Patent Description:
A washing machine includes an apparatus for washing clothes or laundry, and an apparatus for washing and drying clothes together. Washing clothes is a stroke of removing contaminants from the clothes through reaction between water and detergent, and drying clothes is a stroke of removing moisture contained in the clothes by use of a hot air supply device, for example.

A general washing machine includes a main body having a clothes inlet, a clothes accommodating unit provided in the main body, a driving unit to rotate a drum constructing the clothes accommodating unit, a door to open and close the clothes inlet, and a control unit to provide visual information related to strokes processed in the washing machine to the user and receive a user operation.

In the general washing machine, the door is designed to perform its original function of opening and closing the clothes inlet and allowing the user to look into the clothes accommodating unit therethrough. In addition, the control unit is usually provided in the main body, and is provided with a plurality of buttons and knobs for briefly displaying only predetermined strokes in a power-on/off manner and operating the strokes. This differentiation of the door and the control unit spoils simple appearance of the washing machine, and input and output interfaces between the washing machine and the user have no choice but to stay in a low dimensional manner. Therefore, in recent years, researches for implementing a control unit with a touch screen have been actively conducted.

On the other hand, in order to alleviate inconvenience that a user has to put laundry detergent by himself or herself every time of washing, a washing machine that is configured to automatically introduce the laundry detergent has been developed. However, a general washing machine having such a function of automatically injecting or introducing laundry detergent merely depends on a quantity of laundry to be washed, which lowers accuracy of a quantity of laundry detergent to be introduced or input. Therefore, if the user is forced to adjust the quantity of laundry detergent to be introduced every time, the user feels inconvenient and an advantage of automatic input of the laundry detergent disappears.

<CIT> discloses a washing machine including a display unit configured to display a dosing quantity of detergent.

<CIT> relates to a washing machine that displays a washing setting screen on a touch screen for a user to change the washing course and the detailed setting value. Further related technologies are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Therefore , one object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of accurately adjusting a quantity of laundry detergent to be automatically introduced according to a state of laundry even without a user's manipulation, and a method of operating the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of allowing a user to easily check and feedback an introduction or input of laundry detergent even while washing is carried out, and a method of operating the same.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of performing various operations related to automatic input of laundry detergent and interacting with a user according to a remaining quantity of the laundry detergent, and a method of operating the same.

The above stated problems are solved by the features of the independent claims. The preferred embodiments are represented in the dependent claims.

According to a washing machine and a method for operating the same according to embodiments of the present invention, if only a washing start command is input, a quantity of laundry detergent to be automatically input can be accurately adjusted according to a state of laundry without a user's manipulation and accordingly an optimal washing stroke course can be automatically reset. Therefore, by putting a quantity of laundry detergent suitable for the laundry, an excessive use of the detergent can be prevented and an individual stroke course can be automatically reset according to a detergent input quantity, which may result in enhancing washing efficiency.

Also, the user can visually and easily confirm a quantity of laundry detergent to be input and a time point when the laundry detergent is introduced during a washing stroke, through an image output on a touch screen. In addition, if necessary, the user can perform an interaction for additionally inputting detergent or taking off some of detergent by using an image output on the touch screen.

When a quantity of laundry detergent stored in the washing machine is insufficient, an alarm or notification can be provided to the user so that the user can easily recognize the shortage of the detergent, and also the purchase of the laundry detergent can be guided based on the user's feedback, thereby providing a convenient environment for the user.

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The same or equivalent components may be provided with the same or similar reference numbers, even in different embodiments, and description thereof will not be repeated.

In describing the present disclosure, if a detailed explanation for a related known function or construction is considered to unnecessarily divert the gist of the present disclosure, such explanation has been omitted but would be understood by those skilled in the art.

The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand the technical idea of the present disclosure and it should be understood that the idea of the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings. The idea of the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes besides the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a washing machine <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> are conceptual views illustrating states where a door <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is rotated primarily and secondarily, so that a clothes inlet 160a is open and a detergent supplying unit <NUM> is slid to be open in a designated direction.

Referring to these drawings, the washing machine <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a door <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> defines appearance of the washing machine <NUM> and has a clothes inlet <NUM> through which laundry is put into the washing machine. This embodiment illustrates that the clothes inlet <NUM> is formed through a front portion of the main body <NUM> having a hexahedral shape.

The main body <NUM> is provided therein with a clothes accommodating unit for receiving clothes or laundry through the clothes inlet <NUM>. The clothes accommodating unit may be referred to as a 'washing tub'.

For example, when the washing machine <NUM> of the present disclosure is configured as an apparatus for drying clothes, the clothes accommodating unit may be configured as a drum <NUM> rotatably provided in the main body <NUM>.

As another example, when the washing machine <NUM> of the present disclosure is configured as an apparatus by which washing and drying clothes are all carried out, the clothes accommodating unit may be provided with a tub (not illustrated) disposed in the main body <NUM> to store washing water, and a drum <NUM> rotatably disposed in the tub to accommodate clothes therein.

The main body <NUM> is provided with a driving unit (not illustrated) to rotate the drum <NUM>. The driving unit may include a motor for generating driving force and a belt for rotating the drum <NUM> using the driving force. The drum <NUM> is rotated by rotational force generated in response to rotation of the motor, for example, at the time of detecting or sensing a weight of laundry, a washing stroke, a rinsing stroke, and a dehydrating stroke, so that the laundry accommodated therein can be washed, rinsed, and dehydrated. In addition, although not illustrated, the main body <NUM> is provided with a water supply device for supplying water. The water supply device includes a water supply pipe and a water supply valve. Here, one end of the water supply pipe is connected to an external water pipe (not shown) and another end is connected to a washing tub. Accordingly, water is supplied through the external water pipe and is guided into the drum <NUM> together with laundry detergent accommodated in a storage container of a detergent supplying unit. In addition, the water supply valve is opened and closed during the washing and rinsing strokes to control the supply of water into the drum <NUM>.

A detergent supplying unit <NUM> may be provided on an upper surface of the main body <NUM> to be slidable in a vertical (up/down) direction. To this end, a handle <NUM> may be provided on the upper surface of the main body <NUM> to facilitate the detergent supplying unit <NUM> to be slid and moved up and down. The laundry detergent and softener may be filled and stored in the detergent supplying unit <NUM>. Laundry detergents include both liquid and powder types, and contain all of materials, such as fabric detergent, fabric bleach, etc., which enhance washing effects.

Subsequently, referring to <FIG>, the detergent supplying unit <NUM> may include a storage container which is provided with a detergent accommodating portion 212a in which laundry detergent is accommodated and a softener accommodating portion 212b in which liquid softener is accommodated. In addition, the detergent supplying unit <NUM> may include a laundry detergent supply passage (not shown) through which the laundry detergent and the liquid softener accommodated in the storage container are supplied into the washing tub, and a laundry detergent pump (not shown) provided in the laundry detergent supply passage.

