Washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine (1), comprising: a dispensing device (30) for dispensing a moisturizing function additive into a drum (7); and a control part (40) for sequentially executing a plurality of processes of the washing machine (1). The control part (40) executes a washing process and a moisturizing function adding process, wherein the washing process is a process of washing laundry in the drum (7) and performing dehydration, and the moisturizing function adding process is a process, performed after the washing process, of dispensing the moisturizing function additive into the drum (7) and bringing the moisturizing function additive into contact with fibers of the laundry. The device can appropriately impart a moisturizing function to the laundry.

Description

washing machine Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] In washing machines, a technique for imparting a sterilizing or antibacterial effect to clothing is known. For example, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the circulation path for circulating water in the tub is heated, and silver ions are dissolved in the water by a silver antibacterial agent supplied from an antibacterial agent supply unit. During the rinsing process, antibacterial water is dispersed into the laundry in the rotating tub. In the washing machine described in Patent Document 2, a filter unit is provided in the circulation path for circulating the washing water in the tub, and the filter unit has an antibacterial agent box. Silver ions are dissolved in the washing water from the antibacterial agent stored in the antibacterial agent box. During the washing operation (rinsing operation), the silver ions flowing into the tub adhere to the laundry.

[0003] In addition to the above, for example, as described in Patent Document 3, a washing machine is also known that uses detergent active substances (or detergent additives) to remove dirt or stains from clothes, or uses rinsing active substances (or rinsing additives) to soften, waterproof, shrink-proof, or wrinkle-proof clothes.

[0004] The aforementioned existing washing machines provide sterilization, antibacterial, or softening effects on laundry. However, in recent years, consumers have become more aware of skin dryness-related issues. In the washing machine industry, consumers are essentially the wearers of the clothes (laundry products). They experience problems such as dry or rough skin, or noticeable fine lines. Seasonally, these problems are more pronounced in dry winter months.

[0005] The inventors believe that adding a moisturizing function for the user's skin to clothing would alleviate the aforementioned problems (annoyances). Methods for applying a "skin moisturizer" to the laundry during any stage of the washing machine's operation have been considered, but no specific method has yet been found to achieve this moisturizing function.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-070351

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-061175

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-529634 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] This disclosure describes a washing machine that can appropriately add a moisturizing function to the laundry.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] [1] One aspect of this disclosure is a washing machine having an outer tub and a washing tub rotatably disposed within the outer tub and containing laundry. The washing machine includes: an inlet device for inletting a moisturizing additive into the washing tub; and a control unit that sequentially executes multiple processes of the washing machine. The control unit executes a washing process and a moisturizing additive process. The washing process is a process of washing and dehydrating the laundry in the washing tub. The moisturizing additive process is a process of inletting a moisturizing additive into the washing tub after the washing process, so that the moisturizing additive comes into contact with the fibers of the laundry.

[0015] According to the washing machine described in [1] above, the control unit performs a moisturizing function application process by adding a moisturizing agent into the washing tub after the washing process. First, during the washing process, laundry items such as clothes are restored (become clean), and then the moisturizing agent comes into contact with the fibers of the laundry items. After removing dirt and other contaminants from the fibers, the moisturizing agent adheres to the fibers upon contact, thus reliably applying a moisturizing function to the fibers. When the user wears the laundry items washed in this way, they will experience a moisturizing effect on their skin. According to the laundry items described in [1] above, a moisturizing function can be appropriately applied to the laundry items.

[0016] [2] In the washing machine described in [1] above, the control unit may perform a rinsing process after the washing process to rinse the laundry with water, and then perform a moisturizing function application process after the rinsing process. In this case, the moisturizing agent is added separately from the rinsing process and comes into contact with the fibers of the laundry. This provides a more reliable moisturizing function to the fibers of the laundry.

[0017] [3] In the washing machine described in [1] or [2] above, the washing machine may also include a water supply unit for supplying water to the outer tub. During the application of the moisturizing function, the control unit controls the water supply unit and the dispensing device and sets the water supply amount according to the amount of laundry in the washing tub, and adjusts the amount of moisturizing agent dispensed according to the water supply amount. In this case, an appropriate amount of moisturizing agent adheres to the fibers of the laundry.

