JP2021168734A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of discharging a softener without degrading the function of a balancer.SOLUTION: A washing machine of the present invention is provided with a washing and dewatering tub 3, which is located inside the outer tank and whose rotation axis is in the vertical direction, and a softener discharge unit 6, which moves the softener in a case 60 through a plurality of storage chambers 71-74 using the dewatering operation of the washing and dewatering tub 3, and discharges it into the outer tank in time with the final rinse operation, and the softener discharge part 6 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the washing and dewatering tub 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and particularly to a technique for discharging a softener.

As a conventional washing machine, "an outer tub arranged in the main body, an inner tub arranged inside the outer tub and rotatable, and a motor for rotationally driving the outer (tank) and the inner tub. A balancer provided on the upper part of the inner tank and having a softener automatic outflow device for flowing out the softener into the outer tank during the rinsing process is provided, and the balancer communicates with the softener automatic outflow device on the upper part. Includes a fabric softener inlet, a fabric softener inlet lid that covers the fabric softener inlet, and an inlet rib that is provided around the fabric softener inlet and extends upward from the upper end of the balancer. A washing machine has been proposed in which the upper end portion of the balancer has a substantially flat shape on the outer peripheral side facing the inlet rib (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-54494

However, in the washing machine, since the softener automatic outflow device is provided in the balancer, the accommodation space of the balancer is compressed by the automatic outflow device, the original function of the balancer is hindered, and an unbalanced state caused by the rotation of the dehydration operation occurs. May not be sufficiently suppressed. On the other hand, even as a fabric softener input device, there is a problem that the fabric softener input capacity cannot be sufficiently secured to meet the recent trend of increasing size of products, which hinders the fabric softener input and the fabric softener input cannot operate automatically and well. Is happening.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is sufficient to be able to add and discharge a softener without deteriorating the function of the balancer, and to be able to respond to the recent increase in size of washing machines. It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine that can surely secure a sufficient volume.

The washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention has a washing / dehydrating tub that is arranged in an outer tub and whose rotation axis is in the vertical direction, and a plurality of storage chambers that utilize the dehydration operation of the washing / dehydrating tub for the softener in the case. The fabric softener discharge unit is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the washing / dehydrating tub.

In the washing machine according to the above aspect, since the softener discharge portion is provided on the inner wall surface of the washing / dehydrating tub, there is no possibility of deteriorating the function of the balancer.

It is a perspective view of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the state which opened the lid part of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic view of the softener discharge part which concerns on embodiment, (A) is a view seen from the rotation axis side, (B) is a sectional view orthogonal to the rotation direction, (C) is a view from above. It is a figure. It is explanatory drawing about a standard course, (A) is a process diagram, (B) is a diagram which shows the rotation speed of the washing and dehydrating tub of this course, and (C) is a diagram which shows the state of a softener. It is an explanatory diagram about the hurry course, (A) is a stroke diagram, (B) is a diagram showing the number of rotations of the washing / dehydrating tub of this course, and (C) is a diagram showing the state of the softener. .. It is a process diagram about a user setting course. It is the schematic of the softener discharge part which concerns on the modification. It is explanatory drawing of the softener discharge part which concerns on the modification. It is explanatory drawing of the softener discharge part which concerns on the modification.

<Overview>
When the balancer is provided with a softener discharge unit (also referred to as a softener input device), there are further problems as follows.
(1) Since the softener discharge portion becomes an additional unbalance for the balancer, this adversely affects the vibration reduction function.
(2) When the softener from the softener outlet adheres to the inner tank made of stainless steel plate or the gap between the inner tank and the input part, the softener contains a component that rusts stainless steel, so that rust etc. Occurrence may contaminate clothing.
(3) Since the structure is such that the softener is sealed in the balancer, the residual softener cannot be sufficiently cleaned. At present, cleaning is performed by passing water, and it is difficult to completely remove the solidified softener. In relation to this, if cleaning is neglected, there is a risk that the softener cannot be added due to solidification.
(4) Conventional fabric softener throwers have been mainly used in small washing machines such as washing machines for 5 kg. For small ones, it was thought that the amount of softener to be added was about 30 cc at most, but with the recent increase in the size of washing machines, it has come to be used in washing machines for 8 kg, and it will also be used in washing machines for 10 kg. When the movement comes out, the amount of softener to be added also becomes 40 cc to 50 cc. This type has been selected because it is inexpensive and can be input without using electricity. However, with the conventional method of putting fabric softener inside the balancer, if you try to increase the amount of fabric softener input, the balancer function will be hindered, or it will be necessary to design the fabric softener so that it pops out into the washing machine inlet. Practical design was difficult due to problems such as the input itself not functioning well.
The washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention has a washing / dehydrating tub which is arranged in an outer tub and whose rotation axis is in the vertical direction, and a plurality of storage chambers for the softener in the case by utilizing the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub. It is provided with a softener discharge portion that is moved and discharged according to the final rinsing operation, and the softener discharge portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the washing / dehydrating tub. By providing the softener discharge portion on the inner peripheral surface of the washing / dehydrating tub in this way, the load imbalance for the balancer can be reduced. The softener is discharged outside the washing / dehydrating tub (and inside the outer tub), inside the washing / dehydrating tub, and inside / outside the washing / dehydrating tub.

