the control unit (190) can control the overall operation of the washing machine (1). To this end, the control unit (190) may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP). The control unit (190) may be, for example, a microcontroller (MCU).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the control unit (190) may control hardware or software components connected to the control unit (190) by, for example, driving an operating system or application program, and may also perform various data processing and operations. In addition, the control unit (190) 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.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the control unit (190) may control the washing process using a signal received from, for example, the input unit (51) or the communication unit (170) (e.g., the NFC reader (920)). Specifically, the control unit (190) may control at least one of a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, a dehydration cycle, or a drying cycle. The control unit (190) may control the operation of the driving unit (60), the nozzle pressurization device (930), or the water supply unit (14) to control at least one of the washing cycle, the rinsing cycle, the dehydration cycle, or the drying cycle. At this time, the control unit (190) may receive operation information about the washing machine (1) from the sensor unit (180) and perform feedback control.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the memory (191) can store data supporting various functions of the washing machine (1). The memory (191) 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. 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 (191) from the time of shipment for the basic functions of the washing machine (1). The application programs can be stored in the memory (191) and driven by the control unit (190) to perform operations (or functions) of the washing machine (1), for example. According to some embodiments, the memory (191) may be included as a part of the control unit (190) configuration.

[0146] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining automatic use setting of a selection cartridge according to contents accommodated in the selection cartridge, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a screen of an external electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment can obtain information about detergents stored in detergent cartridges (100a, 100b) by recognizing NFC tags (160) provided in detergent cartridges (100), for example, a first cartridge (hereinafter, general cartridge) (100a) and a second cartridge (hereinafter, detergent cartridge) (100b), and automatically change the usage settings of the detergent cartridges (100) based on the obtained information about the detergents.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether a general cartridge (100a) is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90) (805). The washing machine (1) can determine whether the general cartridge (100a) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90) based on a resistance value (or current value) detected by a current sensor (e.g., a second current sensor) (183) provided in the detergent supply unit (90). For example, when the general cartridge (100a) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90), the wires (140a, 140b) provided in the general cartridge (100a) and the current sensor (183) are electrically connected, so that the current sensor (183) can measure the resistance values ​​of the wires (140a, 140b). At this time, the washing machine (1) can determine whether a general cartridge (100a) is installed in the detergent supply unit (90) by comparing the resistance value measured through the current sensor (183) with the preset resistance value.

[0151] According to one embodiment, when a general cartridge (100a) is mounted in a detergent supply unit (90) (e.g., in 805), the washing machine (1) can recognize an NFC tag (160) provided in the general cartridge (100a) through an NFC reader (920) provided in the detergent supply unit (90) (810). For example, when the general cartridge (100a) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90), the NFC reader (920) can recognize the NFC tag (160) as the NFC tag (127) of the general detergent box (120a) and the general cartridge (100a) are adjacent to each other, and the washing machine (1) can obtain information about the detergent in the general cartridge (100a) stored in the NFC tag (160).

[0152] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether information regarding the detergent of the general cartridge (100a) has changed from the previous one (815). For example, the washing machine (1) can compare the information regarding the detergent of the general cartridge (100a) acquired in operation 810 with the information regarding the detergent of the general cartridge (100a) stored in the memory (191) to determine whether the information regarding the general cartridge (100a) has changed.

[0153] According to one embodiment, when information about the detergent of the general cartridge (100a) is changed (e.g., in 815), the washing machine (1) can change the usage settings of the general cartridge (100a) based on the detergent information contained in the NFC tag (160) of the mounted general cartridge (100a) (820). For example, the washing machine (1) can detect a change in the detergent contained in the general cartridge (100a) through the NFC tag (160) and the NFC reader (920), and automatically change the usage settings of the general cartridge (100a) based on the information about the detergent of the new general cartridge (100a). The usage settings of the general cartridge (100a) can include, for example, information about the detergent contained in the general cartridge (100a), such as the type of detergent and the amount of detergent to be injected.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may store the current usage settings of the modified general cartridge (100a) in the memory (191) (825). Thereafter, the washing machine (1) may perform operation 830, described below. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the operations illustrated in FIG. 8 may be performed simultaneously.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether the selection cartridge (100b) is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90) when the general cartridge (100a) is not mounted in the detergent supply unit (90) (No in 805) (830). The washing machine (1) can determine whether the selection cartridge (100b) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90) based on the resistance value (or current value) detected by the current sensor (183) provided in the detergent supply unit (90). For example, when the selection cartridge (100b) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90), the wires (140a, 140b) provided in the selection cartridge (100b) are electrically connected to the current sensor (183), so that the current sensor (183) can measure the resistance values ​​of the wires (140a, 140b). At this time, the washing machine (1) can determine whether a selection cartridge (100b) is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90) by comparing the resistance value measured through the current sensor (183) with the preset resistance value.

