Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of suppressing drying of clothing progressing excessively.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a water tub; heating means for acquiring drying air introduced to the water tub by heating supply air which is supplied; blower means for supplying air to the heating means and for circulating air between itself and the water tub; control means for controlling the heating means and the blower means; and detection means for detecting the temperature in the water tub and the temperature of the drying air. When the detection means has detected a first temperature, the control means controls so as to repeat switching of ON / OFF of the heating means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine having a drying function. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a method for drying clothes by determining the degree of dryness of the clothes and controlling the drying operation in accordance with the degree of dryness (for example, Patent Document 1). To raise the temperature inside the water tub, the fan rotates and the wind generated is circulated inside the water tub via a PTC heater. The degree of dryness of the clothes is determined by the temperature difference inside and outside the tub, utilizing the principle that the temperature of the warm air rises when the moisture content of the clothes decreases and the amount of evaporation decreases. When the temperature difference exceeds a threshold, the PTC heater is switched off and the drying operation ends. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-43499 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned technology, it is important to prevent the clothes from drying too much based on the above-mentioned principle. The present invention aims to provide a washing machine capable of preventing clothes from being over-dried. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The washing machine of the present invention comprises a water tub, heating means for heating supplied air to obtain drying air to be introduced into the water tub, air blowing means for supplying air to the heating means and circulating air between the water tub and the water tub, control means for controlling the heating means and the air blowing means, and detection means for detecting the temperature inside the water tub or the temperature of the drying air, and when the detection means detects a first temperature, the control means controls the heating means to repeatedly switch ON and OFF. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the above-mentioned configuration, excessive drying of clothes can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a washing machine unit according to an embodiment, in which (a) is a view seen from above the front, and (b) is a view seen from below the front. [Diagram 2] The washing machine is removed from its stand, and is shown in perspective in (a) from above the front, and (b) from below the front. Note that the lower part of the front wall of the housing is cut away. [Diagram 3] 1A is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the left-right direction of the washing machine, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the washing machine. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are perspective views of the water tank and drying unit, where (a) is a view from above the front, and (b) is a view from below the rear. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing cross-sectional states of the water tank and the drying unit as viewed from above on the rear side, where (a) is a cross-section near the air blowing means, and (b) is a cross-section near the heating means. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base side in an exploded state, as viewed from above on the front side. [Figure 7] 4A and 4B are exploded perspective views of the control unit, in which FIG. 4A is a view from above the front side, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view from below the rear side. [Figure 8]1A is a table showing the upper limit of the number of repetitions corresponding to the outside air temperature in each drying course of the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a time chart showing the control content of the control unit. [Figure 9] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the control unit. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart of a standard course of the first embodiment of the control unit. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart of the first embodiment 2 of the control unit. [Figure 13] 13A is a table showing the upper limit number of repetitions and the first temperature corresponding to the outside air temperature in each drying course of the second embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a time chart showing the control content of the control unit. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart of a standard course of the second embodiment 1 of the control unit. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart of a third embodiment of a control unit. [Figure 16] 13 is a table showing a repetition time in each drying course of the third embodiment.

[0008] <Embodiment> 1. Schematic structure The schematic structure of the washing machine X according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The washing machine X is used by being placed (installed) on a base Y. The washing machine X and the base Y constitute a washing machine unit. The washing machine X has a washing function (which may also include a spin-drying function) and a drying function. The washing machine X is a so-called drum type (horizontal type) in which the central axis of the washing tub 12 (see FIG. 3) is arranged horizontally. Here, the direction in which the central axis of washing tub 12 extends is defined as the front-rear direction, the side where door 13 for loading and unloading laundry is present is defined as the front side, and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction. Note that right and left are based on the state in which washing machine X is viewed facing door 13.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 3, washing machine X is provided with at least a water tub 11 for storing wash water etc., a washing tub 12 provided inside water tub 11 and accommodating laundry such as clothes, a door 13 for opening and closing the opening of water tub 11, a motor (driving means) 14 for rotating washing tub 12, a drying unit 15 for drying the laundry, a water supply unit 16 for supplying water to water tub 11, an operation unit 17 for operating the washing operation, drying operation etc., a control unit 18 (see FIG. 2) for performing the washing operation, drying operation etc., and a drainage unit 19 for draining water tub 11, all in housing 10. The washing function is mainly performed by the water tub 11, the washing tub 12, the motor 14, the water supply unit 16, and the drainage unit 19. The drying function is mainly performed by the water tub 11, the washing tub 12, the motor 14, the drying unit 15, and the drainage unit 19.

[0010] 2. Description of the main parts of the washing machine (1) Housing 1 and 2, the housing 10 has a front wall 103, a rear wall 104 (see FIG. 3), a right wall 105, and a left wall 106, and the front lower ends of the right wall 105 and the left wall 106 are connected by a connector 107 on the back side of the front wall 103. The connector 107 has a front and a bottom, and has an "L" shaped cross section. The bottom is placed on and fixed to the fastener 35 of the base Y.

[0011] (2) Aquarium As shown in Fig. 4, water tub 11 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an opening 111 on the front side. Water tub 11 is supported inside housing 10, and a motor 14 is provided on the rear wall of water tub 11. A water supply unit 112 is provided on the upper front side of the peripheral wall of water tub 11, and drainage units 113 and 114 are provided on the rear side and rear wall of the peripheral wall of water tub 11, respectively. Water supply section 112 is connected to water supply unit 16, and therebetween is provided a detergent dispenser unit 21 (see FIG. 3) that dispenses powder detergent, liquid detergent (including fabric softener, etc.) and the like into water tub 11. Drainage sections 113, 114 are connected to a bendable piping section 191 of drainage unit 19.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 5, the water tank 11 has an intake port 115 for drawing in (introducing) the drying air heated by the drying unit 15, and an exhaust port 116 for discharging the drawn in (introduced) drying air. Air intake 115 is provided on the upper side of the front wall of water tub 11, and air exhaust 116 is provided on the lower side of the rear wall of water tub 11. This allows the distance that the drying air passes through inside water tub 11 to be longer, and also allows the drying air to pass through washing tub 12 evenly. Water tub 11 of this embodiment has heating means 117 for heating wash water and temperature detection means 118. Here, they are provided between water tub 11 and washing tub 12, on the lower end side of washing tub 12. For example, a sheath heater can be used as the heating means 117. The temperature detection means 118 is referred to as the first temperature detection means 118 in order to distinguish it from the other temperature detection means 155, 156. The detection result (first detected temperature) detected by the first temperature detection means 118 is output to the control unit 18.

[0013] (3) Water supply unit and drainage unit Water supply unit 16 is connected to a water supply (for example, a water mains) and has a water supply valve for supplying and stopping water supply to water tub 11 and drying unit 15. The water supply valve is controlled to open and close by a control unit 18. 3 and 4, drainage unit 19 has a piping section 191 for draining water in water tub 11 and drying unit 15 to the outside, a drain valve 193 provided in piping section 191 for draining or stopping the drainage, and a second piping section 195 connected to piping section 191 for draining wash water overflowing from water tub 11 during a washing operation. Drain valve 193 is controlled to open and close by control unit 18, and a downstream end 191a of piping section 191 is connected to a drain outlet not shown. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the piping section 191 can be pulled rearward from the lower part of the rear wall of the housing 10, and then pulled forward by utilizing a recessed portion 315 on the rear side of the base Y.

[0014] (4) Operation unit The operation unit 17 has an operation section 171 for the user to operate operations such as washing and drying, and a display section 172 for displaying the contents of operation input by the user, the operating status, and the like. The operation unit 171 has a function of turning the power on / off, a function of selecting a washing course, a function of selecting a drying course (degree of drying finish of laundry), a function of starting and pausing the operation, and the like. Display unit 173 has a function of displaying the selected washing course or drying course, the remaining operation time, and the like.

[0015] (5) Drying unit 5, the drying unit 15 includes at least a blowing means 151, a heating means 152, an intake passage forming body 153, an exhaust passage forming body 154, and temperature detection means 155, 156 (see FIG. 4). The drying unit 15 here further includes a heat exchanger 157. The blowing means 151 and the heating means 152 are driven and controlled by the control unit 18. The temperature detection means 155 is a third temperature detection means, and the temperature detection means 156 is a second temperature detection means 156, and the detection result detected by the third temperature detection means 155 (third detected temperature) and the detection result detected by the second temperature detection means 156 (second detected temperature) are output to the control unit 18.