[0018] [4] In any of the washing machines described in [1] to [3] above, the control unit may perform an input process, a soaking process, and a rotation process during the application of the moisturizing function. The input process involves adding the moisturizing agent into the washing tub. The soaking process involves contacting the moisturizing agent with the laundry in the stationary washing tub after the input process. The rotation process involves rotating the washing tub after the soaking process. During the soaking process, the moisturizing agent slowly penetrates the fibers of the laundry. During the subsequent rotation process, the moisturizing agent comes into contact with the entire laundry (a larger area of ​​the laundry). Through these processes, the moisturizing agent is more reliably distributed throughout the fibers of the laundry. For example, the moisturizing agent penetrates into the interior of the fibers (the inner part). As a result, the moisturizing function is effectively applied to the entire laundry.

[0019] [5] In the washing machine described in [4] above, during the application of the moisturizing function, the control unit may perform a swinging process that causes the washing tub to swing after the rotation process. During the swinging process, the washing tub performs a different action than that performed during the rotation process. As a result, the moisturizing agent is more reliably distributed throughout the fibers of the laundry. For example, for garments with a high-density fiber structure, the moisturizing agent may also penetrate into the interior of the fibers (the inner part).

[0020] [6] In any of the washing machines described in [1] to [4] above, the control unit may perform a coating process of the moisturizing agent while blowing warm air onto the laundry and rotating the washing tub after the moisturizing function application process. Through the coating process, the moisturizing agent can be fixed to the fibers of the laundry.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] According to this disclosure, it is possible to appropriately add moisturizing function to laundry products. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a structural example of the input device shown in Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the overall washing process performed by the control unit.

[0026] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process of adding the moisturizing function shown in Figure 3.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 1: Washing machine; 2: Cabinet; 6: Outer tub; 7: Drum (washing tub); 15: Water supply pipe for inlet; 15A: First branch pipe; 15B: Second branch pipe; 15C: Third branch pipe; 18A: First automatic valve; 18B: Second automatic valve; 18C: Third automatic valve; 19: Inlet pipe; 30: Inlet device; 31: Housing; 35: Storage section; 36A: First agent box; 36B: Second agent box; 36C: Third agent box; 40: Control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used for the same elements in the description of the drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In this specification, terms indicating direction such as "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are sometimes used. These terms are based on the setting state of the washing machine 1.

[0030] First, referring to Figure 1, the overall structure of the washing machine 1 will be described. The washing machine 1 is, for example, a front-loading washing machine. The washing machine 1 has, for example, a rectangular box 2. A circular door 3 that can be opened and closed freely is fitted on the front surface of the box 2. A circular inlet 4 for loading laundry is formed on the front surface of the box 2. The inlet 4 is closed or opened by the door 3. Inside the box 2, there is an outer tub 6 for storing washing water and a drum (washing tub) 7 that is rotatably disposed inside the outer tub 6 and accommodates laundry. Both the outer tub 6 and the drum 7 are cylindrical with a bottom. The outer tub 6 is elastically supported inside the box 2 by a plurality of shock absorbers and springs (not shown). The outer tub 6 and the drum 7 are, for example, concentrically (coaxially) arranged with respect to a central axis extending in the front-rear direction. The outer tub 6 has a circular opening 6a located in front of the opening 7a of the drum 7.

[0031] The periphery of the opening 6a of the outer drum 6 and the periphery of the inlet 4 of the box 2 are connected by an annular gasket 8, which is made of an elastic material. The circumferential surface of the closed door 3 contacts the gasket 8, and a water seal is formed between the inlet 4 and the door 3. On the inner circumferential surface of the drum 7, a plurality of (e.g., three) lifters 7b are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of dewatering holes (not shown) are formed throughout the inner circumferential surface. The "lifters" are also referred to as "baffles".

[0032] A drive motor 9 for rotating the drum 7 is located inside the housing 2 and behind the outer tub 6. The rotating shaft 9a of the drive motor 9 extends in the front-to-back direction and is connected to a part of the drum 7. The rotating shaft 9a and the drum 7 can be connected via pulleys, a reduction gear, or directly. During the washing and rinsing processes, the drive motor 9 rotates the drum 7 at a lower speed where the centrifugal force applied to the laundry inside the drum 7 is less than gravity, causing the laundry to tumble. During the spin-drying process, the drive motor 9 rotates the drum 7 at a higher speed where the centrifugal force applied to the laundry inside the drum 7 is greater than gravity, causing the laundry to adhere to the inner circumference of the drum 7.

