EP4603630A1

EP4603630A1 - Method for reducing foam, and washing machine

Info

Publication number: EP4603630A1
Application number: EP23900937.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ka Yeon Kim; Jong Ryong Kim; Jinho Kim; Jin Young Park; Dong-Soo Kang
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2022-12-08
Filing date: 2023-11-14
Publication date: 2025-08-20
Also published as: EP4603630A4; WO2024122918A1; CN120283092A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for reducing foam, and a washing machine, the washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention injects a fabric softener and removes foam or confirms that foam is generated, and stores history information, and thus provides guide information.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method and washing machine for reducing foam.

BACKGROUND ART

When the detergent is excessively injected during a washing process, foam are generated, a rinsing process is repeated, and a washing time duration is increased. In addition, the consumption of water increases in a process of rinsing laundry with a large amount of water.
However, a situation occurs in which a user does not know an exact amount of detergent and injects a large amount of detergent. Therefore, there is a need for a method of reducing foam generation and various components related thereto. In particular, in order to reduce the foam generation, there is a need for a technology for guiding an amount of detergent to be input and a technology for reducing the generated foam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL PURPOSE

Thus, the present disclosure is proposed to solve the above-described problem. A purpose of the present disclosure is to propose a scheme for quickly removing detergent foam in the washing process,.
A purpose of the present disclosure is to propose a scheme of injecting a fabric softener to quickly remove detergent foam in the washing process.
A purpose of the present disclosure is to propose a scheme of selectively injecting a fabric softener based on an amount of detergent foam generated during the washing process, the washing scheme, a past history, etc.
In addition, the present disclosure is set forth to solve the above-described problem. A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a method in which when an operation of detecting the foam and removing the foam has been performed in the washing process, guide information based on the performed operation is provided to the user.
A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a method in which in response to that the detergent is injected in an amount greater than a reference amount such that foam are generated, guide information on use of the detergent is provided to the user in order to prevent an increase in a laundry rinsing time duration due to the foam generation.
A purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a method in which in response to that an amount of detergent put into the washing machine by the user is large, the user may check guide information through a smartphone or a washing machine during or after the washing is finished to prevent excessive detergent input.
Purposes according to the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned purpose. Other purposes and advantages according to the present invention that are not mentioned may be understood based on following descriptions, and may be more clearly understood based on embodiments according to the present invention. Further, it will be easily understood that the purposes and advantages according to the present invention may be realized using means shown in the claims or combinations thereof.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a functional module including a fabric softener injection module, and configured to perform washing, rinsing, and spin-drying functions, wherein the functional module is configured to execute a first foam removal logic via water supply and drainage or execute a second foam removal logic via water supply and drainage and via injection of a fabric softener using the fabric softener injection module; and a controller configured to: check foam generation in an operation process of the functional module; and select the first foam removal logic or the second foam removal logic based on an amount of the generated foam and course information set in the functional module; and control the functional module according to the selected foam removal logic.
A method for reducing foam by injecting a fabric softener to remove the foam according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: performing, by a functional module of a washing machine, a set course; checking, by a controller of the washing machine, foam generation in an operation process of the functional module, and selecting, by the controller, a first foam removal logic or a second foam removal logic based on an amount of the generated foam and course information set in the functional module; a first foam removing step in which in response to that the first foam removing logic is selected, the functional module performs foam removal via water supply and drainage; and a second foam removal step in which in response to that the second foam removal logic is selected, the functional module performs foam removal via water supply and drainage and injection of the fabric softener.
A washing machine configured to provide guide information on washing detergent to reduce foam according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a functional module for performing each of washing, rinsing, and spin-drying functions; a controller configured to: check foam generation in an operation process of the functional module; execute a foam removal function of the functional module; generate history information on the execution of the foam removal function; and store the history information in a memory; and a washing machine communicator configured to transmit the history information to a server under control of the controller.
A method for providing guide information on washing detergent to reduce foam according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: checking, a controller of a washing machine, foam generation in an operation process of a functional module of the washing machine and executing, by the controller, a foam removing function of the functional module based on the checking result; generating, the controller, history information on the execution of the foam removing function and storing, by the controller, the history information in a memory; and controlling, by the controller, a washing machine communicator of the washing machine to transmit the history information to a server.
A method for providing guide information on washing detergent to reduce foam according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: receiving, by a server communicator of a server, history information on an operation of a foam removal function from a washing machine; generating, by a server controller of the server, guide information based on the history information; and transmitting, by the server controller of the server, the generated guide information to a user terminal linking with the washing machine.