[0016] Air blowing means 151 draws in air from communication part 158 ​​which is connected to air intake port 101 (see FIG. 2) of housing 10, introduces the drawn in air into water tub 11 using intake flow path forming body 153, and draws in air that has passed through washing tub 12 from water tub 11 using exhaust flow path forming body 154. Note that the flow path formed inside intake flow path forming body 153 is defined as an intake flow path, and the flow path formed inside exhaust flow path forming body 154 is defined as an exhaust flow path. In other words, the air blowing means 151 circulates air between the water tank 11 and the intake flow path forming body 153 and the exhaust flow path forming body 154 . 5(a), the blowing means 151 includes a fan 201 and a motor 203 in a case (casing) 205. The blowing means 151 is provided above the water tub 11.

[0017] The intake flow passage forming body 153 is disposed downstream of the blower means 151, and connects the case 205 of the blower means 151 and the intake port 115 of the water tub 11. The intake flow passage forming body 153 is disposed above the water tub 11. Discharge flow path forming body 154 is disposed upstream of blower means 151, and connects case 205 of blower means 151 and exhaust port 116 of water tub 11. Discharge flow path forming body 154 extends upward from the lower part of the rear wall of water tub 11 and then bends toward the upper part of water tub 11. A communication part 158 ​​communicating with the intake port 101 and a filter 207 for collecting foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the exhaust flow path are provided on the upstream side of the blower means 151 in the exhaust flow path forming body 154. The filter 207 is configured so as to be removable for cleaning, and a cover 102 is provided on the opening for the filter 207.

[0018] The heating means 152 heats the supply air supplied from the blowing means 151. The heating means 152 is provided inside the intake flow path forming body 153. As the heating means 152, for example, a ceramic heater, a PTC heater, or the like can be used.

[0019] Heat exchange section 157 is configured by utilizing a part of discharge flow path forming body 154. This part is a portion located on the back side of the rear wall of water tub 11. Discharge flow path forming body 154 is provided with water supply port 209 (see FIG. 4(b)) for flowing water therein, and is connected to water supply unit 16 via a hose or the like. That is, during the drying operation, water is supplied to discharge flow path forming body 154, thereby cooling the internal discharge flow path of heat exchange section 157, and heat exchange is performed with air containing moisture from the laundry in washing tub 12. Note that water generated by the heat exchange is discharged from drain section 114 to the outside of water tub 11.

[0020] The third temperature detection means 155 detects the temperature inside the intake flow path formation body 153. The third temperature detection means 155 here is provided downstream of the heating means 152. The second temperature detection means 156 detects the temperature inside the discharge flow path formation body 154. Here, the second temperature detection means 156 is provided between the upstream side of the blower means 151 (and the filter 207).

[0021] (6) Control unit The control unit 18 controls the motor 14 for the washing tub 12, the water supply unit 16, the drain unit 19, the drying unit 15, etc., in accordance with the operation course selected from the operation unit 17. The control unit 18 includes a control section configured by mounting a plurality of electronic components (not shown) for performing the above control on a board (not shown). In this embodiment, a plurality of electronic components for a power supply circuit that supplies power to electronic components such as the motors 14, 203 and the operation unit 17 are mounted on the board of the control section. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 18 has a circuit case 180 that houses a control unit, and the circuit case 180 is disposed on a base Y so as to be removably mounted. As shown in FIG. 6, the circuit case 180 has a box shape that is long in the left-right direction and thin in the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the circuit case 180 is composed of a first case 181 and a second case 182. Here, the first case 181 is located on the lower side, and the second case 182 is located on the upper side. Therefore, the first case 181 can be called the lower case, and the second case 182 can be called the upper case. The circuit case 180 has a first plate material 183 that covers the surface (lower surface) of the first case 181 opposite to the second case 182, and a second plate material 184 that covers the surface (upper surface) of the second case 182 opposite to the first case 181. The first plate material 183 can be called the lower plate material, and the second plate material 184 can be called the upper plate material.

[0022] First case 181 and second case 182 are joined together by second engagement portion 182a of second case 182 engaging with first engagement portion 181a of first case 181. Note that first engagement portion 181a and second engagement portion 182a are provided, for example, on the front wall and rear wall of first case 181 and second case 182. Also, first engagement portion 181a has a protruding shape, and second engagement portion 182a has a recessed shape (through hole). The first case 181 and the second case 182 are fixed in place by inserting a fixing device (e.g., a screw member) (not shown) through the through hole 182c of the extension portion 182b of the second case 182 and screwing it into a screw hole (screw hole) of the boss portion 181b of the first case 181 when the second case 182 covers the first case 181 from above, that is, when the first engagement portion 181a and the second engagement portion 182a are engaged with each other.

[0023] 6, the circuit case 180 has a fixing portion 181d for fixing to the base Y using a fixing device (not shown, e.g., a screw member). The fixing portion 181d is composed of, for example, a protruding portion 181e protruding in the left-right direction from a connecting portion between the front wall and the left-right walls, and a through hole 181f formed in the protruding portion 181e and through which the fixing device is inserted. The fixing portion 181d is provided on at least one of the left-right walls of the first case 181, and here, on both the left-right walls.

[0024] The circuit case 180 has a handle portion 180g (see FIG. 6) that is gripped when setting the control unit 18 on or removing it from the base Y. As shown in FIG. 7, the handle portion 180g is composed of a first handle portion 181g of the first case 181 and a second handle portion 182g of the second case 182, and is provided so as to protrude forward from the front wall of the case.

[0025] 6, the circuit case 180 has a fixing portion 181h for fixing the circuit case 180, which can be pulled out in the front-rear direction, to the base Y. The fixing portion 181h is provided on at least one of the left and right walls, and both the left and right walls in this case. The fixing portion 181h is composed of a first extending portion 181i extending in the left-right direction from the left and right walls, and a case-side fitting portion 181j formed on the first extending portion 181i and fitting with a base-side fitting portion 311c of the base Y (see FIG. 6). The case side fitting portion 181j has a protrusion shape, and here has a pin shape (having a cross section shape of, for example, a "+" shape) extending in the front-rear direction. The base side fitting portion 311c is configured by a hole portion, and has a through-hole shape or a recess shape formed in the rib portion 311b. As a result, the circuit case 180 is fixed to the pedestal Y with high positioning accuracy. From the viewpoint of positioning accuracy, the fixing portion 181h can be called a positioning portion, and from the viewpoint of fitting, it can be called a fitting portion. Furthermore, since the circuit case 180 is supported by the pedestal Y by inserting the case side fitting portion 181j into the pedestal side fitting portion 311c, the case side fitting portion 181j can be called a supported portion, and the pedestal side fitting portion 311c can be called a supporting portion.

[0026] The first plate 183 is a metal plate provided to prevent the spread of fire in the event that an element on the board catches fire. As shown in Fig. 7, the first case 181 has a screw hole (screw hole) 181m in a boss portion 181k into which a fastener (e.g., a screw member) is screwed to pass through a through hole 183m in a protruding portion 183k of the first plate 183. The screw hole 181m is configured so as not to communicate with the space that houses the control unit. The second plate 184 is a metal plate provided to prevent the spread of fire in the event that an element on the board catches fire. The second case 182 has a screw hole (screw hole) 182m in a boss portion 182k into which a fastener (e.g., a screw member) is screwed to pass through a through hole 184m in a main body portion 184k of the second plate 184. The screw hole 182m is configured so as not to communicate with the space that houses the control unit.

[0027] 3.Pedestal configuration 1 and 2, the base Y has a hollow rectangular prism shape and has upwardly recessed recesses 315, 317 on its bottom surface. This allows the piping part 191 drawn out from the rear side of the washing machine X to be drawn into the inside of the base Y. As shown in Figure 6, the base Y has a base body 31 having an opening forming portion 311 on the front side, a front cover 33 that covers the front side of the base body 31, and a fastening body 35 that fastens both side portions of the opening forming portion 311.

[0028] The outer peripheral shape of base body 31 when viewed from above coincides with the outer peripheral shape of washing machine X when viewed from above. Here, the shape is close to a rectangle. The base body 31 has a front portion 321 and a rear portion 322 extending along the left-right direction, and a right portion 323 and a left portion 324 extending along the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the base body 31 has an opening forming portion 311 in a front portion 321 for forming an opening 31a (see FIG. 2) for pulling out the control unit 18 from the base Y.