[0156] According to one embodiment, when the selection cartridge (100b) is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90) (e.g., in 830), the washing machine (1) can recognize the NFC tag (160) provided in the selection cartridge (100b) through the NFC reader (920) provided in the detergent supply unit (90) (835). For example, when the selection cartridge (100b) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90), the NFC reader (920) can recognize the NFC tag (160) as the NFC tag (160) of the selection cartridge (100b) and the selection cartridge (100b) are adjacent to each other, and the washing machine (1) can obtain information about the detergent of the selection cartridge (100b) stored in the NFC tag (160).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether information regarding the detergent of the selection cartridge (100b) has changed from the previous one (840). For example, the washing machine (1) can compare the information regarding the detergent of the selection cartridge (100b) acquired in operation 835 with the information regarding the detergent of the selection cartridge (100b) stored in the memory (191) to determine whether the information of the selection cartridge (100b) has changed.

[0158] According to one embodiment, when information about the detergent of the selection cartridge (100b) is changed (e.g., in 840), the washing machine (1) can change the usage settings of the selection cartridge (100b) based on the detergent information contained in the NFC tag (160) of the mounted selection cartridge (100b) (845). For example, the washing machine (1) can detect a change in the detergent contained in the selection cartridge (100b) through the NFC tag (160) and the NFC reader (920), and automatically change the usage settings of the selection cartridge (100b) based on the information about the detergent of the new selection cartridge (100b). The usage settings of the selection cartridge (100b) can include, for example, information about the detergent contained in the selection cartridge (100b), such as the type of detergent and the amount of detergent to be injected.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can store the current usage settings of the changed selection cartridge (100b) in the memory (191) (850).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can perform the above-described operation 830 when the information regarding the detergent of the general cartridge (100a) has not changed (No in 815).

[0161] Specifically, Fig. 9 is a drawing for explaining the automatic setting operation of a cartridge according to a change in the contents accommodated in a selection cartridge (100b). For example, Fig. 9 is a drawing for exemplarily explaining the automatic setting operation of a cartridge in cases where a selection cartridge (100b) with different contents is mounted in a detergent supply unit (90) while a general cartridge (100a) accommodated in a general detergent is mounted in a detergent supply unit (90). Fig. 10 is a drawing for exemplarily showing a user notification through an external electronic device (200) when the contents of a selection cartridge (100b) are changed to a general detergent.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, when a selection cartridge (100b) containing a softener is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90), the washing machine (1) obtains information about the detergent (e.g., softener) contained in the NFC tag (160) of the selection cartridge (100b) through the NFC reader (920), and based on the obtained information, the usage setting of the selection cartridge (100b) can be automatically changed to correspond to the softener. For example, the washing machine (1) can change the type of detergent used in the selection cartridge (100b) to a softener, and change the detergent input amount to the manufacturer's standard amount of the softener contained.

[0163] When a selection cartridge (100b) containing a general detergent is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90), the washing machine (1) obtains information about the detergent (e.g., general detergent) contained in the NFC tag (160) of the selection cartridge (100b) through the NFC reader (920), and automatically changes the usage settings of the selection cartridge (100b) to correspond to the general detergent based on the obtained information. For example, the washing machine (1) can change the type of detergent used in the selection cartridge (100b) to a general detergent, and change the detergent input amount to the manufacturer's standard amount of the contained general detergent. In addition, the washing machine (1) can provide an alarm regarding the selection of the detergent box to be used for washing through an external electronic device (200). For example, the display screen (1000) of the external electronic device (200) may output text (1010) such as "General detergent is present in the general cartridge and the selection cartridge. Please select the cartridge to use for washing", and text (1020) and text (1030) such as "General cartridge" for user selection and "Selection cartridge" for user selection. In addition, the washing machine (1) may provide an alarm regarding the use of fabric softener to the external electronic device (200). For example, the display screen (1000) of the external electronic device (200) may output text (1040) such as "Currently, there is no fabric softener in the cartridge. Please check whether to use fabric softener", at the request of the washing machine (1).

