JP2004215817A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of finishing laundry by using a plurality of finishing materials such as a metal ion with a sterilizing function and a softener. <P>SOLUTION: A horizontal drum type washing machine 601 is provided with a water tub 620 and a drum 630 in the inside and water is supplied to the drum 630 through a water supply port 53. The water supply port 53 is provided with a detergent chamber 54 and a finisher chamber 55 in the inside. A water supply valve 50 is provided with a main water supply valve 50a connected to the detergent chamber 54 and a sub water supply valve 50b connected to the finisher chamber 55 and an ion elution unit 100 is arranged between the main water supply valve 50a and the water supply port 53. By applying voltage between the electrodes 113 and 114 of the ion elution unit 100, the ion of an electrode-constituting metal is eluted in the water. A rinsing process is performed over two or more times, the rinsing process in which the metal ions are fed and the rinsing process in which a finisher is fed are different and the former precedes the latter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine capable of finishing laundry with a finishing material.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When washing in a washing machine, it is common to add a finishing substance to water, in particular to rinsing water. Common finishing materials are softeners and glues. In addition, recently, there is an increasing need for a finishing treatment for imparting antibacterial properties to laundry.
[0003]
It is desirable that the laundry be sun-dried from a sanitary viewpoint. However, in recent years, the number of families who have no one at home during the daytime has increased due to the increase in the female employment rate and the progress of nuclear families. In such a home, you have to rely on indoor drying. Even in a home where somebody is at home during the day, when it rains, it will dry indoors.
[0004]
In the case of indoor drying, bacteria and mold are more likely to propagate on the laundry than in the case of sun drying. This tendency is remarkable when it takes a long time to dry the laundry, such as at a high humidity or a low temperature such as during the rainy season. Depending on the breeding situation, the laundry may give off a bad smell. For this reason, in households that are forced to dry indoors on a daily basis, there is a strong demand for antibacterial treatment of cloths in order to suppress the growth of bacteria and mold.
[0005]
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of garments that have been subjected to antibacterial and deodorant treatments and bacteriostatic treatments. However, it is difficult to prepare all household textiles with antibacterial and deodorized products. In addition, the effect of antibacterial and deodorant processing decreases as washing is repeated.
[0006]
This led to the idea of treating laundry with antibacterial treatment each time it was washed. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes an electric washing machine equipped with an ion generator that generates metal ions having sterilizing power such as silver ions and copper ions. Patent Literature 2 discloses a washing machine configured to sterilize a cleaning liquid by generating an electric field. Patent Literature 3 discloses a washing machine including a silver ion addition unit that adds silver ions to washing water.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-74487
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-93691 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-276484 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of finishing laundry using a plurality of finishing substances such as a metal ion and a softener having a bactericidal action.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a washing machine is configured as follows.
[0010]
(1) Automatic input of a plurality of types of finishing substances is possible in a washing step, wherein the plurality of types of finishing substances include a first finishing substance and a second finishing substance, and a rinsing step in the washing step is plural. The first step is different from the rinsing step in which the first finishing substance is supplied and the rinsing step in which the second finishing substance is supplied, and the former precedes the latter.
[0011]
According to this configuration, in the washing process, a plurality of types of finishing substances can be automatically supplied, and the finishing effect of each of the finishing substances can be exerted on the laundry, and the first finishing substance and the second finishing substance are separately provided. The two types of finishing substances, of which at least one of the effects is diminished if they are added at the same time, can be attached to the laundry without impairing their respective effects.
[0012]
(2) In the washing machine as described above, the rinsing step in which the first finishing substance is supplied and the rinsing step in which the second finishing substance is supplied are continuous.
[0013]
According to this configuration, the rinsing step of charging the second finishing substance is started in a state where the first finishing substance remains in a large amount, so that the residual amount of the first finishing substance at the end of washing is reduced. You can do much.
[0014]
(3) In the washing machine as described above, in the transition from the rinsing step in which the first finishing substance is supplied to the rinsing step in which the second finishing substance is supplied, only drainage is performed without dehydration. It was taken.
[0015]
According to this configuration, the water containing the first finishing substance is not dehydrated from the laundry. The laundry will receive the second finishing substance in a state of containing a large amount of the first finishing substance, and the effect of the first finishing substance will be sufficiently exerted on the laundry.
[0016]
(4) In the washing machine as described above, the second finishing substance is charged in the final rinsing step, and the first finishing substance is charged in the rinsing step immediately before the final rinsing step. There was.
[0017]
According to this configuration, there is no rinsing step after attaching the second finishing substance to the laundry, and the second finishing substance is not washed out of the laundry. Also, since the rinsing step after the first finishing substance is charged is only one rinsing step for charging the second finishing substance,
The amount of first finishing material lost from the laundry can also be minimized.
[0018]
(5) In the washing machine as described above, the introduction of the first finishing substance is an optional matter, and when not selected, the number of times of the rinsing step is reduced as compared with when the selection is made.
[0019]
According to this configuration, the user can arbitrarily select whether or not to input the first finishing substance. If the first finishing substance is not charged, the number of rinsing steps is reduced, and water and electric power are not consumed. The washing time is also reduced, and the user does not have to be restrained for a long time.
[0020]
(6) In the washing machine as described above, the introduction of the second finishing substance is an optional matter, and when not selected, the number of times of the rinsing step is reduced as compared to when the selection is made.
[0021]
According to this configuration, the user can arbitrarily select whether or not to input the second finishing substance. If the second finishing substance is not charged, the number of rinsing steps is reduced, and water and electric power are not consumed. The washing time is also reduced, and the user does not have to be restrained for a long time.
[0022]
(7) In the washing machine as described above, the charging of the first finishing substance and the charging of the second finishing substance can be both performed.
[0023]
According to this configuration, when it is not necessary to input the first finishing material and the second finishing material, the inputting is not performed, and the useless movement of the washing machine can be stopped.
[0024]
(8) In the washing machine as described above, regardless of whether or not the second finishing substance is present in the preparation space for charging the second finishing substance, the second finishing substance is supplied when the second finishing substance is supplied. The operation itself was performed.