[0029] The opening forming portion 311 has a concave shape that is concave downward. The circuit case 180 of the control unit 18 is disposed in a spaced-apart state on a bottom surface 311a of the opening forming portion 311. The base main body 31 has a plurality of rib portions 311b extending in the up-down direction on both left-right side surfaces of the opening forming portion 311, and a base side fitting portion 311c is provided on one of the rib portions 311b. The case side fitting portion 181j of the control unit 18 is fitted (inserted) into the base side fitting portion 311c from the front side. The base body 31 has a screw hole 311e in a boss portion 311d at the front end portion of the bottom surface 311a of the opening forming portion 311. A screw body that passes through a through hole 181f of a fixing portion 181d provided at the front end portion of the circuit case 180 of the control unit 18 is screwed into this screw hole 311e. Incidentally, height adjustment adjusters 37 are provided at the corners of the bottom surface of base body 31 (see FIG. 1(b)).

[0030] A groove portion 313a extending in the left-right direction is formed on the upper surface of the front corner portion 313 where the front portion 321 and the right portion 323 of the base body 31 intersect, and the front corner portion 313 where the front portion 321 and the left portion 324 intersect. A groove portion 355 of the fastener 35 fits into this groove portion 313a from above. This restricts the movement of the fastener 35 in the front-rear direction. The outer end of the groove portion 313a in the left-right direction is blocked. This restricts the movement of the fastener 35 in the left-right direction. One or more screw holes 313b are formed in the upper surface and front surface of the front corner portion 313 of the base body 31. A screw member (not shown) that passes through the through hole 351a of the upper plate portion 351 of the fastener 35 or the through hole 353a of the front plate portion 353 is screwed into the screw hole 313b.

[0031] The fastener 35 is made of a metal material. Specifically, the fastener 35 is formed into an "L" shape by pressing (sheet metal processing) a metal. The fastener 35 has an upper plate portion 351 that is long in the left-right direction, and a front plate portion 353 that is bent downward from the front end of the upper plate portion 351. The connector 107 (see FIG. 2) of the housing 10 of the washing machine X is placed on the upper plate portion 351 and fixed thereto by a screw. The upper plate portion 351 is formed with a groove portion 355 recessed downward. This enables the fastener 35 to be reinforced. One or more through holes 351a for fixing the fastener 35 to the base body 31 are provided at both ends of the upper plate portion 351. One or more through holes 351b for a fastener for fixing the connector 107 are provided between both ends of the upper plate portion 351 in the left-right direction. Note that a screw, a rivet, or the like can be used as the fastener. The front plate portion 353 has a shape such that both ends in the left-right direction are flared downward. One or more through holes 353a for fixing the fastener 35 to the base body 31 are provided at both ends of the front plate portion 353. The left-right intermediate portion of the front plate portion 353 is folded back upward to form a folded back portion 353b. This allows the control unit 18 to be inserted and removed from the base Y safely.

[0032] The front cover 33 is made of a resin molded product, etc. The front cover 33 has a boss portion 331 and a through hole formed in the bottom portion of the boss portion 331. A screw member that passes through the through hole is screwed into a screw hole 313d that is formed in the front surface of the front corner portion 313 of the base main body 31.

[0033] 4. Drying operation control (1) Washing machine operation When an operation course is selected from the operation unit 17 and a start button is operated, the control unit 18 executes a program in the washing machine X. The operation courses are roughly classified into a washing course in which washing processing is performed including a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying course in which drying processing is performed after washing processing, and a drying course in which only drying processing is performed without washing processing. Here, the washing and drying course will be described. As shown in (a) of Fig. 8, the washing and drying courses include, for example, a standard course, a gentle course with a lower drying rate than the standard course, and a thorough course (heavy-duty course) with a higher drying rate than the standard course. The drying rate is obtained by dividing the weight of the laundry after drying by the weight of the laundry before washing, and is set, for example, so that the drying rate of the standard course is "1.0", the drying rate of the gentle course is "0.9", and the drying rate of the thorough course is "1.1".

[0034] In the drying process, when the washing process is completed, the air blowing means 151 and the heating means 152 are driven. As a result, air is sucked from the air intake 101 of the housing 10 and circulated between the air blowing means 151 and the water tub 11. Then, the air supplied to the heating means 152 is heated, and the heated air (pre-drying air) passes through the water tub 11 (washing tub 12) containing the washed laundry. Meanwhile, in synchronization with the driving of the air blowing means 151, etc., water is supplied from the water supply unit 16 to the heat exchanger 157 to cool the heat exchanger 157, and the air that has absorbed moisture from the laundry in the washing tub 12 exchanges heat in the heat exchanger 157 (the moisture is condensed). The condensed water is discharged from the drainage unit 19, and the dry air dehumidified by the heat exchanger 157 (hereinafter referred to as "dried air") returns to the blower means 151.

[0035] (2) Block diagram As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 18 has a control means 185, a memory means 186, a timer 187, etc., and is electrically connected to the first temperature detection means 118, the third temperature detection means 155, the second temperature detection means 156, the blowing means 151, the heating means 152, the motor 14, etc. First temperature detection means 118 is disposed between water tub 11 and washing tub 12, and detects a temperature corresponding to the temperature inside water tub 11 or the temperature inside washing tub 12. The second temperature detection means 156 detects the temperature of the air flowing through the exhaust flow path formation body 154 and having passed through the heat exchanger 157. The second temperature detection means 156 is also disposed upstream of the blower means 151, in other words, it detects the temperature of the air sucked into the blower means 151. The second temperature detection means 156 is also capable of detecting the intake air temperature at the start of operation. The third temperature detection means 155 detects the temperature of the air flowing through the intake passage formation body 153 and after being heated by the heating means 152 . The storage means 186 includes an EEPROM, a RAM, etc. The storage means 186 stores programs for performing each process of each operation course, various setting data used in executing the programs, and various control flags. The control means 185 is composed of a microcomputer, and controls the entire washing machine X by executing a program stored in the storage means 186.

[0036] (3) Control content Control means 185 executes a program to control ON / OFF of motor 14 for washing tub 12, air blowing means 151 and heating means 152, and opening / closing of water supply unit 16 and drainage unit 19 during the drying process. As shown in (a) of Figure 8, when the program starts, the control means 185 performs a first control of maintaining the driving of the heating means 152 in the ON state, and when the third detection temperature 3Te detected by the third temperature detection means 155 becomes the first temperature Te1, the control means 185 performs a second control of repeatedly switching the driving of the heating means 152 between OFF and ON.

[0037] The first control is a control until the third detection temperature 3Te detected by the third temperature detection means 155 becomes the first temperature Te1. In the first control, heat exchange (drying operation) is performed between the heated drying air and the laundry containing moisture, and there is a period during which the third detection temperature 3Te becomes substantially constant at the third temperature Te3, as shown in FIG. 8(a). The first control is a control from turning on the driving of the heating means 152 until the driving is turned off for the first time. In other words, in the first control, the drying operation is performed at the third temperature Te3 until the first temperature Te1 is detected by the third temperature detection means 155.

[0038] The second control is a control for turning on or off the driving of the heating means 152 according to the third detected temperature 3Te detected by the third temperature detection means 155. That is, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the control means 185 turns off the heating means 152 when the third detected temperature 3Te becomes the first temperature Te1, and turns on the heating means 152 when the third detected temperature 3Te becomes the second temperature Te2 lower than the first temperature Te1. In other words, in the second control, when the third detected temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, the control means 185 controls the heating means 152 by repeatedly switching on and off so that the heating means 152 is within a temperature range with the first temperature Te1 as the upper limit value and the second temperature Te2 as the lower limit value. Here, the second control starts from the first driving OFF of the heating means 152 and ends with the driving OFF of the upper limit number of times of the repeated switching.

