washing machine

Abstract

To enable cooling air from a cooling fan to spread to other heat radiating parts and heat generating electronic components without being shielded by a heat radiating part.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a housing; a control unit disposed inside the housing; and a cooling fan for cooling a first heat generating electronic component and a second heat generating electronic component disposed inside the control unit with cooling air. The control unit includes a substrate, a first heat radiating part, a second heat radiating part, and a case, and the first heat radiating part and the second heat radiating part, the cooling fan, and an exhaust port of the case are disposed in a linear manner. The second heat radiating part is disposed further on the upstream side in the flow direction than the first heat radiating part. The first heat radiating part protrudes with respect to the second heat radiating part, when viewed from the upstream side in the flow direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to washing machines. [Background technology]

[0002] When electronic components that generate a lot of heat (hereinafter referred to as heat-generating electronic components) are used in a control unit that controls equipment (for example, inverter control), the heat-generating electronic components are cooled by a cooling structure consisting of a heat dissipation unit (heat sink) and a cooling fan (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The above Patent Document 1 relates to an appliance called a refrigerator, but a similar cooling structure is also used in washing machines. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-74640 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional cooling structures have the problem that the cooling air from the cooling fan does not sufficiently cool the heat-generating electronic components.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a washing machine that allows cooling air from a cooling fan to reach a heat dissipation section and heat-generating electronic components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: The housing and a control unit disposed inside the housing; a cooling fan that cools the first heat-generating electronic component and the second heat-generating electronic component with cooling air, the first heat-generating electronic component and the second heat-generating electronic component being disposed inside the control unit; The control unit a substrate on which the first heat-generating electronic component and the second heat-generating electronic component are mounted; a first heat dissipation section that cools the first heat-generating electronic component; a second heat dissipation section that cools the second heat-generating electronic component; a case that houses the substrate, the first heat dissipation portion, and the second heat dissipation portion; the first heat dissipation section, the second heat dissipation section, the cooling fan, and the exhaust port of the case are arranged in a straight line; the second heat dissipation portion is disposed upstream of the first heat dissipation portion in the flow direction of the cooling air, The first heat radiating portion is configured to protrude relative to the second heat radiating portion when viewed from the upstream side in the flow direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine can be provided that allows cooling air from a cooling fan to reach a heat dissipation section and heat-generating electronic components. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic front view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] The longitudinal section of the washing machine shown in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the inside of the control unit of the washing machine shown in Figure 1 [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic perspective view of the control unit shown in FIG. 3; [Figure 5] An enlarged view of the main parts of the control unit shown in Figure 3, seen from the air intake side. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first heat dissipation section in the control unit shown in FIG. 3; [Figure 7] 7 is a side view of the first heat dissipation unit shown in FIG. 6, seen from the air intake port side. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second heat dissipation section in the control unit shown in FIG. 3; [Figure 9] 8 is a side view of the second heat dissipation unit shown in FIG. 7, seen from the air intake port side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience, each drawing shows an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to one another. In this specification, the width, depth, and height directions of the washing machine 1 are defined by the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, respectively. For convenience of explanation, directions in the washing machine 1 are specified based on FIG. 1, which shows the washing machine 1 from the front side. In FIG. 1 and other figures, the side on which the door body 19 is provided is referred to as the front side (front), and the side opposite the door body 19 is referred to as the rear side (rear).

[0010] (Embodiment) [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the washing machine 1 shown in Fig. 1.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, washing machine 1 has housing 25 forming an outer shell. Door 19 is provided on the front side of housing 25 so as to be able to be opened and closed freely. By opening door 19, laundry can be put in and taken out. Operation panel 20 is provided on the upper front side of housing 25. Operation panel 20 includes a power button, a display operation unit, etc. Control unit 30 is provided on the lower front side inside housing 25. Details of control unit 30 will be described later.