[0033] A water supply pipe 13 and a water supply valve 14 are arranged at the rear of the housing 2. The water supply pipe 13 can be a flexible hose or a piping material other than a hose. When the water supply valve 14 is opened, tap water from the faucet is supplied to the outer tub 6 via the water supply pipe 13. The water supply pipe 13 and the water supply valve 14 constitute a water supply section for supplying water to the outer tub 6. The water supplied to the outer tub 6 is also stored in the outer tub 6 and the drum 7 (connected via the aforementioned dehydration hole) when the drain valve 17 (described later) is closed. The water level Wa of the washing water W can vary depending on the amount of laundry. During the washing and rinsing processes, the water level Wa can also be set to a height such that a portion of the laundry contained in the drum 7 protrudes above the water level Wa. In this specification, "washing water" refers to the liquid corresponding to each process such as the washing and rinsing of the laundry. Therefore, during the washing process, the washing water can be water (liquid) containing detergent, etc., while during the rinsing process, the washing liquid can be water. In addition, fabric softener can be added to the wash water during the rinsing process.

[0034] A drain pipe 16 is connected to the bottom 6b of the outer tub 6. The drain pipe 16 may have, for example, a first drain pipe 16a and a second drain pipe 16b. These first drain pipes 16a and second drain pipes 16b may be flexible hoses or made of piping materials other than hoses. The drain pipe 16 drains the washing water from the outer tub 6. The washing water is discharged naturally through the drain pipe 16, for example, being arranged downwards. The second drain pipe 16b extends, for example, outwards (downwards) from the washing machine 1. The washing water discharged from the washing machine 1 via the first drain pipe 16a and second drain pipe 16b is discharged through a drain outlet provided in a waterproof tray or the like. It should be noted that the layout of the drain pipe 16 can also be appropriately modified.

[0035] Washing machine 1, for example, includes a drain filter 100 located midway through drain pipe 16 to capture foreign objects contained in the washing water. The inlet pipe (not shown) of drain filter 100 is connected to the downstream end of the first drain pipe 16a. The upstream end of a second drain pipe 16b is connected to the rear end of drain filter 100, for example, via a drain hose (not shown). Drain filter 100 includes a housing 20 and a filter assembly (not shown) housed within the housing 20. A drain valve 17 is provided, for example, in the second drain pipe 16b. The first drain pipe 16a, drain filter 100, and second drain pipe 16b constitute a drainage path formed by natural flow. When drain valve 17 is opened, washing water flowing from the outer tub 6 and the first drain pipe 16a is directed to drain filter 100, and after passing through drain filter 100 (filtered), it is discharged via the second drain pipe 16b. It should be noted that drain valve 17 may also be located on the first drain pipe 16a (i.e., upstream of drain filter 100).

[0036] The washing machine 1 includes a dispensing device 30 for dispensing detergent, etc., into the drum 7. The dispensing device 30 is located, for example, inside the housing 2 and at the top of the housing 2 (above the outer tub 6). A water supply pipe 13 is connected to the dispensing device 30, supplying tap water to the housing 31 of the dispensing device 30. As shown in FIG2, a detergent storage section 35 is provided inside the housing 31. The storage section 35 is, for example, divided into three parts, including a first tank 36A, a second tank 36B, and a third tank 36C. The first tank 36A, for example, stores detergent. The second tank 36B, for example, stores fabric softener. The third tank 36C, for example, stores moisturizing additives. The dispensing device 30 includes a pump 33 (see FIG1), which is connected to the housing 31 for automatically dispensing detergent, etc., from the housing 31 into the drum 7 (outer tub 6).

[0037] As detergents and fabric softeners, various known liquid or powder formulations can be used. Moisturizing additives are substances that come into contact with and penetrate the fibers of the laundry, thereby adding a moisturizing function to the laundry (clothes, etc.). Moisturizing additives can be either liquids or powders. They can also be mixtures of liquids and powders. Substances contained in moisturizing additives (active ingredients related to moisturizing function) can be, for example, substances obtained through the hydrolysis of natural collagen. Such substances are obtained, for example, from animal bones, fish scales, etc.