[0039] The first temperature Te1 is equal to or higher than the temperature at which the laundry can be dried, but lower than the temperature at which the laundry is damaged (shrinks). For example, when the third temperature detection means 155 is used, the first temperature Te1 is set within the range of 50 to 80° C. This allows the laundry to be dried efficiently while preventing it from shrinking. The second temperature Te2 is set within a range of 80 to 90% of the first temperature Te1, and is numerically lower than the first temperature Te1 by 10 to 3° C. This makes it possible to suppress a drop in the laundry temperature and to dry the laundry efficiently. The third temperature Te3 is a temperature that becomes substantially constant as moisture from the laundry is absorbed into the drying air, and the second temperature Te2 is set to be higher than the third temperature Te3. As a specific example, the first temperature Te1 is 70° C., the second temperature Te2 is 65° C., and the third temperature Te3 is 60° C. This allows the moisture in the laundry to evaporate smoothly while suppressing shrinkage of the laundry, thereby improving drying efficiency. The control means 185 repeatedly switches the heating means 152 on and off within an upper limit number N. The upper limit number is set in advance to differ depending on the third detection temperature 3Te at the beginning of the drying process and various courses, as shown in (a) of FIG. A smaller upper limit number of times results in more uneven drying, whereas a larger number of times results in less uneven drying. On the other hand, a smaller number of times results in less power consumption, whereas a larger number of times results in more power consumption. Therefore, it is preferable that the upper limit number of times be a number that falls within a preset range of variation for the degree of drying of each drying course and is close to the lower limit.

[0040] (4) Flowchart (4-1) First embodiment 1 The control contents of the control unit 18 in the wash / dry course will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIG. 10 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the control means 185 starts a program when the user operates a start button. The control means 185 performs the washing process of the washing and drying course selected by the user (S101), and performs the drying process of the gentle course (S103, S107), the drying process of the standard course (S103, S105), or the drying process of the thorough course (S103, S105) according to the contents of the user's selection. Then, when the drying process is completed, the program ends. In the drying process, the conservative course, standard course, and thorough course are the same except for the upper limit number N of times that the heating means 152 is repeatedly turned on and off after the third detection temperature 3Te reaches the first temperature Te1, as shown in (a) of Figure 8. Therefore, the drying process of the standard course will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0041] When the standard course drying process starts, the control means 185 clears a variable K (hereinafter referred to as the number of repetitions K) indicating the number of times the heating means 152 is switched ON and OFF and an upper limit number N of repetitions to 0 (S111), and determines whether the second detection temperature 2Te detected by the second temperature detection means 156 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value Sh1 (S113). Specifically, when the second detection temperature 2Te is "Te0" shown in Fig. 8(b), it is determined whether "Te0" is equal to or higher than the first threshold value Sh1. Note that "Te0" corresponds to the outside air temperature during the washing and drying operation. In step S113, if the second detected temperature 2Te is greater than or equal to the first threshold Sh1 ("Yes"), the upper limit number N is set to "12" (S115), and if the second detected temperature 2Te is less than the first threshold Sh1 ("No"), the upper limit number N is set to "8" (S117), and the process proceeds to step S119.

[0042] In step S119, the blower 151 (motor 203) is turned on, and the water supply valve for the heat exchanger 157 of the water supply unit 16 is opened. This causes air to circulate between the blower 151 and the water tank 11, and the heat exchanger 157 is cooled by the water supply. The control means 185 turns on the driving of the heating means 152 in step S121, and maintains the ON state until the third detection temperature 3Te becomes the first temperature Te1 ("No" in S123). When the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1 ("Yes" in S123), the driving of the heating means 152 is turned off (S125) and the OFF state is maintained until the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or lower than the second temperature Te2 ("No" in S127).

[0043] When the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or lower than the second temperature Te2 ("Yes" in S127), the control means 185 adds "1" to the number of repetitions K (S129) and determines whether the incremented number of repetitions K is equal to the upper limit number of repetitions N (S131). In step S131, if the number of repetitions K is not the upper limit number of times N ("No"), the process proceeds to step S121, and steps S121 to S129 are repeated until the number of repetitions K becomes the upper limit number of times N. In step S131, if the number of repetitions K is the upper limit number N ("Yes"), proceed to step S133, turn off the blower means 151 (motor 203), close the water supply valve for the heat exchange section 157 of the water supply unit 16, and return to the main routine of Figure 10.

[0044] (4-2) First embodiment 2 In the above first embodiment 1, depending on the selected operating course, the system branches into three processes (subroutines): a process for a conservative course, a process for a standard course, and a process for a thorough course, and two types of upper limit number N are set for each process (subroutine). In the first embodiment 2, the upper limit number N corresponding to the operating course is acquired from a table such as that shown in FIG. 8(a), for example. The process of the first embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0045] When the program starts, the control means 185 performs the selected washing process (S101) and resets the number of repetitions K and the upper limit number of times N to 0 (S111). Then, the control means 185 obtains information on the selected drying course and the second detection temperature 2Te (S151, S153), and obtains the corresponding upper limit number of times N from the table based on the obtained information and the second detection temperature 2Te (S155). For example, when the acquired information on the drying course is the standard course and the second detection temperature 2Te is equal to or higher than the first threshold value Sh1, the upper limit number N is "12." The control means 185 then, as in the first embodiment 1, turns on the driving of the air blowing means 151, opens the water supply unit 16, and switches the heating means 152 on and off up to the maximum number of times N so that the third detection temperature 3Te is within a temperature range with the first temperature T1 as an upper limit and the second temperature T2 as a lower limit, and then terminates (S119 to S133).

[0046] (5) Effects In a method in which the timing to turn off the heating means 152 while it is driven is detected by the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the water tank (so-called ΔT detection), the degree of dryness varies widely, and in some cases the result is over-drying. The temperature difference between inside and outside the aquarium here is the difference value between the temperature inside the aquarium 11 (e.g., the first detected temperature detected by the first temperature detection means 118) and the temperature outside the aquarium 11 (e.g., the second detected temperature detected by the second temperature detection means 156). This is believed to be because the temperature inside water tub 11 (inside the washing tub) cannot be detected accurately due to the weight of the items to be dried (laundry) and uneven distribution of the items to be dried inside the washing tub. As described in the first and second embodiments, when the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, the driving of the heating means 152 is controlled to be switched ON and OFF repeatedly, thereby preventing an excessive temperature rise in the water tub 11 or the washing tub 12 that exceeds the first temperature Te1, thereby preventing over-drying. Furthermore, preventing over-drying can reduce shrinkage of clothes. By repeatedly switching the power ON and OFF, excessive temperature rise can be prevented, and by setting an upper limit on the number of repetitions K, over-drying can be prevented and uneven drying can be reduced. Since the upper limit value (upper limit number N) of the number of repetitions K when the second detection temperature 2Te is equal to or higher than the first threshold value Sh1 is set to be greater than the upper limit value (upper limit number N) of the number of repetitions K when the second detection temperature 2Te is smaller than the first threshold value Sh1, as shown in (b) of Figure 8, even if the timing at which the third detection temperature 3Te reaches the first temperature Te1 differs depending on the outside air temperature, the difference in the overall drying operation time can be reduced. It has been found through experiments that when the second detection temperature 2Te at the beginning of the drying process is 20 to 25°C, the variation in the drying rate is reduced when the standard course is repeated 7 times or more, preferably 8 times or more, and when the thorough course is repeated 10 times or more, preferably 12 times or more. It has been found through experiments that when the second detection temperature 2Te at the beginning of the drying process is 30 to 35°C, the variation in the drying rate is reduced when the standard course is repeated 10 times or more, preferably 12 times or more, and when the thorough course is repeated 15 times or more, preferably 18 times or more. The first threshold value Sh1 is preferably a temperature between 25 and 30°C.

[0047] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, when the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, the control means 185 repeatedly switches the heating means 152 between ON and OFF until the number of repetitions K reaches the upper limit number of repetitions N, and changes the upper limit number of repetitions N depending on the temperature of the intake air (the second detection temperature 2Te detected by the second temperature detection means 156 before the driving of the heating means 152 is turned ON). In the second embodiment, in the second control, when the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, the heating means 152 is controlled to be switched ON and OFF repeatedly until the number of repetitions K reaches the upper limit number N (similar to the first embodiment), and further, a control means is described which changes the temperature range with the first temperature Te1 as the upper limit and the second temperature as the lower limit depending on the temperature of the intake air (the second detection temperature 2Te detected by the second temperature detection means 156 before the driving of the heating means 152 is turned ON). Note that the description of steps similar to those in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0048] 1. Control Contents In the control content of the second embodiment, the first control is the same as the first control of the first embodiment, so the second control will be mainly described here. In the second control, the control means 185 controls ON / OFF of the heating means 152 according to the third detected temperature 3Te detected by the third temperature detection means 155. That is, as shown in (b) of Fig. 13, the control means 185 turns OFF the heating means 152 when the third detected temperature 3Te becomes the first temperature Te1 (Te1a, Te1b), and turns ON the heating means 152 when the third detected temperature 3Te becomes the second temperature Te2 lower than the first temperature Te1 (Te1a, Te1b). Note that the second control here also starts with the first driving OFF of the heating means 152 and ends with the driving OFF of the upper limit number of times of switching repetition. In other words, when the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1 (Te1a, Te1b), the control means 185 repeatedly switches the heating means 152 ON and OFF so that the third detection temperature 3Te falls within a temperature range having the first temperature Te1 (Te1a, Te1b) as an upper limit value and the second temperature Te2 as a lower limit value, and changes the temperature range by comparing the second detection temperature 2Te at the beginning of the drying process with the first threshold value Sh1. In this manner, similarly to the first embodiments 1 and 2, when the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, the driving of the heating means 152 is controlled to be repeatedly switched ON and OFF, thereby preventing an excessive temperature rise in the water tub 11 or the washing tub 12 that would cause the temperature to exceed the first temperature Te1, thereby preventing over-drying.