[0012] As will be described later, the drying device 27 and the dry air circulating device 28, which become hot, are disposed in the upper part of the interior of the housing 25, causing the upper part of the interior of the housing 25 to become hot. In contrast, the lower part of the interior of the housing 25 is relatively cool. Therefore, the control unit 30 is disposed in the lower part of the interior of the housing 25, which becomes relatively cool. As a result, the air in the lower part of the housing, which is relatively cool, is sent out from the cooling fan 29 as cooling air, thereby lowering the temperature of the cooling air.

[0013] 2, washing machine 1 includes rotating drum 14, water heater 21, power cord 22, wash water circulator 23, outer tub 24, motor 26, dryer 27, dry air circulator 28, control unit 30, and a water supply valve and a drain valve (not shown). Washing machine 1 is, for example, a drum-type washing machine. Power is supplied to various drive devices, drive circuits, and control circuits in washing machine 1 via power cord 22.

[0014] An outer tub 24 supported by a suspension structure and a rotating drum 14 rotatably supported within the outer tub 24 are disposed inside the housing 25. The outer tub 24 and the rotating drum 14 have a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The outer tub 24 and the rotating drum 14 are disposed relative to the housing 25 so as to extend obliquely downward from the front side to the rear side.

[0015] A number of through-holes are provided on the circumferential surface of rotating drum 14. The rotating shaft of rotating drum 14 is driven to rotate by motor 26, causing rotating drum 14 to rotate in a forward or reverse direction. The rotation of motor 26 is controlled by control unit 30. A plurality of protruding plates for agitating laundry are provided on the inner wall surface of rotating drum 14. By rotating rotating drum 14 at a low speed, laundry is caught on the protruding plates, lifted upward, and then dropped at an appropriate height, an agitating operation (tumbling operation) is performed, whereby laundry can be agitated, beaten, washed, and dried.

[0016] The dry air circulation device 28 dries the laundry by circulating the air inside the outer tub 24 and the rotating drum 14. The rotation of the circulation fan in the dry air circulation device 28 is controlled by the control unit 30. The air, which has absorbed moisture from the laundry inside the rotating drum 14 and become humid, is sent to the drying device 27 through an outer tub exhaust port provided on the upper side of the outer tub 24. The drying device 27 is, for example, a heater or a heat pump device that performs dehumidification and heating using a heat exchanger. The drying device 27 is controlled by the control unit 30.

[0017] Water is supplied into outer tub 24 through a water supply valve (not shown). Water heater 21 heats the water used for washing. Water heater 21 is controlled by control unit 30. Wash water circulator 23 circulates the water in rotary drum 14. The circulation motor of wash water circulator 23 is controlled by control unit 30. Wash water stored in outer tub 24 is discharged to the outside through a drain valve (not shown).

[0018] [Control unit] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the inside of control unit 30 of washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of control unit 30 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of main parts of control unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, seen from the air inlet 32 ​​side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of first heat radiating section 35 in control unit 30 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a side view of first heat radiating section 35 shown in FIG. 6, seen from the air inlet 32 ​​side. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of second heat radiating section 36 in control unit 30 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a side view of second heat radiating section 36 shown in FIG. 7, seen from the air inlet 32 ​​side.

[0019] 3, control unit 30 of washing machine 1 includes cooling fan 29, case 31, and board 34. Case 31 has a rectangular box shape, with the main surfaces of the box shape extending in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Case 31 has bottom surface 31a, one side surface 31b, top surface 31c, the other side surface 31d, rear surface 31e, and a front surface (not shown).

[0020] An air intake port 32 is formed on one side surface 31b, and an air exhaust port 33 is formed on the other side surface 31d. A cooling fan 29 is disposed outside one side surface 31b and facing the air intake port 32. The cooling fan 29 is, for example, an axial flow fan in which a propeller-type fan is attached to the rotating shaft of a cooling motor. The rotation of the cooling fan 29 is controlled by a control unit 30.