The detergent accommodating portion 212a and the softener accommodating portion 212b may be partitioned from each other by a partition wall provided inside the storage container, so as to accommodate the laundry detergent and the softener, respectively. In addition, although not illustrated, each of the detergent accommodating portion 212a and the softener accommodating portion 212b may include an injection port stopper for opening and closing the injection port.

In addition, an installation space (not shown) for accommodating and installing the laundry detergent pump may be provided at the rear of the storage container. In addition, the laundry detergent supply passage may be formed at one side of the installation space, for example, at the rear of the installation space to supply the laundry detergent. In addition, the laundry detergent pump may include, for example, a detergent pump connected to the detergent accommodating portion 212a and a softener pump connected to the softener accommodating portion 212b. The laundry detergent supply passage may include a detergent supply passage for supplying laundry detergent and a softener supply passage for supplying a liquid softener. In addition, the laundry detergent and the liquid softener may be diluted in contact with water before being introduced into the washing tub and then supplied into the washing tub. With this configuration, since the laundry detergent is diluted with water and then is brought into contact with the laundry, there is no fear of laundry damage due to a direct contact of the laundry with the laundry detergent with high concentration.

In addition, a softener pump (not shown) is connected to communicate with the softener accommodating portion 212b of the storage container of the detergent supplying unit <NUM>. The softener accommodating portion 212b may be provided with a softener pump connecting portion (not shown) for blocking leakage of softener from the softener accommodating portion 212b. On the other hand, when the storage container is opened in a vertical sliding manner as illustrated in the present disclosure, there is no worry about the leakage of the softener contained in the softener accommodating portion 212b, and thus the aforementioned components may be omitted.

The main body <NUM> may be provided with a power button <NUM> to power on/off the washing machine <NUM>. When a display <NUM>, which will be described later, is configured as a touch screen, the washing machine <NUM> may be powered on/off through a touch input applied to the touch screen <NUM>. In this case, the power button <NUM> is not provided, which may result in realizing simpler appearance of the washing machine.

The door <NUM> is rotatably installed on the main body <NUM> by a hinge unit <NUM> to open and close the clothes inlet <NUM>. As illustrated, the main body <NUM> may include a door accommodating portion <NUM> recessed inwardly from an outer surface thereof and having the clothes inlet <NUM> therein. When the door <NUM> is closed, the door <NUM> is accommodated in the door accommodating portion <NUM> and an outer edge portion of the door <NUM> may be flush with an adjacent outer surface of the main body <NUM>.

In order to prevent the door <NUM> from being stopped by the main body <NUM> when the door <NUM> is opened due to the structure in which the door <NUM> is accommodated in the door accommodating portion <NUM>, the hinge unit <NUM> may have a double hinge structure having two different rotating axes. In this case, as illustrated in <FIG>, the door <NUM> may be spaced apart from the door accommodating portion <NUM> by a primary rotation centering on one of the rotating axes, and then rotated by a secondary rotation centering on the other rotating axis.

In the structure in which the hinge unit <NUM> is mounted on one side of the door <NUM>, a locking device for fixing or locking the door <NUM> to the main body <NUM> or releasing or unlocking the fixed/locked door <NUM> is provided on another side of the door <NUM>. The locking device may be configured in a pressing manner, so that the door <NUM> is locked when the another side of the door <NUM> is pressed once and unlocked when the another side of the door <NUM> is pressed once again.

The door <NUM> is provided with a window <NUM> and a touch screen <NUM>.

When the door <NUM> is closed, the window <NUM> is arranged to correspond to the clothes inlet <NUM> so that the user can look inside the clothes accommodating unit therethrough. Accordingly, the user can check the state of the clothes accommodated in the clothes accommodating unit through the window <NUM>.

The touch screen <NUM> displays (outputs) information processed in the washing machine <NUM>. For example, the touch screen <NUM> may display execution screen information of strokes (washing, dehydrating, drying, etc.) carried out in the washing machine <NUM>, or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information corresponding to the execution screen information.

The touch screen <NUM> is illustrated as being provided on the door <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. For example, the touch screen <NUM> may be provided at any position of the top, side, or bottom surface of the main body, and may be provided at a plurality of positions.

On the other hand, the washing machine <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, may have a structure including a sub washer on the lower or one side of the main body <NUM>. The washing machine <NUM> of <FIG> may include a first cabinet <NUM> defining appearance of a main washer and a second cabinet <NUM> defining appearance of a sub washer. At this time, the first cabinet <NUM> and the second cabinet <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other.

The sub washer may exist in various forms. For example, the sub washer may be configured as a top-load type washer or may have the same structure as or a different structure from that of the main washer. The sub washer may be configured in a manner that at least one of a washing capacity, a volume, and a height thereof is smaller than that of the main washer. Accordingly, the user can selectively use at least one of the main washer and the sub washer according to a quantity of laundry. In addition, the user may select at least one of the main washer and the sub washer according to a type of laundry.

The sub washer may include a second cabinet <NUM> defining appearance, a drawer housing pushed into or pulled out of the second cabinet <NUM>, and a second washing tub provided in the drawer housing. In this case, the drawer housing may be pushed into or pulled out of the second cabinet <NUM> through an opening formed at the second cabinet <NUM> in a forward direction of the sub washer.

A cover panel <NUM> may be provided on the front of the drawer housing. The cover panel <NUM> may be integrally formed with the drawer housing. In addition, the cover panel <NUM> may be provided with a handle for pushing or pulling the drawer housing. In addition, a control panel for controlling the sub washer may be provided on an upper surface of the cover panel <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a detailed structure of the door <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the door <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the door <NUM> includes a door frame <NUM>, a door window <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, and a door cover <NUM>. As described above, the hinge unit <NUM> for coupling the door <NUM> to the main body <NUM> is mounted on the door <NUM>, but the hinge unit <NUM> has been omitted in this drawing.

This embodiment illustrates that the door <NUM> is formed in a circular shape (including a perfect circular shape and an elliptical shape). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The door <NUM> may be formed in a polygonal shape (square, hexagon, etc.).

The door frame <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the main body <NUM>. To this end, the hinge unit <NUM> is coupled to the door frame <NUM> and the main body <NUM>, respectively.

As illustrated, the door frame <NUM> may include an outer frame <NUM> and an inner frame <NUM>. The outer frame <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> may be formed of a synthetic resin material (for example, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material, a polycarbonates (PC) material, or the like).

For reference, the reason why the aforementioned components are referred to as the outer frame <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> is that the outer frame <NUM> faces the outside of the main body <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> faces the inside of the main body <NUM> when only the door frame <NUM> is considered in the closed state of the door <NUM>. Without this distinction, the outer frame <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> may also be referred to as a first frame and a second frame, respectively.

The door frame <NUM> includes a first opening part 130a facing the clothes inlet <NUM> in the closed state of the door <NUM>, and a second opening part 131b corresponding to the display module <NUM> mounted inside thereof. The first opening part 130a may also be referred to as a door window hole in that the door window <NUM> is provided therein and the second opening part 131b may also be referred to as a display hole in that the display module <NUM> is provided in the second opening part 131b. The second opening part 131b may be located above the first opening part 130a.