[0025]
According to this configuration, the operation of selecting the input of the second finishing substance is not necessarily performed. When the second finishing substance is not desired to be input, the second finishing substance must simply be put in the preparation space. That's it.
[0026]
(9) In the washing machine as described above, when the input of the second finishing substance is not selected, the input of the second finishing substance is to be performed when the second finishing substance is selected. It was assumed that the input of the finishing material of 1 was performed.
[0027]
According to this configuration, the first finishing substance is supplied in the rinsing step in which the input of the second finishing substance is to be performed. The number of times is smaller than usual, and the amount of the first finishing substance remaining in the laundry can be increased.
[0028]
(10) In the washing machine as described above, metal ions generated by the ion elution unit are used as the first finishing material, and a finishing agent for washing is used as the second finishing material.
[0029]
According to this configuration, the laundry can be sterilized by the sterilizing power of the metal ions, and the laundry can be given an antibacterial property, and then the laundry can be finished with a normal finishing agent.
[0030]
(11) In the washing machine as described above, the ion eluting unit generates a metal ion by applying a voltage between the electrodes.
[0031]
According to this configuration, metal ions required for the antibacterial treatment of the laundry can be generated on the spot when needed.
[0032]
(12) In the washing machine as described above, the metal ions generated by the ion elution unit are any of silver ions, copper ions, and zinc ions.
[0033]
According to this configuration, the high antibacterial power of silver ions, copper ions, or zinc ions can be used.
[0034]
(13) In the washing machine as described above, a path for putting the metal ions into the rinsing water and a path for putting the finishing agent into the rinsing water are different systems.
[0035]
According to this configuration, the metal ions pass through the path for putting the finishing agent into the rinsing water, so that the metal ions come into contact with the finishing agent remaining in this path to become a compound and lose antibacterial activity. There is no.
[0036]
(14) The washing machine is a washing machine that also serves as a dryer.
[0037]
Since the washing machine also needs to stir the laundry in the drying process, it has a structure that can stir the laundry even in a state where only a small amount of water is present. Taking advantage of this characteristic, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the second finishing substance is introduced together with a small amount of rinsing water when being introduced. By doing so, the rate at which the effect of the first finish substance is impaired by the second finish substance can be reduced, and the effect of the first finish substance can be exhibited well.
[0038]
In addition, a washing machine that also serves as a dryer is generally used in such a manner that laundry after washing is dried without being taken out of the washing machine. That is, it is unlikely that laundry is dried in the sun. The finishing method of performing antibacterial treatment of laundry with metal ions becomes particularly significant when applied to a washing machine that also serves as a dryer.
[0039]
(15) In the washing machine as described above, the washing process is performed by the horizontal drum.
[0040]
A horizontal drum type washing machine requires less water for easy washing than a conventional vertical type washing machine. Therefore, even if a rinsing step of charging the second finishing substance is provided after the rinsing step of charging the first finishing substance, the first finishing substance is hardly lost from the laundry, and the effect of the first finishing substance is reduced. It can be demonstrated well.
[0041]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0042]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a horizontal drum type washing machine, and FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the horizontal drum type washing machine. The horizontal drum type washing machine 601 has a water tank 620 and a drum 630 disposed inside a box-shaped main body 610. Both the water tub 620 and the drum 630 are cylindrical and have laundry input ports 621 and 631 at one end surface, respectively. A shaft 632 protrudes outward from the center of the bottom of the drum 630. Since the shaft 632 is supported by a bearing 622 provided at the center of the bottom of the water tank 620, the drum 630 and the water tank 620 are arranged concentrically with the drum 630 inside and the water tank 620 outside.
[0043]
A suspension mechanism (not shown) supports the water tank 620 and the drum 630. The water tank 620 and the drum 630 are arranged such that their axes are substantially horizontal. In the illustrated embodiment, the axes of the water tank 620 and the drum 630 are inclined at an angle θ with respect to the horizontal plane, and the laundry inlets 621 and 631 are slightly lifted. This is to make it easier to see the inside of the drum 630 and to put laundry in and out.
[0044]
An opening 611 is provided on the front outer wall of the main body 610 so as to face the laundry input ports 621 and 631. At the front of the opening 611, a door 612 that opens sideways is provided. A door packing 613 made of a soft synthetic resin or rubber connects the opening 611 and the laundry inlet 621. The door packing 613 prevents the splash of water generated in the drum 630, the dripping of wet laundry when taking in and out, or the overflow of the laundry input port 621 to wet the inside of the main body 610.
[0045]
An annular lip 614 is integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the door packing 613, and the annular lip 614 is in close contact with the outer periphery of the protrusion 615 provided on the inner surface of the door 612, so that water flows from a gap between the door packing 613 and the door 612. Prevent leaks. The protrusion 615 serves to prevent the laundry in the drum 630 from protruding from the laundry input port 621. The protrusion 615 may be formed of a transparent material so that the inside of the drum 630 can be seen through.
[0046]
A large number of dehydration holes 633 are formed on the peripheral wall of the drum 630. Water moves between the drum 630 and the water tank 620 through the dehydration holes 633. A plurality of baffles 634 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 630 at predetermined intervals. The baffle 634 catches and lifts the laundry as the drum 630 rotates, and drops the laundry from above.
[0047]
A balance weight (balancer) 635 is attached to the outer surface of the drum 630 and the laundry input port 631. FIG. 2 shows only the annular balance weight 635 attached to the laundry inlet 631, and does not show the balance weight attached to the outer surface of the drum 630. The balance weight 635 suppresses vibration generated when the drum 630 rotates at high speed.
[0048]
A motor 640 is mounted on the outer surface of the bottom of the water tank 620. The motor 640 is of a direct drive type, and the shaft 632 of the drum 630 is connected and fixed to its rotor. The bearing 622 is attached to the housing of the motor 640 and is a part of the components of the motor 640.
[0049]
A water supply valve 50 that opens and closes electromagnetically is arranged in a space above the water tank 620. The water supply valve 50 has a connection pipe 51 that penetrates the main body 610 and protrudes rearward. A water supply hose (not shown) for supplying tap water such as tap water is connected to the connection pipe 51. A water supply pipe 52 extends from the water supply valve 50. The distal end of the water supply pipe 52 is connected to a container-like water supply port 53. The water supply port 53 has a structure shown in FIG.