In the washing machine, the plurality of storage chambers store at least a first storage chamber for storing the softener charged from the inlet of the case and a softener moved from the first storage chamber by the rotation. A second storage chamber, a third storage chamber for storing the softener moved from the second storage chamber due to gravity, and a fourth storage chamber for storing the softener moved from the third storage chamber due to the rotation. The case includes a discharge port for discharging the softener that has moved from the fourth storage chamber due to gravity. As a result, the softener can be moved from the first storage chamber to the fourth storage chamber and discharged.

In the washing machine, the plurality of storage chambers further include a fifth storage chamber for storing the softener that has moved from the fourth storage chamber due to gravity, and the second storage chamber has a diameter larger than that of the first storage chamber. Located outside the direction, the fourth storage chamber is located radially outside the third storage chamber, the third storage chamber is located above the fifth storage chamber, and the first 5 The softener stored in the storage chamber is discharged into the washing water of the final rinsing operation that has entered from the discharge port. As a result, the softener that has moved from the fourth storage chamber can be temporarily stored, and the timing of discharge can be adjusted.
In the washing machine, the water supply in the final rinsing operation is set by the weight of the laundry, and at least the third storage chamber is flooded when the maximum water level due to the water supply in the heaviest setting in the final rinsing operation is reached. It is provided at the position where it is used. As a result, the softener remaining in the softener discharge portion can be flowed by water supply, for example, the risk of the softener remaining in the case and solidifying can be reduced, and the function of the softener discharge portion can be maintained for a long period of time. In addition, since it is configured to automatically clean during use by supplying water, the labor of cleaning can be saved. When the amount of laundry is small, it may be set not to supply water to the above maximum water level. In this case, it will be cleaned if it is submerged in the next washing, so water is supplied to the third storage room. It does not have to be done.

The washing machine includes a control unit that controls the rotation operation of the washing / dehydrating tub according to the contents of the washing course selected by the user. Is controlled to suppress the movement of the softener in the process including the rinsing operation prior to the final rinsing operation when the number of times is greater than the number of times the fabric softener is moved in the plurality of storage chambers. As a result, the softener can be discharged at a predetermined timing regardless of the number of rinses set by the user.
In the washing machine, the control unit controls so that when the number of rinsing operations is specified as one in the washing course, the rotation is performed twice after the first rinsing is completed. As a result, the softener can be discharged at a predetermined timing.

<Embodiment>
1. 1. Schematic structure The schematic structure of the washing machine X according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
The washing machine X is a so-called vertical washing machine in which the rotation axis of the washing / dehydrating tub (also referred to as “inner tub”) 3 extends in the vertical direction. In addition, when simply referring to "circumferential direction" or "diameter direction", the rotation axis of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is used as a reference.
As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine X rotates to the outer tub 2 arranged in the housing 1, the washing / dehydrating tub 3 rotatably supported in the outer tub 2, and the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub 3. A pulsator 4 that can be provided, a drive unit 5 that rotationally drives the pulsator 4 and the washing / dehydrating tub 3, a softener discharging unit 6 that automatically discharges the softener into the washing / dehydrating tub 3, and a washing machine X. A control unit 8 for controlling a washing operation or the like is provided.

The housing 1 has a box-shaped main body portion 11 having an opening on the upper surface, and a lid portion 13 provided on the main body portion 11 and capable of opening and closing the opening of the main body portion 11. The upper part of the main body 11 has a water supply unit 15 for supplying water into the outer tank 2. A drainage portion 17 for draining the inside of the outer tank 2 is provided on the lower surface of the main body portion 11.
An operation unit 19 for performing a washing operation of the washing machine X is provided on the upper surface of the main body portion 11. The operation unit 19 has buttons, switches, and the like for turning the power on / off, starting / pausing the operation, selecting the washing course, and the like, and accepts the user's operation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outer tub 2 is supported by the main body 11 by a support member 23 capable of absorbing vibration due to rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and laundry.
The washing / dehydrating tub 3 has a large number of through holes 32 for passing washing water through the peripheral wall 31. On the inner peripheral surface of the washing / dehydrating tub 3, a waste collecting unit 33 for collecting waste in washing water and a fabric softener discharging unit 6 are provided. A balancer 38 is provided at the upper end of the washing / dehydrating tub 3.
The lint collection unit 33 collects lint, hair, soil, and other debris, and provides a so-called lint filter (not shown) in the case 34. The case 34 has a receiving port 34a for receiving the washing water circulating in the washing / dehydrating tub 3 inside, and a discharge port 34b for discharging the received washing water that has passed through the lint filter into the washing / dehydrating tub 3. Have. The waste collection unit 33 constitutes a filter installation unit.
The softener discharge portion 6 is not provided on the balancer 38, but is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the washing / dehydrating tub 3. Here, the fabric softener discharge unit 6 is arranged between two lint collection units 33 provided at intervals in the circumferential direction, and is a washing / dehydrating tank before the final rinsing stroke or in the first half of the final rinsing stroke. Discharge the softener into 3. The softener discharge unit 6 will be described later.