The first opening part 130a may include a front opening 131a formed at the outer frame <NUM> and a rear opening 132a formed at the inner frame <NUM>. The second opening part 131b is formed at the outer frame <NUM>. A communication portion 132b may be formed on the rear opening 132a of the inner frame <NUM> and the display module <NUM> may be mounted inside the door frame <NUM> through the communication portion 132b.

The door window <NUM> is installed on the door frame <NUM> to correspond to the first opening part 130a. The door window <NUM> is formed of a transparent material such as glass or synthetic resin and arranged to correspond to the clothes inlet 160a in the closed state of the door <NUM>.

The display module <NUM> is installed inside the door frame <NUM>. The display module <NUM> is arranged to correspond to the second opening part 131b. Visual information related to information processed in the washing machine <NUM> is output on the touch screen <NUM> provided on the display module <NUM>.

A door cover <NUM>, which defines outer appearance of the door <NUM>, is coupled to the door frame <NUM>. The door cover <NUM> may be made of a light-transmitting glass material or a synthetic resin material.

The door cover <NUM> includes an opaque region <NUM>, and a first light-transmitting region <NUM> corresponding to the first opening part 130a and a second light-transmitting region <NUM> corresponding to the second opening part 131b within the opaque region <NUM>. The first and second light-transmitting regions <NUM> and <NUM> are separated from each other by the opaque region <NUM>. In this embodiment, the door frame <NUM> and the door cover <NUM> are formed in a circular shape so as to correspond to the circular door <NUM>, and the first and second light-transmitting regions <NUM> and <NUM> are formed in a circular shape to provide an integrated aesthetic feeling to the user.

According to the present disclosure, a door cover can be provided with an opaque region, and first and second light-transmitting regions that are separated from each other in the opaque region, and a window and a display (or touch screen) can be provided in the first and second light-transmitting regions, respectively, to implement simple door appearance. In particular, when the first and second light-transmitting regions are formed in the circular shape so as to correspond to the circular door, an integrated aesthetic feeling can be provided to the user.

The door cover <NUM> may have at least one portion in a bent shape. For example, by the bent portion, a first cover portion and a second cover portion on both sides of the bent portion may be inclined relative to each other. Here, the first cover portion and the second cover portion are formed in a flat shape. In order to correspond to the door cover <NUM>, the door frame <NUM> may also have at least one portion in a bent shape.

In this embodiment, the first light-transmitting region <NUM> is formed over the first cover portion and the bent portion, and the second light-transmitting region <NUM> is formed at the second cover portion.

On the other hand, the second light-transmitting region <NUM> is formed to be smaller than the second opening part 131b so that the door cover <NUM> is disposed in the second opening part 131b in an overlapping manner when the door cover <NUM> is coupled to the door frame <NUM>.

As illustrated, the second opening part 131b may be formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the rectangular display module <NUM>, and the second light-transmitting region <NUM> may be formed in a circular shape to be disposed in the second opening part 131b in the overlapping manner. With the configuration, visual information can be output only through a portion corresponding to the circular second light-transmitting portion <NUM>, and accordingly the user can be provided with the circular touch screen <NUM>.

A circular display requires a higher price than a generally used rectangular display, and is difficult to be installed at an accurate position due to its shape, thereby frequently causing assembly defects. However, according to the structure, the touch screen <NUM>, which requires a less cost and is seen as a circular shape to the user while using a rectangular display which can be assembled to an accurate position, can be provided.

Since the second light-transmitting region <NUM> is surrounded by the opaque region <NUM>, visual information output on a portion of the touch screen <NUM>, which does not correspond to the second light-transmitting region <NUM>, is invisible to the user. In view of this, the visual information may not be output to the portion of the touch screen <NUM> that does not correspond to the second light-transmitting region <NUM>.

For example, in a state in which visual information related to information processed in the washing machine <NUM> is output to the portion of the touch screen <NUM> corresponding to the second light-transmitting region <NUM>, an outer image surrounding the visual information may be output to the portion which does not correspond to the second light-transmitting region <NUM>. The outer image may be the portion which does not correspond to the second light-transmitting region <NUM> and may be filled with a specific color (for example, black).

As another example, in a state in which visual information related to information processed in the washing machine <NUM> is output to a portion of the touch screen <NUM> corresponding to the second light-transmitting region <NUM>, the portion which does not correspond to the second light-transmitting region <NUM> may be turned off. That is, neither the outer image nor the visual information is output to the portion of the display module <NUM> that does not correspond to the second light-transmitting region <NUM>. In this example, since only a part of the touch screen <NUM> is driven, the touch screen <NUM> can be efficiently driven, as compared with the foregoing example in which the entire touch screen <NUM> is driven, thereby achieving a power saving effect.

The touch screen <NUM> provided on the door cover <NUM> may be interlayered or integrated with a touch sensor (not illustrated), thereby implementing the touch screen <NUM> according to the present disclosure. The touch screen <NUM> may function as a user input unit for providing an input interface between the washing machine <NUM> and the user and simultaneously provide an output interface between the washing machine <NUM> and the user. For example, selection and change of an operation mode for performing several strokes such as washing, dehydrating, drying, and the like may be realized by a user's touch input (or touch) applied to the touch screen <NUM>.

The touch screen <NUM> is provided with a touch sensor for sensing a touch input.

The touch sensor detects a touch input applied to the touch screen <NUM> using at least one of various touch methods such as a resistance film type, a capacitive type, an infrared type, an ultrasonic type, a magnetic field type, and the like.

As an example, the touch sensor may be configured to convert a change in pressure applied to a specific portion of the touch screen <NUM> or a capacitance generated in the specific portion to an electrical input signal. The touch sensor may be configured to detect position, area, pressure of a touch applied to the touch screen <NUM> by a touch object by which such touch is applied to the touch screen <NUM>. Here, the touch object may be an object applying a touch to the touch screen <NUM>, and examples of the touch object may include a finger, a touch pen, a stylus pen, a pointer, or the like.

Thus, if a touch input is applied to the touch screen <NUM>, a signal(s) corresponding to the touch input is transmitted to a control device. The control device processes the signal(s) and transmits data corresponding to the processed signal to the control unit <NUM> (see <FIG>). Accordingly, the control unit <NUM> may sense which region of the touch screen <NUM> has been touched. Here, the control device may be a separate configuration from the control unit <NUM> or may be the control unit <NUM> itself.

Meanwhile, the control unit <NUM> may execute the same control or a different control according to a type of touch object that touches the touch screen <NUM>. Whether to perform a different control or the same control according to the type of touch object may be determined according to an operating state of the washing machine <NUM> or a currently-executed application program.

The touch screen <NUM> may sense various type of touch inputs, such as a short touch, a long touch, a multi touch, a drag touch, a flick touch, a pinch-in touch, a pinch-out touch, a swipe touch, a hovering touch, and the like.