[0021] Because heat tends to build up inside the case 31, the atmosphere inside the case tends to become hotter than the atmosphere outside the case. Therefore, as described above, the cooling fan 29 is disposed outside the case 31. This allows relatively low-temperature air outside the case to be sent from the cooling fan 29 as cooling air and supplied to the inside of the case 31, thereby lowering the temperature of the cooling air. The cooling fan 29 is disposed near components that make noise during operation, such as the rotating drum 14 and the motor 26. This prevents the wind noise of the cooling fan 29 from being heard by the user because it blends in with other operating sounds. The cooling fan 29 is disposed away from the side of the housing 25, i.e., toward the center of the housing 25 in the X-axis direction (width direction). This prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable due to noise, such as the wind noise of the cooling fan 29.

[0022] The first heat dissipation section 35, the second heat dissipation section 36, the air intake port 32, and the air exhaust port 33 of the case 31 are arranged in a straight line substantially along the X-axis when viewed from the Y-axis direction (depth direction). Cooling air from the cooling fan 29 is supplied into the case 31 through the air intake port 32, flows along flow direction F, and is exhausted to the outside of the case 31 through the air exhaust port 33. In other words, the flow direction F of the cooling air blown out from the cooling fan 29 is a straight line substantially along the X-axis from the upstream side of one side surface 31b to the downstream side of the other side surface 31d. Note that in this disclosure, the term "straight line" refers to a region having a certain extent through which the cooling air blown by the cooling fan 29 passes in a straight line (a region including multiple arrows F indicating the flow direction F in FIG. 3).

[0023] The control unit 30, for example, performs inverter control and includes a drive circuit for the motor 26, a drive circuit for the drying device 27, a drive circuit for the dry air circulating device 28, and a control circuit for controlling the rotation operation of the cooling fan 29, the washing operation, and the drying operation.

[0024] The substrate 34 extends in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction (width direction and height direction), in other words, it is disposed so as to extend vertically. On the surface of the substrate 34, various electronic components constituting the drive circuits and control circuits, in particular electronic components that generate a lot of heat due to the flow of a large current (hereinafter referred to as heat-generating electronic components), are mounted.

[0025] As the first heat-generating electronic component, for example, diode bridges 39, 39 and a transistor 40 are mounted on the downstream side of the lower part of the substrate 34. A primary-side electrolytic capacitor 44 is mounted below the diode bridges 39, 39 and the transistor 40. As the second heat-generating electronic component, for example, a dryer switching IC 41 and a motor switching IC 42 are mounted on the center side of the lower part of the substrate 34. As the third heat-generating electronic component, for example, a dry air circulating device switching IC 43 is mounted on the upstream side of the lower part of the substrate 34.

[0026] Therefore, the first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, the second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42, and the third heat-generating electronic component 43, which generate a large amount of heat, are disposed on the lower side of the control unit 30, and, as described above, the board 34 is disposed so as to extend vertically. This allows the heat generated from the heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 to escape into the upper space of the case 31, so that the heat-generating electronic components can be cooled by relatively low-temperature air.

[0027] The third heat-generating electronic component 43, the second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42, and the first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 are arranged in series along the flow direction F of the cooling air from one upstream side surface 31b to the other downstream side surface 31d, in other words, in a straight line roughly along the X-axis.

[0028] In the hot water washing step in which laundry is washed with hot water, for example, the motor 26, the water heater 21, and the washing water circulator 23 are operated, causing the motor switching IC 42 and the diode bridge 39 to generate heat.

[0029] During the laundry drying process, for example, the motor 26, the dryer 27, and the dry air circulation device 28 operate, causing the motor switching IC 42, the dryer switching IC 41, the dry air circulation device switching IC 43, and the diode bridge 39 to generate heat.

