Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of suppressing excessive drying of clothes.SOLUTION: The washing machine includes a water tub, heating means for heating supplied air to obtain air for drying to be introduced into the water tub, blowing means for supplying air to the heating means and circulating air between the heating means and the water tub, control means for controlling the heating means and the blowing means, and detection means for detecting a temperature in the water tub or a temperature of the air for drying.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, 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 is known (for example, Patent Document 1). To raise the temperature inside the tub, the fan rotates and the air generated is circulated through the tub via a PTC heater.The degree of dryness of the clothes is determined by the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the tub, 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.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. An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can prevent clothes from being over-dried. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The washing machine of the present invention comprises a water tub, a heating means for heating supplied air to obtain drying air that is 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 the control means controls the heating means to repeatedly switch on and off when the detection means detects a first temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0007] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a washing machine unit according to an embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a view seen from above the front side, and FIG. 1B is a view seen from below the front side. [Figure 2] The washing machine is separated from its base, and the perspective view of the washing machine is shown in (a) from the upper front and (b) from the lower front. The lower part of the front wall of the housing is cut away. [Figure 3] 1(a) is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the left-right direction of the washing machine, and FIG. 1(b) 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 the drying unit, where FIG. 1A is a view from above the front side, and FIG. 1B is a view from below the rear side. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are perspective views of the cross-section of the water tank and the drying unit as seen from above on the rear side, where FIG. 1A is a cross-section near the air blowing means, and FIG. 1B is a cross-section near the heating means. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the base side in an exploded state, viewed from above on the front side. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are exploded perspective views of the control unit, in which FIG. 1A is a view from above the front side, and FIG. 1B 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] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of the first embodiment of the control unit. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a standard course of the first embodiment of the control unit. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of the first embodiment 2 of the control unit. [Figure 13] 10(a) 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. 10(b) is a time chart showing the control content of the control unit. [Figure 14] 10 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 the control unit. [Figure 16] 10 is a table showing repetition times 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 putting laundry in and out is located 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 from the perspective of door 13.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 3, washing machine X includes, in housing 10, at least water tub 11 for storing wash water etc., washing tub 12 provided inside water tub 11 and accommodating laundry such as clothes, door 13 for opening and closing the opening of water tub 11, motor (drive means) 14 for rotating washing tub 12, drying unit 15 for drying the laundry, water supply unit 16 for supplying water to water tub 11, operation unit 17 for operating washing operation, drying operation etc., control unit 18 (see FIG. 2) for operating washing operation, drying operation etc., and drainage unit 19 for draining water tub 11, as shown in FIG. 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. Explanation 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 to the back side of the front wall 103 by a connector 107. 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 Figure 4, water tub 11 is a hollow cylinder 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 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 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, these are provided between water tub 11 and washing tub 12, on the lower end side of washing tub 12. A sheath heater, for example, can be used as the heating means 117. The temperature detection means 118 is referred to as first temperature detection means 118 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 line) and has a water supply valve for supplying and stopping water supply to water tank 11 and drying unit 15. The water supply valve is controlled to open and close by control unit 18. 3 and 4, drain unit 19 has piping 191 for draining water in water tub 11 and drying unit 15 to the outside, drain valve 193 provided in piping 191 for draining or stopping the drainage, and second piping 195 connected to piping 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 downstream end 191a of piping 191 is connected to a drain outlet not shown. As shown in Figures 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 using the 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 washing, drying, and other operations, and a display section 172 for displaying the operation input contents by the user, the operation status, and the like. The operation unit 171 has functions such as a power ON / OFF function, a washing course selection function, a drying course (how dry the laundry is), and an operation start / pause function. 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 flow path forming body 153, an exhaust flow path forming body 154, and temperature detecting 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 a control unit 18. The temperature detection means 155 is the third temperature detection means, and the temperature detection means 156 is the second temperature detection means 156. The detection result (third detected temperature) detected by the third temperature detection means 155 and the detection result (second detected temperature) detected by the second temperature detection means 156 are output to the control unit 18.

[0016] Air blowing means 151 sucks air through communication part 158 ​​that communicates with air intake port 101 (see FIG. 2) of housing 10, introduces the sucked air into water tub 11 using intake flow path forming body 153, and sucks air that has passed from water tub 11 through washing tub 12 using discharge flow path forming body 154. The flow path formed inside intake flow path forming body 153 is defined as an intake flow path, and the flow path formed inside discharge flow path forming body 154 is defined as a discharge flow path. That is, 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 air blowing means 151 includes a fan 201 and a motor 203 in a case (casing) 205. The air blowing means 151 is provided above the water tub 11.