[0164] When a selection cartridge (100b) containing a neutral detergent is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90), the washing machine (1) obtains information about the detergent (e.g., neutral detergent) contained in the NFC tag (160) of the selection cartridge (100b) through the NFC reader (920), and based on the obtained information, can automatically change the usage settings of the selection cartridge (100b) to correspond to the neutral detergent. For example, the washing machine (1) can change the type of detergent used in the selection cartridge (100b) to a neutral detergent, and change the detergent input amount to the manufacturer's standard amount of the contained neutral detergent. In addition, as described above, the washing machine (1) can provide an alarm regarding whether or not a fabric softener is used to the external electronic device (200).

[0165] When a selection cartridge (100b) containing a baby detergent is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90), the washing machine (1) obtains information about the detergent (e.g., baby detergent) contained in the NFC tag (160) of the selection cartridge (100b) through the NFC reader (920), and based on the obtained information, the usage settings of the selection cartridge (100b) can be automatically changed to correspond to the baby detergent. For example, the washing machine (1) can change the type of detergent used in the selection cartridge (100b) to a baby detergent, and change the detergent input amount to the manufacturer's standard amount of the contained baby detergent. In addition, as described above, the washing machine (1) can provide an alarm regarding whether or not a fabric softener has been used to the external electronic device (200).

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

[0167] FIG. 12 is a drawing for exemplarily explaining an alarm operation of a washing machine according to the remaining amount of detergent contained in a detergent cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a washing machine (1) according to one embodiment measures the resistance values ​​of wires (140a, 140b) measured through a current sensor (183), and can estimate the remaining amount of detergent contained in detergent cartridges (100), for example, a general cartridge (100a) and a selection cartridge (100b), based on the measured resistance values.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can receive and set an alarm for each remaining amount of detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100) from the input unit (51) of the control panel (50) or an external electronic device (200) (1110). For example, a user can set multiple alarms corresponding to the remaining amount of detergent for which he or she wishes to be notified via the input unit (51) or the external electronic device (200). The alarm setting for each remaining amount of detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100) may include, as shown in FIG. 12, a first alarm provided to the user when the initial contents, i.e., the remaining amount of detergent corresponding to 70% of the total amount of detergent, is detected, a second alarm provided to the user when the remaining amount of detergent corresponding to 40% of the total amount of detergent, a third alarm provided to the user when the remaining amount of detergent corresponding to 20% of the total amount of detergent, a fourth alarm provided to the user when the remaining amount of detergent corresponding to 10% of the total amount of detergent, and an nth alarm provided to the user when the remaining amount of detergent corresponding to xx% of the total amount of detergent is detected.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can measure the current resistance values ​​of the wires (140a, 140b) that change according to the spraying of detergent through the current sensor (183) (1120). For example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the detergent is sprayed, the partition plate (120) or the connector (150) moves horizontally (e.g., to the right), and at this time, the resistance values ​​of the wires (140a, 140b) also change. Since the horizontal displacement of the partition plate (120) or the connector (150) according to the spraying of the detergent substantially corresponds to the remaining amount of detergent, the current remaining amount of detergent can be estimated based on the current resistance values ​​of the wires (140a, 140b) measured through the current sensor (183).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) can determine whether the current remaining amount of detergent satisfies the alarm setting set by the user (1130).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may provide a notification of the current remaining amount of detergent to the user through the output unit (52) or the external electronic device (200) (1140) if the current remaining amount of detergent satisfies the alarm setting set by the user (yes in operation 1130). For example, if the remaining amount of detergent estimated using the current resistance value measured in operation 1120 corresponds to 70% of the total amount of detergent, the washing machine (1) may provide the user with an alarm including information that the current remaining amount of detergent is 70% through the output unit (52) or the external electronic device (200).