The drive unit 5 has a clutch 51 that is selectively connected to the pulsator 4 and the washing / dehydrating tub 3, and a drive motor 53 that rotationally drives the clutch 51. The drive motor 53 transmits power to the clutch 51 via a belt 55 or the like.
The control unit 8 controls the water supply unit 15, the drainage unit 17, the drive unit 5, and the like according to the operation content received by the user of the operation unit 19. Specifically, the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydration process are performed according to the washing course selected by the user, and the drive unit 5 is controlled to rotate the washing / dehydrating tub 3 and the pulsator 4 according to each process. Water supply / drainage is performed by controlling the water supply unit 15 and the drainage unit 17.
In the control unit 8, the microcomputer executes a program for performing various washing courses and selected washing contents. The program is stored in a memory such as a built-in ROM, EEPROM, or RAM.
Examples of the washing course include a standard course, a hurry course, and a user-set course. The standard course includes a washing process, two rinsing processes, and a dehydration process. The rush course includes a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process. The user-set course is a course in which the user sets the number of rinsing processes and the like. For example, a washing process, three rinsing processes, and a dehydration process are performed.

2. Softener discharge section This will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 4, the storage chambers 71 to 75 use arrows for leader lines in order to distinguish them from the parts (for example, side walls) that constitute the space of the storage chamber. Further, the left-right direction in FIG. 4B is the radial direction of the washing / dehydrating tub 3, and the left side is the rotation axis side. Needless to say, the inner side in the radial direction is the side closer to the rotation axis, and the outer side in the radial direction is the side far from the rotation axis. The fabric softener discharge section 6 is attached to the washing / dehydrating tub 3, but in FIG. 4B, the line segment showing the member 60B (back wall 60b) constituting the softener discharging section 6 and the washing / dehydrating tub 3 are shown. It is separated in the radial direction to distinguish it from the line segment shown.

(1) Outline The fabric softener discharge unit 6 uses the dehydration operation of the washing / dehydrating tank 3 to move the fabric softener charged in the case 60 in a plurality of storage chambers according to the final rinsing process to wash and remove the fabric softener. Discharge into the water tank 3. Each storage room is a room in which the softener moved by the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 or the like is stored.
Normally, the softener needs to be discharged to the washing / dehydrating tub 3 in the rinsing operation of the second rinsing process (the second rinsing process described later), and the fabric softener is washed and removed so as to be discharged at this timing. The fabric softener is configured to move through each storage chamber by the rotation of the water tank 3.
The case 60 has an input port 60f for charging the softener into the inside of the case 60, and discharge ports 60g and 60h for discharging the softener from the inside to the washing / dehydrating tub 3. The case 60 has a long shape in the vertical direction.

The case 60 has a plurality of storage chambers inside. The plurality of storage chambers store at least a first storage chamber 71 for storing the softener charged from the inlet 60f of the case 60 and a softener moved from the first storage chamber 71 by centrifugal force due to dehydration operation. The second storage chamber 72, the third storage chamber 73 for storing the softener moved by gravity from the second storage chamber 72, and the softener moved from the third storage chamber 73 by the centrifugal force due to the dehydration operation are stored. Includes a fourth storage chamber 74.
The plurality of storage chambers here include a fifth storage chamber 75 that stores the softener that has moved from the fourth storage chamber 74 due to gravity, and discharges to the outside of the fifth storage chamber 75 and to the downstream side thereof. An outlet of 60 g is provided.

The first storage chamber 71 is located below the inlet 60f. The second storage chamber 72 is located outward in the radial direction with respect to the first storage chamber 71. The third storage chamber 73 is located below the second storage chamber 72. The fourth storage chamber 74 is located outward in the radial direction with respect to the third storage chamber 73. The fifth storage chamber 75 is located below the fourth storage chamber 74.
Since at least the first storage chamber 71 to the fourth storage chamber 74 are in the positional relationship as described above, the softener is automatically discharged by the dehydration operation of each washing course. Further, since the first storage chamber 71 to the fourth storage chamber 74 are provided in the vertically long case 60 and the inlet 60f is provided on the upper end side of the case 60, the softener is provided during the dehydration operation and the rinsing operation. It can be prevented from scattering outside the case 60.

More specifically, the third storage chamber 73 is located below the first storage chamber 71. The fourth storage chamber 74 is located below the second storage chamber 72. The upper part of the first storage chamber 71 on the outer side in the radial direction is open. The upper part of the third storage chamber 73 on the outer side in the radial direction is open. As a result, the softener can be smoothly moved.

The case 60 includes a front wall 60a located inside in the radial direction, a back wall 60b located outside in the radial direction, and side walls 60c located on both sides in the circumferential direction when the case 60 is viewed directly in front of the rotation axis side. , 60d and a bottom wall located at the lower end.
The case 60 is composed of two members (60A, 60B) that can be separated in the radial direction, and at least the first storage chamber 71 and the third storage chamber 73 are provided in the member 60A on the inner side (front side) in the radial direction. A second storage chamber 72 and a fourth storage chamber 74 are provided on the member 60B on the outer side (back side) in the radial direction. Here, a fifth storage chamber 75 is also provided in the inner member 60A. As a result, not only can a plurality of storage chambers 71 to 75 be easily provided in the case 60, but also the case 60 can be easily disassembled and washed, and problems due to solidification of the softener inside can be prevented. can.

The upper end of the first outer wall 71b of the first storage chamber 71 is located above the maximum water level of the washing water during the washing process. As a result, it is possible to prevent the washing water containing the detergent from entering the first storage chamber 71. In addition, it is possible to prevent the added softener from being discharged into the washing water during the washing process. That is, it is possible to prevent the softener from being reduced during the washing process.