[0017] Intake flow path formation member 153 is disposed downstream of blower means 151, and connects case 205 of blower means 151 and intake port 115 of water tub 11. Intake flow path formation member 153 is disposed above water tub 11. Discharge flow path forming body 154 is disposed upstream of blower means 151 and connects case 205 of blower means 151 to 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 top of water tub 11. A communication part 158 ​​that communicates with the intake port 101 and a filter 207 for collecting foreign matter contained in the air flowing through the discharge flow path are provided on the upstream side of the blower means 151 in the discharge flow path forming body 154. The filter 207 is configured to be removable for cleaning, and a cover 102 is provided over 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 exchanger 157 is configured using a part of discharge flow path forming body 154. This part is a part located behind 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 allowing water to flow 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 exchanger 157, and heat exchange occurs with the air containing moisture from the laundry in washing tub 12. Note that water produced by the heat exchange is discharged from drain section 114 to the outside of water tub 11.

[0020] The third temperature detecting means 155 detects the temperature inside the intake flow path forming body 153. The third temperature detecting means 155 here is provided downstream of the heating means 152. The second temperature detecting means 156 detects the temperature inside the discharge flow path forming body 154. The second temperature detecting means 156 here is provided on the upstream side of the blower means 151 (between 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 the 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 also be called the lower case, and the second case 182 can also be called the upper case. The circuit case 180 has a first plate member 183 that covers the surface of the first case 181 opposite to the second case 182 (the lower surface), and a second plate member 184 that covers the surface of the second case 182 opposite to the first case 181 (the upper surface). The first plate member 183 can also be called the lower plate member, and the second plate member 184 can also be called the upper plate member.

[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 together 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, by inserting a fixing device (e.g., a screw member) not shown into the through hole 182c of the extension portion 182b of the second case 182 and screwing it into the screw hole (screw hole) of the boss portion 181b of the first case 181.

[0023] 6, the circuit case 180 has fixing portions 181d for fixing to the base Y using fixing devices (not shown, such as screws). The fixing portions 181d are configured, for example, with protruding portions 181e that protrude in the left-right direction from the connecting portions between the front wall and the left and right walls, and through holes 181f formed in the protruding portions 181e and through which the fixing devices are inserted. The fixing portions 181d are provided on at least one of the left and right walls of the first case 181, and here on both the left and right walls.

[0024] The circuit case 180 has a handle portion 180g (see FIG. 6) that is gripped when setting or removing the control unit 18 on the base Y. As shown in FIG. 7, the handle portion 180g is made up 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 fixing portions 181h for fixing the circuit case 180, which can be pulled out in the front-rear direction, to the base Y. The fixing portions 181h are provided on at least one of the left and right walls, and in this case, on both the left and right walls. The fixing portions 181h are composed of first extending portions 181i extending in the left-right direction from the left and right walls, and case-side fitting portions 181j formed on the first extending portions 181i and fitting with base-side fitting portions 311c of the base Y (see FIG. 6). The case-side fitting portion 181j has a protrusion shape, and in this case, has a pin shape (with a cross section shaped like a "+", for example) extending in the front-rear direction. The base-side fitting portion 311c is configured as a hole portion, and has a through-hole shape or a recess shape formed in the rib portion 311b. This allows the circuit case 180 to be fixed to the base Y with high positioning accuracy. From the perspective of positioning accuracy, the fixing portion 181h can also be called a positioning portion, and from the perspective of fitting, it can also be called a fitting portion. Furthermore, since the circuit case 180 is supported by the base Y by inserting the case-side fitting portion 181j into the base-side fitting portion 311c, the case-side fitting portion 181j can also be called a supported portion, and the base-side fitting portion 311c can also be called a supporting portion.

[0026] The first plate member 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 (for example, a screw member) is threadedly inserted into a through hole 183m in a protruding portion 183k of the first plate member 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 boss portion 182k having a screw hole (screw hole) 182m into which a fastener (for example, a screw member) is threadedly inserted into 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. Base 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 main body 31 having an opening forming portion 311 on the front side, a front cover 33 that covers the front side of the base main body 31, and a fastening body 35 that fastens both side portions of the opening forming portion 311.