The touch screen <NUM> is configured to sense a touch input applied to a sensing area including the second light-transmitting region <NUM>.

This embodiment illustrates that the touch screen <NUM> is attached on the rear surface of the door cover <NUM> so as to cover the second light-transmitting region <NUM> and a part of the opaque region <NUM> surrounding the second light-transmitting region <NUM>. With the configuration, the sensing area of the touch screen <NUM> includes not only the second light-transmitting region <NUM> but also the part of the opaque region <NUM> surrounding the second light-transmitting region <NUM>. Accordingly, various Uls or GUIs using the part of the opaque region <NUM> surrounding the second light-transmitting region <NUM> can be provided.

In this structure, the touch sensor may be formed in the form of a touch film having a touch pattern, and may be disposed between the door cover <NUM> and the display module <NUM>. The touch film may be made of a transparent conductive film, and well-known ITO film (Indium-Tin Oxide film) or CNT film (Carbon Nano Tube film) may be used as the touch film.

The touch film may be configured by one or two layers. For example, in the case of a type in which the touch film is provided with two layers [Glass-Film-Film (GFF)], the touch film may be attached to the rear surface of the door cover <NUM> or attached on the display module <NUM>. As another example, in the case of a type [Glass-Film (GIF)] in which the touch film is provided with one layer, the touch film may be attached to the rear surface of the door cover <NUM> to be formed integrally with the door cover <NUM>.

The touch sensor may also be formed in the form in which a metal wire is directly patterned on the rear surface of the door cover <NUM>, without a separate touch film.

Alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed integrally with a display provided on the display module <NUM>. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on a substrate of the display (on-cell type) or in the display (in-cell type).

On the other hand, the present disclosure can also be applied to a case where the touch screen <NUM> is arranged at another position other than the door <NUM>, as well as the case where the touch screen <NUM> is provided at the door <NUM>. For example, the touch screen <NUM> may be provided on one surface of the main body <NUM>, and the one surface may correspond to a surface where the power button <NUM> is disposed on the main body <NUM>. However, for convenience of explanation, the case where the touch screen <NUM> is provided at the door <NUM> is described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a washing machine <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the washing machine <NUM> may further include a control unit <NUM>, a communication unit <NUM>, a sound output unit <NUM>, a sensor unit <NUM>, a load detector <NUM>, a turbidity detector <NUM>, a detergent input determination unit <NUM>, a detergent supplying unit <NUM> and a memory <NUM>, in addition to the touch screen <NUM>.

Specifically, the communication unit <NUM> may be configured to facilitate short-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing such short-range communications may include BLUETOOTHTM, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus), and the like. For example, when a user terminal registered in the main body of the washing machine <NUM> approaches the washing machine <NUM>, the washing machine <NUM> and the user terminal may perform wireless data communication through Bluetooth communication. Here, the user terminal may include, for example, a smart phone, a tablet, a notebook, an ultrabook, a wearable device, a watch type terminal, and the like.

The control unit <NUM> controls an overall operation of the washing machine <NUM>. In addition, the control unit <NUM> may control operations of components provided in the washing machine <NUM>, and process signals generated from those components.

The sound output unit <NUM> may be configured to output predetermined notification sound or voice when an event related to washing occurs. Herein, the event related to washing may include connection with an external device, power on/off, washing course setting, setting/change of individual strokes such as rinsing, dehydration and drying, start of washing, completion of washing, introduction or input of laundry detergent, a shortage of remaining laundry detergent, and the like.

The detergent supplying unit <NUM> supplies laundry detergent and softener accommodated in the inner storage container to the washing tub according to a determined quantity to be introduced. The detergent supplying unit <NUM> may be configured to have the storage container that is disposed at an upper surface of the main body <NUM> to be opened and closed in the form of a sliding door in the vertical direction, as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, although not shown, a storage container that can be pulled out or pushed in like a drawer may be provided at the front surface of the main body <NUM> or at a lower side of the main body.

The sensor unit <NUM> may typically be implemented using one or more sensors configured to sense internal information on the washing machine <NUM>, surrounding environment information around the washing machine <NUM>, user information, and the like. For example, the sensor unit <NUM> may include a sensor configured to detect opening and closing of the door <NUM>, and the sensor may be disposed at one side of the door <NUM> or the hinge unit <NUM>.

In addition, the sensor unit <NUM> may sense that the user approaches the washing machine <NUM> through a proximity sensor. The sensor unit <NUM> may also sense that a registered user terminal approaches the washing machine <NUM> through the proximity sensor.

The sensor unit <NUM> may further include a sensor for detecting or sensing a remaining quantity of laundry detergent and liquid softener accommodated in the storage container of the detergent supplying unit <NUM>. Hereinafter, the sensor will be referred to as a 'remaining quantity detection unit'.

The remaining quantity detection unit, for example, may be disposed at an upstream side of a pressing space (not shown) according to a moving direction of the laundry detergent.

The remaining quantity detection unit, for example, may include an air pocket (not shown) communicating with the passage and temporarily accommodating therein air and laundry detergent, and an electrode (not shown) disposed to be in contact with the laundry detergent inside the air pocket. At this time, a lower portion of the air pocket, for example, may communicate with the passage of the laundry detergent so that the laundry detergent is temporarily accommodated, and also the air pocket may protrude upward to an upper side of the passage so that air can be accommodated above the laundry detergent. In addition, a cover surrounding the air pocket may be provided with another electrode (not shown) coming into contact with the laundry detergent moving along the passage. The electrode may be provided in pair, for example. Each of the pair of electrodes may be formed long in length such that a lower end thereof can be disposed below an upper end of a cross section of the passage. More specifically, each lower end of the electrodes may be disposed in a range lower than the upper end of the cross section of the passage and higher than a center of the cross section of the passage. Accordingly, the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent can be accurately detected.

On the other hand, the air pocket may have a volume larger than a volume of an introduction space (not shown). More specifically, the volume of the air pocket may be more than twice the volume of the introduction space. This may result in effectively preventing false detection of the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent caused due to bubbles generated during the movement of the laundry detergent. In more detail, air is stored in a compressed state inside the air pocket during the movement of the laundry detergent, thereby suppressing the bubbles generated due to the movement of the laundry detergent from moving upward along the electrode. This can prevent false detection of the remaining quantity caused due to the rise of the bubbles.

A process of inputting (injecting or introducing) laundry detergent will be described as follows. With the aforementioned configuration, when a laundry detergent input command determined from the control unit <NUM> is transmitted, an inlet port (not shown) may be opened. Accordingly, the laundry detergent inside the storage container included in the detergent supplying unit <NUM> may be introduced into an introduction space (not shown) through an introduction opening (not shown) and also flow into a pressing space (not shown) through the opened inlet port. When a discharge port (not shown) is opened by compression force of a piston, the laundry detergent (detergent, softener) subjected to the compression force by the piston may be moved along the laundry detergent supply passage through the discharge port into a bellows connection portion (not shown). The laundry detergent may be diluted with water and introduced into the washing tub. On the other hand, when the supply of the laundry detergent is completed in this way, the remaining quantity detection unit may detect the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent at the bottom of the air pocket.