[0050]
FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the water supply port 53 as viewed from the front side. The upper surface of the water supply port 53 is open, and the inside is divided into right and left. The compartment on the left is a detergent room 54, which is a preparation space for storing detergent. The compartment on the right side is a finishing agent room 55, which is a preparation space for storing a finishing agent for washing. The bottom of the detergent chamber 54 is provided with a water inlet 56 for injecting water into a water collecting basin 653 of a water supply nozzle 652 connected to an upper part of the door packing 613. The finishing agent chamber 55 is also provided with a siphon section 57 for injecting water into the water collecting basin 653.
[0051]
The siphon portion 57 includes an inner tube 57a that rises vertically from the bottom surface of the finishing agent chamber 55, and a cap-shaped outer tube 57b that covers the inner tube 57a. A gap through which water passes is formed between the inner pipe 57a and the outer pipe 57b. The bottom of the inner pipe 57a opens toward the catchment basin 653. The lower end of the outer tube 57b keeps a predetermined gap with the bottom surface of the finishing agent chamber 55, and this serves as an inlet for water. When water is poured into the finishing agent chamber 55 to a level exceeding the upper end of the inner pipe 57a, the action of the siphon occurs, and the water is sucked out of the finishing agent chamber 55 through the siphon part 57 and falls into the collecting basin 653. .
[0052]
The water supply valve 50 includes a main water supply valve 50a and a sub water supply valve 50b. The connection pipe 51 is common to both the main water supply valve 50a and the sub water supply valve 50b. The water supply pipe 52 also includes a main water supply pipe 52a connected to the main water supply valve 50a and a sub water supply pipe 52b connected to the sub water supply valve 50b.
[0053]
The main water supply pipe 52a is connected to the detergent chamber 54, and the sub water supply pipe 52b is connected to the finishing agent chamber 55. In other words, the path from the main water supply pipe 52a to the water collecting basin 653 through the detergent chamber 54 is different from the path from the sub water supply pipe 52b to the water collecting basin 653 through the finishing agent chamber 55.
[0054]
The upper surface of the detergent chamber 54 and the upper surface of the finishing agent chamber 55 open toward the outside of the main body 610, respectively. Each of the openings is provided with a lid (not shown). The user opens the lid as necessary, and puts the detergent in the detergent chamber 54 and the finish in the finish chamber 55, respectively.
[0055]
Returning to FIG. 2, the description will be continued. A drain port 623 is provided at the lowest point of the water tank 620, and one end of a drain pipe 660 is connected to the drain port 623. The other end of the drain pipe 660 is connected to the filter casing 661. A lint filter 662 is inserted into the filter casing 661. The lint filter 662 is formed of a synthetic resin net or cloth, and collects lint in the washing liquid. One end of the filter casing 661 is closed by a detachable cap 663, and the cap 663 can be removed to clean or replace the lint filter 662.
[0056]
A drain pipe 664 is connected to the filter casing 661, and drain water having passed through the filter 662 is discharged to the outside of the main body 610. A drain valve 665 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 664.
[0057]
An air trap 671 is connected to the filter casing 661, and a water level sensor 673 is provided at an upper end of a pressure guiding pipe 672 derived from the air trap 671. The water level sensor 673 moves the magnetic body in the coil according to the pressure change in the air trap 671, detects the resulting change in the inductance of the coil as a change in the oscillation frequency, and reads the water level from the change in the oscillation frequency. is there. Here, the water level in the drum 630 is read.
[0058]
An operation panel 616 is provided on a front upper surface of the main body 610. The operation unit 616 includes a display unit 682 having a liquid crystal panel and a buzzer, and an operation switch unit 684 including operation buttons of various switches.
[0059]
Reference numeral 690 denotes a control unit having a microcomputer as a main component. The control unit 690 includes a necessary storage device such as a hard disk, and also serves as a storage unit. The control unit 690 is disposed in the main body 610 in proximity to the operation panel 616, receives an operation command from a user through the operation switch unit 684, and sends an operation command to the motor 640, the water supply valve 50, and the drain valve 665. Emit. The control unit 690 issues a display command to the display unit 682. The control unit 690 includes a drive circuit of an ion elution unit described later.
[0060]
The operation of the horizontal drum type washing machine 601 will be described. The door 612 is opened, and laundry is put into the drum 630. A detergent is put in the detergent chamber 54 of the water supply port 53. If necessary, a finishing agent is put into the finishing agent chamber 55. The finish may be added during the washing process.
[0061]
After the preparation for the introduction of the detergent is completed, the door 612 is closed, and the operation buttons of the operation switch section 684 are operated to select the washing conditions. Finally, when the start button is pressed, the washing process is performed according to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0062]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the entire washing process. In step S201, it is determined whether or not a reserved driving operation for starting washing at a set time has been selected. If the reserved operation has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If not, the process proceeds to step S202.
[0063]
When the process proceeds to step S206, it is confirmed whether or not the operation start time has come. When the operation start time comes, the process proceeds to step S202.
[0064]
In step S202, it is confirmed whether a washing step has been selected. If the selection has been made, the process proceeds to step S300. The contents of the washing step in step S300 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart in FIG. After the completion of the washing process, the process proceeds to step S203. If the washing process has not been selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S202 to step S203.
[0065]
In step S203, it is confirmed whether or not the rinsing process has been selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to step S400. The contents of the rinsing step in step S400 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart in FIG. Note that the rinsing step is performed a plurality of times. In FIG. 4, the rinsing process is performed three times, and the step numbers of each time are denoted by branch numbers such as “S400-1”, “S400-2”, and “S400-3”. The number of times of the rinsing step can be set arbitrarily by the user. However, when both the metal ions and the finishing agent are charged, at least two times are necessary.
[0066]
After the end of the rinsing step, the process proceeds to step S204. If the rinsing process has not been selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S203 to step S204.