[0030] 3 and 4, a first heat dissipation section (heat sink) 35 is disposed (mounted) on a substrate 34 so as to abut and be thermally connected to first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40. A second heat dissipation section (heat sink) 36 is disposed on second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 so as to abut and be thermally connected to second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42. A third heat dissipation section 37 is disposed on third heat-generating electronic component 43 so as to abut and be thermally connected to third heat-generating electronic component 43. First heat dissipation section 35, second heat dissipation section 36, and third heat dissipation section 37 are made of a material having high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal such as aluminum.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first heat dissipation section 35 includes a first base 35a, a first fin 35b, and a first mounting pin 35c. The first base 35a is a support portion of the first heat dissipation section 35 that contacts the first heat-generating electronic components 39 and 40 and absorbs heat from the first heat-generating electronic components 39 and 40. The first fin 35b protrudes from the first base 35a and dissipates heat when exposed to cooling air. The first heat dissipation section 35 is mounted on the substrate 34 via the first mounting pin 35c. When the first heat dissipation section 35 is mounted on the substrate 34, the first base 35a extends in a direction intersecting with the substrate 34, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the substrate 34 (the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction: the width direction and the height direction), i.e., in the Y-axis direction (depth direction).

[0032] The first fin 35b is disposed on the underside of the first base 35a, opposite the first mounting pin 35c. The first fin 35b has a plurality of (e.g., four) first plate-shaped portions 35d. The plurality of first plate-shaped portions 35d extend in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction (width direction and height direction), in other words, extend along the flow direction F. The plurality of first plate-shaped portions 35d extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first base 35a from the substrate 34 (e.g., in the negative direction of the Z axis: downward). In the first heat dissipation section 35, by orthogonally ... This allows tall first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 to be mounted on first base 35a of first heat dissipation section 35. The multiple first plate-shaped portions 35d are spaced apart in a direction (Y-axis direction: depth direction) perpendicular to the extension direction (X-axis direction and Z-axis direction: width direction and height direction) of the substrate 34. This allows the cooling air to flow smoothly along the flow direction F.

[0033] For example, the diode bridge 39 is fixed with screws so as to be thermally connected to the upper surface of the first base 35a, and the diode bridge 39 and the transistor 40 are fixed with screws so as to be thermally connected to the lower surface of the first base 35a.

[0034] 7, the first heat dissipation section 35 has a first height A between the end of the first base 35a facing the substrate 34 and the first plate-shaped portion 35d of the first fin 35b closest to the substrate 34. The first height A essentially corresponds to the height of only the first base 35a without the first fin 35b.

[0035] 8 and 9, the second heat dissipation section 36 has a second base 36a and second fins 36b. The second base 36a is a support portion of the second heat dissipation section 36 and abuts against the second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 to absorb heat generated by the second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42. The second fins 36b protrude from the second base 36a and dissipate heat when exposed to cooling air. The second heat dissipation section 36 is disposed on the second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 mounted on the substrate 34. When the second heat dissipation section 36 is disposed on the second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42, the second base 36a extends in a direction intersecting with the substrate 34, in other words, in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the substrate 34 (X-axis direction and Z-axis direction: width direction and height direction), i.e., in the Y-axis direction (depth direction).

[0036] The second fins 36b are disposed on the upper surface of the second base 36a, opposite the substrate 34. The second fins 36b have a plurality of (e.g., four) second plate-shaped portions 36d. The plurality of second plate-shaped portions 36d extend in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (width direction and depth direction), in other words, extend along the flow direction F. The plurality of second plate-shaped portions 36d extend in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the second base 36a from the substrate 34 (e.g., the positive direction of the Y-axis: rearward). The second plate-shaped portions 36d extending along the flow direction F straighten the cooling air passing through the second heat dissipation portion 36, allowing strong cooling air to reach the first heat dissipation portion 35. This straightens the cooling air in the second heat dissipation portion 36, allowing strong cooling air to reach the first heat dissipation portion 35. The multiple second plate-shaped portions 36d are spaced apart in a direction (Z-axis direction: height direction) perpendicular to the extension direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction: width direction and depth direction) of the substrate 34. This allows the cooling air to flow smoothly along the flow direction F.

[0037] For example, the dryer switching IC 41 and the motor switching IC 42 are fixed by fixing means such as screws or pins so as to be thermally connected to the lower surface side of the second base 36a.

[0038] 9, the second heat dissipation section 36 has a second height B between the end of the second base 36a on the substrate 34 side and the portion of the second fin 36b closest to the second base 36a. The second height B essentially corresponds to the height of the second base 36a alone without the second fin 36b.