Here, since air is collected in the air pocket during the movement of the laundry detergent and a relatively large amount of air is collected and compressed as time elapses, bubbles generated during the movement of the laundry detergent can be prevented from moving upward along the electrode. This may result in preventing the false detection of the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent, which results from that the bubbles other than the laundry detergent rise and comes in contact with the electrode when the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent is actually insufficient.

On the other hand, the load detector <NUM> detects a size (quantity) of laundry accommodated in the washing tub. Specifically, a weight of the laundry, namely, a load is detected in response to the rotation of the drum <NUM>. When the load is detected, an initial water supply amount is determined based on the detected load.

The turbidity detector <NUM> detects a contamination level of laundry accommodated in the washing tub. For example, the turbidity detector <NUM> may detect a contamination level of laundry based on a contamination level (turbidity) of washing water.

The detergent input determination unit <NUM> determines a quantity of laundry detergent to be automatically input based on the load and contamination level of the laundry detected by the load detector <NUM> and the turbidity detector <NUM>. The detergent input determination unit <NUM> may be included in the form of a circuit additionally provided inside the hardware control unit <NUM>, or may be implemented as a separate independent hardware configuration.

The memory <NUM> may store information related to programs and operations related to washing. The memory <NUM>, for example, may include at least one of storage mediums including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a solid state disk (SSD) type, a silicon disk drive (SDD) type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or DX memory, etc.), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a Programmable Read-Only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and the like.

The memory <NUM> may further store setting information (e.g., detergent type, input quantity, a number of inputs, etc.) related to automatic input (introduction) of laundry detergent, and the setting information may be updated when the setting information is changed based on a user input.

The washing machine <NUM> according to the present disclosure is configured to automatically input laundry detergent. When a washing start command is received, a load and a contamination level of the laundry are sequentially detected. At this time, the detection of the contamination level of the laundry may be carried out a plurality of times during washing. When the load and the contamination level of the laundry are detected, the control unit <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> determines an input quantity of the laundry detergent accommodated in the detergent supplying unit <NUM> based on the detected load and contamination level of the laundry. At this time, a graphic object associated with the determined input quantity of the laundry detergent is displayed on the touch screen <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM>. According to this, a quantity of laundry detergent to be automatically input can be accurately controlled according to a state of laundry without a user's manipulation, and an optimal washing stroke course can be automatically set. Also, the user can easily check information related to the introduction of the laundry detergent in a visual manner through the touch screen.

<FIG> is a representative flowchart illustrating an operation of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG>, <FIG> are exemplary conceptual diagrams illustrating in detail the operation of <FIG>.

First, referring to <FIG>, the washing machine <NUM> according to the present disclosure receives an input of a washing start command (S10).

Here, the input of the washing start command is an intentional input for starting washing. For example, it may mean that a push input has been applied to the power button <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM>. Alternatively, the input of the washing start command may mean a case where the touch screen <NUM> is switched from an OFF state to an ON state, a home screen is output on the touch screen <NUM> or a touch is applied to a specific function icon on a home screen. Alternatively, the input of the washing start command may mean a case where a user approaching the washing machine <NUM> is detected by the proximity sensor or the like or the washing machine <NUM> is paired with a smart server <NUM> or a user terminal. Or, the input of the washing start command may mean a case where closing of the door <NUM> is detected after laundry is introduced into the washing tub.

Next, the control unit <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> rotates the drum <NUM> according to the rotation of the motor, thereby detecting a quantity of laundry, that is, a load (S20). Then, a water supply amount is determined based on the detected load, and washing water is supplied into the washing tub.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which a first graphic object <NUM> indicating a size of a load is displayed on the touch screen <NUM> as the load of the laundry is detected. Although the first graphic object <NUM> expresses the detected load with respect to a maximum size or quantity in the form of percentage (%) (for example, <NUM>%), the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The size of the load may alternatively be shown in the form of a bar graph, a specific number, or a color image represented along a circumference of a boundary. In addition, the first graphic object <NUM> may display therein a currently-executed washing operation (e.g., laundry load detection), an initially-set stroke course (e.g., cotton), and a corresponding washing time (e.g., <NUM> minutes).

On the other hand, while washing water is introduced into the washing tub, the laundry detergent may be introduced early as much as a determined quantity corresponding to the initially-set stroke course (e.g., standard wash, speed wash, mixed fabric wash, etc.) and setting information (e.g., reference input quantity of small/medium/large, whether softener is to be input, etc.).

Next, a contamination level (or turbidity) of the laundry is detected (S30). The contamination level of the laundry may be detected more than once during the washing stroke. Specifically, the contamination level of the laundry may be detected based on a contamination level of washing water. In addition, the control unit <NUM> may determine a final contamination level of the laundry by averaging a plurality of contamination level detection results.

In another example, a voice recognition function provided in the washing machine <NUM> may be activated to receive detailed information (e.g., 'normal', 'lightly', 'dirty') related to a contamination level by voice from the user, and calculate a total contamination level of the laundry or an average of individual contamination levels of the laundry.

In another example, a camera provided in the washing machine <NUM> may be activated to recognize the laundry or a QR code (or barcode) of the laundry. Accordingly, material and type of the laundry may be recognized to estimate type and level of contamination. For example, if the laundry is classified as 'training clothes' or 'baby clothes', it may be estimated that the contamination level is high.

<FIG> illustrates an example in which a second graphic object <NUM> indicating a contamination level (turbidity) detected during the washing stroke is output on the touch screen <NUM>. The output of the second graphic object <NUM> may be carried out as many times as the number of times of detecting the contamination level. While the contamination detection is not performed, information <NUM> indicating a washing time is output as shown in the left drawing of <FIG>. On the other hand, while the contamination detection is performed, the second graphic object <NUM> including an image indicating that the contamination detection is being performed is displayed as shown in the right drawing of <FIG>.

Next, the control unit <NUM> finally determines a quantity of laundry detergent to be input based on the detected load size and contamination level of the laundry (S40). Specifically, after determining an initial laundry detergent input quantity according to the size of the load, an additional quantity of the laundry detergent may be added to or a predetermined quantity of the laundry detergent may be removed from the initial laundry detergent input quantity based on the contamination level of the laundry. For example, after the initial input quantity has been tentatively determined to be <NUM> according to the detection of the load, if the contamination level is determined to be very low, the control unit <NUM> may change a final input quantity to <NUM> and automatically input <NUM> of the laundry detergent while supplying washing water.

That is, after the contamination level detection is completed, a quantity of laundry detergent to be actually input may become larger or smaller than the initial laundry detergent input quantity determined merely based on the load of the laundry, or may be maintained without change. Accordingly, an optimal quantity of laundry detergent to be automatically input can be found according to the state of the laundry.