[0049] The temperature range may be changed by changing only the first temperature Te1, which is the upper limit value, or by changing only the second temperature Te2, which is the lower limit value, or by changing both the first temperature Te1, which is the upper limit value, and the second temperature Te2, which is the lower limit value. Here, only the first temperature Te1 is changed, and when the second detection temperature 2Te at the beginning of the drying process is lower than the first threshold Sh1, the first temperature Te1 is set to "Te1a," and when the second detection temperature 2Te is equal to or higher than the first threshold Sh1, the first temperature Te1 is set to "Te1b." This makes it possible to reduce the difference in the overall drying operation time even if the timing at which the third detection temperature 3Te reaches the first temperature Te1 differs due to differences in the outside air temperature. The first temperature Te1b is 5 to 30% higher than the first temperature Te1a, and the first temperature Te1a is preferably set within a range of 50 to 80° C. Although the first temperature Te1b is higher than the first temperature Te1a, the control means 185 turns off the driving of the heating means 152 when the third detection temperature 3Te becomes the first temperature Te1b, so that shrinkage of the laundry can be suppressed. Also, shrinkage can be suppressed more than when the driving in the ON state is maintained.

[0050] 2. Flowchart (1) Second embodiment 1 The operation of control unit 18 in the wash / dry course will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIG. 10 and FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the control means 185 starts the program when the user operates the start button, performs the washing process of the selected washing and drying course (S101), and then performs the drying process corresponding to the user's selection (S103, S105, S107, S109), and ends the program. In the drying process, the conservative course, standard course, and thorough course have the same process except that, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the first temperature (Te1b) when the second detection temperature 2Te at the beginning of drying is equal to or higher than the first threshold value Sh1 is higher than the first temperature (Te1a) when the second detection temperature 2Te is less than the first threshold value Sh1. Therefore, the drying process of the standard course will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 14. Note that the first temperature Te1a when it is less than the first threshold value Sh1 corresponds to the first temperature Te1 in the first embodiment.

[0051] When the standard course drying process starts, the control means 185 clears the number of times K the heating means 152 is turned on and off to 0, sets the upper limit number N of the number of times K to "8" (S201), and determines whether the second detection temperature 2Te detected by the second temperature detection means 156 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value Sh1 (S203). In step S203, if the second detected temperature 2Te is greater than or equal to the first threshold Sh1 ("Yes"), the first temperature Te1 is set to "Te1b" (S205), and if the second detected temperature 2Te is less than the first threshold Sh1 ("No"), the first temperature Te1 is set to "Te1a" (S207), and the process proceeds to step S119, where the blower means 151 is turned on and the water supply unit 16 is opened.

[0052] Thereafter, as in the first embodiment 1, the control means 185 switches the heating means 152 ON and OFF up to a maximum number of times N (here, "8") so that the third detection temperature 3Te is within a temperature range with the first temperature Te1 as an upper limit and the second temperature Te2 as a lower limit, turns off the drive of the blower means 151 (motor 203), and closes the water supply valve for the heat exchange section 157 of the water supply unit 16 (S121 to S133), and returns to the main routine of Figure 10.

[0053] (2) Second embodiment 2 In the above second embodiment 1, depending on the selected operating course, the system branches into three processes (subroutines): a process for a conservative course, a process for a standard course, and a process for a thorough course, and two types of first temperatures Te1a, Te1b are set in each process (subroutine). In the second embodiment 2, the first temperatures Te1a, Te1b corresponding to the operating course are acquired from a table such as that shown in FIG. 13(a), for example. The control means 185 of this embodiment can be implemented by obtaining the corresponding first temperature Te1 and upper limit number of times N from a table based on the obtained drying course information and second detection temperature 2Te in step S155 of the flowchart of the first embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 12.

[0054] <Third embodiment> In the first and second embodiments, the heating means 152 is repeatedly switched ON and OFF up to the upper limit number N. In the third embodiment, a control means is described which repeatedly switches the heating means 152 ON and OFF when the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, and which terminates drying when the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the water tank 11 becomes equal to or higher than a second threshold value. Note that the description of steps similar to those in the first and second embodiments may be omitted.

[0055] 1. Control Contents In the control content of the third embodiment, the first control is the same as the first control of the first embodiment, so here, the second control will be mainly described. In the second control, when the third detected temperature 3Te detected by the third temperature detection means 155 becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, the control means 185 repeats the ON / OFF switching of the heating means 152 until a predetermined time Ti1 so that the temperature is within the range with the first temperature Te1 as the upper limit value and the second temperature Te2 as the lower limit value. Thereby, as in the first and second embodiments, an excessive temperature rise such that the temperature in the water tank 11 or the washing tub 12 exceeds the first temperature Te1 is prevented, and thus over-drying can be prevented. Note that the second control here starts from the OFF of the first drive of the heating means 152 and ends when the predetermined time Ti1 has elapsed. In the first and second embodiments, when the number of repetitions K reaches the upper limit number N, the drying process (heating) is terminated. However, also in the third embodiment, the same processes as those in the first and second embodiments (steps S111 to S131 in FIG. 11, steps S111 to S131 in FIG. 12, or steps S201 to S131 in FIG. 14) may be performed. For example, when a predetermined time (also referred to as the "repetition time") has elapsed since the third detected temperature 3Te became equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, the drying process (heating) may be terminated. The repetition time Ti1 is set as shown in FIG. 16, for example, and Ti11 < Ti12 < Ti13. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the repetition time may be changed according to the second detected temperature 2Te at the initial stage of the drying process.

[0056] During the control of repeatedly switching the heating means 152 between ON and OFF, when the difference value ΔT between the first detected temperature 1Te detected by the first temperature detection means 118 that detects the temperature in the water tank 11 and the second detected temperature 2Te detected by the second temperature detection means 156 that detects the temperature outside the water tank 11 becomes equal to or higher than the second threshold value Sh2, the control means 185 terminates the drying process.

[0057] 2. Flowchart The content of the control unit 18 in the washing and drying course will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15. In the drying process, the cautious course, the standard course, and the elaborate course only differ in the repetition time Ti1 as shown in FIG. 16, and the other processes are the same. When the program starts, the control means 185 performs the selected washing process (S101), clears the repetition time Ti1 and ΔT to 0 (S301), and obtains the repetition time Ti1 corresponding to the selected drying course from a table such as that shown in FIG. 16 (S303). For example, when the acquired information on the drying course is the standard course, the repetition time Ti1 is Ti12. The control means 185 turns on the blower means 151 (motor 203), opens the water supply valve for the heat exchange section 157 of the water supply unit 16 (S119), turns on the heating means 152 (S121), and maintains the ON state until the third detection temperature 3Te becomes the first temperature Te1 ("No" in S123). When the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1 ("Yes" in S123), the driving of the heating means 152 is turned OFF (S125), the timer is turned ON to start measuring the time Ti (S305), and the OFF state is maintained until the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or lower than the second temperature Te2 ("No" in S127).

[0058] When the third detection temperature 3Te becomes lower than or equal to the second temperature Te2 ("Yes" in S127), the control means 185 calculates ΔT, which is the difference between the first detection temperature 1Te detected by the first temperature detection means 118 and the second detection temperature 2Te detected by the second temperature detection means 156 (S307). In step S309, it is determined whether ΔT is greater than the second threshold value Sh2, and if it is greater ("Yes"), the process proceeds to step S133, the blower means 151 (motor 203) is turned off, the water supply valve for the heat exchange section 157 of the water supply unit 16 is closed, and the program is terminated. On the other hand, if ΔT is equal to or less than the second threshold Sh2 ("No"), and if the time Ti is equal to or greater than the repetition time Ti1 ("Yes" in S311), the process proceeds to step S133. If the time Ti is less than the repetition time Ti1 ("No" in S311), the process proceeds to step S121.