[0067]
In step S204, it is confirmed whether or not a dehydration step has been selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to step S500. The content of the dehydration step in step S500 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart in FIG. After the completion of the dehydration step, the process proceeds to step S205. If the dehydration step has not been selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S204 to step S205.
[0068]
In step S205, the termination processing of the control unit 690, particularly, the arithmetic unit (microcomputer) included therein is automatically advanced according to the procedure. Also, the completion sound is notified by a completion sound. After all the operations are completed, the horizontal drum type washing machine 601 returns to the standby state in preparation for the next washing process.
[0069]
Subsequently, the contents of the individual steps of washing, rinsing and dehydration will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0070]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the washing process. In step S301, water level data in the drum 630 detected by the water level sensor 673 is captured. In step S302, it is confirmed whether or not the capacitance sensing has been selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to step S308. If not selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S302 to step S303.
[0071]
In step S308, the amount of the laundry is measured based on the rotational load of the drum 630. After the capacitance sensing, the process proceeds to step S303.
[0072]
In step 303, the main water supply valve 50a is opened, and water is poured into the drum 630 through the main water supply pipe 52a and the water supply port 53 (to be precise, water is poured into the water tank 620, and the water is discharged through the dehydration hole 633). 630). The detergent contained in the detergent chamber 54 of the water supply port 53 is also mixed with water and charged into the drum 30. The drain valve 665 is closed. When the water level sensor 673 detects the set water level, the main water supply valve 50a is closed. Then, the process proceeds to step S304.
[0073]
In step S304, a running-in tumbling is performed. The drum 630 rotates at a low speed to take the laundry out of the water and drop it back into the water, so that the laundry absorbs the water sufficiently. In addition, let air trapped in various places of the laundry escape.
[0074]
After the tumbling, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the drum 630 is rotated in a washing tumbling pattern, and the laundry is lifted high and dropped. Due to the impact at the time of the drop, a jet of water is generated between the fibers of the laundry, and the laundry is washed.
[0075]
After the elapse of the washing tumbling period, the process proceeds to step S307. In step S307, the drum 630 rotates slowly. If the drum 630 rotates slowly, the laundry will fall away from the drum 630 at a lower position before being lifted to a higher position. When the laundry is dropped from a high position, the laundry is hit against the inner wall of the drum 630 and clings to the inner wall. Therefore, when the drum 630 starts high-speed spin-drying, the imbalance is hard to be eliminated. On the other hand, when the user moves away from the inner wall of the drum 630 at a low position, the user feels like rolling rather than being hit, and the laundry relatively overlaps with the laundry. In this state, when the drum 630 starts spinning at a high speed, the laundry is easily dispersed in all directions. That is, it is easy to balance. Therefore, the laundry is loosened by slowly rotating the drum 630 to prepare for the spin-drying operation.
[0076]
Subsequently, the contents of the rinsing step will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, the dehydration step of step S500 comes, which will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After dehydration, the process proceeds to step S401. In step S401, the main water supply valve 50a is opened, and water is supplied to the set water level.
[0077]
After the water supply, the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, a running-in tumbling is performed. The running-in tumbling is the same as that performed in step S304 of the washing process.
[0078]
After the tumbling, the process proceeds to step S405. The drum 630 rotates in a rinse tumbling pattern according to the user's settings. The drum 630 allows the laundry to be immersed in water and lifted up and dropped. Thereby, the laundry is rinsed.
[0079]
After the rinsing tumbling period has elapsed, the process moves to step S406. In step S406, the drum 630 is gently rotated to loosen the laundry to prepare for the spin-drying operation.
[0080]
In the above description, the “rinsing” is performed in which the rinsing water is stored in the drum 630 and the rinsing is performed. However, a water rinsing that always supplies fresh water or a shower that pours a water shower on the laundry is performed. Rinsing may be performed.
[0081]
Subsequently, the contents of the dehydration step will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S501, the drain valve 665 opens. Wash water or rinse water in the drum 630 is drained through a drain valve 665. The drain valve 665 remains open during the dewatering process.
[0082]
When a predetermined time has elapsed and most of the water has drained from the laundry, the drum 630 starts spinning. When the drum 630 rotates at a high speed, the laundry is pressed against the inner peripheral wall of the drum 630 by centrifugal force. Water contained in the laundry also collects on the inner peripheral wall of the drum 630 and is discharged from the dehydration holes 633. The washing water leaving the dehydrating holes 633 is beaten to the inner surface of the water tub 620 and flows down the inner surface of the water tub 620 to the bottom of the water tub 620. Then, the water is discharged to the outside of the outer box 610 through the drain port 623, the drain pipe 660, the filter casing 661, the drain pipe 664, and the drain valve 665.
[0083]
In the sequence of FIG. 7, the assembly is such that a relatively low-speed dehydration operation is performed in steps S502 and S503, and then a high-speed dehydration operation is performed in steps S504 and S505. After step S505, the process moves to step S506. In step S506, the power supply to the motor 640 is stopped, and the drum 630 is rotated by inertia without operating the brake, thereby causing a spontaneous stop.
[0084]
The horizontal drum type washing machine 601 includes the ion elution unit 100. The ion elution unit 100 is arranged in the middle of the main water supply pipe 52a, that is, between the main water supply valve 50a and the detergent chamber 54. Hereinafter, the structure and function of the ion elution unit 100 and the role that the ion elution unit 100 plays in the horizontal drum type washing machine 601 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0085]
8 and 9 are schematic sectional views of the ion elution unit 100, FIG. 8 is a horizontal sectional view, and FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view. The ion elution unit 100 has a case 110 made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. The case 110 has a water inlet 111 at one end and a water outlet 112 at the other end. Inside the case 110, two plate-like electrodes 113 and 114 are arranged in parallel with each other and at a predetermined interval. The electrodes 113 and 114 are made of a metal serving as a source of antibacterial metal ions, that is, silver, copper, zinc, or the like.