TECHNICAL EFFECT

In accordance with the present invention, the detergent foam in the washing process may be quickly removed.
In accordance with the present invention, the fabric softener may be added to quickly remove the detergent foam in the washing process.
In accordance with the present invention, the fabric softener may be selectively injected based on an amount of the detergent foam generated during the washing process, the washing scheme, the past history, etc.
In accordance with the present invention, when an operation of detecting the foam and removing the foam has been performed in the washing process, guide information based on the performed operation is provided to the user.
In accordance with the present invention, in response to that the detergent is injected in an amount greater than a reference amount such that foam are generated, guide information on use of the detergent is provided to the user in order to prevent an increase in a laundry rinsing time duration due to the foam generation.
In accordance with the present invention, in response to that an amount of detergent put into the washing machine by the user is large, the user may check guide information through a smartphone or a washing machine during or after the washing is finished to prevent excessive detergent input.
The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and those skilled in the art may easily derive various effects of the present disclosure from the configuration of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a process of removing foam in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and a configuration of devices.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a process in which a washing machine removes foam according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for determining foam generation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a process of determining an injected amount of a fabric softener according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an interaction between a washing machine, a server, and a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams in which guide information related to foam removal is displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a process in which a washing machine provides a guide about a detergent amount to be injected and a configuration of devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are views illustrating a process of sensing foam in an operation process of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process in which a washing machine generates and outputs guide information about an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating components of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating components of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a process of sensing an over-detergent according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating guide information displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.
In order to clearly describe the present disclosure, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components throughout the specification. Further, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the example drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components may be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible even though the components are shown in different drawings. In addition, in describing the present disclosure, upon determination that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof may be omitted.
In describing the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) may be used. The terminology is only intended for distinguishing the constituent elements from other constituent elements, and the nature, sequence, order, number, etc. of the corresponding constituent elements are not limited by the terminology. It will be understood that when a first component is referred to as being "connected to", "joined to" or "coupled to" a second component, the first component may be directly connected to or joined to or coupled to the second component, or one or more intervening components may be present therebetween.
In addition, in the implementation of the present disclosure, the component may be subdivided for convenience of description. However, this component may be implemented in one device or module, or one component may be implemented so as to be distributed into a plurality of devices or modules.
In the present disclosure, two schemes are proposed to solve the problem of the foam generation due to over-detergent.
Conventionally, in a washing machine, when the detergent is excessively injected in a washing process, water is injected to remove the foam and the rinsing process is repeated. However, there is a problem in that the amount of water injected in this process increases and the washing time duration increases. Accordingly, there is a need for an effective method of removing the foam while saving the water and the time duration. Therefore, a scheme of removing the foam in the event that the foam is produced will be described below.
Conventionally, a washing machine provides a foam detection function to detect the foam generation during a washing process. When the foam is detected, a predetermined operation for removing the foam may be additionally performed.
However, the foam are produced when the user inputs a larger amount of detergent than a reference amount. Therefore, in addition to sensing the foam, there is a need for a technique for guiding the user to inject a smaller amount of detergent. Therefore, the present disclosure is related to a scheme of pre-notifying the user of the foam generation to lower the possibility of the foam generation next time.
Therefore, in order to reduce the foam, the present disclosure proposes a method and a washing machine for removing foam by injecting a fabric softener.
In addition, the present disclosure proposes a method and a washing machine for providing guide information on washing detergent in order to reduce foam.
Hereinafter, a method and a device for removing the foam detected in a washing process performed by the washing machine will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a process of removing foam in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and a configuration of devices.
A washing machine 100 detects the foam and inputs a fabric softener to remove the foam in S1. In addition, operation information related to such foam removal may be transmitted from the washing machine 100 to a server 300. The washing machine 100 may transmit information (a start time, an end time, an executed function, an amount of the fabric softener injected in the foam removal process, etc.) about each of operations thereof to the server 300, and this information is stored in the server 300 in S2.
In another example, in the process S1, when there is information to be notified to the user in relation to foam removal, the washing machine 100 may store the related information in the washing machine 100. Thereafter, the stored information may be notified from the washing machine to the user later, after washing is finished, or at a time point at which the door of the washing machine is opened.
The server 300 may transmit the information provided from the washing machine 100 to a user terminal 500 as a push message in S3. In this regard, the user terminal 500 is a terminal possessed by a user who owns or uses the washing machine 100, and the user terminal 500 may be linked to the washing machine 100 via the server 300.
The link manner between the user terminal 500 and the washing machine 100 may be implemented in various ways, such as a manner in which the washing machine 100 provides information for linking with the corresponding user terminal 500, a manner in which the user terminal 500 installs a predetermined application for linking with the washing machine 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
In the configuration of FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 may provide the user with operation information indicating that the washing machine 100 has detected the foam caused by the over-detergent during the washing process, and has injected the fabric softener to remove the foam and the foam removal operation has been performed.
The over-detergent refers to a case in which the amount of the input detergent is large compared to the amount or weight of the laundry, or a case in which the amount of detergent is large compared to the amount of water. Alternatively, the over-detergent refers to a case in which a large amount of the detergent is injected based on a specific reference set in the washing machine. Alternatively, the over-detergent refers to a case in which the amount of residual detergent exceeds a predetermined reference during the washing process. In the present disclosure, the over-detergent refers to various states in which a large amount of detergent is input compared to a preset reference.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing components of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The washing machine 100 includes a functional module 190 for performing washing, rinsing, and spin-drying or spin-drying functions, a controller 150, a washing machine communicator 160, an interface 170, and a memory 180. The functional module 190 includes a washing tub, and includes a motor for controlling the washing tub, and auxiliary devices for supplying and draining water. More specifically, the functional module 190 may include a fabric softener injection module 192 and a circulation pump 194.
The functional module 190 includes the fabric softener injection module 192 and is configured to performs the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying functions. In addition, the functional module 190 executes a first foam removal logic through water supply and drainage and a second foam removal logic through water supply and drainage and the injection of the fabric softener using the fabric softener injection module 192. The second foam removal logic refers to a logic in which the fabric softener injection module 192 inputs the fabric softener to remove the foam.
The controller 150 checks the foam generation in the operation process of the functional module 190 and operates the foam removal function of the functional module 190 upon the detection of the foam, generates operation information on the operation of the foam removal function, and stores the generated information in the memory 180. In particular, the controller 150 may control the fabric softener injection module 192 based on a washing course, a washing time duration, and an amount of the foam generated to perform a foam removal function.
That is, the controller 150 may check the foam generation in the operation process of the functional module, select the first foam removal logic or the second foam removal logic based on the amount of the foam generated and the course information set in the functional module 190, and control the functional module 190 according to the selected foam removal logic. In this regard, the foam removal logic includes a set of values for a determination criterion for removing the foam, or information on a function of the washing machine to be performed for the foam removal. Alternatively, the foam removal logic includes instructions, programs, software, or the like defining tasks that the controller 150 should perform to remove the foam.