[0059] 3.Effects When the third detection temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, the control means 185 repeatedly switches the heating means 152 between ON and OFF, and detects ΔT during the repeated switching between ON and OFF. As explained in the first embodiment, ΔT detection results in large variations in the degree of dryness when the first temperature detection means 118 cannot accurately detect the first detection temperature, but when the first temperature detection means 118 can accurately detect the first detection temperature, the degree of dryness can be accurately grasped. Therefore, when the first temperature detection means 118 can detect the temperature relatively accurately, the end of the drying operation is determined by detecting ΔT, and when the first temperature detection means 118 cannot detect the temperature relatively accurately, the end of the drying operation is determined by switching the heating means 152 ON and OFF for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times, thereby preventing over-drying while reducing power consumption.

[0060] 4.Other In the third embodiment, the driving of the heating means 152 is repeatedly switched between ON and OFF for a repetition time Ti1, but it may be repeated until the upper limit number N is reached as in the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, the determination of ΔT (S309) is performed between step S127 and step S311, but it may be performed between step S121 and step S311.

[0061] As described above, the first to third embodiments have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may be modified as follows, for example. Also, the embodiments and modified examples, or modified examples may be combined. Furthermore, the present invention also includes examples that are not described in the embodiments and modified examples, and design changes that do not deviate from the gist of the invention.

[0062] <Modification> (1) The rotation axis of the washing tub 12 is parallel to the horizontal direction, but it may be inclined upward from the horizontal direction. The inclination angle is in the range of 1 degree to 10 degrees. (2) Although control unit 18 accommodates the control section in one circuit case 180, it may be divided into multiple components, for example. In this case, at least one may be provided in the housing of the washing machine and the rest may be provided on the base. (3) Although the circuit case 180 is provided with the first plate member 183 and the second plate member 184, at least one of these may be omitted. (4) The circuit case 180 is fixed to the base Y so that there is a gap between the bottom surface of the circuit case 180 and the base Y, and a vibration-proof member may be provided between the bottom surface and the base. Examples of the vibration-proof member include rubber, urethane, and silicone.

[0063] (5) The piping section 191 of the washing machine is pulled into the base Y and connected to a drain outlet below the washing machine, but it may be connected to a discharge outlet on the outside of the base. (6) The base Y on which the washing machine X is placed has an opening 31a at the front for inserting and removing the control unit 18. However, if the planar shape of the base Y is rectangular, the opening of the base may be on the left or right side. (7) The base Y includes a base body 31 having an opening forming portion 311 that opens upward, and a fastening body 35 that is arranged to cover the opening forming portion 311 of the base body 31. However, for example, the base body may have an outlet for the control unit in the form of a through hole without using a fastening body. (8) The circuit case 180 and the base Y are fixed together by the case-side fitting portion 181j and the base-side fitting portion, but they may be fixed together by other fixing means such as engagement or pins.

[0064] (9) The ΔT detection of the third embodiment may be applied to the first and second embodiments. In this case, the processes of steps S307 and S309 may be between S121 and S131 in Fig. 11, may be between S121 and S131 in Fig. 12, and may be between S121 and S131 in Fig. 14. When the processing of steps S307 and S309 of the third embodiment is also applied to the first and second embodiments, the control means 185 terminates the drying process when, during repeated control of switching the heating means 152 ON and OFF, the difference value ΔT between the first detected temperature 1Te detected by the first temperature detection means 118 that detects the temperature inside the water tank 11 and the second detected temperature 2Te detected by the second temperature detection means 156 that detects the temperature outside the water tank 11 becomes equal to or greater than the second threshold value Sh2. (10) In the first to third embodiments, the control of the drying operation in the wash and dry course has been described. However, the control may or may not be applied to the control of the drying operation in a drying course without a washing process.

[0065] <Invention> 1. Prior art (1) Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-43499 Conventionally, a method is known in which the degree of dryness of clothes (laundry) is judged and the drying operation is controlled according to the degree of dryness to dry the clothes. In this patent document, the temperature inside the washing tub is raised by rotating a fan and circulating the air generated inside the washing tub via a PTC heater. The degree of dryness of the clothes is judged by observing the temperature difference inside and outside the tub (so-called ΔT detection) using the principle that the temperature of the warm air rises when the moisture content of the clothes decreases and the amount of evaporation decreases, and when the temperature difference exceeds a threshold value, the PTC heater is switched off and the drying operation is terminated. However, with ΔT detection, there are cases where the drying is uneven and the clothes are dried too quickly (over-dried) (hereinafter, for convenience, this is referred to as the "first problem"). In this case, the clothes will shrink significantly. In addition, with ΔT detection, there are cases where the drying is uneven depending on the amount of laundry.

[0066] (2) JP 11-300088 This patent document discloses a washing machine in which a base member 22 is provided to support an outer frame 23 housing a washing tub, and a case 25 housing a control board is mounted on this base member 22. However, when placing the washing machine in a house or a waterproof pan, it is necessary to connect the drain outlet of the house or the waterproof pan to a drain pipe, and in technology such as that of this patent document, when case 25 is stored, it is difficult to connect the above-mentioned drain pipe (hereinafter, for convenience, referred to as the "second problem"). Furthermore, in the technology of this patent document, vibrations of the washing machine are transmitted to case 25 from base member 22, which may cause, for example, the connector on the control board to come loose (hereinafter, for convenience, this is referred to as the "third problem").

[0067] 2. Invention 1 The washing machine of Invention 1 is provided to solve the second problem described above, and aims to provide a washing machine that makes it easier to connect the drain pipe to the drain outlet by pulling the control unit out to the front of the housing. (1) First washing machine The first washing machine comprises a water tub supported within a housing, a washing tub provided within the water tub and for storing laundry, a drive means for rotating the washing tub, a control unit for controlling at least the drive means, a support part for supporting the control unit at the bottom of the housing, and a drain pipe part connected to an external drain for draining water within the washing tub to the outside, the control unit being supported by the support part in front of the drain pipe part and being capable of being pulled out to the front side of the housing. This makes it possible to easily perform the connection work when connecting the drain pipe to the drain outlet by pulling the control unit out to the front side of the housing. In the first invention, the washing machine includes a type in which the rotation axis of the washing tub extends horizontally, in a direction inclined to the horizontal, or in a vertical direction. The washing machine may be configured such that the washing machine and the base in the embodiment are integrated, or may be configured such that the washing machine and the base in the embodiment are separate and include both. In addition, the washing machine may have at least a washing function, and may have a drying function like the washing machine in the embodiment. In addition, if it has a drying function, the control of the drying unit may be the same as or different from the control described in the embodiment. The support section is a concept that includes a case such as the circuit case 180 of the embodiment, and a base (plate) on which the control section is placed or suspended. However, the case is not limited to the structure of the circuit case 180 of the embodiment, and may be, for example, a structure that does not include the first plate member 183 or the second plate member 184, or a structure in which the first case and the second case are arranged up and down, left and right, or front and back. Also, while the circuit case 180 is a box shape that is long in the left and right direction, the case may be a box shape that is long in the front and back direction. The shape of the case in a plan view may be rectangular or square, or may be a polygonal shape other than a square, or may be an oval shape, an ellipse shape, a circle shape, or a shape that combines these shapes. In the case of the base (plate), taking into consideration that it is a control unit for a washing machine, it is preferable to provide a cover to prevent water from getting on the control unit, or to seal the control unit. The control unit may be removable from the housing, including the case where the support unit (circuit case 180) is removed as in the embodiment, and the case where the control unit is removed from a support unit fixed to the housing.

[0068] (2) Second washing machine In the second washing machine, the support part can be pulled out to the front side of the housing together with the control part in the first washing machine, so that the control part can be safely pulled out from the housing. Pulling out the support part includes cases where the support part is directly removed, where a support part supported on a rail member so as to be movable in the forward and backward directions is removed, and where a support part rotatably arranged around a rotation axis is rotated and removed.

[0069] (3) The third washing machine The third washing machine is the first or second washing machine, in which the discharge pipe part is connected to the drain outlet located at the bottom of the housing. This prevents the connection part with the drain outlet from protruding to the left, right or front of the housing, and prevents interference with the discharge pipe part when removing laundry.