[0173] According to one embodiment, if the current remaining amount of detergent does not satisfy the alarm setting set by the user (NO in 1130), the washing machine (1) may perform operation 1130 again and continue to determine whether the current remaining amount of detergent satisfies the alarm setting set by the user.

[0174] Through a series of operations like this, the washing machine (1) can monitor the remaining amount of detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100) in real time and provide the user with an alarm for each remaining amount of detergent corresponding to the alarm setting set by the user.

[0175] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a draw out state of a detergent supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of a detergent supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, a washing machine (1a) according to one embodiment may include a cabinet (10) forming an exterior, a tub (e.g., a tub (20) of FIG. 2) provided inside the cabinet (10) to store a mixture of water and detergent, a drum (e.g., a drum (30) of FIG. 2) provided inside the tub (20) to receive and rotate laundry, a door (40) rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10), a control panel (50) for receiving an operation command of the washing machine (1a) or outputting operation information, a driving device (e.g., a driving device (60) of FIG. 2) for rotating the drum (30), a detergent supply unit (90) for supplying detergent to the tub (20), and a detergent supply device (300) for receiving detergent and supplying the received detergent to the tub (e.g., the tub (20) of FIG. 2).

[0179] The washing machine (1a) described above may be substantially identical or similar in structure, shape, and / or operation to the washing machine (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this case, the description of the washing machine (1) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 may be substantially equally applied to the washing machine (1a). For the sake of convenience, descriptions of overlapping components will be omitted.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (300) may be arranged to be introduced into or withdrawn from the cabinet (10). For example, the detergent supply device (300) may be introduced into or withdrawn from the cabinet (10) through an opening (90a) of a detergent supply portion (90) provided at the front upper portion of the cabinet (10). For example, the detergent supply device (300) may be arranged in the form of a drawer as a whole.

[0181] When the detergent supply device (300) is introduced into the cabinet (10), when the washing machine (1a) is operated (e.g., washing cycle), the detergent contained in the detergent supply device (300) 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 (16) of FIG. 2).

[0182] When the detergent supply device (300) is pulled out of the cabinet (10), the user can detach the detergent box (e.g., the first detergent box (320)) mounted on the detergent supply device (300) described below and replace it with a new detergent box (320), refill the existing detergent in the detergent box (e.g., the second detergent box (330)), remove the existing detergent in the detergent box (330) and replace it with a different detergent, or detach the detergent box (330) from the washing machine (1a) and wash it.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply device (300) may include a housing (310) forming an exterior, a plurality of detergent containers (320, 330) detachably coupled to the housing (310) and containing detergent, and a detergent pump (not shown) fixed to the housing (310).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the housing (310) may include a front cover (311) provided with a handle (311a) for inserting / withdrawing the detergent supply device (300), and a detergent box mounting portion (312) extending to the rear of the front cover (311) and to which detergent boxes (320, 330) are detachably coupled.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the front cover (311) of the housing (310) may be placed on the same plane (e.g., the front) as the front panel (11a) and / or the control panel (50) of the cabinet (10) in the retracted state of the detergent supply device (300). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the detergent box mounting portion (312) of the housing (310) may be partitioned by a plurality of partition walls and may include a plurality of detergent box mounting portions (3121, 3122, 3123, 3124) having open upper sides. For example, the detergent box mounting portion (312) may include a 1-1 detergent box mounting portion (3121) on which a 1-1 detergent box (320a) described below is mounted, a 1-2 detergent box mounting portion (3122) on which a 1-2 detergent box (320b) described below is mounted, a 2-1 detergent box mounting portion (3123) on which a 2-1 detergent box (330a) described below is mounted, and a 2-2 detergent box mounting portion (3124) on which a 2-2 detergent box (330b) described below is mounted.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the plurality of detergent box mounting portions (3121, 3122, 3123, 3124) may be arranged to correspond to the size, shape and / or arrangement of the detergent boxes (320a, 320b, 330a, 330b) to be mounted.