The washing machine communicator 160 transmits operation information related to the foam removal to the server 300 under the control of the controller 150. That is, the washing machine communicator 160 transmits operation information related to the execution of the foam removal logic to the server 300.
In addition, the washing machine communicator 160 may receive a user's response result to the operation information related to the foam removal from the server 300. For example, the operation result includes the contents related to the injection of the fabric softener. The user has checked the contents through the user terminal 500 and then may select "stop the injection of the fabric softener in the event that the foam are produced". Upon receiving such a response result, the controller 150 of the washing machine 100 removes the foam through a process such as rinsing and draining without injecting the fabric softener to the washing space in the event that the foam is produced next time.
A type of the operation information transmitted from the washing machine communicator 160 to the server 300 may include one or more of the number of times of occurrence of a spin-drying delay, a water vertical-level value, an electric current increase value for rotation of the washing tub, or a time duration required for the foam removal function, during the operation of the foam removal function of the functional module 190. In addition, a length of the delayed time duration (for example, 20 minutes are delayed when an initial expected washing time duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes but an actual washing time duration becomes 1 hour and 30 minutes due to the foam removal), the amount (several liters) of water added due to water supply and spin-drying, the amount of the inserted fabric softener, etc. may be included in the operation information.
In response to that the operation result includes the contents about the injection of the fabric softener, and the user who has checked the contents through the user terminal 500 does not instruct the user to stop the injection of the fabric softener separately, the controller 150 of the washing machine 100 may effectively remove the foam by inputting the fabric softener in the event that the foam are produced next time.
The memory 180 stores therein the information related to the operation of the washing machine 100. The memory 180 may maintain the stored information even when electricity is not supplied thereto.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a process in which a washing machine removes foam according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The controller 150 may select the second foam removal logic when the foam amount is greater than or equal to the reference value or when a first end time point at which the first foam removal logic has been performed based on the set course information is later than a second end time point as an end time point expected based on the course information. For example, it is assumed that the set course information is a fast washing course. In this regard, the controller 150 may determine that water supply and drainage are required three times when performing the first foam removal logic based on an amount of the foam etc. In addition, the controller 150 may calculate that the washing has been completed at 1:20 p.m., which is later by 20 mins than an initial expected end time point (e.g., 1:00 p.m.) of the fast washing course because the time duration of 20 mins is required for the foam removal process (first foam removal logic) to be executed via the water supply/drainage.
Therefore, when the second foam removal logic (the fabric softener input scheme) is applied, the expected washing end time point is 1:05 p.m. Thus, the controller 150 may apply the second foam removal logic to complete the fast washing course.
The controller 150 detects the amount of the foam using various sensors disposed in the functional module 190 or under operation situations in S11. Then, the controller checks whether the foam removal is required based on the detected foam amount in S12. Upon determination that it is not necessary to remove the foam, the process proceeds to the spin-drying course in S19.
Otherwise, upon determination that the foam removal is required, the controller 150 starts the foam removal logic in S13. The controller 150 checks whether the course currently in progress is a course that should end faster than the standard course should in S14. Upon determination that the course currently in progress is the course that needs to be completed quickly, the rapid removal of foam is required. Thus, the controller 150 operates the foam removal logic (second foam removal logic). When the functional module 190 performs water supply in this process, the controller is further configured to control the fabric softener injection module 192 to input the fabric softener and to operate the circulation pump 194 in S16.
Otherwise, if it is determined that "No" in step S14,, the controller 150 checks whether the amount of the foam is large in S15. In response to that the amount of the foam is large, the operation S16 (second foam removal logic) is also performed. On the other hand, in response to that the amount of the foam is not large, the controller 150 operates a general foam removal logic (first foam removal logic) in S17. After performing the foam removal operation of S17 or S16, the controller 150 checks whether the foam removal logic may be terminated in S18. Whether to terminate the foam removal logic may be determined based on a remaining amount of the foam or a sensor value calculated by the functional module 190 in S18. In response to that the foam removal logic is further required to be executed, the controller 150 may repeat the operations S13 to S17.
Upon determination to terminate the foam removal logic in the operation S18, the controller 150 performs spin-drying in S19.
The embodiment of FIG. 3 shows a process of removing foam by injecting the fabric softener in response to that a large amount of the foam is detected due to the detergent while the washing machine 100 is washing, rinsing, and spin-drying the laundry. In particular, when it is detected that there is a large amount of the foam during washing, rinsing, and spin-drying, the washing machine 100 may discharge the foam, inject the water and the fabric softener together to supply the water containing the fabric softener, and then control the circulation pump, etc. such that the fabric softener may be circulated and to perform an operation process such as a tumble, etc. such that the fabric softener may be dispersed to remove the foam. In addition, the washing machine 100 drains the washing water from which the foam has been removed due to the use of the fabric softener and proceeds to a next operation.
When the embodiment of FIG. 3 is applied, the foam may be removed in a small amount of water within a short time point at which compared to the conventional drainage-water supply-drainage scheme in which the foam is removed and to a conventional scheme in which a detergent concentration for the laundry is lowered.
This scheme may use the fabric softener to reduce a probability that the foam are produced, thereby reducing the amount of water and the time duration as required to remove the foam.
In the process of FIG. 3, the controller 150 may measure the amount of the injected fabric softener. In addition, based on the amount of the fabric softener injected to remove the foam, the fabric softener may be injected at a time point (timely injection time point) such as a last rinse timing at which the fabric softener is injected in a default manner, or the amount of the fabric softener as required to be injected may be calculated by the controller. In addition, the controller 150 controls the injection of the fabric softener at the timely injection time point based on a fact that a certain amount of the fabric softener has been input in the foam removal process.
In order to effectively remove the foam in response to that a large amount of the foam is generated in the washing machine during the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying of the washing machine 100, upon determination that a large amount of the foam is generated, the controller 150 drains the washing water including the foam in the washing machine, and then injects the fabric softener together with water to remove the foam in a chemical manner.
To this end, in response to that the water vertical-level rises to a vertical level of the washing tub due to insufficient drainage resulting from the foam generation during the spin-drying, the controller 150 may determine that the foam have been produced. This corresponds to an embodiment in which the controller 150 checks whether the foam are generated based on the water vertical-level information detected by a water level sensor constituting the functional module 190.
Alternatively, in response to that the actual RPM is lowered compared to the target RPM due to resistance resulting from the foam generation during the spin-drying execution, the controller 150 may determine that the foam have been produced. The foam generation determination process based on the RPM will be described with reference to FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for determining the foam generation according to an embodiment of the present invention. The washing tub constituting the functional module 190 may be rotated by a motor. In this regard, in response to that a large amount of the foam are generated, the RPM of the motor to rotate the washing tub increases and the spin-drying is delayed.
The controller 150 may determine whether the spin-drying is delayed due to the foam based on whether the RPM increases as shown in the graph of FIG. 4.
P1, P2, and P3 refer to periods for which the RPM of the motor that rotates the washing tub for the spin-drying are measured, respectively. At the end of each period of the spin-drying, the RPM rapidly rises as indicated by 41, 42, 43, and 44. This corresponds to a case in which a large number of foam is generated in the washing tub. Accordingly, when the RPM increases rapidly as described above, the controller 150 may determine that the frictional force increases inside and outside the washing tub, and may determine that the increase in the frictional force is due to the foam generation.
As the RPM increases, the controller 150 may inject the fabric softener to remove the foam.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a process of determining an injected amount of the fabric softener according to an embodiment of the present invention. The controller 150 determines the amount of the foam and the washing course in S21. Embodiments for determining the amount of the foam are based on use of a water level sensor, an increase in the RPM, or analysis of an image captured by an internal camera. The controller 150 compares a time duration to be spent to remove the foam with a time duration to be taken to perform the washing course and determines whether to remove the foam with a general foam removal logic or to remove the foam by inputting the fabric softener, based on the comparing result.
In addition, the controller 150 determines whether it is possible to inject the fabric softener into the laundry in S22. The controller 150 determines the necessity of injecting the fabric softener based on the type of the laundry. In addition, the controller 150 checks whether the user previously agreed to perform the foam removal logic using the fabric softener in S23. This includes a process in which when the user agrees or disagrees with the foam removal via the injection of the fabric softener on an option about the foam removal logic displayed on the user terminal 500, the user' agreement or disagreement result is transmitted to the server 300.