[0028] The outer peripheral shape of the base body 31 when viewed from above coincides with the outer peripheral shape of the washing machine X when viewed from above. In this example, the shape is close to a square. The base body 31 has a front portion 321 and a rear portion 322 extending in the left-right direction, and a right portion 323 and a left portion 324 extending in 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 recessed shape recessed downward. The circuit case 180 of the control unit 18 is disposed in a spaced relationship with the 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. Note that 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 on the bottom surface 311a of the opening forming portion 311. A screw thread 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. Height adjustment adjusters 37 are provided at the corners of the bottom surface of the base body 31 (see FIG. 1(b)).

[0030] Groove portions 313a extending in the left-right direction are formed on the upper surfaces of the front corners 313 where the front portion 321 and the right portion 323 of the base body 31 intersect, and the front corners 313 where the front portion 321 and the left portion 324 intersect. Groove portions 355 of the fastener 35 fit into these groove portions 313a from above, thereby restricting movement of the fastener 35 in the front-to-rear direction. The outer left-to-right ends of the groove portions 313a are closed, thereby restricting movement of the fastener 35 in the left-to-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 fastening body 35 is made of a metal material. Specifically, the fastening body 35 is formed into an "L" shape by pressing (sheet metal processing) 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 bends 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 by a screw. The upper plate portion 351 is formed with a groove portion 355 recessed downward, which allows the fastener 35 to be reinforced. One or more through holes 351a are provided at both ends of the upper plate portion 351 for fixing the fastener 35 to the base body 31. One or more through holes 351b for fasteners for fixing the connector 107 are provided between both ends of the upper plate portion 351 in the left-right direction. Note that screws, rivets, etc. can be used as the fasteners. The front plate 353 has a shape in which both ends in the left-right direction widen 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 353. The front panel 353 has a folded portion 353b folded upward at its left-right intermediate portion, which allows the control unit 18 to be safely inserted into and removed from the base Y.

[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 the start button is operated, the control unit 18 executes the program in the washing machine X. The operation courses are broadly divided into a washing course that performs a washing process including a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying course that performs a drying process after the washing process, and a drying course that performs only a drying process without performing a washing process. Here, the washing and drying course will be described. As shown in (a) of Figure 8, the washing and drying courses include, for example, a standard course, a moderate 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 calculated by dividing the weight of the laundry after drying by the weight of the laundry before washing, and is set so that, for example, the drying rate of the standard course is "1.0," the drying rate of the moderate 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, air blowing means 151 and heating means 152 are driven. As a result, air is sucked in from air intake 101 of housing 10 and circulated between air blowing means 151 and water tub 11. Then, the air supplied to heating means 152 is heated, and the heated air (referred to as pre-drying air) passes through water tub 11 (washing tub 12) containing the washed laundry. Meanwhile, in accordance 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 the moisture from the laundry in the washing tub 12 exchanges heat (the moisture is condensed) in the heat exchanger 157. The condensed water is discharged from the drainage unit 19, and the dried air (hereinafter referred to as dried air) dehumidified by the heat exchanger 157 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 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 discharge flow path formation body 154 and having passed through the heat exchanger 157. The second temperature detection means 156 is disposed upstream of the blower means 151, in other words, it detects the temperature of the air drawn 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 flow path 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 for executing the programs, and various control flags. The control means 185 is configured by 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 driving motor 14 for washing tub 12, air blowing means 151 and heating means 152, and opening and 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 that maintains the heating means 152 in an ON state, and a second control that repeatedly switches the heating means 152 between OFF and ON when the third detection temperature 3Te detected by the third temperature detection means 155 becomes the first temperature Te1.

[0037] The first control is a control that continues until the third detected 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 wet laundry, and there is a period during which the third detected temperature 3Te becomes substantially constant at the third temperature Te3, as shown in FIG. 8(a). The first control is a control that continues from when the driving of the heating means 152 is turned ON 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 based on 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, which is 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 repeatedly switches on and off the heating means 152 so that the temperature falls within a temperature range with the first temperature Te1 as the upper limit and the second temperature Te2 as the lower limit. Here, the second control starts with the first turning off of the driving of the heating means 152 and ends with the turning off of the heating means 152 the maximum number of times the switching is repeated.