[0086]
Terminals 115 and 116 are provided at one end of the electrodes 113 and 114, respectively. The electrode 113 and the terminal 115 and the electrode 114 and the terminal 116 only need to be able to be integrated. However, if they cannot be integrated, the joint between the electrode and the terminal and the terminal part in the case 110 are coated with a synthetic resin to form Break contact and avoid galvanic corrosion. The terminals 115 and 116 protrude out of the case 110 and are connected to a drive circuit in the control unit 690.
[0087]
Water flows inside the case 110 in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the electrodes 113 and 114. When a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrodes 113 and 114 while water is flowing in the case 110, metal ions of the metal constituting the electrodes are eluted from the anodes of the electrodes 113 and 114. The electrodes 113 and 114 are, for example, silver plates having a size of 2 cm × 5 cm and a thickness of about 1 mm, and are arranged at a distance of 5 mm.
[0088]
The metal forming the electrodes 113 and 114 is preferably silver, copper, zinc, or an alloy thereof. Silver ions eluted from the silver electrode and zinc ions eluted from the zinc electrode have an excellent bactericidal effect, and copper ions eluted from the copper electrode have an excellent antifungal property. From these alloys, ions of the component metals can be eluted simultaneously.
[0089]
In the ion elution unit 100 as described above, elution / non-elution of metal ions can be selected depending on whether or not voltage is applied. The elution amount of metal ions can be controlled by controlling the current or voltage application time. Therefore, as compared with a method in which metal ions are eluted from a metal ion carrier such as zeolite, for example, the selection of whether or not to input metal ions and the adjustment of the concentration of metal ions can all be performed electrically, which is convenient.
[0090]
The present invention is characterized by how metal ions (first finishing substance) and finishing agent (second finishing substance) are introduced. This is described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. It will be described based on.
[0091]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a first example of a charging sequence of a metal ion and a finishing agent. The sequence shown here is obtained by extracting steps S203 to S204 in the sequence of the washing process in FIG. The number of times of the rinsing step is three, and between the first rinsing step S400-1 and the second rinsing step S400-2, a confirmation step S407 for inputting metal ions is inserted. During the third rinsing step S400-3, a finishing agent confirming step S408 is inserted.
[0092]
After the first rinsing step S400-1, it is confirmed in step S407 whether or not metal ion injection has been selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to step S400A. Step S400A is a metal ion rinsing step, the contents of which will be described separately with reference to the flowchart of FIG. If metal ion injection has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S400-2. After executing Step S400A or Step S400-2 as the second rinsing step, the process proceeds to Step S408.
[0093]
In step S408, it is confirmed whether or not finishing agent input has been selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to step S400B. Step S400B is a finishing agent rinsing step, the contents of which will be described separately with reference to the flowchart of FIG. If the finishing agent has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S400-3. After executing Step S400B or Step S400-3 as the third rinsing step, the process proceeds to Step S204.
[0094]
According to the above sequence, if both the input of the metal ions and the input of the finishing agent are selected, it is the final rinsing step in which the finishing agent, which is the second finishing material, is input, and the first finishing material is input. The metal ions are supplied in the rinsing step immediately before the final rinsing step.
[0095]
In the sequence of FIG. 10, the rinsing step is executed three times for convenience, but the number of times is arbitrary. For example, when two times are selected, metal ions are supplied in the first rinsing step, and the finishing agent is supplied in the second rinsing step. When the fourth rinsing step is selected, it is preferable that the metal ions are supplied in the third rinsing step, and the finishing agent is supplied in the fourth rinsing step.
[0096]
Subsequently, the contents of the metal ion rinsing step will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, a dehydration step of step S500 is entered. After the dehydration, the process proceeds to Step S401A. In step S401A, the main water supply valve 50a is opened, and a predetermined flow rate of water flows through the ion elution unit 100. At the same time, the control unit 690 applies a voltage between the electrodes 113 and 114 to elute ions of the metal constituting the electrode into water. The water to which the metal ions have been added is supplied to the drum 630 from the water supply port 53 via the water supply nozzle 652.
[0097]
When a predetermined amount of metal ions elute, voltage application to the electrodes 113 and 114 is stopped. If the water level in the drum 630 has not reached the water level required for rinsing at that time, ordinary water to which metal ions have not been added is supplied until the water level reaches the predetermined water level. After the predetermined water level is obtained, the process proceeds to step S402, in which the running-in tumbling is performed.
[0098]
After the tumbling, the process proceeds to step S405A. In step S405A, stirring (tumbling) is performed to evenly attach the metal ions to the laundry. By tumbling the laundry and the metal ion-added water for a predetermined time, the contact between the laundry and the metal ions can be promoted, and the metal ions can be distributed to the laundry.
[0099]
After normal tumbling for a certain period of time, the number of revolutions of the drum 630 may be reduced to perform tumbling, or the drum 630 may be stopped. During this period, the flow of the metal ion-added water to the laundry becomes slow, and the metal ions adhere to the laundry. Further, as compared with the case where normal tumbling is continued, the load on the motor 640 can be reduced and power consumption can be suppressed.
[0100]
Depending on the type of laundry, the laundry may be immersed in the metal ion-added water for a long time, for example, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. By doing so, it is possible not only to impart antibacterial properties by attaching metal ions to the laundry, but also to disinfect the laundry and water and kill mold. This is effective in the following cases.
(1) Laundry is contaminated with bacteria (clothes and linens used inside hospitals. Even clothes and linens used outside hospitals are concerned about stool and contamination by Escherichia coli. What is done).
(2) Mold is breeding on laundry (such as curtains for unit baths).
(3) Water is not sterilized by hypochlorous acid or the like (well water, spring water, rainwater, etc.).
(4) Even if it is water that has been sterilized, its sterilizing effect is diminished or disappears, and there is a concern that bacteria may proliferate (pumping water, remaining bath water bathed the previous night, etc.) ).
[0101]
“Long time immersion in metal ion added water” can be selected through an operation on operation panel 616. It is good also as a selection item in a washing process without being limited to the selection item in a rinsing process. The execution timing may be before, not after, tumbling.
[0102]
After the step S405A (metal ion stirring) ends, the process moves to the step S406. In step S406, the drum 630 is gently rotated to loosen the laundry to prepare for the spin-drying operation.