[0039] The second plate-shaped portions 36d of the second fins 36b are spaced apart by a fin spacing S. Increasing the fin spacing S allows the cooling air sent out from the cooling fan 29 to pass through the second fins 36b more easily, thereby effectively cooling not only the upstream second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 but also the downstream first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40. This effective cooling allows the size of the first heat dissipation section 35 to be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0040] 5, for example, first heat dissipation section 35 is configured to protrude in the positive direction (upward) of the Z axis relative to second heat dissipation section 36 when viewed from the upstream side of flow direction F, in other words, to have a portion that does not overlap with second heat dissipation section 36 in the positive direction (upward) of the Z axis. This allows part of the cooling air sent out from cooling fan 29 to reach first heat dissipation section 35 without being blocked by second heat dissipation section 36, so that in addition to second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 on the upstream side, first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 on the downstream side can also be effectively cooled.

[0041] At least a portion of the first fin 35b in the Z-axis direction (for example, the entire portion in the Z-axis direction) is configured to be located between two second fins 36b located on the first base 35a side of the first heat dissipation section 35 in the second heat dissipation section 36 (i.e., between the fin intervals S). This allows part of the cooling air sent out from the cooling fan 29 to pass through the second fins 36b of the second heat dissipation section 36 and reach the first fins 35b of the first heat dissipation section 35, thereby effectively cooling not only the second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 on the upstream side, but also the first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 on the downstream side.

[0042] Additionally, the primary-side electrolytic capacitor 44 is configured to protrude in the negative direction (downward) of the Z axis relative to the second heat dissipation section 36 when viewed from the upstream side of the flow direction F. This allows a portion of the cooling air sent out from the cooling fan 29 to reach the primary-side electrolytic capacitor 44 without being blocked by the second heat dissipation section 36, thereby effectively cooling not only the second heat-generating electronic components 41 and 42 on the upstream side, but also the primary-side electrolytic capacitor 44 on the downstream side.

[0043] 5, second height B of second base 36a is configured to be lower than first height A from substrate 34 to first fin 35b. This allows the cooling air sent out from cooling fan 29 to reach first fin 35b without being blocked by second base 36a, so that first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 on the downstream side can also be effectively cooled in addition to second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 on the upstream side.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the third heat dissipation section 37 is disposed on a third heat-generating electronic component 43 mounted on the substrate 34. The third heat-generating electronic component 43 is, for example, a switching IC 43 for a dry air circulation device, and is fixed with screws so as to be thermally connected to the underside of the third heat dissipation section 37. The third heat dissipation section 37 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the substrate 34 (X-axis direction and Z-axis direction: width direction and height direction). As shown in FIG. 5, the height of the third heat dissipation section 37 in the Y-axis direction (depth direction) is lower than the second height B of the second base 36a of the second heat dissipation section 36. This allows the cooling air to flow smoothly along the flow direction F.

[0045] [effect] According to the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0046] Washing machine 1 includes housing 25, control unit 30 disposed inside housing 25, and cooling fan 29 that uses cooling air to cool first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 and second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 disposed inside control unit 30. Control unit 30 includes substrate 34 on which first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 and second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 are mounted, first heat dissipation section 35 that cools first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, second heat dissipation section 36 that cools second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42, and case 31 that houses substrate 34, first heat dissipation section 35, and second heat dissipation section 36. First heat dissipation section 35, second heat dissipation section 36, cooling fan 29, and exhaust port 33 of case 31 are linearly arranged. Second heat dissipation section 36 is disposed upstream of first heat dissipation section 35 in the flow direction F. The first heat radiating portion 35 is configured to protrude relative to the second heat radiating portion 36 when viewed from the upstream side in the flow direction F.

[0047] With this configuration, part of the cooling air sent out from cooling fan 29 reaches first heat dissipation section 35 without being blocked by second heat dissipation section 36, and therefore can effectively cool not only second heat-generating electronic components 41 and 42 on the upstream side, but also first heat-generating electronic components 39 and 40 on the downstream side. Efficient cooling allows the size of first heat dissipation section 35 to be reduced, thereby reducing costs.