[0039] The first temperature Te1 is a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature at which the laundry can be dried but lower than the temperature at which the laundry will be damaged (shrink). 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 temperature of the laundry and allows for efficient drying. 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 prevents the laundry from shrinking, allows moisture in the laundry to evaporate smoothly, and improves 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 low upper limit of the number of cycles results in greater drying unevenness, while a high upper limit of the number of cycles results in less drying unevenness. On the other hand, a low number of cycles results in less power consumption, while a high number of cycles results in more power consumption. Therefore, it is preferable that the upper limit of the number of cycles be set to a number that falls within a preset range of variation in the degree of drying for each drying cycle and is close to the lower limit.

[0040] (4) Flowchart (4-1) First embodiment 1 The control content of the control unit 18 in the wash / dry course will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 10, the control means 185 starts the program when the user operates the start button. The control means 185 performs the washing process of the washing and drying course selected by the user (S101), and then performs the drying process of the gentle course (S103, S107), the standard course (S103, S105), or the thorough course (S103, S105) according to the user's selection. 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 explained using 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 the upper limit number N of repetitions to 0 (S111), and determines whether the second detected 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 detected temperature 2Te is "Te0" shown in Fig. 8(b), it is determined whether "Te0" is equal to or greater 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 equal to or greater than the first threshold value Sh1 ("Yes"), the upper limit number of times N is set to "12" (S115), and if the second detected temperature 2Te is less than the first threshold value Sh1 ("No"), the upper limit number of times 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. As a result, air circulates 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 detected 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 detected 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 added 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 reaches the upper limit number of times N. In step S131, if the number of repetitions K is the upper limit number of repetitions 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 first embodiment 1 described above, depending on the selected operating course, the system branches into three processes (subroutines): a process for the conservative course, a process for the standard course, and a process for the 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 processing 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 clears the number of repetitions K and the upper limit number of repetitions N to 0 (S111). Then, the control means 185 acquires information on the selected drying course and the second detection temperature 2Te (S151, S153), and acquires the corresponding upper limit number of repetitions N from the table based on the acquired information and the second detection temperature 2Te (S155). For example, if the acquired information on the drying course is the standard course and the second detected 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 detected temperature 3Te is within a temperature range with the first temperature T1 as the upper limit and the second temperature T2 as the lower limit, and then terminates (S119 to S133).

[0046] (5) Effects In the method of detecting the timing to turn off the heating means 152 while it is turned on by the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the water tank (so-called ΔT detection), the degree of dryness varies greatly, and in some cases it may become over-dry. The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the aquarium here is the difference value between the temperature inside the aquarium 11 (for example, the first detected temperature detected by the first temperature detection means 118) and the temperature outside the aquarium 11 (for example, the second detected temperature detected by the second temperature detection means 156). The reason for this is believed to be that 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 explained 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 repeatedly switched on and off, thereby preventing the temperature in the water tub 11 or the washing tub 12 from rising excessively above the first temperature Te1, thereby preventing over-drying. Preventing over-drying also reduces shrinkage of clothes. Repeated ON / OFF switching can prevent excessive temperature rise, and setting an upper limit to the number of repetitions K not only prevents excessive drying but also reduces uneven drying. 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 higher than the upper limit value (upper limit number N) of the number of repetitions K when the second detection temperature 2Te is lower 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. Experiments have shown 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 becomes smaller 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. Experiments have shown 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 becomes smaller 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 detected temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, the control means 185 repeatedly switches the heating means 152 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 detected temperature 2Te detected by the second temperature detection means 156 before the heating means 152 is turned ON). In the second embodiment, in the second control, when the third detected 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 that 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 detected temperature 2Te detected by the second temperature detection means 156 before the heating means 152 is turned on). Note that the description of steps that are the same as those in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0048] 1. Control content 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 the ON / OFF of the heating means 152 based on 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 the heating means 152 OFF when the third detected temperature 3Te becomes the first temperature Te1 (Te1a, Te1b), and turns the heating means 152 ON when the third detected temperature 3Te becomes the second temperature Te2 that is lower than the first temperature Te1 (Te1a, Te1b). Note that the second control here also starts with the first turning OFF of the driving of the heating means 152 and ends with the turning OFF of the driving the upper limit number of times the switching is repeated. 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 the upper limit and the second temperature Te2 as the lower limit, 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 way, as in 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 the temperature in the water tub 11 or the washing tub 12 from rising excessively above 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 if the second detection temperature 2Te at the beginning of the drying process is lower than the first threshold value Sh1, the first temperature Te1 is set to "Te1a," and if the second detection temperature 2Te is equal to or higher than the first threshold value 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 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, thereby suppressing shrinkage of the laundry. Furthermore, shrinkage can be suppressed more than when the driving state is maintained in the ON state.