In response to that the user previously disagreed with the foam removal using the fabric softener through the user terminal 500 or the like, the controller 150 may control the washing machine 100 not to perform the foam removal function using the fabric softener.
The controller 150 may determine whether the foam removal using the fabric softener is required based on the determination and checking results in S21 to S23, and may proceed to the operation S16 or S17 of FIG. 3 based on the determination result in S23. Further, in S23, the controller 150 may determine the injected amount of the fabric softener based on the determined foam amount.
For example, when the washing course is quick washing, the controller 150 may inject a large amount of the fabric softener to remove the foam.
In addition, even when the user consents to the foam removal using the fabric softener, the controller 150 may inject a large amount of the fabric softener to remove the foam. In response to that the user does not separately express the consent or opposition to the foam removal using the fabric softener even after checking the foam removal operation information about the injection of the fabric softener through the user terminal 500, this user response is stored as response information in the memory 180 in the washing machine 100.
The controller 150 may adjust the amount of the fabric softener to be added in the foam removal process based on the response information.
When the user consents to the foam removal using the fabric softener through the user terminal 500 or the like, the controller 150 injects a large amount of the fabric softener to effectively remove the foam. However, when the user does not separately express the consent or opposition to the foam removal using the fabric softener, the controller 150 injects an intermediate amount of the fabric softener to remove the foam and save the amount of the fabric softener. In response to the user expresses the opposition to the foam removal using the fabric softener, the controller 150 performs the foam removal operation without inputting the fabric softener. In addition, this history of the user's opposition and the corresponding operation may be transmitted to the user terminal 500 via the server 300.
When the above-described embodiment is applied, the foam may be removed in a chemical manner via the injection of the fabric softener. Most types of detergents are composed of anionic surfactants. Thus, when an amount of the anionic surfactants is large, the foam may be produced. On the contrary, the fabric softener is composed of a cationic surfactant which reacts with the anionic surfactant, thereby suppressing the activity of the anionic surfactant. In this manner, the foam generated due to the detergent may be removed in the chemical manner.
The controller 150 may select a time point before the laundry spin-drying and after the drainage process as the injection time point of the fabric softener for the foam removal. At this time point, the concentration of the detergent is the highest and the foam are most likely to be produced.
Accordingly, after draining the water, the controller 150 may supply the fabric softener and the water together to remove the foam via a reaction between the anionic surfactant and the cationic surfactant, and may execute the spin-drying process.
When the fabric softener is injected, the controller 150 necessarily operates the circulation pump 194 in order to maximize the foam removal effect using the fabric softener. In addition, the controller 150 controls the injected amount of the fabric softener based on the foam amount as detected in the foam detection so that an appropriate amount of the fabric softener may be used to effectively remove the foam.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an interaction between a washing machine, a server, and a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The functional module 190 of the washing machine 100 performs a set course in S31. In addition, the controller 150 of the washing machine 100 checks the foam generation in the operation process of the functional module 190 and selects the first foam removal logic or the second foam removal logic based on the amount of the foam generated and the course information set in the functional module 190. The functional module 190 of the washing machine 100 performs the selected first foam removal logic or the selected second foam removal logic in S32.
When the first foam removal logic is selected, the functional module 190 performs the foam removal via water supply and drainage. When the second foam removal logic is selected, the functional module 190 performs foam removal via water supply and drainage and the injection of the fabric softener.
When the foam removal has been completed, the washing machine communicator 160 transmits operation information related to the execution of the foam removal logic to the server 300 in S33. The server 300 generates guide information based on the operation information in S34. The guide information may include the operation information in a non-changed manner. Alternatively, the guide information may include a phrase allowing the user to check whether the user agrees or disagrees with the injection of the fabric softener to remove the foam.
The server 300 transmits the guide information to the user terminal 500 in S35. The guide information transmission scheme includes a push message transmission scheme or a scheme using an alarm of an app installed in the user terminal 500.
The user terminal 500 displays the guide information, and transmits a response or non-response result of the user to the guide information as the response information to the server 300 in S36 and S37.
For example, in order to reduce the time duration and water consumption taken to perform the foam removal process, the guide information includes an interface asking "Would you like to use the fabric softener when removing the foam", and an interface allowing the user to select "Yes" or "No" in response thereto on a screen of the user terminal 500.
Alternatively, the guide information includes an interface asking "Do you want to activate automatic detergent injection for foam removal?" and an interface allowing the user to select "Yes" or "No" in response thereto on a screen of the user terminal 500.
Various guide information for preventing a large amount of the detergent from being input may be displayed on the screen. In this response, on the screen of the user terminal 500, the user may perform a response such as check, agreement or disagreement, or no check, and this response information is transmitted to the server 300 in S37. The server 300 transmits the response information to the washing machine 100 in S38.
Thereafter, the washing machine selects the foam removal logic scheme based on the response information in S39. In addition, in response to that the response information indicates the automatic detergent injection function to be activated, the washing machine 100 may prevent the excessive detergent input by activating the automatic detergent injection function in setting a subsequent washing course.
The operation S39 will be described in more detail.
The washing machine communicator 160 receives the response information to the operation information from the server 300 in S38. In this regard, in response to that the response information indicates the agreement to the injection of the fabric softener when the foam removal logic is performed, the controller 150 stores the response information in the memory. The controller 150 increases the possibility of selecting the second foam removal logic among the first foam removal logic and the second foam removal logic. Since the user has agreed with the injection of the fabric softener, the controller 150 selects the second foam removal logic using the injection of the fabric softener when removing the foam in order to increase the efficiency of foam removal next time.
The opposite case to the case in which the response information indicates the disagreement to the injection of the fabric softener will be described.
The washing machine communicator 160 receives the response information to the operation information from the server 300 in S38. In this regard, in response to that the response information disagrees with the injection of the fabric softener when the foam removal logic is performed, the controller 150 stores the response information in the memory.
Then, in a subsequent washing process, the controller 150 selects the first foam removal logic among the first foam removal logic and the second foam removal logic. As a result, no fabric softener is added during the foam removal process.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams in which guide information related to foam removal is displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a diagram in which guide information informing that a fabric softener has been added to remove the foam, and allowing the user to check whether this scheme is to be applied next time is displayed on a user terminal 500a.
When the user selects "Yes" displayed on the user terminal 500a of FIG. 7, the resulting response information is transmitted to the server 300, which in turn transmits the response information to the washing machine 100. In addition, when the controller 150 of the washing machine 100 detects the foam next time, the possibility of selecting the second foam removal logic for removing the foam based on the fabric softener will be increased.
Otherwise, in response to that the user selects "No" displayed on the user terminal 500a of FIG. 7, the resulting response information is transmitted to the server 300, which in turn transmits the response information to the washing machine 100. Then, when the controller 150 of the washing machine 100 detects the foam next time, the controller selects the first foam removal logic of removing the foam using only the water supply and drainage without injecting the fabric softener.
FIG. 8 is a diagram in which guide information informing that a fabric softener has been added to remove the foam, and allowing the user to whether to activate the automatic detergent injection function so that a proper amount of the detergent is injected to prevent the foam generation is displayed on a user terminal 500b.
When the user selects "Yes" displayed on the user terminal 500b of FIG. 8, the resulting response information is transmitted to the server 300, which in turn transmits the response information to the washing machine 100. Thereafter, the controller 150 of the washing machine 100 activates the automatic detergent injection function to inject the detergent based on the washing course and the amount of the laundry.
Otherwise, in response to that the user selects "No" displayed on the user terminal 500b of FIG. 8, the resulting response information is transmitted to the server 300, which in turn transmits the response information to the washing machine 100. Thus, the controller 150 of the washing machine 100 does not activate the automatic detergent injection function. Thereafter, upon detecting the foam generation, the controller performs the foam removal logic in the same manner as the previous manner.