The second storage chamber 72 does not have an inner wall in the radial direction because the softener is pressed against the back wall 60b by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3. Above the radial inner end of the second bottom wall 72a is an outlet 72c through which the softener moves from the second storage chamber 72 to the third storage chamber 73. On the lower surface of the second bottom wall 72a, a scattering control unit 72d is provided to prevent the softener from passing from the second storage chamber 72 through the third storage chamber 73 and jumping out to the fourth storage chamber. .. Here, the scattering control portion 72d is provided near the inner end in the radial direction of the second bottom wall 72a. The scattering control unit 72d also has a function of inducing the movement of the softener from the second storage chamber 72 to the third storage chamber 73.

The third outer wall 73b is outside the radial inner end (scattering control portion 72d) of the second bottom wall 72a. The upper part of the third bottom wall 73a is the inlet 73c of the softener moving from the second storage chamber 72, and the upper part of the third outer wall 73b is the softener moving from the third storage chamber 73 to the fourth storage chamber 74. Exit 73d.
The third storage chamber 73 is set at a position lower than the water level set to the maximum water level for washing and rinsing, which causes the fabric softener to be washed with water quite frequently, and the fabric softener input device cannot operate due to the solidification of the fabric softener. It can be prevented from becoming.

The fourth storage chamber 74 does not have an inner wall in the radial direction because the softener is pressed against the back wall 60b by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3. Above the radial inner end of the fourth bottom wall 74a is an outlet 74c through which the softener moves from the fourth storage chamber 74 to the fifth storage chamber 75. On the lower surface of the fourth bottom wall 74a, the softener remaining in the fourth storage chamber 74 is prevented from moving (scattering) to the fourth storage chamber 74 due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tank 3. A regulation unit 74d is provided. Both ends of the scattering control portion 74d in the circumferential direction are connected to the side walls 60c and 60d of the case 60. Here, the scattering control portion 74d is provided near the inner end in the radial direction of the fourth bottom wall 74a. The scattering control unit 74d also has a function of inducing the movement of the softener from the fourth storage chamber 74 to the fifth storage chamber 75.
The fifth outer wall 75b is radially outside the inner end (scattering control portion 74d) in the radial direction of the fourth bottom wall 74a. Above the fifth bottom wall 75a is the inlet 75c of the softener moving from the fourth storage chamber 74.

The case 60 has a slot 60f at the uppermost position of the case 60. A guide wall 76 is provided on the rear side of the insertion port 60f. As a result, the softener charged from the charging port 60f is guided to the first storage chamber 71.
The case 60 has at least a discharge port 60 g on the outer side in the radial direction of the fifth storage chamber 75. With the discharge port 60g, the washing water can flow into the case 60 by the rotation of the pulsator 4 during the rinsing operation, and the inside of the case 60 can be washed.
In addition to the discharge port 60g, the case 60 here has a discharge port 60h above the fifth storage chamber 75 and inside the fourth storage chamber 74 in the radial direction. The discharge port 60h is provided at at least one side wall 60c, 60d of the case 60 at a portion where the softener does not enter when the softener is flowed from the fourth storage chamber 74 to the fifth storage chamber 75. The discharge port 60h is provided at a position where at least the washing water during the rinsing operation of the second rinsing process enters the washing operation of the washing process, the rinsing operation of the first rinsing process, and the rinsing operation of the second rinsing process. ..

3. 3. Movement of fabric softener during washing (1) Washing course In this embodiment, as a washing course, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), a standard course including a washing stroke, a first rinsing stroke, a second rinsing stroke and a dehydration stroke. As shown in FIG. 6A, a rush course including a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process, a user-set course determined by the user's setting, and the like are included. As an example, the user-set course here is a washing process, a first rinsing process, a second rinsing process, a third rinsing process, and a dehydration process, and is a rinsing process with respect to the standard course. Is one more time.
In FIGS. 5 and 6, (A) shows the process performed in the washing course and the operation in each process, (B) shows the number of rotations of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 in each operation, and (C) shows the case. The state such as the position of the softener in 60 is shown. The dehydration operation in each of the rinsing steps in (A) and (B) is made longer for convenience than the rinsing step and the like in order to explain the state of the softener in association with each other in (C). Further, in (C), the softener is shown by cross-hatching.
The movement of the softener in each course will be described below.

(2) Standard course This will be described with reference to FIG.
When the standard course is selected by the operation of the operation unit 19 of the user and the start button is operated, the control unit 8 causes the microcomputer to execute the program for the standard course read from the memory.

In using the washing machine X, the user injects the softener from the inlet 60f before starting the washing operation. The softener is stored in the first storage chamber 71 as shown in (a) of FIG. 5 (C). During the washing process, water is supplied from the water supply unit 15 into the washing / dehydrating tub 3. Although it will be clarified in the explanation, the liquid level of the softener is located on the upper side in (a) of FIG. 5 (C). Needless to say, the amount of the softener input varies depending on the washing capacity, and each storage chamber is designed so that, for example, about 40 cc of 8 kg of laundry can be stored.