[0103]
Next, a first example of the finishing agent rinsing step will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, a dehydration step of step S500 is entered. After the dehydration, the process proceeds to step S401B. In step S401B, the sub water supply valve 50b is opened, and water flows into the finishing agent chamber 55 of the water supply port 53. If the finishing agent is put in the finishing agent chamber 55, the finishing agent is poured into the drum 630 together with the water from the siphon unit 57. Since the siphon effect occurs only when the water level in the finishing agent chamber 55 reaches a predetermined height, the liquid finishing agent is held in the finishing agent chamber 55 until the time comes and water is injected into the finishing agent chamber 55. Can be kept.
[0104]
When a predetermined amount of water (an amount sufficient to cause the siphon portion 57 to have a siphon action or more) is injected into the finishing agent chamber 55, the sub water supply valve 50b closes. Note that this water injection step, that is, the finishing agent charging operation is automatically executed if the finishing agent charging step is selected, regardless of whether the finishing agent is placed in the finishing agent chamber 55.
[0105]
If the water level in the drum 630 has not reached the water level required for rinsing at the end of the supply of the finishing agent, ordinary water containing no finishing agent is supplied until the water level reaches the predetermined level. This water supply can be performed from the main water supply valve 50a. After the predetermined water level is obtained, the process proceeds to step S402, in which the running-in tumbling is performed.
[0106]
After the tumbling, the process proceeds to step S405B. In step S405B, stirring (tumbling) is performed to evenly attach the finishing agent to the laundry. By tumbling for a certain period of time and stirring the laundry and the water containing the finishing agent, contact between the laundry and the finishing agent can be promoted, and the finishing agent can be spread over the laundry.
[0107]
After the step S405B (finishing agent stirring) ends, the process moves to the step S406. In step S406, the drum 630 is gently rotated to loosen the laundry to prepare for the spin-drying operation.
[0108]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a second example of the finishing agent rinsing step. In the sequence of FIG. 12 (finishing agent rinsing step 1), the first step is the dehydration step S500. However, in the sequence of FIG. 13 (finishing agent rinsing step 2), the first step is not the dehydrating step but step S501 (drainage). It has become.
[0109]
According to the sequence of FIG. 13, when the immediately preceding process is the metal ion rinsing process, the metal ion added water remains on the laundry without being shaken off by the spin-drying operation. Therefore, the effect of the metal ions can be exhibited more. In this case, step S406 (balance) in the metal ion rinsing process can be omitted.
[0110]
Regardless of whether the sequence shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 is executed, the rinsing step in which the metal ion as the first finishing substance is introduced and the rinsing step in which the finishing agent as the second finishing substance is introduced are different. , The former precedes the latter.
[0111]
As described above, after the rinsing step using the metal ion-added water, the rinsing step using water containing the finishing agent is performed. Therefore, if the metal ions and the finishing agent (softening agent) are added to the rinsing water at the same time, the metal ions become softening agents. Where the antimicrobial properties are reduced by reacting with the components, the finishing agent comes into contact with the laundry after the metal ions sufficiently adhere to the laundry, and the reaction between the metal ions and the finishing agent component is prevented, The antibacterial effect of metal ions can be left on the laundry.
[0112]
As described above, even though the metal ions and the finishing agent are brought into contact with the laundry with a time lag, it is unavoidable that the antibacterial properties of the metal ions are reduced to some extent when the finishing agent is used. Therefore, when a finish is used, the metal ions in the rinse water are increased as compared with the case where the finish is not used, and a decrease in antibacterial activity is prevented as much as possible.
[0113]
Metal ions that exert antibacterial effects are cations. The laundry is negatively charged in water, so that metal ions are electrically adsorbed to the laundry. The metal ions are electrically neutralized when adsorbed on the laundry. Therefore, it does not easily react with chloride ions (anions) which are components of the finishing agent (softener). However, since the metal ions are adsorbed on the laundry over time, a certain amount of time must be allowed before the finishing agent is charged. Therefore, the stirring (tumbling) time of the metal ion rinsing step is 10 minutes. A stirring time of about 3 minutes in the finishing agent rinsing step is sufficient.
[0114]
The metal ions are supplied from the main water supply pipe 52a to the drum 630 through the detergent chamber 54. The finishing agent is supplied from the finishing agent chamber 55 to the drum 630. As described above, since the path for charging the metal ions into the rinsing water and the path for charging the finishing agent to the rinsing water are different systems, the metal ions pass through the path for charging the finishing agent to the rinsing water. However, there is no possibility that the metal ions come into contact with the finishing agent remaining in this pathway to become a compound and lose the antibacterial activity.
[0115]
The input of metal ions is optional. When the input of the metal ions is not selected, the finishing agent rinsing step for the time required for attaching the finishing agent to the laundry may be performed as the final rinsing step.
[0116]
In the finishing agent rinsing step, the charging operation itself is performed regardless of whether the finishing agent is present in the finishing agent chamber 55. Therefore, it is not always necessary to select the finishing agent. When it is not desired to put the finishing agent, it is sufficient if the finishing agent is not simply put in the finishing agent chamber 55.
[0117]
In addition, the charging of the metal ions and the charging of the finishing agent can be both performed. Therefore, when it is not necessary to input the metal ions or the finishing agent, the user selects “Metal ion input non-execution” or “Finish agent input non-execution” by the selection operation through the operation panel 616, and the wasteful movement of the washing machine 1 is performed. You can stop it.
[0118]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a second example of the charging sequence of the metal ions and the finishing agent. Here, if it is not confirmed in step S407 that the selection of metal ion injection has been made, the process proceeds directly to step S408. In the sequence of FIG. 10, since the process proceeds to step S408 after the rinsing process of step S400-2, the total number of rinsing processes is reduced when metal ion injection is not selected as compared to when metal ion injection is not selected. become. Thereby, the total time of the washing process and the amount of water used can be reduced.
[0119]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a third example of the charging sequence of the metal ions and the finishing agent. Here, if it is not confirmed in step S408 that the finishing agent has been selected, the process directly proceeds to step S204. In the sequence of FIG. 10, since the process has proceeded to step S204 after the rinsing process of step S400-3, the total number of rinsing processes is reduced when the finishing agent is not selected as compared with when the finishing agent is not selected. become. Thereby, the total time of the washing process and the amount of water used can be reduced.