Meanwhile, a graphic object associated with the determined laundry detergent input quantity is displayed on the touch screen <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> (S50). The graphic object may be text, an image, a video, and a combination of two or more thereof.

In addition, the graphic object may include a first object indicating the determined laundry detergent input quantity. Alternatively, the graphic object may include a second object indicating that the laundry detergent is being introduced. In detail, a first graphic object to intuitively show a laundry detergent input quantity is displayed at the time point when the laundry detergent input quantity is determined. On the other hand, a second graphic object indicating the introduction of the laundry detergent associated with the first graphic object is displayed while the laundry detergent accommodated in the detergent supplying unit <NUM> is being introduced into the washing tub.

For example, in <FIG>, when the laundry detergent input quantity is determined, a first graphic object <NUM> including a detergent cup image and text by which the input quantity can be intuitively confirmed is output on the touch screen <NUM> as shown in the left drawing of <FIG>. While the laundry detergent is actually introduced, a second graphic object <NUM> including an animation image of inputting the detergent is output on the touch screen <NUM> as shown in the right drawing of <FIG>. While the animation image is output, a predetermined sound effect (e.g., detergent input sound) may be output together.

The second graphic object <NUM> may output or include an image that is changing according to a degree to which the laundry detergent contained in the detergent supplying unit <NUM> is input into the washing tub, for example, an animation as shown in the right drawing of <FIG>. Although not shown, the user may touch the corresponding image before the animation is finished to input a change command, such as stopping the laundry detergent input, additionally inputting the laundry detergent, adding, or removing some of the laundry detergent.

On the other hand, in one embodiment, a washing stroke course may be reset according to a determined laundry detergent input quantity. In detail, referring to <FIG>, a screen <NUM> displaying information related to an optimal washing stroke course based on the detected load, contamination level, and laundry detergent input quantity is displayed on the touch screen <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM>. The screen <NUM> displays text indicating that the setting has been changed, and although not shown, a predetermined highlighting effect (e.g., color change) is output to the changed detailed stroke (e.g., the number of times of performing rinsing). Accordingly, the user can easily confirm the detailed stroke changed from the initial setting.

In addition, the user may touch one of items (contamination level, time, detergent quantity, the number of times of performing rinsing) displayed on the screen <NUM> to confirm related details or change individual strokes.

On the other hand, although detailed description is omitted, feedback voices or sounds corresponding to the laundry load detection, the contamination level detection, the determination of the laundry detergent input quantity, and the laundry detergent input may be output together. Accordingly, even when the user is far from the washing machine, the current operation state or stroke course can be confirmed by hearing such voice or sound.

As described above, in the embodiment according to the present disclosure, if only the washing start command is input, the quantity of laundry detergent to be automatically input can be accurately adjusted according to the state of the laundry without the user's manipulation and accordingly the optimal washing stroke course can be automatically reset. Therefore, by putting a quantity of laundry detergent suitable for the laundry, an excessive use of the detergent can be prevented and an individual stroke course can be automatically reset according to the detergent input quantity, which may result in enhancing washing efficiency.

Hereinafter, another operation related to an automatic introduction of laundry detergent and an example of changing a determined laundry detergent quantity quickly through a touch screen will be described in detail. In this regard, <FIG> is another exemplary flowchart illustrating an operation of the washing machine, and <FIG> is an exemplary view of a method of immediately changing a determined laundry detergent input quantity.

First, referring to <FIG>, an input of a washing start command is received (S601). The washing start command, as aforementioned, includes all the case where a push input is applied to the power button <NUM>, the touch screen <NUM> is switched from an OFF state to an ON state, a home screen is output to the touch screen <NUM>, a touch is applied to a specific function icon on a home screen, the washing machine <NUM> is paired with a registered user terminal, or closing of the door <NUM> is detected after the laundry is introduced.

Next, a load of the laundry is detected and a primary laundry detergent input quantity is determined based on the detected load (S602). Then, the laundry detergent is input into the washing tub by the determined laundry detergent input quantity. In detail, after water is supplied into the washing tub, a gear pump is turned on/off to input liquid laundry detergent corresponding to the primary detergent input quantity into the washing tub.

A size of the detected load may be evaluated in units of levels according to a predetermined reference. The level may be used as a reference for setting the number of times of detecting or sensing turbidity of the laundry corresponding to a subsequent process and a detection interval of the turbidity. The level of the load is determined as one of a plurality of levels divided into predetermined units according to the size of the load, and a value of the level of the load may be determined in proportion to the size of the load. For example, a higher level is determined when the size of the load is larger. Conversely, a lower level is determined when the size of the load is smaller.

The control unit <NUM> or the detergent input determination unit <NUM> determines an initial laundry detergent input quantity based on the size or level of the load. And while the water supply to the washing tub is carried out, the laundry detergent is put in as much as the determined initial input quantity and the washing process is executed.

Next, during the washing stroke, a contamination level, i.e., turbidity of the laundry is detected (S603). In other words, the contamination level of the laundry is measured after the laundry detergent is introduced according to the size of the load. Even in this process, the contamination level of the laundry may be detected more than once during the washing stroke. A detection result of the contamination level may also be evaluated in units of levels based on a predetermined reference. For example, the detection results of the contamination level may be classified into first to third stages depending on the contamination level of the laundry.

In addition, in one example, the control unit <NUM> may set differently the number of times of detecting the contamination level and the detection interval of the contamination level depending on the detected size of the load or the evaluated level of the load. For example, if a level corresponding to the load of the laundry detected in step S602 is one of <NUM> to <NUM>, the contamination level detection may be performed only three times or less in total. On the other hand, if a level of the load detected in step S602 is one of <NUM> and <NUM>, the contamination level detection may be performed four or five times or more in total, in order to obtain a more accurate detection result.

Next, the control unit <NUM> may determine whether to secondarily input the laundry detergent based on the detected contamination level (turbidity) (S604).

The control unit <NUM> may determine an additional input quantity of the laundry detergent to be secondarily input in consideration of both the contamination level of the laundry and the size of the load. For example, in the case where the contamination level of the laundry is detected as a third stage and thus the additional laundry detergent input is determined, a larger quantity of the laundry detergent may be determined to be additionally input when the level of the load is large.

In this way, when it is determined whether to secondarily input the laundry detergent, a washing stroke is changed based on the load of the laundry, the contamination level (turbidity) of the laundry, and a total detergent input quantity, and a screen related to the changed washing stroke is displayed on the touch screen <NUM> (S605).

The change of the washing stroke means, for example, increasing a washing time or adding, increasing, or decreasing at least one of the number of times of performing a rinsing stroke and/or rinsing of a dehydration stroke, and dehydration intensity. In addition, an adjustment of a water supply amount or an adjustment of water temperature while maintaining an individual stroke may also be included in the change of the washing stroke.