The washing is performed with water containing detergent, and when the washing is completed, the water is drained and the first dehydration operation of the first rinsing process is started. In the washing process, only the pulsator 4 rotates without rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 3. Further, the first dehydration operation is the first dehydration operation after the washing operation is started.
In the dehydration operation, the softener begins to move from the first storage chamber 71 to the second storage chamber 72 as shown in (b) of FIG. 5 (C). The state in which the movement is completed is shown in (c) of FIG. 5 (C). It should be noted that there are two peaks in which the rotation speed fluctuates up and down first in the dehydration process of the first rinse in FIG. 5 (C), but here the softener has already moved to the second storage chamber 72. It goes without saying that the rotation speed should not be set to 2 Hz (120 rpm) or less at which the softener flows out even in a low rotation state.
As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the line on the left side extending in the vertical direction is the liquid level of the softener in the second storage chamber 72. This is because the rotation axis of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is located on the left side and the virtual rotation axis when considering the balance with the balancer 38 is located on the left side. Then, the liquid level of the softener, which was horizontal, stands vertically as shown in (c) of FIG. 5 (C).

When the rotation speed decreases in the first dehydration operation, the liquid level of the softener shown in (c) of FIG. 5 (C) is formed so as to approach a little horizontal from the vertical, but the rotation is almost stationary. The softener is adjusted by the second bottom wall 72a so as not to come out to the third storage chamber 73 side until Further, when the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 in the dehydration operation drops to about 3 Hz, the brake is applied to suddenly stop the washing / dehydrating tub 3, and the softener is not dropped down until the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub stops. Useful for.

When the first dehydration operation is completed and the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is completely stopped, the softener falls downward and moves to the third storage chamber 73 as shown in (e) of FIG. 5 (C). .. In this state, the rinsing operation of the first rinsing process starts. Recently, shower rinsing is often performed for the first rinsing to save water. In this case, there is no particular design problem, but in a washing machine that takes into consideration the accumulation and rinsing, the amount of water in the rinsing operation of the first rinsing process is adjusted, or the softener discharge unit 6 is designed. As shown in (e), the surface of the rinse water should not rise above the upper end position of the third outer wall 73b of the third storage chamber 73 (that is, it is also the outlet 73d of the softener in the third storage chamber 73). There is a need. In some cases, a check valve may be provided at the upper end position of the third outer wall 73b to prevent rinsing water from entering.
For shower rinsing, water is injected while slowly rotating the washing / dehydrating tub 3 at a rotation (about 1 Hz 60 rpm) so that the softener does not pop out from the third storage chamber 73, and after the cloth contains sufficient water. This is a method of discharging the detergent solution by entering dehydration (second dehydration).
When rinsing with the first rinsing, a method of moving the pulsator 4 with a small amount of water so that the washing liquid does not enter the third storage chamber 73 is often adopted. If the design developer wants to make a washing machine by a method that takes a large amount of water, it is possible to take measures such as providing a check valve at the outlet 73d to prevent water from entering the third storage chamber 73.

Water may enter the position of the third storage chamber 73 due to the water level during the washing process, but during the first dehydration operation, the water in the third storage chamber 73 is the fourth. Since it flows out to the storage chamber 74, there is no problem in the operation of the softener discharge unit 6. During the rinsing operation of the first rinsing process, the liquid level of the softener in the third storage chamber 73 has no centrifugal force, so that it is on the upper side as shown in (e) of FIG. 5 (C).

When the rinsing operation of the first rinsing process is completed, the second dehydration operation is started after the drainage operation of the second rinsing process is completed. The second dehydration operation is the second dehydration operation after the washing operation is started.
By the second dehydration operation, the softener in the third storage chamber 73 is blown off by centrifugal force and moved to the fourth storage chamber 74 as shown in (f) and (g) of FIG. 5 (C). do. In this state, there is a fourth bottom wall 74a on the lower side, and the softener does not fall below the fourth bottom wall 74a during rotation.
However, when the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 in the second dehydration operation is stopped, the softener drops to the position of the fifth storage chamber 75 as shown in (i) of FIG. 5 (C). At this stage, the second rinsing operation of the second rinsing process is started. When the water level rises due to water supply, the softener flows out into the washing water that has flowed in through the discharge ports 60g, 60h, the gaps in the case 60, and the like. As described above, it is preferable to provide holes (discharge ports 60 g, 60 h) on the side or bottom of the case 60 so that the washing water and the softener are appropriately mixed.
In addition, a small wall (fifth storage chamber 75) that restricts the flow of the softener that has moved from the fourth storage chamber 74 to some extent is provided. This is because the fabric softener is a stock solution, so it is better not to let it come into direct contact with laundry such as clothes. From this point of view, it means that the fifth storage chamber 75 has a separation function for separating the laundry and the softener.
Such a structure can be realized by changing one of the passages through which the lint removal water flow or the like flows by utilizing the pumping action of the rotary blade of the pulsator 4 or the part where the filter (lint filter) of the fully automatic washing machine is inserted.
That is, the following effects can be obtained by the above configuration.