[0038] A dispensing water supply pipe 15 is provided at the end of the water supply pipe 13 on the housing 31 side. The dispensing water supply pipe 15 includes a first branch pipe 15A, a second branch pipe 15B, and a third branch pipe 15C respectively connected to the first agent box 36A, the second agent box 36B, and the third agent box 36C. A first automatic valve 18A, a second automatic valve 18B, and a third automatic valve 18C are respectively provided on the first branch pipe 15A, the second branch pipe 15B, and the third branch pipe 15C. Through the opening and closing control of the first automatic valve 18A, the second automatic valve 18B, and the third automatic valve 18C, tap water from the water supply pipe 13 flows into the first agent box 36A, the second agent box 36B, and the third agent box 36C respectively. The water flowing out of the first agent box 36A, the second agent box 36B, and the third agent box 36C merges into a dispensing pipe 19, which is connected to the upper part of the outer tank 6 and near the opening 6a. By controlling the opening and closing of the aforementioned automatic valve, water containing detergent, water containing fabric softener, and additional water with moisturizing function of a specified concentration are prepared and supplied to the outer tank 6 through the inlet pipe 19.

[0039] The washing machine 1 includes user-operated operation buttons (not shown) and a control unit 40 that controls the drive motor 9, the opening and closing of the water supply valve 14, and the opening and closing of the drain valve 17. The control unit 40 also performs supply control and concentration adjustment control related to the feeding device 30. The control unit 40 controls the opening and closing of the first automatic valve 18A, the second automatic valve 18B, and the third automatic valve 18C. The control unit 40 is, for example, a computer with a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) temporarily storing data, and a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In the control unit 40, the CPU reads and executes programs, for example, stored in the ROM. The control unit 40 performs various operations of the washing machine 1 according to the user's operation and the pre-stored program. It should be noted that in Figure 1, the various structures (heater, fan, pipes, etc.) of the drying device that supplies warm air into the drum 7 are not shown.

[0040] Next, the operation method (washing method) of washing machine 1 will be explained. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the entire washing process executed by control unit 40. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the moisturizing function addition process in Figure 3. Control unit 40 sequentially executes multiple processes of washing machine 1 shown in Figures 3 and 4. First, the user puts the laundry into drum 7 and closes door 3. As shown in Figure 3, control unit 40 receives signals from a fabric load sensor (not shown) and measures the load (step S10). Control unit 40 determines the amount of water used in the washing process based on the load (step S20). Next, control unit 40 determines the amount of moisturizing function additive added based on the determined amount of water (step S30). Control unit 40 determines the amount of moisturizing function additive added in such a way that the concentration of moisturizing function additive in the moisturizing function addition water is adjusted to about 1%.

[0041] Next, the control unit 40 executes the washing process (step S40). During the washing process, the control unit 40 supplies tap water until a predetermined water volume is reached (refer to the water level Wa shown in Figure 1) by opening the water supply valve 14 and the first automatic valve 18A, and adds a predetermined amount of detergent. The control unit 40 rotates the drum 7 for a predetermined time. The control unit 40 may also change the rotation direction of the drum 7 during the washing process. Afterwards, the control unit 40 drains the washing water in the outer tub 6 by opening the drain valve 17. Then, the control unit 40 rotates the drum 7 at high speed to perform a spin-drying operation. That is, the control unit 40 washes the laundry in the drum 7 and performs spin-drying. It should be noted that, depending on the mode selected by the user, the control unit 40 may repeat the series of processes of water supply, tub rotation, drainage, and spin-drying multiple times.

[0042] Next, the control unit 40 executes the rinsing process (step S50). During the rinsing process, the control unit 40 supplies tap water until a predetermined water volume is reached (see water level Wa shown in Figure 1) by controlling the opening of the water supply valve 14 while the drain valve 17 is closed. At this time, the control unit 40 can also add a predetermined amount of fabric softener by controlling the opening of the second automatic valve 18B. The water volume during the rinsing process is approximately equal to the water volume mentioned above during the washing process. The control unit 40 rotates the drum 7 for a predetermined time. The control unit 40 can also change the rotation direction of the drum 7 during the rinsing process. Afterwards, the control unit 40 drains the washing water in the outer tub 6 by controlling the opening of the drain valve 17. Afterwards, the control unit 40 rotates the drum 7 at high speed to perform a spin-drying operation. That is, the control unit 40 performs a rinsing process of rinsing the laundry with water after the washing process. It should be noted that, depending on the mode selected by the user, the control unit 40 may repeat the series of processes of water supply, tub rotation, drainage, and spin-drying multiple times.

[0043] Through the above washing and rinsing processes, the laundry inside drum 7 is restored to its original state. That is, the washing of the laundry is complete, and the laundry becomes clean.