[0188] In one embodiment, the central portion (3121c) of the first-first detergent box mounting portion (3121) may be designed to have a different width from the front portion (3121a) and the rear portion (3110b) of the first-first detergent box mounting portion (3121). In one embodiment, the central portion (3122c) of the first-second detergent box mounting portion (3122) may be designed to have a different width from the front portion (3122a) and the rear portion (3122b) of the first-second detergent box mounting portion (3122). In one embodiment, the first-first detergent box mounting portion (3121) and the first-second detergent box mounting portion (3122) may be provided to be symmetrical left and right. In one embodiment, the second-first detergent box mounting portion (3123) may be provided between the central portion (3121c) of the first-first detergent box mounting portion (3121) and the central portion (3122c) of the first-second detergent box mounting portion (3122). In one embodiment, the second-second detergent box mounting portion (1124) may be provided between the central portion (3121c) of the first-first detergent box mounting portion (3121) and the central portion (3122c) of the first-second detergent box mounting portion (3122). In one embodiment, the second-first detergent box mounting portion (3123) may be arranged in front of the second-second detergent box mounting portion (3124).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the plurality of detergent boxes (320, 330) 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.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the plurality of detergent boxes (320, 330) may include a plurality of first detergent boxes (320) containing detergent for automatic dispensing.

[0191] According to one embodiment, a plurality of first detergent containers (320) are arranged to selectively contact a detergent pump (not shown) provided at the rear, and may include a first-first detergent container (320a) and a first-second detergent container (320b) that discharge detergent received according to the usage setting of the detergent container.

[0192] In one embodiment, the first-first detergent compartment (320a) can accommodate detergent. In one embodiment, the first-second detergent compartment (320b) can accommodate detergent or fabric softener. The first detergent compartment (320) may be collectively referred to as an automatic detergent compartment, the first-first detergent compartment (320a) may be referred to as a general detergent compartment, and the first-second detergent compartment (320b) may be referred to as a selective detergent compartment.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the first-first detergent box (320a) can be detachably mounted on the first detergent box mounting portion (3121). According to one embodiment, the first-second detergent box (320b) can be detachably mounted on the second detergent box mounting portion (3122). In one embodiment, the first-first detergent box (320a) and the first-second detergent box (320b) can be arranged left and right. The first-second detergent box (320b) can have a structure that is substantially symmetrical left and right with respect to the first-first detergent box (320a).

[0194] According to one embodiment, the first detergent box (320) may be disposed on the upper surface of the main body (321) and may include a detergent box identification member (327) that includes information about the detergent contained in the first detergent box (320). For example, the detergent box identification member (327) may be implemented in the form of an NFC tag. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the detergent box identification member (327) will be referred to as an NFC tag (327). The washing machine (1a) obtains information about the detergent contained in the first detergent box (320) through the NFC tag (327) of the first detergent box (320), and may automatically set the usage settings of the first detergent box (320) based on the obtained information about the detergent. The description with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 described above may be applied analogically to the method for automatically setting the detergent box (320) using the NFC tag (327). For example, when the first detergent container (320) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90), the washing machine (1a) obtains information about the detergent contained in the NFC tag (327) of the first detergent container (320) through an NFC reader (e.g., the NFC reader (920) of FIGS. 6A and 6B) provided in the detergent supply unit (90), and can automatically change the usage settings of the first detergent container (320) based on the obtained information about the detergent.

[0195] In one embodiment, the plurality of detergent drawers (320, 330) may include a plurality of second detergent drawers (330) that contain detergent for manual dosing.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the plurality of second detergent containers (330) may include a second-first detergent container (330a) and a second-second detergent container (330b) that contain detergent to be mixed with water supplied from a water supply pipe (14a) when the washing machine is in operation. In one embodiment, the second-first detergent container (330a) is disposed in front of the second-second detergent container (330b) and may contain detergent. In one embodiment, the second-first detergent container (330a) may contain detergent. In one embodiment, the second-second detergent container (330b) may contain fabric softener. The second detergent containers (330) may be collectively referred to as manual detergent / softener containers, and the second-first detergent container (330a) may be referred to as a manual detergent container, and the second-second detergent container (330b) may be referred to as a manual fabric softener container, respectively.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the second-first detergent box (330a) is detachably mounted on the second-first detergent box mounting portion (3123) and may be positioned between the first-first detergent box (320a) and the first-second detergent box (320b). In one embodiment, the second-first detergent box (330a) may have an open upper side and may have an overall cup shape.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the second-second detergent box (330b) is detachably mounted on the second-second detergent box mounting portion (3124) and may be positioned between the first-first detergent box (320a) and the first-second detergent box (320b). In one embodiment, the second-second detergent box (330b) may be positioned at the rear of the second-first detergent box (330a). The second-second detergent box (330b) may have substantially the same structure as the second-first detergent box (330a). For example, the second-second detergent box (330b) may have an open upper side and an overall cup shape.