(A) Since the softener discharge portion is not provided in the balancer 38 portion, the function of the balancer 38 can be maximized.
(B) The softener discharge unit 6 can be designed so that the storage chambers other than the first storage chamber 71 are submerged in water (this water is not rinse water but wash water), so that the softener discharge unit 6 can be used. There is no problem that the softener cannot be added to the softener discharge unit 6 due to the drying and solidification of the remaining softener. If the balancer 38 is provided with a softener discharge portion, some softener remains inside the balancer 38, so that the softener may dry and solidify at the softener discharge portion, making it impossible to add the softener. be.
(C) As shown in FIG. 4B, the softener discharge portion 6 disassembles the left side portion (the portion indicated by the thick line) 60A and the right side portion 60B of the case 60 by a locking structure or a screwing structure (not shown). By detachably joining, all the members 60A and 60B can be washed away with water. Since the softener can be prevented from solidifying and dirt can be washed, it is also clean and becomes a beautiful washing machine X.
(D) The softener has a high risk of causing rust when the undiluted solution adheres to the washing / dehydrating tank 3 made of stainless steel (SUS). The softener discharge part provided in the conventional balancer part releases the softener during the second rinsing process, but at that time, the body part of the washing / dehydrating tub is touched or accumulated, causing rust. rice field. The present invention can prevent the undiluted solution of the softener from adhering (contacting) to the washing / dehydrating tub.
(E) It is possible to prevent the undiluted solution of the softener from coming into direct contact with laundry such as clothes, and there is no problem such as discoloration of clothes due to adhesion.

(3) Hurry course The movement of the softener in the case of the hurry course will be described with reference to FIG. The same description as in the above "standard course (2)" may be omitted.
When the user operates the urgent course selection and the start button, the control unit 8 executes the program for the urgent course read from the memory.
When the urgent course is selected, the control unit 8 controls the drive unit 5 so as to temporarily reduce the rotation speed in the dehydration operation during one rinsing stroke, as shown in FIG. 6 (B). As a result, the softener is discharged in accordance with the rinsing so that the dehydration operation is substantially performed twice during the one dehydration operation.
Even in the case of the urgent course, the softener is pre-filled by the user, and the softener is stored in the first storage chamber 71 until the drainage operation of the washing process and the rinsing process (this state is shown in FIG. 6C). (A)).

When the drainage operation of the rinsing process is completed and the dehydration operation is started, the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tank 3 increases as shown in FIG. It begins to move into the 72 (this state is (b) in FIG. 6 (C)), and eventually the movement to the second storage chamber 72 ends. This state is shown in (c) of FIG. 6 (C), and the liquid level of the softener becomes vertical along the back wall 60b.
During the dehydration operation, the control unit 8 temporarily reduces the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 to a predetermined rotation speed, or temporarily stops the rotation. This predetermined rotation speed is the rotation speed at which the softener flows down from the second storage chamber 72. Due to this decrease in rotation speed, the softener moves from the second storage chamber 72 to the third storage chamber 73 (this state is (d) in FIG. 6C), and eventually the second storage chamber of the softener. The movement from 72 to the third storage chamber 73 is completed. This state is shown in (e) of FIG. 6 (C), and the liquid level of the softener is horizontal.

When the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 decreases to a predetermined rotation speed, the control unit 8 increases the rotation speed again as shown in FIG. 6 (B). As a result, the softener moves from the third storage chamber 73 to the fourth storage chamber 74. This state is (f) and (g) of FIG. 6C, and in the state of (g), the liquid level of the softener becomes vertical along the back wall 60b.
At the end of the dehydration operation, when the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 decreases, the softener begins to move to the fifth storage chamber 75 (this state is (h) in FIG. 6 (C)). .. Then, when the dehydration operation is completed, the movement of the softener from the fourth storage chamber 74 to the fifth storage chamber 75 is completed (this state is (i) in FIG. 6 (C)).
Here, the rotation speed is decreased and immediately increased during the dehydration operation. However, for example, the reduced rotation speed may be maintained for a predetermined time, or the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 is temporarily stopped. You may.
When the rotation speed is lowered during the dehydration operation, the dehydration performance can be maintained by making the total dehydration time at the maximum rotation speed during the dehydration operation the same as the standard course.

(4) User Selection Course The movement of the softener in the case of the user selection course will be described with reference to FIG.
When the user selects a washing course in which the number of rinsing processes is larger than that of the standard course, the control unit 8 performs a dehydrating operation in the first rinsing process and the final rinsing process, and dehydrates in the other rinsing processes. I try not to do it.
That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 8 has a washing stroke, a first rinsing stroke (the first rinsing stroke), a second rinsing stroke, a third rinsing stroke (the final rinsing stroke), and dehydration. The process is performed in this order.
The control unit 8 performs a drainage operation, a dehydration operation, a water supply operation, and a rinse operation in the first rinse process and the third rinse process, and performs a drainage operation, a water supply operation, and a rinse operation in the second rinse process. As a result, even if there are three rinsing strokes, the total dehydration operation during the rinsing stroke is two times, so that the softener is discharged in accordance with the final rinsing.
The deterioration of the rinsing performance due to omitting the dehydration operation in the second rinsing process may be, for example, lengthening the rinsing operation or the dehydration operation time in the first rinsing process, increasing the maximum number of revolutions of the dehydration operation, or the third. The amount of water supplied during the rinsing operation of the rinsing process may be increased.

Although the embodiment has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this embodiment, and for example, the following modification may be used. Further, the embodiment, the modified example, and the modified example may be combined with each other.
Further, even if there is an example not described in the embodiment or the modified example, or a design change within a range not deviating from the gist, it is included in the present invention.