[0070] 3. Invention 2 The base of Invention 2 is provided to solve the third problem above, and aims to provide a base that can reduce the transmission of vibrations from the washing machine by inserting protrusions into holes and fixing the housing and case of the washing machine, or the base and case, with fixing devices. (1) First Pedestal The first base is a base on which a washing machine is placed, and the washing machine comprises a water tub supported and installed inside a housing, a washing tub installed inside the water tub and for storing laundry, a drive means for rotating the washing tub, and a case in which a control unit for controlling at least the drive means is installed, the case is supported by the lower part of the housing or the base and can be pulled out to the front side of the housing or the base, and the housing and the case or the base and the case are fixed by fixing devices while protrusions are inserted into holes. This fixing structure between the housing and the case or between the base and the case can suppress the transmission of vibrations of the housing to the control unit. In the second aspect of the present invention, the washing machine includes a type in which the rotation axis of the washing tub extends horizontally, in a direction inclined to the horizontal, or in a vertical direction. The washing machine may have at least a washing function, and may have a drying function like the washing machine of the embodiment. If the washing machine has a drying function, the control of the drying unit may be the same as or different from the control described in the embodiment. The case is a concept including the circuit case 180 of the embodiment, but is not limited to the structure of the circuit case 180. For example, the case may have a structure that does not include the first plate member 183 or the second plate member 184, or may have a case structure in which the first case and the second case are arranged vertically, horizontally, or front-to-back. In addition, although the circuit case 180 is a box shape that is long in the horizontal direction, the case may also be a box shape that is long in the front-to-back direction. The shape of the case in a plan view may be rectangular or square, or may be a polygonal shape other than a square, or may be an oval shape, an elliptical shape, a circular shape, or a shape that is a combination of these shapes. An example of a protrusion is the case-side fitting portion 181j of the circuit case 180 of the embodiment, and an example of a hole is the base-side fitting portion 311c of the base Y of the embodiment, but the combination is not limited to this. For example, the protrusion may be provided on the base, and the hole may be provided on the case. When there are multiple combinations of one protrusion and a hole into which the protrusion is inserted, a first set of protrusions may be provided on the case, and a second set of protrusions may be provided on the base. The protrusion is a concept including the case-side fitting portion 181j of the circuit case 180 of the embodiment, and the hole is a concept including the base-side fitting portion 311c of the base Y of the embodiment, but is not limited to this structure. For example, the protrusion may protrude in a cylindrical shape, a cylindrical shape, a polygonal prism shape, a polygonal cylinder shape, or the like. The protrusion direction may be the same as the case removal direction, or may be a direction intersecting the pull-out direction. When the protrusion is perpendicular to the pull-out direction, for example, the case can be inserted from the removal direction and then moved in the perpendicular direction to insert the protrusion into the hole. The hole may be a recess or other hole or may have a shape in which a part of the hole is missing, as long as the projection can be inserted therein. The fastener may be capable of fastening the base and the case, and is a concept that includes the screw body of the embodiment, but may also be a fastening structure such as an engagement structure (including an engagement claw, an engagement pin, etc.).

[0071] (2) Second Pedestal The second base is configured such that the projections or holes provided in the first base are located on both sides of the case in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the base is pulled out. This allows the case to be stably supported with the projections inserted into the holes. Note that projections or holes may be provided on additional portions other than both sides of the case.

[0072] (3) The Third Pedestal The third base is the first or second base, and the case is fixed thereto such that there is at least a partial gap between the bottom surface of the case and the base. This can prevent vibrations from the housing from being transmitted to the control unit via the base.

[0073] (4) The Fourth Pedestal The fourth base is any one of the first to third bases, and a vibration isolating member is disposed between the case and the base. This reduces vibrations transmitted from the base to the case. The vibration-isolating member may be attached to the case, or to the base, or to both the case and the base.

[0074] (5) The Fifth Pedestal The fifth base is, among the first to fourth bases, a first fixing portion provided at the bottom of the housing and extending along the left-right direction, and the base has a front portion extending along the left-right direction and an opening forming portion for forming an opening in the front portion through which the case can be inserted and removed, and both left-right sides of the front portion are fastened by fastening bodies, and the first fixing portion is fixed to the fastening bodies with the first fixing portion placed on the upper surface of the front portion. As a result, even if a large opening is provided for inserting and removing the case, the fastening members fasten both the left and right sides of the front portion, thereby preventing a decrease in the earthquake resistance of the base. An example of the first fixing part of the washing machine is the bottom of the L-shaped connector 107 of the embodiment, but the first fixing part may extend from the bottom of the housing in the left-right direction, and may be, for example, the bottom of the connector having only the bottom in the connector 107 of the embodiment, or may be a bent part (part of the housing) in which the lower part of the front wall of the housing is made of a metal plate and the lower end of the metal plate is bent backward. An example of the fastening body is the fastening body 35 of the embodiment, but it is sufficient that both sides of the opening forming portion in the front part are fastened and the first fixing part is placed on the upper surface of the front part and fixed to the fastening body, and it may have only the upper plate part 351 of the fastening body 35 of the embodiment. The upper plate part is located on the front side of the base, but it may extend between both the left and right ends to the rear end, or a part of the left and right ends may extend to the rear end.

[0075] 4. Invention 3 The washing unit of Invention 3 is provided to solve the third problem above, and aims to provide a base that can reduce the transmission of vibrations from the washing machine by inserting protrusions into holes and fixing the base and case with fasteners. (1) First washing unit The first washing unit is a washing machine unit comprising a washing machine and a base on which the washing machine is placed, the washing machine comprising a water tub supported and arranged inside a housing, a washing tub arranged inside the water tub for storing laundry, a drive means for rotating the washing tub, and a case in which a control unit for controlling at least the drive means is housed, the case being supported by the base and capable of being pulled out to the front side of the base, the base and the case being fixed by a fixing device while a protrusion is inserted into a hole. This fixing structure between the base and the case can suppress the transmission of vibrations from the base to the control unit. In the third aspect of the present invention, the washing machine includes a type in which the rotation axis of the washing tub extends horizontally, in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and in a vertical direction. The washing machine may have at least a washing function, and may have a drying function like the washing machine of the embodiment. In addition, if the washing machine has a drying function, the control of the drying unit may be the same as or different from the control described in the embodiment. The case is a concept including the circuit case 180 of the embodiment, but is not limited to the structure of the circuit case 180. For example, the case may have a structure that does not include the first plate member 183 or the second plate member 184, or may have a case structure in which the first case and the second case are arranged vertically, horizontally, or front-to-back. In addition, although the circuit case 180 is a box-like shape that is long in the horizontal direction, the case may also be a box-like shape that is long in the front-to-back direction. The shape of the case in a plan view may be rectangular or square, or may be a polygonal shape other than a square, or may be an oval shape, an elliptical shape, a circular shape, or a shape that is a combination of these shapes. An example of a protrusion is the case-side fitting portion 181j of the circuit case 180 of the embodiment, and an example of a hole is the base-side fitting portion 311c of the base Y of the embodiment, but the combination is not limited to this. For example, the protrusion may be provided on the base, and the hole may be provided on the case. When there are multiple combinations of one protrusion and a hole into which the protrusion is inserted, a first set of protrusions may be provided on the case, and a second set of protrusions may be provided on the base. The protrusion is a concept including the case-side fitting portion 181j of the circuit case 180 of the embodiment, and the hole is a concept including the base-side fitting portion 311c of the base Y of the embodiment, but is not limited to this structure. For example, the protrusion may protrude in a cylindrical shape, a cylindrical shape, a polygonal prism shape, a polygonal cylinder shape, or the like. The protrusion direction may be the same as the case removal direction, or may be a direction intersecting the pull-out direction. When the protrusion is perpendicular to the pull-out direction, for example, the case can be inserted from the removal direction and then moved in the perpendicular direction to insert the protrusion into the hole. The hole may be a recess or other hole into which the protrusion can be inserted, or may be a hole or hole with a part thereof cut out. The fastener may be capable of fastening the base and the case, and is a concept that includes the screw body of the embodiment, but may also be a fastening structure such as an engagement structure (including an engagement claw, an engagement pin, etc.).