According to the above-described embodiments, in response to that a large amount of the foam is generated due to excessive detergent in the washing machine during washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes, the foam may be quickly removed to prevent a delay in the spin-drying execution due to the foam generation and to eliminate the user' dissatisfaction with the rinsing performance of the washing machine.
Conventionally, in response to that there is a large amount of the foam, the washing machine drains the water and the foam in the washing machine, and supplies and drains clean water such that the foam are removed. This scheme physically lowers the concentration of detergent surfactants inside the washing machine to lower the probability that the foam are produced, or to lower the probability of adverse effects caused by the foam (delay in the spin-drying execution start, poor rinsing performance).
Embodiments of the present disclosure allow the chemical removal of the foam via the introduction or injection of the fabric softener. In addition, the controller 150 of the washing machine determines whether to inject the fabric softener in response to that the foam are generated, based on the washing course, the washing time duration, the amount of the foam, etc., so that the foam may be effectively removed.
In particular, in order to reduce increase in the spent time duration, the electrical energy, the amount of water, etc. due to the repeated water supplies and drainages, the controller 150 of the washing machine may determine whether to inject the fabric softener for removing the foam based on the amount of the foam, based on the washing course, or according to the characteristics or the type of the laundry. In addition, when the foam is removed via the injection of the fabric softener, the spent time duration, the water amount, and the electrical energy may be saved.
In addition, the washing machine 100 provides information on excessive detergent injection to the user terminal 500 via the server 300 or displays notification information on the application of the foam removal logic when the user approaches the washing machine 100 so that the user may inject the detergent in an appropriate amount.
When it is determined that there is a large amount of the foam during washing, rinsing, and spin-drying, the controller 150 of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure drains the water containing the foam and the detergent, and then injects the fabric softener without a spin-drying process. In addition, in the event of the washing in which the detergent concentration is high and a problem occurs due to the foam generation, the controller 150 may perform the foam removal logic in the spin-drying execution start timing and a first rinsing timing.
The controller 150 may control the functional module 190 to inject the fabric softener together with the water to remove the foam during the water supply, control the circulation pump to circulate the water and the fabric softener for a predetermined time duration to sufficiently spread the fabric softener, and then proceed with the drainage process. When the fabric softener is injected, the circulation pump is required to operate such that the fabric softener and the foam sufficiently react each other for an improved defoaming performance. After the foam have been removed, the controller 150 performs the spin-drying and a next rinsing process.
In the washing machine having an automatic detergent injection device, in the event of the washing in which a large amount of the foam are generated, the controller 150 may remove the foam by applying the process of FIG. 3 to the spin-drying cycle. In the washing machine without the automatic detergent injection device, the controller 150 may remove the foam by applying the process of FIG. 3 to a water supply timing of the rinsing cycle.
When the embodiment of the present disclosure of injecting the fabric softener to remove the foam is applied, a greater amount of water and time duration may be saved compared to the conventional drainage-water supply-drainage process or the conventional scheme of lowering the concentration of the surfactant in the washing machine and the laundry.
Hereinafter, a method and a device for providing guide information on the input of the detergent in response the foam generation as detected in the washing process of the washing machine will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a process in which a washing machine provides a guide about a detergent amount to be injected and a configuration of devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The washing machine 100 communicates with the server 300. The washing machine 100 may transmit information (a start time, an end time, an executed function, over-detergent input information, etc.) about each of operations thereof to the server 300, and the information is stored in the server 300 in S101.
In another example, in response to that there is information to be notified to the user during the washing process, the washing machine 100 may store the information in the washing machine 100 and notify the user of the stored information next time or after the washing is finished or at a time point at which the door of the washing machine is opened in S102.
The server 300 may transmit the information provided from the washing machine 100 to the user terminal 500 in a push message form in S103. In this case, the user terminal 500 is a terminal possessed by a user who owns or uses the washing machine 100, and the user terminal 500 may be linked to the washing machine 100 via the server 300.
The link manner between the user terminal 500 and the washing machine 100 may be implemented in various ways, such as a manner in which the washing machine 100 provides information for linking with the corresponding user terminal 500, a manner in which the user terminal 500 installs a predetermined application for linking with the washing machine 100. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.
In the configuration of FIG. 9, the washing machine 100 may detect the foam due to the over-detergent in the washing process and provide the guide information on the detergent input to the user. To this end, the washing machine 100 may perform a process of detecting the foam generation caused by the input of the excessive amount of the detergent.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating a process of sensing the foam in an operation process of the washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A detailed structure of the washing machine refers to FIG. 13. The washing machine detects the foam in the operation process, and then performs a function of removing the foam, and transmits history information about the foam detection and the foam removal to the server 300.
Referring to FIG. 10, the washing machine 100 detects the foam in the washing/rinsing/spin-drying process in S111. In an embodiment in which the washing machine detects the foam, the washing machine 100 may detect the foam based on the number of occurrences of spin-drying delays due to the foam generation in the operation process. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the washing machine 100 may determine whether the foam are generated based on a change in the vertical-level of the water in the process of injecting or draining the water. In still another embodiment, when the electrical current increases during the rotation of the washing tub, the washing machine 100 may determine that the frictional force due to the foam generation has increased and thus the foam has been produced.
The washing machine 100 detects the foam and then performs a foam removal function in S112. Thereafter, the washing machine 100 determines whether the foam have been removed using the above-described various schemes in S113. The washing machine 100 may repeat the operations S112 and S113 until the foam have been removed.
Upon determination that the foam have been removed, the washing machine 100 stores history information related to the foam removal in the memory in S114, and transmits the history information to the server 300 in S117. Upon receiving the history information, the server 300 may generate guide information based on the history information.
The controller (150 of FIG. 13) of the washing machine 100 may generate the history information including one or more of the number of times of occurrence of the spin-drying delay, the water vertical-level value, the electrical current increase value related to rotation of the washing tub, or a time duration required for the operation of the foam removal function in the process (the execution process of the foam removal function) in which the functional module (190 of FIG. 13) performs the above-described foam removal function.
Referring to FIG. 11, the washing machine 100 transmits the history information to the server 300 in S117. The server 300 generates the guide information based on the history information in S121. The history information includes information on the number of times of or the time duration of performing the foam removal operation, or the amount of water injected to remove the foam. In addition, the history information includes information on the weight of the laundry or the washing/rinsing/spin-drying course. Alternatively, the history information may include a picture, a video, etc., obtained by the washing machine 100 imaging the inside of the washing tub.
The server 300 generates the guide information including the contents about the appropriate detergent input based on the history information. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide information may include contents suggesting a reduction in the detergent amount, compared to a previous injected amount of the detergent which invokes the foam removal process. Alternatively, the guide information may include contents suggesting the increase in the laundry amount compared to a previous injected amount of the detergent which invokes the foam removal process. Alternatively, the guide information may include information on the past injected amount of the detergent and information on the detergent injected amount resulting in invoking the foam removal process.
Alternatively, the guide information may include a message notifying that the input amount of the detergent is to be reduced. In addition, the guide information may include an image or a video included in the history information.
The server 300 transmits the guide information to the user terminal 500 in S122. The user terminal 500 may display the guide information on the screen of the user terminal. Alternatively, the guide information may be transmitted to the user terminal 500 in a push message form, and the user may check the guide information by touching the push message on the user terminal 500.
The user terminal 500 transmits a result about whether the guide information has been displayed thereon to the server 300 in S124. In the operation S124, the guide information together with the result may be transmitted to the washing machine 100. The server 300 transmits the result of displaying the guide information on the user terminal to the washing machine 100 in S125. In response to that the user does not check the guide information or the user terminal 500 does not display the guide information thereon, the interface of the washing machine 100 may display the guide information thereon in S126.
The embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 is connected to the detailed configuration of the washing machine 100 of FIG. 13 as follows.
The controller 150 of the washing machine 100 checks the foam generation during the operation of the functional module of the washing machine 100 and operates the foam removal function of the functional module 190 based on the checking result in S111 to S113. The controller 150 generates the history information on the operation of the foam removal function and stores the history information in the memory in S114. The controller 150 controls the washing machine communicator 160 of the washing machine 100 to transmit the history information to the server 300 in S117.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process in which the washing machine generates and outputs guide information according to an embodiment of the present invention. S111 to S114 of FIG. 12 refer to the above description of the processes S111 to S114 of FIG. 10. After the washing machine 100 stores the foam removal history information therein in S114, the washing machine generates the guide information and determines an output scheme thereof in S118. In this way, the washing machine 100 may provide the guide information to the user through the interface.
Thereafter, the washing machine 100 outputs the guide information to the interface in response to that the user approaches the washing machine in S119. The determination of the user's approach may be performed based on whether a cover constituting the functional module 190 (see FIG. 13) of the washing machine 100 is opened, or whether the interface 170 of the washing machine 100 is controlled by the user, or whether a human body detection sensor installed in the washing machine 100 detects the user's approach. To this end, the washing machine 100 may further include a separate human body detection sensor.
The interface 170 of the washing machine 100 may output a message including the guide information or the over-detergent injection warning message. According to an embodiment, the guide information may include the over-detergent injection warning message.
For example, the washing machine 100 may output the guide information "Since a large amount of the foam have been produced, please reduce an amount of the detergent input at a next washing time" in a voice manner through a speaker. Alternatively, the guide information may be visually output on a touch screen or a LCD window of the washing machine 100.
According to the embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 12, upon detection of the foam generation due to the over-detergent while the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying are in progress, the washing machine 100 may detect the amount of the over-detergent based on the number of times the foam removal motion is performed, or the amount of water as injected, a time duration for which the foam removal motion is performed, etc., and may provide a guide for preventing the over-detergent to the user, based on the detected amount.
As the amount of detergent increases, the foam removal motion frequently occurs after the foam detection. Thus, the washing machine 100 may obtain the number of times the foam removal motion is performed, or the amount of water as injected, a time duration for which the foam removal motion is performed, etc. per each of periods, and may predict an input amount of detergent for each period based on the number of times the foam removal motion is performed, or the amount of water as injected, a time duration for which the foam removal motion is performed, etc. as obtained per the period. In addition, the washing machine 100 may inform the user of the reduction of the input detergent amount through the application of the user terminal 500, and may inform the user of an amount of the detergent by which the input detergent amount should be reduced.
Upon receiving the history information about the foam removal due to the over-detergent from the washing machine 100, the server 300 may provide the guide information to the user terminal 500. The app of the user terminal 500 may transmit, to the server 300, whether the user has checked the provided guide information (whether the guide information is displayed on the terminal). In response to that the guide information is not displayed on the user terminal 500 or the user does not check the guide information, the server 300 may instruct the washing machine 100 to output the guide information thereon.
In addition, in the washing machine having the automatic detergent injection device, the guide information may include information about whether the user agrees to the automatic detergent input. When the customer agrees therewith, the washing machine may reduce the amount of the input detergent to an appropriate level.
For example, the guide information transmitted to the user terminal 500 in FIG. 11 may include an interface allowing the user to make a response of "Yes" or "No" to whether the automatic detergent injection function is to be activated. In addition, in response to that the information indicating that the user has agreed with the automatic detergent injection function in S123 and S124 is included in the guide information display result, the server 300 may include the indication information for instructing the activating of the automatic detergent injection function into the guide information display result and then may transmit the guide information display result to the washing machine 100 in S125. Then, the washing machine 100 may configure the automatic detergent injection function during in the operation S126.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating components of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The washing machine 100 includes the functional module 190 for performing washing, rinsing, and spin-drying functions, the controller 150, the washing machine communicator 160, the interface 170, and the memory 180. The functional module 190 includes the washing tub, and includes a motor for controlling the washing tub, and the auxiliary devices for supplying and draining the water.
The controller 150 checks the foam generation in the operation process of the functional module 190 and operates the foam removal function of the functional module 190 based on the checking result, generates history information on the operation of the foam removal function, and stores the generated history information in the memory 180.
The washing machine communicator 160 transmits the history information to the server 300 under the control of the controller 150.
As shown in S125 of FIG. 11, the washing machine communicator 160 may receive a guide information display result from the server 300. In addition, when the received guide information display result indicates that the guide information is not displayed, the controller 150 may control the interface 170 of the washing machine 100 to output a message including the guide information or an over-detergent injection warning message (see S126 of FIG. 11). The output scheme includes one or more of an output of an auditory message (voice) or an output of a visual message (text, graphic, etc.).
In addition, the guide information display result may further include an automatic detergent injection setting instruction on the washing machine 100, and in this case, the controller 150 may activate the automatic detergent injection function of the washing machine 100. Accordingly, later, the functional module 190 may automatically inject the detergent based on an amount of the laundry or the set washing scheme.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating components of a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
A server communicator 360 of the server 300 receives the history information on the operation of the foam removal function from the washing machine 100 in S117 of FIG. 11. A server controller 350 of the server 300 generates the guide information based on the history information in S121 of FIG. 11. Thereafter, the server controller 350 transmits the guide information to the user terminal 500 linking with the washing machine 100 in S122. To this end, database 380 of the server 300 may store therein identification information about the user terminal 500 corresponding to the washing machine 100 or identification information about an application installed in the user terminal 500.
Thereafter, the server communicator 360 receives the guide information display result from the user terminal 500 in S124 of FIG. 11.
In an embodiment, the guide information display result may further include an automatic detergent injection setting instruction on the washing machine 100.
In addition, the server communicator 360 may transmit the guide information display result received from the user terminal 500 to the washing machine 100 in S125 of FIG. 11. Thereafter, the washing machine 100 may separately output the over-detergent injection warning message, re-output the guide information, or set the automatic detergent injection function based on the guide information display result.
According to the above-described embodiment, when the foam are detected due to the over-detergent in the process of washing, rinsing, and spin-drying performed by the washing machine which is embodied as a drum type washing machine, the washing machine performs a removal motion for removing the foam. In addition, the washing machine 100 detects the amount of the over-detergent based on the number of times the foam removal motion occurs, the motion time duration, the amount of water used for foam removal, etc., and notifies the customer of the detection result. The amount of detergent and the number of foam removal motions (the number of water supply/drainage times) are proportional to each other. Thus, in response to that the number of the foam generation removal motions (operations of the foam removal function) is greater than a specific numerical value, the controller 150 of the washing machine 100 notifies the server 300 of this situation. In addition, the server 300 provides the guide information (a notification message) recommending to the customer to reduce the amount of the input detergent through an application (or a user terminal linking with the washing machine). The user terminal 500 may display the notification message (guide information).
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a process of sensing a over-detergent according to an embodiment of the present invention. The functional module 190 of the washing machine 100 performs a foam removal motion under the control of the controller 150 in S131. The controller 150 of the washing machine 100 records factors corresponding to various physical and chemical properties before and after the foam removal motion or before and after determination to execute the foam removal in S132.
For example, the controller 150 may record the factors calculated before and after performing the foam removal motion. Examples of the factors may include the number of occurrences of the foam removal motion, the motion time duration, or the amount of water used for foam removal. Alternatively, the factor according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a value of RPM (Revolutions Per Minute or Rotations Per Minute) of the motor related to the rotation of the washing tub or an increase in the RPM thereof when the spin-drying is delayed due to the foam. The increase in the RPM has been described above with reference to FIG. 4.