[0199] As described above, the convenience of the user can be improved by automatically setting the usage settings of the detergent cartridge (or automatic detergent box) through communication between the NFC tag (160) provided in the detergent cartridge (or automatic detergent box) and the NFC reader (920) of the detergent supply unit (90), thereby eliminating the need for user action for the usage settings.

[0200] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet (10). The washing machine (1) may be disposed inside the cabinet (10) and may include a tub (20) for storing water for washing. The washing machine (1) may include a detergent supply unit (90) for supplying detergent into the tub (20). The washing machine (1) may include a detergent cartridge (100) for storing detergent, which is provided to be inserted or withdrawn into the detergent supply unit (90) and includes a cartridge identification member (160) that includes information about the detergent stored in the detergent cartridge (100). The washing machine (1) may include a cartridge identification device (920) that is positioned near the cartridge identification member (160) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90) and for recognizing the cartridge identification member (160).

[0201] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a control unit (190) configured to obtain information about the detergent of the detergent cartridge (100) included in the cartridge identification member (160) through the cartridge identification device (920) and change the usage settings of the detergent cartridge (100) based on the obtained information.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the usage settings of the cartridge (100) may include settings regarding the amount of detergent contained in the cartridge (100) and the type of detergent contained in the cartridge (100).

[0203] According to one embodiment, information regarding the detergent contained in the cartridge (100) may include the type of detergent and the amount of detergent to be injected. The amount of detergent to be injected may correspond to the amount of detergent injected according to the amount of laundry.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the cartridge (100) may include a main body (110) including a first space (110a) in which air is stored and a second space (110b) in which detergent is stored. The cartridge (100) may include a partition plate (120) that is horizontally movably disposed within the main body (110) and partitions the first space (110a) and the second space (110b). The cartridge (100) may include a passage (1311) that is selectively connected to the second space (110b) and may include a nozzle device (130) for spraying the detergent to the outside.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) is configured to be horizontally movable and may include a nozzle pressurization device (930) for selectively contacting the nozzle device (130) to pressurize the nozzle device (130). When the nozzle device (130) is pressurized due to horizontal movement of the nozzle pressurization device (930), the detergent may be ejected to the outside by connecting the passage (1311) and the second space (110b).

[0206] According to one embodiment, the main body (110) may include a pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140a, 140b') that extend from the first space (110a) to the second space (110b) along the inner surface of the main body (110) and are spaced apart from each other.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the detergent cartridge (100) may be disposed on one side of the partition plate (120) facing the first space (110a) and may include a connector (150) that electrically connects the pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b').

[0208] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply unit (90) may include a detergent supply unit housing (910) defining an opening (90a) for introducing / withdrawing the detergent cartridge (100) and a space (90b) in which the detergent cartridge (100) is accommodated. The washing machine (1) may include a current sensor (183) disposed on one side (912) of the detergent supply unit housing (910), electrically connected to the wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b') of the detergent cartridge (100) when the detergent cartridge (100) is introduced, and for measuring the resistance value of the wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b').

[0209] According to one embodiment, the washing machine (1) may include a control unit (190) configured to determine whether the detergent cartridge (100) is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90) based on a resistance value measured through the current sensor (183).

[0210] According to one embodiment, the connector (150) can move away from the first space (110a) when the detergent accommodated in the second space (110b) is ejected. The washing machine (1) may include a control unit (190) configured to detect a change in the resistance value of the pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b') according to the movement of the connector (150) through the current sensor (183), and measure the remaining amount of the detergent based on the detected change in the resistance value.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the pair of wires (140a', 140b') may be bent multiple times to have a rough pattern or a wave pattern.