In addition, the screen related to the changed washing stroke refers to a washing progress screen in which one or more individual strokes have been changed according to the detection of the load and the contamination level of the laundry and the determination of the total detergent input quantity. In this case, another image that can be visually distinguished from an unchanged individual stroke may be output on information indicating the changed individual stroke. Here, the another image may correspond to all of an image with text in different size, an image output in a different color, or other images output with highlighting effects.

The control unit <NUM> may automatically adjust some individual strokes, such as increasing the number of times of performing rinsing, when the laundry detergent is determined to be additionally input. The control unit <NUM> may also adjust some individual strokes by itself, such as increasing the number of times of performing rinsing and dehydration intensity, even when an additional input of the laundry detergent is not needed according to the detection result of the contamination level of the laundry.

On the other hand, even after the laundry detergent input quantity is determined based on the load of the laundry and the contamination level, the user can further adjust the quantity of the laundry detergent to be automatically input through the touch screen <NUM>. An example of this is shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, while a graphic object <NUM> indicating a determined laundry detergent quantity is displayed on the touch screen <NUM>, when a touch input is applied to a specific image, for example, a detergent cup image on the graphic object <NUM>, the graphic object <NUM> is switched to a screen <NUM>' for adjusting an input quantity of the laundry detergent. The screen <NUM>' may display a first icon <NUM> for reducing a quantity of laundry detergent to be input, and a second icon <NUM> for adding or increasing a quantity of laundry detergent to be input.

The user may quickly and easily readjust the quantity of the laundry detergent to be input by applying a touch input to the first icon <NUM> or the second icon <NUM>. At this time, the quantity of the laundry detergent to be reduced or added is cumulatively adjusted based on a touch degree of a touch input or a number of touch inputs applied to the first icon <NUM> or the second icon <NUM>.

When the laundry detergent quantity is adjusted in this way, a screen indicating a changed laundry detergent input quantity may be output to the touch screen <NUM>. In addition, when the laundry detergent quantity is adjusted in this way, individual washing strokes are further adjusted automatically. For example, the number of times of performing rinsing and a washing time may be increased, or a water temperature, a water supply amount, and the like may be further changed. Accordingly, even when the laundry detergent is additionally input manually, the laundry detergent does not remain in the laundry, and electrical energy, time, and the like can be saved when the input quantity of the laundry detergent is reduced.

Meanwhile, while the graphic object <NUM> (see <FIG>) indicating the input of the laundry detergent is displayed, when a preset touch input (for example, a long touch input) is applied to a specific image of the graphic object <NUM>, for example, an amination image of inputting the laundry detergent, the input of the laundry detergent may be stopped. In this case, however, unlike the case where a touch input is applied to a washing stop icon ("∥") displayed on the screen, the washing stroke continues. When a predetermined time elapses after the preset touch input is applied to the animation image of inputting the laundry detergent, a detergent cup image indicating 'a quantity of laundry detergent which has been introduced' relative to the quantity of the laundry detergent to be introduced may be displayed on the screen. This brings about the same effect as reducing the input quantity of the laundry detergent.

<FIG>, and <FIG> are various exemplary conceptual views related to a method of notifying a shortage of laundry detergent in a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Also, <FIG> is an exemplary flowchart illustrating another operation of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, <FIG> is an example of providing a notification that the laundry detergent is insufficient to proceed a washing stroke by way of detecting a remaining quantity of laundry detergent contained in the storage container at the time when a laundry start command is received. In detail, the control unit <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> may control the touch screen <NUM> to output information related to the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent detected through the remaining quantity detection unit, in response to the input of the washing start command.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when one of an image 701a of a main washer and an image 701b of a sub washer on a home screen <NUM> is selected, it may be recognized as an input of a washing start command. Accordingly, notification information <NUM> indicating a shortage of a remaining laundry detergent accommodated in the storage container of the detergent supplying unit <NUM>, which is detected through the components, such as the remaining quantity detection unit, the air pocket, the pair of electrodes, or the like, may be popped up on the touch screen <NUM>.

The notification information <NUM> disappears when a touch is applied to an icon 'OK' requesting confirmation of the user or when a feedback voice (e.g., 'OK') is recognized if a voice recognition function is in an activated state. As a result, the notification information <NUM> disappears and a washing stroke setting screen <NUM>, which is the next step, is output to the touch screen <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In this case, an icon <NUM> indicating the shortage of the remaining detergent quantity may be displayed on one area, for example, an upper end of the washing stroke setting screen <NUM>.

Although not shown, when the user touches the icon <NUM>, guide information to add (fill, charge) the laundry detergent or a liquid softener into the storage container of the detergent supplying unit <NUM> may be sequentially output to the touch screen <NUM>. The user can easily add the laundry detergent and the liquid softener according to the guide information. In addition, when the laundry detergent is filled in the storage container of the detergent supplying unit <NUM>, the icon <NUM> disappears from the screen or is switched to another icon.

On the other hand, when a reference time elapses without user confirmation after the notification information <NUM> has been popped up, the notification information <NUM> may disappear as the touch screen <NUM> is switched to an inactive state. In this case, when the touch screen <NUM> is activated, the popped-up notification information <NUM> may reappear.

Next, <FIG> illustrates an example of providing notification that the laundry detergent is insufficient during a washing stroke. For example, when a changed washing stroke screen <NUM> is output on the touch screen, a quantity of residual laundry detergent accommodated in the storage container of the detergent supplying unit <NUM> may be detected. It may take several seconds to detect the quantity of residual laundry detergent.

If the quantity of residual laundry detergent does not reach a determined laundry detergent input quantity, a pop-up message <NUM> notifying 'Shortage of detergent' may be displayed on a screen. Thereafter, if there is a user's feedback (e.g., touching the 'OK' icon), the pop-up message <NUM> disappears immediately and the washing stroke continues. Even after the pop-up message <NUM> disappears, a notification icon indicating the shortage of laundry detergent as shown in <FIG> may be continuously displayed on the upper end of the washing stroke screen <NUM>.

On the other hand, even if there is no user's feedback (for example, touching the 'OK' icon), if the quantity of residual detergent is enough to proceed normal washing once, the washing stroke continues with the pop-up message <NUM> maintained. At this time, since the washing is already in progress, it is preferable to continue the washing even if there is no user's feedback about the detergent shortage notification. However, in this case, after the completion of the washing or when the door is opened or closed after the completion of the washing, the pop-up message indicating the shortage of detergent may be output once again.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the washing machine <NUM> according to the present invention when a quantity of laundry detergent accommodated in the storage container of the detergent supplying unit <NUM> is insufficient after the laundry detergent input quantity has been determined.

Referring to <FIG>, first, a quantity of laundry detergent to be input is determined based on a load and a contamination level of the laundry (S801), and then it is determined whether a quantity of laundry detergent accommodated in the storage container of the detergent supplying unit <NUM> is smaller than the determined laundry detergent quantity (S802). Based on this determination, it may be determined whether to continue the washing stroke. To this end, components for detecting a remaining quantity of the laundry detergent contained in the detergent supplying unit <NUM> are provided. In detail, the remaining quantity detection unit, the air pocket, the pair of electrodes, and the like may communicate with the passage of the detergent supplying unit <NUM> so that the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent can be accurately detected without an erroneous detection due to bubbles of the detergent.