[0044] Next, the control unit 40 performs a moisturizing function application process (step S60). That is, the control unit 40 performs a moisturizing function application process after the rinsing process. During the moisturizing function application process, as shown in FIG4, the control unit 40 supplies tap water until a predetermined water volume is reached (refer to the water level Wa shown in FIG1) by controlling the opening of the water supply valve 14 and the third automatic valve 18C, and adds a predetermined amount of moisturizing function additive (step S61; addition process). The result of the addition process is to prepare moisturizing function additive water with the predetermined concentration determined in step S30. By setting the concentration to about 1%, it is prevented that the moisturizing function additive is not completely dissolved in water (poor dissolution). Next, the control unit 40 performs a soaking process (step S62). After the addition process, the control unit 40 keeps the drum 7 stationary. The control unit 40 brings the moisturizing function additive into contact with the laundry inside the stationary drum 7.

[0045] After the soaking process begins, the control unit 40 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S63). This predetermined time is, for example, a few minutes to about 10 minutes. That is, the control unit 40 continues the soaking process for a few minutes to about 10 minutes. The control unit 40 repeats this determination until the predetermined time has elapsed. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S63; yes), the control unit 40 executes a rotation process (step S64). That is, after the soaking process, the control unit 40 executes a rotation process in which the roller 7 is rotated while the additional water for the moisturizing function is stored in the roller 7. After the rotation process begins, the control unit 40 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S65). This predetermined time is, for example, 1 minute to a few minutes. The control unit 40, for example, continues the rotation process for a few minutes to a few minutes. The control unit 40 repeats this determination until the predetermined time has elapsed. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S65; yes), the control unit 40 executes an oscillation process (step S66). After the rotation process, the control unit 40 causes the roller 7 to oscillate while the humidification function is in effect and water is stored in the roller 7. More specifically, the control unit 40 repeatedly rotates the roller 7 forward and backward by about 10 to 20 times with a rotation angle of about 90° for both forward and reverse rotation.

[0046] After the oscillation process begins, the control unit 40 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S67). This predetermined time is the time required for the roller 7 to rotate forward and backward approximately 10 to 20 times. The control unit 40 repeats this determination until the predetermined time has elapsed. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S67; yes), it determines whether the aforementioned soaking, rotating, and oscillation processes have been repeated a predetermined number of times (step S68). The total number of times these three processes are repeated can be appropriately set according to the user-selected mode; it can be 1 time, 2 times, or 3 times. When it is determined that the predetermined number of soaking, rotating, and oscillation processes has not been repeated (step S68; NO), the control unit 40 repeats steps S62 to S67. When it is determined that the predetermined number of soaking, rotating, and oscillation processes has been repeated (step S68; yes), the control unit 40 terminates the additional moisturizing function process.

[0047] Returning to Figure 3, the control unit 40 drains the washing water from the outer tub 6 by opening the drain valve 17. In this case, the selected water is the moisturizing additive water. Afterwards, the control unit 40 rotates the drum 7 at high speed for spin-drying (step S70). Then (i.e., after the moisturizing additive process), the control unit 40 performs a process of fixing / coating the moisturizing additive while blowing warm air onto the laundry and rotating the drum 7 (step S80). The warm air can be delivered into the drum 7 (not shown). The rotation speed of the drum 7 at this time is, for example, the same as the rotation speed of the drum 7 during drying operation. Regarding the fixing / coating process of the moisturizing additive, it is also possible that, similar to the normal drying process, the control unit 40 determines the end time based on the monitored values ​​of temperature and humidity within the duct through which the warm air passes.

[0048] According to the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 40 performs a moisturizing function application process (step S60) after the washing process, by adding a moisturizing function additive into the drum 7. First, during the washing process, laundry items such as clothes are restored (become clean), and then the moisturizing function additive comes into contact with the fibers of the laundry. After removing dirt and other contaminants from the fibers, the moisturizing function additive adheres to the fibers, thus reliably applying a moisturizing function to the fibers. When a user wears laundry items washed in this way, they experience a moisturizing effect on their skin. According to the washing machine 1, a moisturizing function can be appropriately applied to laundry items.

[0049] After the washing process, the control unit 40 performs a rinsing process by rinsing the laundry with water, and after the rinsing process, the control unit 40 performs a moisturizing function application process. Separately from the rinsing process, a moisturizing agent is added and comes into contact with the fibers of the laundry. As a result, the moisturizing function is applied to the fibers of the laundry more reliably.

[0050] During the application of the moisturizing function, the control unit 40 adjusts the amount of moisturizing agent added based on the water supply from the water supply pipe 13. This ensures that an appropriate amount of moisturizing agent adheres to the fibers of the laundry. This prevents the moisturizing agent from not completely dissolving in the water (poor dissolution).