<Modification example>
(1) In the embodiment, the number of the softener discharge portions 6 is not described, but the number is not particularly limited. However, considering the rotational balance of the washing / dehydrating tub, it is preferable to arrange a plurality of them at equal angles in the circumferential direction.
When the lint collecting section 33 is provided in the washing / dehydrating tank 3, the rotation balance may be taken into consideration including the number of lint collecting sections and may be provided at equal angles in the circumferential direction. For example, when one lint collecting part is provided, one softener discharging part may be provided at a portion facing the one lint collecting part with the rotation shaft sandwiched between them.
(2) In the embodiment, one softener discharge unit 6 is provided, but when the amount of softener that can be charged into one case is small, it can be dealt with by providing a plurality of softener discharge portions in the circumferential direction.
The case 60 of the embodiment has a rectangular shape or a shape close to a rectangular shape, but may be, for example, an ellipse having a long axis in the vertical direction, an elliptical shape long in the vertical direction, or a vertically long base. It may be in shape.

(3) In the embodiment, the softener discharge unit 6 has a case 60, but for example, a plurality of storage chambers constituting the softener discharge unit may be provided in the case 34 of the lint collection unit 33. .. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

(4) Number of storage chambers In the embodiment, the number of storage chambers is basically four, from the first storage chamber 71 to the fourth storage chamber 74. This is based on the number of rinsing processes (twice) performed in the standard course of the laundry course. That is, the number of storage chambers is set so that the softener moves by the two dehydration operations included in the rinsing process and is discharged to the outer tank 2 before or during the rinsing operation in the final rinsing process. ing.
Therefore, when the dehydration operation during the rinsing process in the standard course is once in total, the number of storage chambers is 2 or more, and when the total is 3 times, the number of storage chambers is 6 or more.
As described above, the number of storage rooms may be appropriately set according to the contents of the standard course of the washing course.
In the embodiment, there are at least four types of storage chambers from the first storage chamber 71 to the fourth storage chamber 74, and each type of storage chamber is one, but the number of each type of storage chamber is one. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of storage chambers, and the number of storage chambers of each type does not have to be the same. For example, the case may have two first storage chambers and two second storage chambers, and one third storage chamber and one fourth storage chamber.

(5) Case The case 60 of the embodiment does not have a supply port for supplying washing water to the inside of the case, but as in the softener discharge portion 106 shown in FIG. 8, for example, the table of the case 160. The supply port 163 may be provided by utilizing the bulging portion 162 that bulges from the vicinity of the center in the vertical direction of the wall 160a toward the rotation axis side of the washing / dehydrating tub. By providing the supply port 163, the softener diluted in the final rinsing process can be discharged to the outer tank 2, and the variation in the concentration of the softener in the outer tank 2 can be reduced. The supply port 163 is located above the maximum water level during the rinsing operation of the first rinsing process.

(6) Fifth Storage Chamber In the embodiment, the fifth storage chamber 75 for storing the softener moved from the fourth storage chamber 74 was provided, but the softener moved from the fourth storage chamber 74 is used as it is. It is also possible to discharge from the discharge port 60 g to the case 60 side.

(7) Laundry course The operations such as dehydration and rinsing included in the laundry course are examples and are not limited thereto. For example, the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub shown in FIG. 5B may be changed as appropriate.
Specifically, in the dehydration operation, the rotation speed is fluctuated at the initial stage, but the rotation speed may be increased at once to the maximum rotation speed, or the rotation speed may be changed a plurality of times after reaching the maximum rotation speed. .. The softener in the storage chamber can be moved a plurality of times due to the fluctuation of the rotation speed.
As shown in FIG. 6, the rinsing operation means from the start of rotation of the pulsator to the rotation at a predetermined rotation speed and the stop of rotation, and the dehydration operation is a predetermined rotation from the start of rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub. It means rotation by number and stop of rotation. The time from the start of rotation to the predetermined rotation speed, the rotation time at the predetermined rotation speed, the time until the rotation is stopped, the predetermined rotation speed, and the like are appropriately set.

(8) Discharge port In the embodiment, the discharge ports 60 g and 60 h are provided, but for example, only the discharge port 60 g may be used, or only the discharge port 60 h may be used.
(9) In the first rinsing embodiment, the rinsing operation of the first rinsing process is a so-called shower rinsing, but it may be a storage rinsing similar to the rinsing operation of the second rinsing process.

(10) Scattering Control Unit In the embodiment, the scattering control unit 74d for restricting the ejection of the softener is provided in the flow path between the fourth storage chamber 74 and the fifth storage chamber 75, but the scattering control unit 74d is provided. You don't have to.
(11) Outlet of the first storage chamber and the third storage chamber In the embodiment, the outlet 71c of the first storage chamber 71 and the outlet 73d of the third storage chamber 73 are the upper ends of the first outer wall 71b and the third outer wall 73b. It is provided between the side walls 60c and 60d. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is the upper end of the first outer wall and the third outer wall and is on the tip side (for example, left) with respect to the direction of dehydration rotation. In rotation, the softener discharge portion 6 may be provided on the left side when viewed from the rotation shaft side).
The softener accumulated in the first storage chamber 71 is discharged from the first discharge port provided at the upper left end of the first storage chamber 71 to the second storage chamber 72 by dehydration centrifugal force. The first outer wall has an arc shape from the rotation axis of the washing / dehydrating tub 3 when viewed from directly above. The first discharge port has a shape attached to the tip side of the dehydration rotation. The softener discharged from this is accumulated in the second storage chamber 72, but when dehydration is stopped, it is lowered downward. In FIG. 9, the lower side of the second storage chamber 72 is visible, and the second discharge port of the second storage chamber 72 is provided on the right side of the lower side thereof. The third discharge port of the third storage chamber 73 is provided at the same height as the second discharge port, but the position of the second discharge port of the second storage chamber is located in the radial direction from the center when viewed in cross section. .. The third discharge port of the third storage chamber 73 is configured to have a hole in a part of the wall behind the third storage chamber 73, and its position is dehydrated from the second discharge port of the second storage chamber 72. It is located on the opposite side in the direction of rotation. In short, since the positions are not arranged in the same row, it is possible to prevent the softener from popping out.
(12) Outer Walls of First Storage Room and Third Storage Room In the embodiment, the first outer wall 71b of the first storage room 71 and the third outer wall 73b of the third storage room 73 are provided vertically. It may be an inclined surface that expands outward in the radial direction (moves outward in the radial direction as it moves upward). This makes the movement of the softener smooth.