[0048] In washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, first heat dissipation section 35 includes first base 35a extending in a direction intersecting substrate 34 and first fins 35b extending from first base 35a. Second heat dissipation section 36 includes second base 36a extending in a direction intersecting substrate 34 and second fins 36b extending from second base 36a. Second height B of second base 36a is lower than first height A from substrate 34 to first fins 35b.

[0049] With this configuration, the cooling air blown out from the cooling fan 29 reaches the first fins 35b without being blocked by the second base 36a, so that in addition to the second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 on the upstream side, the first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 on the downstream side can also be effectively cooled.

[0050] In washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, first fin 35b has a plurality of first plate-shaped portions 35d extending along flow direction F. Second fin 36b has a plurality of second plate-shaped portions 36d extending along flow direction F and parallel to the extension direction in which second base 36a extends from substrate 34.

[0051] With this configuration, the cooling air is rectified in the second heat dissipation section 36, and strong cooling air can be made to reach the first heat dissipation section 35.

[0052] In washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, first plate-shaped portions 35d of first fin 35b extend in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of first base 35a from substrate 34.

[0053] With this configuration, the height of first base 35a that contacts first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 can be increased, so that in first heat dissipation section 35, tall first heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 can be mounted on first base 35a.

[0054] In washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, substrate is disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction. First heat-generating electronic components 39, 40 and second heat-generating electronic components 41, 42 are located below substrate .

[0055] With this configuration, heat generated from the heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, 41, and 42 can be released into the upper space of the case 31, so that the heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, 41, and 42 can be cooled by relatively low-temperature air.

[0056] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 30 is located at the bottom of the housing 25.

[0057] With this configuration, the air at the bottom of the housing 25, which is relatively low temperature, is sent out as cooling air from the cooling fan 29, so that the temperature of the cooling air can be lowered.

[0058] In washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, cooling fan 29 is disposed outside case 31.

[0059] With this configuration, the air outside the case 31, which is relatively low in temperature, is sent out as cooling air from the cooling fan 29, so that the temperature of the cooling air can be lowered.

[0060] In washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, cooling fan 29 is disposed near the center of housing 25 in the width direction.

[0061] With this configuration, noise such as the wind noise of the cooling fan 29 can be prevented from making the user feel uncomfortable.

[0062] Washing machine 1 in another aspect includes housing 25, control unit 30 disposed inside housing 25, and cooling fan 29 for cooling heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, 41, and 42 disposed inside control unit 30. Control unit 30 has a board 34 on which heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, 41, and 42 are mounted, and a case 31 for accommodating board 34 and heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, 41, and 42. Board 34 is disposed to extend vertically. Heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, 41, and 42 are located below board 34.

[0063] With this configuration, heat generated from the heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, 41, and 42 can be released into the upper space of the case 31, so that the heat-generating electronic components 39, 40, 41, and 42 can be cooled by relatively low-temperature air.

[0064] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be embodied in various other forms.

[0065] In the above embodiment, a drum-type washing machine has been described as an example of a washing machine. The washing machine 1 may be any washing machine that can wash laundry using a liquid agent. Therefore, the washing machine is not limited to a drum-type washing machine, and may be a vertical washing machine or a two-tub washing machine.

[0066] The cooling fan may be disposed separately outside the case and near the case. Alternatively, the cooling fan may be disposed inside the case and near one side surface. The air intake, cooling fan, and exhaust port do not necessarily have to be arranged in a straight line. The cooling fan, second heat dissipation section, first heat dissipation section, and exhaust port only need to be arranged along the direction of the cooling air flow, and are not limited to a geometrically linear arrangement.

[0067] In the above embodiment, a rectangular parallelepiped case 31 as shown in FIG. 2 has been described as an example of the case. The case is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape as long as it can accommodate the circuit board and the heat-generating electronic components. For example, the case may be formed to bulge outward near the locations where the heat-generating electronic components and the heat dissipation unit are disposed. This allows a tall heat dissipation unit to be accommodated within the case without unnecessarily increasing the size of the entire control unit.