Thereafter, the controller 150 calculates the input detergent amount and a reference detergent amount based on the above-described factors in S133 and S134.
In order to calculate the amount of detergent input, the controller 150 may use information such as the weight or volume of the laundry, the amount and temperature of water input in the washing or rinsing process, and the strength of the washing force/rinsing force in the washing or rinsing course. In this calculation process, the controller 150 may calculate the over-detergent amount. In addition, the controller 150 may also calculate the reference amount of detergent (an amount of detergent that needs to be appropriately input) based on the calculated over-detergent amount.
Thereafter, the controller 150 may control the washing machine communicator 160 to transmit information on the calculated amounts of detergent (the over-detergent amount and the reference detergent amount) to the server 300 in S135. Alternatively, the controller 150 stores the calculated information and allows the interface 170 to output the stored information and guide the detergent amount to be injected when the user approaches the washing machine 100 later in S135.
As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the RPM factor may be employed in the process of determining the foam generation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The washing tub constituting the functional module 190 may be rotated by the motor. In this regard, in response to that a large amount of the foam are generated, the RPM of the motor to rotate the washing tub increases and the spin-drying is delayed. This has been described above.
That is, the controller 150 may determine whether the spin-drying is delayed due to the foam based on whether the RPM increases as shown in the graph of FIG. 4. The descriptions of P1, P2, and P3 may refer to FIG. 4.
The controller 150 may employ the RPM in the process of determining whether the foam have been produced or calculating the factor related to the foam removal.
According to the above-described embodiment, in response to that the foam are generated due to the over-detergent while the washing machine 100 is washing, rinsing, or spin-drying, the washing machine may detect the foam generation and perform the removal motion to remove the foam. In addition, the washing machine 100 may set the number of times of the foam removal motions or the motion time duration, etc. into various sections and detect the amount of over-detergent based on each of the sections, and then guide the customer based on the detection result to reduce the detergent through an application installed in the user terminal 500 during washing or after the washing is finished. In addition, in this process, the interface 170 of the washing machine 100 may output such information in a visual or auditory manner.
After the washing is finished, the interface 170 of the washing machine 100 embodied as an LED or LCD window notifies the user that the over-detergent has been injected and guides the user to reduce the detergent amount. In this process, the washing machine 100 may guide a target amount of detergent in connection with the amount of laundry, the type of the laundry, and the washing course.
When a large amount of the foam are generated due to the over-detergent in the washing machine during washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes, a spin-drying execution start delay occurs due to the foam, thereby increasing the washing time duration and causing the deterioration in the rinsing performance of the washing machine.
Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at the same time as the washing is finished, or in response to that the user approaches the washing machine, information related to the foam generation is provided to the user in real time, so that the user may receive the guidance related to the over-detergent at an appropriate timing.
The washing machine 100 may check whether there is no problem in the spin-drying execution based on the RPM or the like, and then, upon determination that there is a problem in the spin-drying execution, repeat the foam removal motion until there is no problem in the spin-drying execution. The washing machine 100 may calculate how much the detergent is injected, based on the number of repetitions of the foam removal motion, the total time duration of the repetitions thereof, the increase in the RPM, the amount of the injected water, etc.
The washing machine 100 may set the number of times of the foam removal motions or the motion time duration, etc. into various sections. This setting may be stored in the memory 180, and the washing machine 100 may determine the amount of the foam or the amount of over-injected detergent in a corresponding manner to the various sections in the stored setting. That is, the washing machine 100 may match a predefined amount of detergent with each of the sections and calculate the overcharged amount of detergent and the reference amount of detergent based on the matching result.
For example, the washing machine 100 may determine that an amount of over- detergent per one-round foam removal motion is 5%. In addition, the washing machine 100 may calculate the amount of over-detergent per one-round foam removal motion as 5% for first to third rounds of the foam removal motion and then the amount of over-detergent per one-round foam removal motion as 3% since a fourth round of the foam removal motion.
In another example, on the contrary, from the fourth round of the foam removal motion, the amount of over-detergent per one-round foam removal motion may be calculated as 7%. In another example, the washing machine 100 may calculate the amount of over-detergent related to pollution based on the removed amount of the foam per one-round foam removal motion and the amount of the foam detected later.
The washing machine 100 may provide the user with the guide information on the classified foam level or the amount of the over-detergent and the reference amount of detergent suitable for the corresponding washing. In an embodiment, the washing machine 100 may guide the user to reduce the amount of detergent. The guiding information includes information on the amount of detergent by which the detergent amount should be reduced or the appropriate amount of detergent. The washing machine to which the automatic detergent device is applied may check whether the customer agrees to the reduction of the detergent amount and reduce the detergent amount according to the user's agreement and setting.
The controller 150 of the washing machine 100 may apply various variables in the process of determining whether to determine whether the detergent is input in an excessive amount (over-detergent). For example, the controller 150 may set a determination condition about the reduced detergent amount to vary based on a washing load amount and may guide the amount of detergent to be suitable for the washing amount. In addition, the controller 150 may set the determination condition about the reduced detergent amount to vary based on the type of the washing load and may guide the amount of detergent suitable for the type of the laundry.
In addition, the controller 150 may vary the detergent determination condition based on the water temperature and the season. In addition, the washing machine capable of detecting a degree of contamination may set the detergent determination condition to vary based on the degree of contamination.
As described above, the guide information on the amount of detergent is provided by the washing machine 100 or the user terminal 500, so that the user may check the injected amount of detergent and relieve anxiety about the rinsing operation of the washing machine. In addition, the washing machine 100 may provide the guide information so as to save the detergent wasted by the user. In addition, the spin-drying delay caused by the generation of foam due to over-detergent may be prevented to prevent the time delay.
The user may also check the level of the amount of detergent which the user has input and solve poor rinsing performance caused by the foam.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating guide information displayed on a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 500 receives guide information on the completion of washing and the input over-detergent from the server 300 and outputs the guide information as shown in FIG. 16.
When the contents about the injection of the over-detergent and a check button ("like" button) displayed on the screen of the user terminal 500 are selected, the user terminal 500 may transmit the guide information display result to the server 300. In addition, when the user does not respond to the over-detergent notification or selects the "Next time" button, the server 300 may change a notification period of the over-detergent.
In accordance with this embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foam are detected the number of times greater than the predetermined number of times, the application of the user terminal 500 guides the situation in which the foam are produced in real time, and enables response (automatic detergent input) thereto.
Accordingly, the user may identify the foam generation due to the over-detergent in real time while the washing is in progress, thereby more effectively taking an action against the over-detergent. In addition, as in the operation S124 of FIG. 11, the server 300 may increase or decrease the number of times of the notification of the over-detergent or the reference amount based on which the determination of the over-detergent is made, based on the display result of the guide information on the user terminal 500 and thus may inform the user of whether the over-detergent has occurred in an appropriate manner.
An embodiment of the present invention in which all the components are combined with each other or operate in combination with each other has been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. Within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, at least two of all components may be selectively combined with other or may operate in the selectively combined manner with other. Furthermore, each of the components may be implemented as an independent hardware. However, some or all of the components may be selectively combined with each other and thus may be implemented using a computer program with a program module to perform some or all of the functions combined in one or more pieces of hardware. The codes and code segments that constitute the computer program may be easily deduced by a person skilled in the art from the present disclosure. The computer program may be stored in computer readable media and read and executed by a computer, thereby implementing the method of the present disclosure. The storage media for storing the computer program may include storage media including magnetic recording media, optical recording media, and semiconductor recording devices. Additionally, the computer program implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a program module transmitted in real time duration through an external device.
Although the embodiments of the present inventionhave been described above, various changes or modifications may be applied thereto at the level of a person skilled in the art. Accordingly, it will be understood that these changes and modifications are included within the scope of the present disclosure unless they are outside the scope of the present disclosure.