[0120]
According to the sequence of FIG. 15, when the input of the metal ions is selected and the input of the finishing agent is not selected, the metal ion rinsing step (Step S400A) is the final rinsing step. In other words, if the introduction of the finishing agent is selected, the final rinsing step should have been the finishing agent rinsing step (S400B), but the metal ion rinsing step (step S400A) has replaced it.
[0121]
In the sequence of FIG. 15, when the finishing agent is not charged, the rinsing is not performed again after the metal ions are charged, so that the residual amount of the metal ions in the laundry can be increased.
[0122]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a fourth example of the charging sequence of the metal ions and the finishing agent. Here, after the first rinsing step S400-1, a step S408 for confirming the introduction of the finishing agent is provided. If it is confirmed that the input of the finishing agent is selected, the process proceeds to step S407-1, and it is checked whether the input of the metal ions is selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to step S400A-1, and the metal ion rinsing process is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the finishing agent rinsing step of step S400B, and further proceeds to step S204. That is, step S400A-1 is the second rinsing step.
[0123]
If it is not confirmed in step S407-1 that the input of the metal ions has been selected, the process proceeds to step S400-4, and the second rinsing step using ordinary water to which ions have not been added is executed. Then, the finishing agent rinsing step of step S400B is executed.
[0124]
If it is not confirmed in step S408 that the addition of the finishing agent has been selected, the process proceeds to step S400-2, and the second rinsing process using ordinary water is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S407-2, and it is determined whether the input of metal ions is selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to step S400A-2, where a metal ion rinsing process is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S204. Step S400A-2 is the third rinsing step.
[0125]
If it is not confirmed in step S407-2 that the input of the metal ions has been selected, the process proceeds to step S400-3, and the third rinsing process using ordinary water is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S204.
[0126]
According to the sequence of FIG. 16, when the input of the metal ions is selected without selecting the input of the finishing agent, the metal ion rinsing step (step S400A-2) is the final rinsing step. That is, if the introduction of the finishing agent is selected, the final rinsing step should have been the finishing agent rinsing step (S400B), but the metal ion rinsing step (step S400A-2) has replaced it.
[0127]
In the sequence of FIG. 16, when the finishing agent is not charged, rinsing is not performed again after the metal ions are charged, so that the amount of metal ions remaining in the laundry can be increased.
[0128]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a fifth example of the charging sequence of the metal ions and the finishing agent. Here, if it is not confirmed in step S407 that the selection of metal ion injection has been made, the process proceeds directly to step S408. In the sequence of FIG. 10, since the process proceeds to step S408 after the rinsing process of step S400-2, the rinsing process is reduced by one when the metal ion dosing is not selected as compared with the case where metal ion dosing is selected.
[0129]
If it is not confirmed in step S408 that the finishing agent has been selected, the process proceeds directly to step S204. In the sequence of FIG. 10, since the process proceeds to step S204 after the rinsing process of step S400-3, the rinsing process is reduced by one when the finishing agent is not selected as compared with the case where the finishing agent is selected. That is, when neither the metal ion input nor the finishing agent input is selected, the rinsing process is reduced twice from the sequence of FIG. 10 to only one in step S400-1. As a result, the total time of the washing process and the amount of water used can be significantly reduced.
[0130]
According to the sequence of FIG. 17, similarly to the sequence of FIG. 15, when the input of the metal ions is selected and the input of the finishing agent is not selected, the metal ion rinsing step (Step S400A) is referred to as the final rinsing step. Become. In other words, if the introduction of the finishing agent is selected, the final rinsing step should have been the finishing agent rinsing step (S400B), but the metal ion rinsing step (step S400A) has replaced it. Since the rinsing is not performed again after the metal ions are input, the amount of metal ions remaining in the laundry can be increased.
[0131]
Executing the above sequences in the horizontal drum type washing machine 601 has the following advantages.
[0132]
The horizontal drum type washing machine 601 requires less water to be used in the rinsing step than a conventional spiral type washing machine. Therefore, even if a finish agent rinsing step or a normal rinsing step is provided after the metal ion rinsing step, the rate at which metal ions attached to the laundry are washed away is low. Therefore, the antibacterial action of metal ions is not easily lost.
[0133]
Further, when the function of the clothes dryer is incorporated in the horizontal drum type washing machine 601, and the washing machine is used as a dryer, the following advantages are further obtained.
[0134]
Since the washing machine also needs to stir the laundry in the drying process, it has a structure that can stir the laundry even in a state where only a small amount of water is present. Therefore, when the second finishing substance is introduced, if the second finishing substance is introduced together with a small amount of rinsing water, the rate at which the effect of the first finishing substance is impaired by the second finishing substance can be reduced. The effect of the finishing substance can be fully exhibited.
[0135]
FIG. 18 is a table summarizing the results of the experiment of feeding metal ions and finishing agents. The experiment was performed in four ways, and the common conditions are as follows. First, the cloth weight was 4 kg. The water volume at the time of rinsing was 20 L. The washing sequence was “washing step → rinsing step (3 times) → dehydrating step”. In the rinsing step, the metal ion added water and the finishing agent were charged under various conditions. The input sequence of each experiment is shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. In each experiment, the metal ions were silver ions, and the finish was a softener.
[0136]
In Experiment (1), as shown in FIG. 19, silver ions and a softener were simultaneously added in the final rinsing step. That is, when starting the third rinsing, water was supplied from the main water supply valve and the sub water supply valve, and at the same time, a voltage was applied to the electrode of the ion elution unit so that the silver ion concentration of the rinse water became 180 ppb. After rinsing, drained and dehydrated.
[0137]
In Experiment (2), as shown in FIG. 20, silver ions were introduced in the second rinsing step, and a softener was introduced in the third rinsing step. In the second rinsing step, the sequence of FIG. 11 was executed. Water was supplied from the main water supply valve, and a voltage was applied to the electrodes of the ion elution unit so that the silver ion concentration of the rinse water was 180 ppb. After stirring for 10 minutes, the balance was taken and the process was transferred to the third rinsing step.