[0068] Furthermore, when the heat-generating electronic components and the heat dissipation unit are disposed below the control unit as in the above-described embodiment, the lower part of the case may be formed to bulge. This configuration allows a tall heat dissipation unit to be housed within the case without unnecessarily increasing the overall size of the control unit. In the case of a drum-type washing machine, because there is space below the outer tub, i.e., below the housing, even a control unit formed with a bulging lower part of the case can be positioned so as not to interfere with the outer tub. Furthermore, the lower part of the case may be formed to bulge toward the outer tub. This allows the control unit to be positioned by effectively utilizing the space below the outer tub.

[0069] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. [Industrial Applicability]

[0070] The present disclosure is applicable to washing machines equipped with a rotating drum, and is particularly useful for drum-type washing machines, top-loading washing machines, and twin-tub washing machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Washing machine 14...Rotating drum 19...Door body 20...Operation panel 21…Hot water device 22...Power cord 23...Washing water circulation device 24...Outer tank 25…Case 26...Motor 27...Drying device 28…Dry air circulation device 29...Cooling fan 30...Control unit 31…Case 31a…Bottom surface 31b…one side 31c…Top surface 31d…other side 31e…Rear side 32...Air supply port 33...Exhaust port 34...Platform 35...First heat dissipation section 35a...1st base 35b...First fin 35c...First mounting pin 35d...First plate-shaped portion 36…Second heat dissipation section 36a...Second Foundation 36b...Second fin 36d...Second plate-shaped portion 37...Third heat dissipation section 39...Diode bridge (first heat-generating electronic component) 40...Transistor (first heat-generating electronic component) 41... Dryer switching IC (second heat-generating electronic component) 42...Motor switching IC (second heat-generating electronic component) 43...Switching IC for dry air circulation device (third heat-generating electronic component) 44...Primary side electrolytic capacitor A...1st height B: Second height F...flow direction S: Fin spacing

Claims

1. The housing and a control unit disposed inside the housing; a cooling fan that cools the first heat-generating electronic component and the second heat-generating electronic component with cooling air, the first heat-generating electronic component and the second heat-generating electronic component being disposed inside the control unit; The control unit a substrate on which the first heat-generating electronic component and the second heat-generating electronic component are mounted; a first heat dissipation section that cools the first heat-generating electronic component; a second heat dissipation section that cools the second heat-generating electronic component; a case that houses the substrate, the first heat dissipation portion, and the second heat dissipation portion; the first heat dissipation portion, the second heat dissipation portion, the cooling fan, and the exhaust port of the case are arranged in a straight line; the second heat dissipation portion is disposed upstream of the first heat dissipation portion in a flow direction of the cooling air, the first heat dissipation unit includes a first base extending in a direction intersecting the substrate and a first fin extending from the first base; the second heat dissipation unit includes a second base extending in a direction intersecting the substrate and a second fin extending from the second base; The first fin has a plurality of first plate-shaped portions extending along the flow direction, The second fin extends along the flow direction and extends from the substrate to the second base. a plurality of second plate-shaped portions extending parallel to the extending direction of the the plurality of first plate-shaped portions of the first fin extend in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the first base from the substrate, The substrate is disposed so as to extend in a vertical direction, the first heat-generating electronic component and the second heat-generating electronic component are located below the substrate; the first heat dissipation portion thermally connected to the first heat-generating electronic component and the second heat dissipation portion thermally connected to the second heat-generating electronic component are provided on a lower portion of the substrate; The lower part of the case is formed to bulge.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the first heat radiating portion is located at a position protruding from the second heat radiating portion when viewed from the upstream side in the flow direction.

3. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a second height, which is a height from the substrate to the second fin in the second base, is lower than a first height, which is a height from the substrate to the first fin in the first base.

4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit is located in a lower part of the housing.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling fan is disposed outside the case.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the cooling fan is disposed near the center in the width direction of the housing.

Images