[0050] 2. Flowchart (1) Second embodiment 1 The operation of the control unit 18 in the washing and drying course will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 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), 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 are the same except that, as shown in (a) of Figure 13, when the second detection temperature 2Te at the beginning of drying is equal to or higher than the first threshold value Sh1, the first temperature (Te1b) is higher than the first temperature (Te1a) when the second detection temperature 2Te is lower than the first threshold value Sh1. Therefore, the drying process of the standard course will be described using the flowchart of Fig. 14. 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 the heating means 152 is turned on and off to "8" (S201), and determines whether the second detected 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 value Sh1 ("Yes"), the first temperature Te1 is set to "Te1b" (S205), and if the second detected temperature 2Te is less than the first threshold value 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 set to the open state.

[0052] The control means 185 then switches the heating means 152 on and off up to the maximum number of times N (here, "8") so that the third detected temperature 3Te is within a temperature range with the first temperature Te1 as the upper limit and the second temperature Te2 as the lower limit, as in the first embodiment 1, 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-mentioned second embodiment 1, depending on the selected operating course, the process branches into three processes (subroutines): a process for the conservative course, a process for the standard course, and a process for the thorough course, and two types of first temperatures Te1a and Te1b are set in each process (subroutine). In the second embodiment 2, the first temperatures Te1a and 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 acquired 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 of times. In the third embodiment, a control means is described that 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 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. Note that the description of steps similar to those in the first and second embodiments may be omitted.

[0055] 1. Control content 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 switching between ON and OFF 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. Thus, similar to 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 over-drying can be prevented. Here, the second control starts from the OFF of the first drive of the heating means 152 and ends when the predetermined time Ti1 elapses. 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, in the third embodiment as well, 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 employed. For example, when a predetermined time (also referred to as "repetition time") elapses from the point when the third detected temperature 3Te becomes 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, such that 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 in which the control means 185 repeats the switching between ON and OFF of the heating means 152, 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 drying process is terminated.

[0057] 2. Flowchart The content of the control unit 18 in the washing and drying course will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 15. In the drying process, for the gentle course, standard course, and thorough course, as shown in FIG. 16, only the repetition time Ti1 is different, 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, if 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 exchanger 157 of the water supply unit 16 (S119), turns on the heating means 152 (S121), and maintains the ON state until the third detected 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 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 detected temperature 3Te becomes equal to or lower than the second temperature Te2 ("Yes" in S127), the control means 185 calculates ΔT, which is the difference between the first detected temperature 1Te detected by the first temperature detection means 118 and the second detected 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"), 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 terminate the program. 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), proceed to step S133. If the time Ti is less than the repetition time Ti1 ("No" in S311), proceed to step S121.

[0059] 3.Effects When the third detected temperature 3Te becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature Te1, the control means 185 repeatedly switches the heating means 152 on and off, and detects ΔT while the heating means 152 is repeatedly switched 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 on and off for a repetition time Ti1, but it may be repeated until the upper limit number of times 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: Furthermore, the embodiments and modified examples, or modified examples may be combined. Furthermore, examples not described in the embodiments and modifications, and design changes within the scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0062] <Modification> (1) The rotation axis of the washing tub 12 is set 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) The control unit 18 accommodates the control section in a single circuit case 180, but it may be divided into multiple sections, for example. In this case, at least one section 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-isolating member may be disposed between the bottom surface and the base. Examples of vibration-isolating members include rubber, urethane, and silicone.