[0138]
In the third rinsing step, the sequence of FIG. 13 was executed. That is, dewatering was not performed with only drainage, but water was supplied from the main water supply valve and the sub water supply valve to a predetermined water level, and at the same time, a softener was injected. After charging, the mixture was stirred for 2 minutes, drained, and dehydrated.
[0139]
In experiment (3), as shown in FIG. 21, the softener was not charged, and only silver ions were charged in the third rinsing step. Water was supplied from the main water supply valve, and a voltage was applied to the electrodes of the ion elution unit so that the silver ion concentration of the rinse water was 180 ppb. After the addition, the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes, drained, and dehydrated.
[0140]
In Experiment 4, as shown in FIG. 22, the softener was not charged, and only silver ions were charged in the second rinsing step.
[0141]
The bacteriostatic activity value of the cloth washed under the above conditions (1), (2), (3) and (4) and dried in a room at room temperature is shown in the rightmost column of the table in FIG. The bacteriostatic activity value was determined by the quantitative test method of JIS L1902.
[0142]
In the experiment (1) in which the softener was added at the same time as the silver ion, the antibacterial property was significantly reduced as compared with the experiment (3) in which the softener was not added. In the experiment (2) in which the softening agent was added later, the antibacterial property was higher than that of the experiment (1), though it was not as good as the experiment (3).
[0143]
In the experiment (4), the softener was not added, but the rinsing was performed after the rinsing of the silver ions. Therefore, the antibacterial property was lower than that of the experiment (3) in which the silver ions were supplied at the final rinsing. Is inferior.
[0144]
When the experiment was performed under the conditions of experiment (2) but without putting the softener into the finish agent preparation space, the same results as in experiment (4) were obtained. In the sequence of FIG. 20, when the operation including the finishing agent charging operation is performed without setting the softener, the antibacterial property is lower than in the experiment (3) but higher than in the experiment (1).
[0145]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the application to the horizontal drum type washing machine as described in the above embodiment. The present invention can be applied to all types of washing machines such as a normal spiral type fully automatic washing machine and a two-layer washing machine.
[0146]
【The invention's effect】
According to the washing machine of the present invention, a plurality of finishing substances such as a metal ion and a softening agent having a germicidal action are automatically added in the washing process, and the finishing effect of each of the finishing substances can be exerted on the laundry, and Since the first finishing substance and the second finishing substance are introduced in separate rinsing steps, two types of finishing substances, at least one of which is diminished if they are introduced at the same time, without impairing their respective effects. It can be attached to laundry, and the effect of each finishing substance can be maximized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the washing machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a water supply port.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the entire washing process.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a washing process.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a rinsing step.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a dehydration step.
FIG. 8 is a schematic horizontal sectional view of an ion elution unit.
FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical sectional view of an ion elution unit.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a first example of a charging sequence of a metal ion and a finishing agent.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a metal ion rinsing step.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a first example of a finishing agent rinsing step.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a second example of the finishing agent rinsing step.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a second example of a charging sequence of a metal ion and a finishing agent.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a third example of a charging sequence of a metal ion and a finishing agent.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a fourth example of a charging sequence of a metal ion and a finishing agent.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a fifth example of a charging sequence of a metal ion and a finishing agent.
FIG. 18 is a table summarizing the results of an experiment for introducing metal ions and a finishing agent.
FIG. 19 is a first flowchart showing an input sequence during an experiment.
FIG. 20 is a second flowchart showing a charging sequence during an experiment.
FIG. 21 is a third flowchart showing a charging sequence at the time of an experiment;
FIG. 22 is a fourth flowchart showing a charging sequence at the time of an experiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
601 Horizontal drum type washing machine
610 outer box
620 aquarium
630 drum
640 motor
50 water valve
50a Main water supply valve
50b Sub water valve
53 water inlet
54 detergent room
55 Finishing agent room
652 Water supply nozzle
665 drain valve
690 control unit
100 ion elution unit
113, 114 electrodes

Claims (15)

Automatic input of a plurality of types of finishing substances is possible in a washing step, wherein the plurality of types of finishing substances include a first finishing substance and a second finishing substance, and the rinsing step in the washing step is performed a plurality of times. A rinsing step in which the first finishing substance is supplied and a rinsing step in which the second finishing substance is supplied, wherein the former precedes the latter. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the rinsing step of charging the first finishing substance and the rinsing step of charging the second finishing substance are continuous. The method according to claim 2, wherein in the transition from the rinsing step in which the first finishing substance is supplied to the rinsing step in which the second finishing substance is supplied, only drainage is performed without dehydration. 4. Washing machine. The second finishing substance is supplied in a final rinsing step, and the first finishing substance is supplied in a rinsing step immediately before the final rinsing step. Item 4. The washing machine according to item 3. The charging of the first finishing substance is an optional matter, and when not selected, the number of times of the rinsing step is reduced as compared with the case where it is selected. The washing machine as described. The charging of the second finishing substance is an optional matter, and when not selected, the number of times of the rinsing step is reduced as compared with the case where it is selected. The washing machine as described. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein both the introduction of the first finishing substance and the introduction of the second finishing substance can be made inoperative. The charging operation itself is performed when the second finishing material is charged, regardless of whether the second finishing material is present in the preparation space for charging the second finishing material. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7. When the input of the second finishing substance is not selected, the input of the first finishing substance is performed in the rinsing step in which the input of the second finishing substance should have been performed when the second finishing substance was selected. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The metal ion generated by the ion eluting unit is used as the first finishing material, and a finishing agent for washing is used as the second finishing material. Washing machine. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the ion eluting unit generates a metal ion by applying a voltage between the electrodes. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the metal ions generated by the ion eluting unit are any of silver ions, copper ions, and zinc ions. The path for charging the metal ions into the rinsing water and the path for charging the finishing agent into the rinsing water are provided in different systems, according to any one of claims 10 to 12. Washing machine. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the washing machine is also a dryer and a washing machine. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the washing process is performed by a horizontal drum.

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