[0051] During the application of the moisturizing function, the control unit 40 performs an application process (step S61) to introduce the moisturizing agent into the drum 7. After the application process, the control unit 40 performs an immersion process (step S62) to bring the moisturizing agent into contact with the laundry within the stationary drum 7. After the immersion process, the control unit 40 performs a rotation process (step S64) to rotate the drum 7. During the immersion process, the moisturizing agent slowly penetrates the fibers of the laundry. In the subsequent rotation process, the moisturizing agent comes into contact with the entire laundry (a larger area of ​​the laundry). Through these processes, the moisturizing agent is more reliably distributed throughout the fibers of the laundry. For example, the moisturizing agent penetrates into the interior of the fibers (the inner part). As a result, the moisturizing function is effectively applied to the entire laundry.

[0052] Alternatively, during the application of the moisturizing function, after the rotation process, the control unit 40 performs a oscillation process that causes the drum 7 to oscillate (step S66). During the oscillation process, the drum 7 performs a different action than during the rotation process. As a result, the moisturizing agent is more reliably distributed throughout the fibers of the laundry. For example, for garments with a high-density fiber structure, the moisturizing agent also penetrates into the interior of the fibers (the inner part).

[0053] During the application of the moisturizing function, the control unit 40 repeatedly controls the soaking, rotating, and oscillating processes a predetermined number of times, thereby ensuring that the moisturizing agent penetrates more reliably into the interior of the fibers (the inner part). As a result, the moisturizing function applied to the garment is long-lasting.

[0054] After the moisturizing function application process, the control unit 40 performs a process of coating the moisturizing function additive while blowing warm air onto the laundry and rotating the drum 7 (step S80). Through the coating process, the moisturizing function additive can be fixed to the fibers of the laundry.

[0055] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the control unit may also perform a moisturizing function addition process during the rinsing process after the washing process. That is, the control unit may also perform the washing process and the moisturizing function addition process simultaneously. In this case, fabric softener and moisturizing function addition water (moisturizing function addition agent) may be supplied to the washing tub in a mixed state.

[0056] Alternatively, the concentration of the moisturizing additive can be adjusted without changing the amount based on the water supply. Or, the amount or concentration of the moisturizing additive can be preset to a constant value.

[0057] The rotation process can be omitted. Alternatively, the soaking process (and oscillation process) can be performed after the rotation process. The rotation process can also be performed while the oscillation process is omitted.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the moisturizing additive is mixed with tap water to prepare moisturizing water. Alternatively, the moisturizing additive can be directly supplied to the outer tank 6 or the drum 7 instead of preparing the moisturizing water. In this case, the part of the dispensing device 30 that dispenses the moisturizing additive is designed to allow a predetermined amount of the moisturizing additive to fall into the outer tank 6 or the drum 7.

[0059] This invention can also be applied to washing machines other than drum washing machines, such as upright washing machines.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising an outer tub and a washing tub rotatably disposed within the outer tub and accommodating laundry, characterized in that, have: An infeeding device for adding a moisturizing additive into the washing tub; and The control unit executes multiple processes of the washing machine sequentially. The control unit performs the cleaning process and the additional moisturizing function process. The washing process involves washing the laundry in the washing tub and then dehydrating it. The moisturizing function addition process is the process of adding the moisturizing function additive into the washing tub after the washing process, so that the moisturizing function additive comes into contact with the fibers of the washed items.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit performs a rinsing process after the washing process, in which the laundry is rinsed with water. The control unit performs the additional moisturizing function process after the rinsing process.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Equipped with a water supply unit for supplying water to the outer tank, During the application of the moisturizing function, the control unit controls the water supply unit and the dispensing device and sets the water supply amount according to the amount of laundry in the washing tub, and adjusts the amount of moisturizing additive added according to the water supply amount.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the process of adding the moisturizing function. The control unit performs the process of adding the moisturizing additive into the washing tub. After the initial treatment, the control unit performs an immersion process in the still washing tub, allowing the moisturizing additive to contact the laundry. After the soaking treatment, the control unit performs a rotation process to rotate the washing tub.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the process of adding the moisturizing function, the control unit performs a swinging process that causes the washing tub to swing after the rotation process.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the moisturizing function application process, the control unit performs a process of coating the moisturizing function additive while blowing warm air onto the laundry and rotating the washing tub.

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