[0063] (5) The piping section 191 of the washing machine is drawn into the base Y and connected to a drain outlet below the washing machine, but it may be connected to a discharge outlet outside 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, but 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 provided 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 greater than or equal to the second threshold value Sh2. (10) In the first to third embodiments, the control of the drying operation in the washing and drying course has been described, but the present invention 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 for drying clothes (laundry) is known in which the degree of dryness of the clothes is determined and the drying operation is controlled according to that degree. 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 determined by observing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the tub (so-called ΔT detection), 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. If the temperature difference exceeds a threshold, the PTC heater is switched off and the drying operation is terminated. However, with ΔT detection, there is a large degree of drying unevenness, and clothes may dry too quickly (over-drying) (hereinafter referred to as the "first problem" for convenience). In this case, the clothes may shrink significantly. Furthermore, with ΔT detection, there is a possibility that the unevenness of drying may increase 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 accommodating a control board is mounted on this base member 22. However, when placing a 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 from 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 part to the drain outlet by pulling out the control part 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 containing laundry, a drive means for rotating the washing tub, a control unit for controlling at least the drive means, a support part at the bottom of the housing for supporting the control unit, and a drain pipe part connected to an external drain port for discharging water from the washing tub to the outside, the control unit being supported by the support part in front of the drain pipe part and being able to be pulled out to the front of the housing. This allows the control unit to be pulled out to the front of the housing when connecting the drain pipe unit to the drain outlet, making the connection work easier. 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 relative to the horizontal, or in the vertical direction. The washing machine may be configured such that the washing machine and the base in the embodiments are integrated, or such that the washing machine and the base in the embodiments are separate and include both. Furthermore, the washing machine is sufficient as long as it has at least a washing function, and may also have a drying function like the washing machine in the embodiments. Note that 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 embodiments. 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 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. Also, while the circuit case 180 has a box shape that is long in the left-to-right direction, the case may also have 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 ellipse shape, a circle shape, or a shape that combines these shapes. In the case of the base (plate), considering 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 cases where the support unit (circuit case 180) is removed as in the embodiment, and cases 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 of the housing together with the control part in the first washing machine, which allows the control part to 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 In the third washing machine, the drain pipe is connected to the drain outlet located at the bottom of the housing in the first or second washing machine. This prevents the connection part with the drain outlet from protruding to the left, right, or front of the housing, preventing interference with the drain pipe 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 make it difficult for vibrations from the washing machine to be transmitted by inserting protrusions into holes between the washing machine housing and case, or between the base and case, and fixing them 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 containing laundry, a drive means for rotating the washing tub, and a case that houses a control unit that controls at least the drive means, 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 the base and the case can suppress transmission of vibrations from 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 relative to the horizontal, or in the vertical direction. The washing machine may have at least a washing function, and may also 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. Also, while the circuit case 180 is box-shaped and long in the left-to-right direction, the case may also have a box-shaped and 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, elliptical, or circular shape, or may be a shape that combines 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 that includes the case-side fitting portion 181j of the circuit case 180 of the embodiment, and the hole is a concept that includes 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, cylindrical, polygonal prism, polygonal cylindrical, or other shape. The protrusion direction may be the same as the case removal direction or may be a direction intersecting the removal direction. When the protrusion is perpendicular to the removal 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 a hole or hole with a part missing, as long as the protrusion can be inserted therein. The fixing device may be any fixing device capable of fixing the base and the case, and includes the screw body of the embodiment, but may also be a fixing structure such as an engaging structure (including an engaging claw, an engaging 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 of drawing out the base. This allows the case to be stably supported with the projections inserted into the holes. Note that projections or holes may be provided on other parts of the case besides both sides.

[0072] (3) The Third Pedestal The third base is the first or second base to which the case is fixed 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 seat is any one of the first to third seats, and a vibration-isolating member is disposed between the case and the seat. This reduces vibrations transmitted from the base to the case. The vibration-isolating member may be attached to the case, the base, or both the case and the base.

[0074] (5) The Fifth Pedestal The fifth base is one of the first to fourth bases, wherein the washing machine has a first fixing portion provided at the bottom of the housing and extending along the 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, 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. This allows the fastening members to fasten both the left and right sides of the front portion even if a large opening is provided for inserting and removing the case, 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 part of the connector 107 of the embodiment, or 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 left and right ends to the rear end, or a part between both 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 in the base and case and fixing them with fixing devices. (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 within a housing, a washing tub provided within the water tub for storing laundry, a drive means for rotating the washing tub, and a case that houses a control unit that controls at least the drive means, the case being supported by the base and being retractable to the front of the base, the base and the case being fixed together with fixing devices, with protrusions inserted into holes. This fixing structure between the base and the case can prevent vibrations from the base from being transmitted 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 relative to the horizontal, or in the vertical direction. The washing machine may have at least a washing function, and may also 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. Also, while the circuit case 180 has a box shape that is long in the left-to-right direction, the case may also have 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, elliptical, or circular shape, or may be a shape that combines 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 these are not limited to this combination. 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 that includes the case-side fitting portion 181j of the circuit case 180 of the embodiment, and the hole is a concept that includes 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, cylindrical, polygonal prism, polygonal cylindrical, or other shape. The protrusion direction may be the same as the case removal direction or may be a direction intersecting the removal direction. When the protrusion is perpendicular to the removal 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 a hole or hole with a part missing, as long as the protrusion can be inserted therein. The fixing device may be any fixing device capable of fixing the base and the case, and includes the screw body of the embodiment, but may also be a fixing structure such as an engaging structure (including an engaging claw, an engaging pin, etc.).