[0212] A washing machine (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet (10). The washing machine (1) may be disposed inside the cabinet (10) and may include a tub (20) for storing water for washing. The washing machine (1) may include a detergent supply unit (90) for supplying detergent into the tub (20). The washing machine (1) may include a detergent cartridge (100) for storing detergent, the detergent cartridge (100) being provided to be inserted into or withdrawn from the detergent supply unit (90). The detergent cartridge (100) may include a main body (110) including a first space (110a) in which air is stored and a second space (110b) in which detergent is stored, a partition plate (120) that is horizontally movably arranged inside the main body (110) and partitions the first space (110a) and the second space (110b), a pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b') that extend from the first space (110a) to the second space (110b) along the inner surface of the main body (110) and are spaced apart from each other, and a connector (150) that is arranged on one surface of the partition plate (120) facing the first space (110a) and electrically connects the pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140, 140b').

[0213] According to one embodiment, the detergent supply unit (90) may include a detergent supply unit housing (910) defining an opening (90a) for inserting / withdrawing the detergent cartridge (100) and a space (90b) in which the detergent cartridge (100) is accommodated. The washing machine (1) may include a current sensor (183) disposed on one side (912) of the detergent supply unit housing (910), electrically connected to the wires (140, 140a', 140b, 140b') of the detergent cartridge (100) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted, and measuring the resistance value of the wires (140, 140a', 140b, 140b').

[0214] According to one embodiment, the present invention may include a control unit (190) configured to determine whether the detergent cartridge (100) is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90) based on a resistance value measured by the current sensor (183).

[0215] According to one embodiment, the connector (150) can move away from the first space (110a) when the detergent accommodated in the second space (110b) is ejected. The washing machine (1) may include a control unit (190) configured to detect a change in the resistance value of the pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b') according to the movement of the connector (150) through the current sensor (183), and measure the remaining amount of the detergent based on the detected change in the resistance value.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the pair of wires (140a', 140b') may be bent multiple times to have a rough pattern or a wave pattern.

[0217] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method of a washing machine (1) including a cabinet (10), a tub (20) disposed inside the cabinet (10) for storing water for washing, a detergent supply unit (90) for supplying detergent into the tub (20), and a detergent cartridge (100) storing detergent therein and detachably coupled to the detergent supply unit (90) may include an operation of recognizing a detergent box identification member (160) through a detergent box identification device (920) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90), and obtaining information about the detergent of the detergent cartridge (100) included in the detergent box identification member (160). The control method of the washing machine (1) may include an operation of changing the usage settings of the detergent cartridge (100) based on the obtained information about the detergent of the detergent cartridge (100).

[0218] According to one embodiment, the usage settings of the detergent cartridge (100) may include settings regarding the amount of detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100) and the type of detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100).

[0219] According to one embodiment, the control method of the washing machine (1) may further include an operation of measuring the resistance values ​​of a pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b') provided in the detergent cartridge (100) through a current sensor (183), and determining whether the detergent cartridge (100) is mounted in the detergent supply unit (90) based on the measured resistance values.

Claims

1. In the washing machine, Cabinet (10); A tub (20) placed inside the above cabinet (10); A detergent supply unit (90) for supplying detergent to the above tub (20); A detergent cartridge (100) that accommodates the detergent, is configured to be inserted or withdrawn into the detergent supply unit (90), and includes a cartridge identification member (160) that stores information about the detergent accommodated in the detergent cartridge (100); and A washing machine including a cartridge identification device (920) arranged to recognize the cartridge identification member (160) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90).

2. In paragraph 1, A washing machine including a control unit (190) configured to obtain information about the detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100) stored in the cartridge identification member (160) through the cartridge identification device (920) while the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90), and to change the usage settings of the detergent cartridge (100) based on the obtained information.

3. In paragraph 2, A washing machine in which the usage settings of the detergent cartridge (100) include settings regarding the amount of detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100) and the type of detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, Information about the detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100) includes the type of detergent and the amount of detergent to be injected. The amount of detergent to be added is the amount of detergent to be added according to the amount of laundry, a washing machine.

5. In paragraphs 1 to 4, The above detergent cartridge (100) is, A main body (110) including a first space (110a) configured to receive air and a second space (110b) configured to receive detergent; A partition plate (120) that is horizontally movable inside the main body (110) and divides the first space (110a) and the second space (110b); and A washing machine comprising a nozzle device (130) including a passage (1311) selectively connected to the second space (110b) to spray the detergent to the outside of the detergent cartridge (100).