- Reference numeral -

100:	Washing machine	300:	Server
500:	User terminal

Claims

A washing machine comprising:
a functional module including a fabric softener injection module, and configured to perform washing, rinsing, and spin-drying functions, wherein the functional module is configured to execute a first foam removal logic via water supply and drainage or execute a second foam removal logic via water supply and drainage and via injection of a fabric softener using the fabric softener injection module; and

a controller configured to:
check foam generation in an operation process of the functional module; and

select the first foam removal logic or the second foam removal logic based on an amount of the generated foam and course information set in the functional module; and

control the functional module according to the selected foam removal logic.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein in response to that the amount of the generated foam is greater than or equal to a reference value or a first end time point at which the first foam removal logic has been performed based on the set course information is later than a second end time point expected based on the set course information, the controller is further configured to select the second foam removal logic.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to select the second foam removal logic,
wherein in response to that the functional module performs water supply subsequently to the selection, the controller is further configured to control the fabric softener injection module to inject the fabric softener and operate a circulation pump of the functional module.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the washing machine further comprise a washing machine communicator configured to transmit operation information related to execution of the foam removal logic to a server.
The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the washing machine communicator is configured to receive response information to the operation information from the server,
wherein in response to that the response information indicates agreement with the injection of the fabric softener in the foam removal logic execution, the controller is further configured to store the response information in a memory and to increase a possibility of selecting the second foam removal logic among the first foam removal logic or the second foam removal logic.
The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the washing machine communicator is configured to receive response information to the operation information from the server,
wherein in response to that the response information indicates disagreement with the injection of the fabric softener in the foam removal logic execution, the controller is further configured to store the response information in a memory, and then to select the first foam removal logic from among the first foam removal logic and the second foam removal logic.
The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the operation information includes at least one of the number of times of occurrence of a spin-drying delay, a water vertical-level value, or an electrical current increase value for rotation of a washing tub during the execution of the foam removal function of the functional module, or a time duration required for the foam removal function execution.
A method for reducing foam by injecting a fabric softener to remove the foam, the method comprising:
performing, by a functional module of a washing machine, a set course;

checking, by a controller of the washing machine, foam generation in an operation process of the functional module, and selecting, by the controller, a first foam removal logic or a second foam removal logic based on an amount of the generated foam and course information set in the functional module;

a first foam removing step in which in response to that the first foam removing logic is selected, the functional module performs foam removal via water supply and drainage; and

a second foam removal step in which in response to that the second foam removal logic is selected, the functional module performs foam removal via water supply and drainage and injection of the fabric softener.
The method of claim 8, wherein the selecting of the first foam removal logic or the second foam removal logic includes:
in response to that the amount of the generated foam is greater than or equal to a reference value or a first end time point at which the first foam removal logic has been performed based on the set course information is later than a second end time point expected based on the set course information, selecting, by the controller, the second foam removal logic.
The method of claim 8, wherein the second foam removal step includes:
in response to that the functional module performs water supply, controlling, by the controller, a fabric softener injection module of the functional module to inject the fabric softener, and operating, by the controller, a circulation pump of the functional module.
The method of claim 8, wherein the method further comprises: transmitting, by a washing machine communicator of the washing machine, operation information related to execution of the foam removal logic to a server.
The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises:
receiving, by the washing machine communicator, response information to the operation information from the server; and

in response to that the response information indicates agreement with the injection of the fabric softener in the foam removal logic execution, storing, by the controller, the response information in a memory and increasing, by the controller, a possibility of selecting the second foam removal logic among the first foam removal logic or the second foam removal logic.
The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises:
receiving, by the washing machine communicator, response information to the operation information from the server; and

wherein in response to that the response information indicates disagreement with the injection of the fabric softener in the foam removal logic execution, storing, by the controller, the response information in a memory, and then selecting, by the controller, the first foam removal logic from among the first foam removal logic and the second foam removal logic.
The method of claim 11, wherein the operation information includes at least one of the number of times of occurrence of a spin-drying delay, a water vertical-level value, or an electrical current increase value for rotation of a washing tub during the execution of the foam removal function of the functional module, or a time duration required for the foam removal function execution.
A washing machine configured to provide guide information on washing detergent to reduce foam, the washing machine comprising:
a functional module for performing each of washing, rinsing, and spin-drying functions;

a controller configured to:
check foam generation in an operation process of the functional module;

execute a foam removal function of the functional module;

generate history information on the execution of the foam removal function; and

store the history information in a memory; and

a washing machine communicator configured to transmit the history information to a server under control of the controller.
The washing machine of claim 15, wherein the washing machine communicator is configured to receive a guide information display result from the server.
The washing machine of claim 16, wherein in response to that the guide information display result indicates that the guide information is not displayed, the controller is further configured to control an interface of the washing machine to output a message including the guide information or an over-detergent injection warning message.
The washing machine of claim 16, wherein the guide information display result further includes an automatic detergent injection function setting instruction on the washing machine,
wherein the controller is further configured to activate the automatic detergent injection function of the washing machine.
The washing machine of claim 15, wherein the history information includes at least one of a number of times of occurrence of a spin-drying delay, a water vertical-level value, or an electrical current increase value for rotation of a washing tub during the execution of the foam removal function of the functional module, or a time duration required for the foam removal function execution.
The washing machine of claim 15, wherein in response to that a user approaches the washing machine, the controller is further configured to control an interface of the washing machine to output an over-detergent injection warning message.
A method for providing guide information on washing detergent to reduce foam, the method comprising:
checking, a controller of a washing machine, foam generation in an operation process of a functional module of the washing machine and executing, by the controller, a foam removing function of the functional module based on the checking result;

generating, the controller, history information on the execution of the foam removing function and storing, by the controller, the history information in a memory; and

controlling, by the controller, a washing machine communicator of the washing machine to transmit the history information to a server.
The method of claim 21, wherein the method further comprises: receiving, by the washing machine communicator, a guide information display result from the server.
The method of claim 22, wherein the method further comprises: in response to that the guide information display result indicates that the guide information is not displayed, controlling, by the controller, an interface of the washing machine to output a message including the guide information or an over-detergent injection warning message.
The method of claim 22, wherein the guide information display result further includes an automatic detergent injection function setting instruction on the washing machine,
wherein the method further comprises activating, by the controller, the automatic detergent injection function of the washing machine.
The method of claim 21, wherein the history information includes at least one of a number of times of occurrence of a spin-drying delay, a water vertical-level value, or an electrical current increase value for rotation of a washing tub during the execution of the foam removal function of the functional module, or a time duration required for the foam removal function execution.
The method of claim 21, wherein the method further comprises: in response to that a user approaches the washing machine, controlling, by the controller, an interface of the washing machine to output an over-detergent injection warning message.
A method for providing guide information on washing detergent to reduce foam, the method comprising:
receiving, by a server communicator of a server, history information on an operation of a foam removal function from a washing machine;

generating, by a server controller of the server, guide information based on the history information; and

transmitting, by the server controller of the server, the generated guide information to a user terminal linking with the washing machine.
The method of claim 27, wherein the method further comprises: receiving, by the server communicator, a guide information display result from the user terminal.
The method of claim 28, wherein the guide information display result further includes an automatic detergent injection setting instruction on the washing machine.
The method of claim 28, wherein the method further comprises: transmitting, by the server communicator, the received guide information display result to the washing machine.