When it is determined in step S802 that the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent is sufficient (at least larger than the determined laundry detergent quantity), the laundry detergent is input by the determined laundry detergent quantity and the aforementioned graphic object is output on the touch screen (S804).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S802 that the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent is smaller than the determined laundry detergent quantity, predetermined alarm (notification) information is output (S803). The alarm information may be output in the form of a pop-up window on the touch screen <NUM>. Or, it may be output with a predetermined sound or guide voice (e.g., 'Detergent is not enough.

After the alarm information is output, the control unit <NUM> determines once more whether the quantity of the laundry detergent remaining in the storage container of the detergent supplying unit <NUM> is smaller than a reference value (S805). Here, the reference value may not be set based on the determined laundry detergent quantity, but may be a specific value determined. That is, the reference value may be a little smaller or larger than the determined laundry detergent quantity, and in general, a quantity of detergent for performing washing once may be set as the reference value.

When it is determined in step S805 that the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent is larger than or equal to the reference value, a smaller quantity of laundry detergent, of the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent and the determined laundry detergent quantity, may be determined as an input quantity, so that the laundry detergent can be introduced by the determined input quantity. Then, when the washing is completed, a detergent addition (refill) notification is output (S807).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S805 that the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent is smaller than the determined laundry detergent quantity and the reference value, the washing stroke may be stopped (S806). This is because, at this time, the contamination of the laundry cannot be removed if washing is continued only with the quantity of residual detergent. However, setting may be performed based on a user input so that the washing stroke is not interrupted regardless of the quantity of residual detergent. At this time, those steps S805, S806, and S808 are omitted.

When the washing stroke is interrupted, a screen for inducing the user to add (refill) the detergent, if the user is approaching the washing machine, is displayed on the touch screen <NUM> (S808). Hereinafter, detailed operations related to this will be described in more detail.

<FIG> and <FIG> are conceptual views illustrating various examples related to an operating method when a user approaches in the case where a washing stroke is interrupted or completed under a situation in which a laundry detergent is insufficient, in a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

To this end, the sensor unit <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> according to the present disclosure may detect that the user is approaching the main body. When a user terminal registered in the main body of the washing machine <NUM> is in close proximity, the washing machine <NUM> and the registered user terminal may be paired through the communication unit <NUM> to perform communication with each other.

A component (e.g., LED) for visually outputting a response to the detection of the user's proximity or the pairing with the registered user terminal or a component (e.g., a speaker) for outputting a sound as such a response may be further provided on one side of the main body of the washing machine <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> may output, on the touch screen <NUM>, screen information for inducing addition (refill, charge) of the laundry detergent in the detergent supplying unit <NUM>, in response to the detection of the user approaching the main body after the washing stroke of the washing tub is stopped. Guide voice (e.g., 'Detergent is not enough') may also be output through the speaker together with the screen information. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, screen information <NUM> outputting 'No detergent' may be output on the touch screen <NUM>. The user may ignore or respond to the screen information.

For example, when a touch input is applied to the touch screen <NUM> while screen information <NUM> is displayed, a process of adding (refilling) detergent may be sequentially output. An initial stage of the process begins with guiding the positions of the laundry detergent accommodating portion and the softener accommodating portion within the storage container of the detergent supplying unit <NUM>. When the user pushes upward the handle <NUM> of the detergent supplying unit <NUM> so that the door of the storage container is slidably opened, the next process may be output to the touch screen <NUM>.

As another example, when the user's response is related to an order of detergent while the screen information <NUM> is displayed (e.g., 'I need to purchase), the washing machine <NUM> may recognize the voice feedback of the user through a voice recognition function and output a response signal. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a response message such as "Do you want to purchase the detergent?" may be output through the touch screen <NUM> or a similar voice guidance may be output through the speaker.

As such, when there is a positive feedback (e.g., 'Yes' or touching 'OK' icon) from the user with respect to the response signal output from the washing machine <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM> transmits a control signal for outputting a screen associated with the purchase of the laundry detergent to the paired user terminal <NUM>. The user terminal <NUM> which has received the control signal is automatically linked to a screen for purchasing a frequently-purchased laundry detergent by accessing a predetermined site. Accordingly, the user can easily and quickly purchase the detergent by interaction using the touch screen <NUM> of the washing machine <NUM>.

As described above, according to a washing machine and a washing method according to embodiments of the present disclosure, if only a washing start command is input, the washing machine can accurately adjust by itself a quantity of laundry detergent to be automatically input, according to a state of the laundry without a user's manipulation, and accordingly can automatically set an optimal washing stroke course. Also, the user can visually and easily confirm a quantity of laundry detergent to be input and a time point when the laundry detergent is introduced during a washing stroke, through an image output on a touch screen. In addition, if necessary, the user can perform an interaction for additionally inputting detergent or taking off some of detergent by using an image output on the touch screen. When a quantity of laundry detergent stored in the washing machine is insufficient, an alarm or notification can be provided to the user so that the user can easily recognize the shortage of the detergent, and also the purchase of the laundry detergent can be guided based on the user's feedback, thereby providing a convenient environment for the user.

Claim 1:
A washing machine, comprising:
a washing tub;
a turbidity detector (<NUM>) configured to sense a contamination level of laundry accommodated in the washing tub;
a touch screen (<NUM>);
a detergent supplying unit (<NUM>) configured to accommodate a laundry detergent in an inner space thereof and to supply the accommodated laundry detergent to the washing tub through a supply passage;
a load detector (<NUM>);
a sensor unit (<NUM>) configured to detect a remaining quantity of the laundry detergent accommodated in the detergent supplying unit (<NUM>);
a sensor configured to sense a user's proximity, and
a control unit (<NUM>) configured to:
detect a load and contamination level of laundry using the load detector (<NUM>) and the turbidity detector (<NUM>) in response to an input of a washing start command,
determine an input quantity of the laundry detergent to be input into the washing tub accommodated in the detergent supplying unit (<NUM>) based on the detected load and contamination level, and
control the touch screen (<NUM>) to display a graphic object (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) indicating the determined input quantity of the laundry detergent,
characterized in that:
the control unit (<NUM>) is configured to output information related to the detected remaining quantity of the laundry detergent by the sensing unit (<NUM>) on the touch screen (<NUM>), in response to the input of the washing start command,
when the input quantity of the laundry detergent is determined and the remaining quantity of the laundry detergent detected by the sensor unit (<NUM>) is smaller than the determined laundry detergent to be input but larger than a reference value, to continue a washing stroke, and control the touch screen (<NUM>) to output a notification for adding the laundry detergent after completion of the washing stroke, and to output screen information for inducing an addition of the laundry detergent into the detergent supplying unit (<NUM>) to the touch screen (<NUM>), in response to the user's proximity being detected by the sensor after the washing stroke of the washing tub is stopped.