(13) Third Storage Room In the embodiment, the third storage room 73 is arranged below the first storage room 71, but may be arranged next to the first storage room 71. Hereinafter, an example in which the third storage chamber is arranged on the lateral side in the rotation direction of the first storage chamber will be described with reference to FIG.
The first storage chamber and the third storage chamber are arranged side by side. The first storage chamber shown by hatching to the right is vertically long, and has a first discharge port at the top, which allows the softener to flow from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber. The first discharge port here has a rectangular shape and is indicated by hatching with a thick line rising to the right.
The second storage chamber has a horizontally long shape indicated by hatching that rises to the left. The second storage chamber is located outside in the radial direction with respect to the first storage chamber, and has a wide shape including a part of the width of the first storage chamber and a part of the width of the third storage chamber. Since the second storage chamber is located outside the first storage chamber in the radial direction, a part thereof overlaps in the radial direction, and in FIG. 10, the overlapping portion of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber is cross-hatched. ..
In FIG. 10, a black-painted portion on the lower side of the second storage chamber has a second discharge port through which the softener flows out into the third storage chamber 73 at the end of dehydration. The shape of the second discharge port is shown in black for convenience, but has the same shape as the inlet 73c in FIG.
The third storage chamber 73 is a non-hatched (plain) portion and is arranged next to the first storage chamber. The third discharge port shown by the hatching of the thick line rising to the left side is shown by the hatching of the thick line for convenience, but has the same shape as the outlet 74c in FIG.
Although not shown in FIG. 10, the fourth storage chamber is arranged outside the third storage chamber in the radial direction.
In this way, even if the third storage chamber is arranged next to the first storage chamber, the softener can be moved according to the rotation during dehydration.

(14) Ribs The first storage chamber 71 and the third storage chamber 73 of the embodiment have no action other than storing the softener, but for example, a rib mechanism that gives rotation to the stored softener is provided. You may have.
Specifically, by providing the rib as shown in FIG. 9, not only the rotational force can be quickly applied to the softener, but also the rotation is synchronized.

X Washing machine 3 Washing and dehydration tank 6 Softener discharge part 60 Case 60f Input port 60g Discharge port 71 1st storage room 72 2nd storage room 73 3rd storage room 74 4th storage room

Claims (7)

A washing and dehydrating tub that is arranged in the outer tub and whose rotation axis is in the vertical direction,
A fabric softener discharge unit is provided, which uses the rotation of the washing / dehydrating tub to move a plurality of storage chambers to discharge the fabric softener in the case according to the final rinsing operation.
The softener discharge unit is a washing machine provided on the inner peripheral surface of the washing / dehydrating tub. The plurality of storage chambers are at least a first storage chamber for storing the softener charged from the inlet of the case and a second storage chamber for storing the softener moved from the first storage chamber by the rotation. A third storage chamber for storing the softener moved from the second storage chamber by gravity and a fourth storage chamber for storing the softener moved from the third storage chamber due to the rotation are included.
The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the case includes a discharge port for discharging a softener that has moved from the fourth storage chamber due to gravity. The plurality of storage chambers further include a fifth storage chamber for storing the softener that has moved from the fourth storage chamber due to gravity.
The second storage chamber is located outside the first storage chamber in the radial direction.
The fourth storage chamber is located outside the third storage chamber in the radial direction.
The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the softener stored in the fifth storage chamber is discharged into the washing water of the final rinsing operation that has entered from the discharge port. The water supply in the final rinse operation is set by the weight of the laundry,
The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least the third storage chamber is provided at a position where it is flooded by water supply at the time of setting the heaviest weight in the final rinsing operation. A control unit that controls the rotation operation of the washing / dehydrating tub according to the contents of the washing course selected by the user is provided.
The control unit performs a rinsing operation prior to the final rinsing operation when the number of rinsing operations in the washing course is greater than the number of times the softener moves through the plurality of storage chambers due to the ascending force due to the rotation. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is controlled so as to suppress the movement of the softener in the process including. The washing according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls so that when the number of rinsing operations is specified as one in the washing course, the rotation is performed twice after the first rinsing is completed. Machine. The fabric softener charging case can be separated into two front and rear cases, and the inner case has a first storage chamber and a third storage chamber, and the outer case has a second storage chamber and a fourth storage chamber, so that the case can be washed. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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