6. In paragraph 5, It includes a nozzle pressurizing device (930) configured to be horizontally movable so as to selectively contact the nozzle device (130) to pressurize the nozzle device (130), The above nozzle device (130) is configured to eject the detergent to the outside of the detergent cartridge (100) by connecting the flow path (1311) and the second space (110b) when pressurized by horizontal movement of the nozzle pressurization device (930).

7. In paragraph 5 or 6, The above main body (110) is A washing machine including a pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140a, 140b') that extend from the first space (110a) to the second space (110b) along the inner surface of the main body (110) and are spaced apart from each other.

8. In paragraph 7, The above detergent cartridge (100) is, A washing machine, comprising a connector (150) disposed on one side of the partition plate (120) facing the first space (110a) and electrically connecting the pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b').

9. In paragraph 8, The detergent supply unit (90) includes a detergent supply unit housing (910) including an opening (90a) through which the detergent cartridge (100) can be inserted and withdrawn and a space (90b) for accommodating the detergent cartridge (100). A washing machine, comprising a current sensor (183) disposed on one side (912) of the detergent supply unit housing (910), electrically connected to the wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b') of the detergent cartridge (100) when the detergent cartridge (100) is introduced into the detergent supply unit (90) and accommodated in the space (90b) of the detergent supply unit (90), and measuring the resistance value of the wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b').

10. In paragraph 9, A washing machine including a control unit (190) configured to determine whether the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90) based on a resistance value measured through the current sensor (183).

11. In paragraph 9 or 10, The above connector (150) moves away from the first space (110a) when the detergent contained in the second space (110b) is ejected. A washing machine including a control unit (190) configured to detect a change in the resistance value of the wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b') according to movement of the connector (150) through the current sensor (183) and measure the remaining amount of detergent based on the detected change in the resistance value.

12. In any one of paragraphs 7 to 11, The above pair of wires (140a', 140b') are bent multiple times to have a rough pattern or a wave pattern, a washing machine.

13. In the washing machine, Cabinet (10); A tub (20) placed inside the above cabinet (10); A detergent supply unit (90) for supplying detergent into the above tub (20); and A detergent cartridge (100) for receiving detergent, comprising a detergent cartridge (100) configured to be inserted or withdrawn into the detergent supply unit (90), The above detergent cartridge (100) is, A main body (110) including a first space (110a) where air is stored and a second space (110b) where detergent is stored; A partition plate (120) that is horizontally movably arranged inside the main body (110) and divides the first space (110a) and the second space (110b); A pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140b, 140b') extending from the first space (110a) to the second space (110b) along the inner surface of the main body (110) and spaced apart from each other; and A connector (150) is disposed on one side of the partition plate (120) facing the first space (110a) and electrically connects the pair of wires (140a, 140a', 140, 140b'). A washing machine in which the detergent contained in the second space (110b) can be supplied to the tub (20) while the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90).

14. In paragraph 13, The detergent supply unit (90) includes a detergent supply unit housing (910) including an opening (90a) through which the detergent cartridge (100) can be inserted and withdrawn and a space (90b) for accommodating the detergent cartridge (100). A washing machine, comprising a current sensor (183) disposed on one side (912) of the detergent supply unit housing (910), electrically connected to the wires (140, 140a', 140b, 140b') of the detergent cartridge (100) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90) and accommodated in the space (90b) of the detergent supply unit (90), and measuring the resistance value of the wires (140, 140a', 140b, 140b').

15. A control method for a washing machine comprising a tub (20), a detergent supply unit (90) for supplying detergent into the tub (20), a detergent cartridge (100) that stores detergent inside, is configured to be inserted or withdrawn into the detergent supply unit (90), and includes a cartridge identification member (160) that stores information about the received detergent, and a cartridge identification device (920) arranged to recognize the cartridge identification member (160) when the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90). An operation of recognizing a detergent box identification member (160) through the detergent box identification device (920) while the detergent cartridge (100) is inserted into the detergent supply unit (90); An operation of obtaining information about the detergent contained in the detergent cartridge (100) from the recognized detergent box identification member (160) stored in the detergent box identification member (160); and A control method for a washing machine, including an operation of changing the usage settings of the detergent cartridge (100) based on information about the detergent contained in the acquired detergent cartridge (100).

Images