[0076] 5. Invention 4 The washing machine of Invention 4 is provided to solve the first problem described above, and aims to provide a washing machine that can prevent clothes from being over-dried by repeatedly switching the heating means on and off. (1) First washing machine The first washing machine comprises a water tub, a heating means for heating supplied air to obtain drying air to be introduced into the water tub, a blowing means for supplying air to the heating means and circulating air between the water tub and the heating means, a control means for controlling the heating means and the blowing means, and a detection means for detecting the temperature inside the water tub or the temperature of the drying air, and when the detection means detects a first temperature, the control means controls the heating means to repeatedly switch ON and OFF. This can prevent laundry (including clothes) from drying too much. In the fourth invention, the washing machine includes a type in which the axis of the tub extends horizontally, in a direction inclined to the horizontal, and in a vertical direction. However, in consideration of drying efficiency, a type in which the axis of the tub extends along the horizontal direction is preferable. The washing machine is a concept including a washing machine placed on a base as in the embodiment (wherein the control unit is arranged on the base) and a washing machine in which the control unit is arranged inside the housing. The washing machine is sufficient to have at least a washing function and a drying function, and the structure for performing the washing function is not particularly limited. The washing machine is sufficient to have at least a heating means and a blowing means for performing the drying function, and the structure, arrangement, etc. thereof are not particularly limited. An example of the detection means is the third temperature detection means of the embodiment, which detects the temperature of the air heated by the heating means, but as long as the detected temperature detected by the detection means can be associated with the first temperature, the detection means may detect the temperature of the air circulating at another position. Specifically, the detection means may be the first temperature detection means of the embodiment arranged between the water tub and the washing tub, the second temperature detection means of the embodiment arranged upstream of the blowing means in the flow path of the circulating air, the temperature detection means arranged upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger, or the temperature detection means arranged upstream of the intake port to the water tub or downstream of the exhaust port.

[0077] (2) Second washing machine In the second washing machine, the detection means detects the temperature inside a flow path forming body that connects the heating means and the water tub in the first washing machine, thereby making it possible to detect the temperature without being affected by the amount or unevenness of the laundry. As described in the first washing machine, the detection means may be a third temperature detection means for detecting the temperature inside the intake flow path forming body in the embodiment, or a second temperature detection means for detecting the temperature inside the exhaust flow path forming body or a detection means for detecting the temperature at another position.

[0078] (3) The third washing machine The third washing machine is the first or second washing machine, wherein the control means repeats ON and OFF switching of the heating means within an upper limit value range of the number of times that the heating means is repeatedly switched ON and OFF. This not only prevents the laundry from being over-dried, but also reduces uneven drying.

[0079] (4) The fourth washing machine In a fourth washing machine, in the third washing machine, the control means changes the upper limit value in response to a degree of drying finish selected by a user. This allows the laundry to be dried to the degree of drying finish desired by the user. The user may select from a plurality of washing and drying courses with different degrees of drying finish, or may select from a plurality of drying courses with different degrees of drying finish, or the degree of drying finish set by the user via the operation unit may be the selected degree of drying finish. (5) The fifth washing machine A fifth washing machine is the third or fourth washing machine, wherein the upper limit value is set to be higher when the temperature of the supply air is equal to or higher than the first threshold value than when the temperature of the supply air is below the first threshold value. This makes it possible to reduce the difference in the overall drying operation time even if the timing at which the detected temperature reaches the first temperature differs due to differences in the outside air temperature. In the embodiment, the temperature of the supply air was detected using the third temperature detection means, but the second temperature detection means of the embodiment may also be used, or the first temperature detection means may be used if the temperature is detected before the start of the washing process. The timing for detecting the supply air may be any timing as long as the outside air temperature can be detected, and may be, for example, during the washing process when the power to the washing machine is turned on, when the program for the operating course selected by the user starts, and until the washing process begins. The upper limit value may be preset, may be set by the control means based on the detected temperature, or may be set by the user via the operation unit.

[0080] (6) The sixth washing machine A sixth washing machine is the first to fifth washing machines, wherein the first temperature is set to be higher when the temperature of the supply air is equal to or higher than the first threshold value than when the temperature of the supply air is lower than the first threshold value. This makes it possible to reduce the difference in the overall drying operation time even if the timing at which the detected temperature reaches the first temperature differs due to differences in the outside air temperature. In the embodiment, the temperature of the supply air was detected using the third temperature detection means, but the second temperature detection means of the embodiment may also be used, or the first temperature detection means may be used if the temperature is detected before the start of the washing process. The timing for detecting the supply air may be any timing as long as the outside air temperature can be detected, and may be, for example, during the washing process when the power to the washing machine is turned on, when the program for the operating course selected by the user starts, and until the washing process begins. The first temperature may be set in advance, may be set by the control means based on a detected temperature, or may be set by the user via the operation unit.

[0081] (7) The Seventh Washing Machine A seventh washing machine is any one of the first to sixth washing machines, in which, when the first temperature is detected by the detection means, the control means controls the heating means to repeatedly switch on and off so that the temperature detected by the detection means is within a temperature range having the first temperature as an upper limit and a second temperature lower than the first temperature as a lower limit. This can improve the drying efficiency. The second temperature only needs to be lower than the first temperature, and may be equal to or higher than the third temperature, or may be lower than the third temperature.

[0082] (8) The eighth washing machine An eighth washing machine is any one of the first to seventh washing machines, wherein the control means performs a drying operation at a third temperature lower than the first temperature until the detection means detects the first temperature. This allows the moisture from the laundry to be absorbed by the drying air, allowing the laundry to be dried.

[0083] (9) The 9th Washing Machine A ninth washing machine is a washing machine according to the first to sixth washing machines, wherein the control means performs a drying operation at a third temperature lower than the first temperature until the first temperature is detected by the detection means, and when the detection means detects the first temperature, the control means controls the heating means to repeatedly switch ON and OFF so that the temperature detected by the detection means is within a temperature range having an upper limit of the first temperature and a lower limit of a second temperature lower than the first temperature and equal to or higher than the third temperature. This allows the moisture from the laundry to be absorbed by the drying air, allowing the laundry to be dried efficiently.

[0084] (10) The 10th washing machine A tenth washing machine is a washing machine according to any one of the first to ninth washing machines, wherein the detection means includes a first detection means for detecting a temperature in the water tub, a second detection means for detecting a temperature of air flowing from the heating means to the water tub in the air flow circulating between the water tub and the heating means, and a third detection means for detecting the temperature of the drying air, and when the third detection means detects the first temperature, the control means repeatedly switches the heating means ON and OFF, and when a difference value between the temperature detected by the first detection means and the temperature detected by the second detection means becomes equal to or greater than a second threshold value during the repeated control of the ON and OFF switching, the control means terminates the drying operation. This allows the degree of dryness to be judged in two ways, which reduces variation in drying.

[0085] X washing machine Y Pedestal 10. Chassis 11. Aquarium 12 Washing tub 15 Drying unit 18 Control Unit

Claims

1. A base on which a washing machine is placed, The washing machine comprises: a water tank supported within the housing; A washing tub provided inside the water tub and configured to accommodate laundry; A driving means for rotating the washing tub; a case in which a control unit that controls at least the driving means is accommodated; Equipped with the case is supported by a lower portion of the housing or the base and can be pulled out to a front side of the housing or the base, The housing and the case or the base and the case are fixed to each other by a fixing device while the protrusions are inserted into the holes. pedestal.

2. The protrusion or the hole provided in the base is located on both sides of the case in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the case is pulled out to the base. The base according to claim 1 .

3. The case is fixed so that a gap is formed between the bottom surface of the case and the base in at least a portion thereof. The base according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A vibration isolating member is disposed between the case and the base. The base according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The washing machine includes a first fixing portion provided at a bottom of the housing and extending along a left-right direction, the base has a front portion extending along the left-right direction and an opening forming portion for forming an opening in the front portion through which the case can be inserted and removed, Both sides of the front portion in the left-right direction are fastened by fasteners, and the first fixing portion is fixed to the fasteners in a state in which the first fixing portion is placed on an upper surface of the front portion. The base according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A washing machine unit including a washing machine and a base on which the washing machine is placed, The washing machine comprises: a water tank supported within the housing; A washing tub provided inside the water tub and configured to accommodate laundry; A driving means for rotating the washing tub; a case in which a control unit that controls at least the driving means is accommodated; Equipped with The case is supported by the base and can be pulled out to the front side of the base, and the base and the case are fixed to each other by a fixing device while the protrusions are inserted into the holes. Washing machine unit.

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