[0076] 5. Invention 4 The washing machine of Invention 4 is provided to solve the first problem above, and aims to provide a washing machine that can prevent clothes from drying too quickly 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 that is 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 the control means controls the heating means to repeatedly switch on and off when the detection means detects a first temperature. This prevents laundry (including clothes) from drying too much. In invention 4, the washing machine includes a type in which the axis of the tub extends horizontally, in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal, or in a vertical direction. However, considering drying efficiency, a type in which the axis of the tub extends horizontally is preferable. The washing machine is a concept that includes a washing machine placed on a base as in the embodiment (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 as long as it has 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 as long as it has at least a heating means and a blowing means to perform 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 the detection means may be a detection means that detects the temperature of circulating air at another position as long as the detected temperature can be associated with the first temperature. 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 air blowing means in the flow path of circulating air, the temperature detection means arranged upstream or downstream of the heat exchanger, or the temperature detection means arranged upstream of the air intake port to the water tub or downstream of the air exhaust port.

[0077] (2) Second washing machine In the second washing machine, the detection means detects the temperature inside the flow path forming body that connects the heating means and the water tub, which makes 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 repeatedly switches the heating means on and off within an upper limit of the number of times 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 The fourth washing machine is the third washing machine, wherein the control means changes the upper limit value in accordance with the degree of drying finish selected by the 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 The 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 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 depending on 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 washing process is started. 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, when the power to the washing machine is turned on, when the program for the operating course selected by the user starts, and during the washing process until the washing process begins. The upper limit value may be set in advance, 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 The 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 depending on 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 washing process is started. 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, when the power to the washing machine is turned on, when the program for the operating course selected by the user starts, and during the washing process until the washing process begins. The first temperature may be set in advance, may be set by the control means based on the 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 of the first to sixth washing machines, wherein 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 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 into the drying air, allowing the laundry to dry.

[0083] (9) The 9th Washing Machine A ninth washing machine is any of 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 the first temperature as an upper limit and a second temperature lower than the first temperature and equal to or higher than the third temperature as a lower limit. This allows the moisture from the laundry to be absorbed into 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 the temperature inside the water tub, a second detection means for detecting the 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 the difference 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 determined using two methods, thereby reducing variations in drying.

[0085] X washing machine Y base 10. Cabinet 11 Aquarium 12 Washing machine 15 Drying Unit 18 Control Unit

Claims

1. A washing machine unit comprising a washing machine and a base on which the washing machine is placed, The washing machine is 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 that accommodates a control unit that controls at least the driving means; Equipped with The base and the case are fixed together by a fastener, with a protrusion provided on one of the base and the case inserted into a hole provided on the other, The case is supported by the base so as to be able to be pulled out forward. Washing machine unit.

2. the projections or the holes provided in the base are 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 washing machine unit of claim 1.

3. The case is fixed so that there is at least a partial gap between the bottom surface of the case and the base.

3. The washing machine unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a vibration-isolating member is disposed between the case and the base; The washing machine unit 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 left and right sides of the front portion 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 washing machine unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The base has a base body and a fastening body, and is a hollow rectangular pillar shape. the base body has a front portion and a rear portion extending along the left-right direction, and a right portion and a left portion extending along the front-rear direction, and has an opening forming portion recessed downward in the front portion; In the base body, groove portions extending in the left-right direction are formed on the upper surfaces of a front corner portion where the front portion and the right portion intersect and a front corner portion where the front portion and the left portion intersect, The fastening body is made of a metal material and is fitted into both groove portions from above to fasten both side portions of the opening forming portion. The washing machine unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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