Dryer

Abstract

The drum dryer (60) includes: a housing (1); a drum (3) disposed inside the housing (1) as a receiving part for receiving the object to be dried; a microwave irradiation part (30) for irradiating microwaves onto the object to be dried inside the drum (3); and a detection part (39) for detecting electromagnetic waves caused by sparks generated inside the drum (3). The detection part (39) is disposed near the joint or gap between the components constituting the shielding part, which is used to suppress microwave leakage from the housing (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dryer for drying objects. Background Technology

[0002] As a method to achieve high-speed drying performance in clothes dryers and washer dryers, there is a method of using microwaves in the heat source for heating the moisture in the clothes (for example, see Patent Document 1). The washing machine with a high-frequency electromagnetic wave heating dryer disclosed in Patent Document 1 has metal surfaces on the inner surfaces of the main body, the lower opening, and the upper opening to prevent leakage of high-frequency electromagnetic waves. A drying component for the high-frequency electromagnetic wave heating dryer is provided in the lower opening. A metal surface is provided on the inner surface of the water tank to improve heating efficiency. Air is blown through an air duct to improve drying efficiency. The air containing moisture is cooled in the water tank and condensed, and the dried air is discharged.

[0003] [Prior Technology Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-293281 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] If the clothing being dried contains metal parts such as buttons or zippers, sparks may be generated when the microwave's electric field intensity increases. To suppress the effects of these sparks and improve the safety of the dryer, it is necessary to improve the technology for detecting spark generation.

[0008] This disclosure provides a technique for improving the detection of spark generation in a microwave dryer.

[0009] [Technical solutions used to address technical problems]

[0010] The dryer disclosed herein includes: a housing; a receiving section disposed inside the housing for housing an object to be dried; a microwave irradiation section for irradiating microwaves onto the object to be dried inside the receiving section; and a detection section for detecting electromagnetic waves caused by sparks generated inside the receiving section. The detection section is disposed near a joint or gap between components constituting a shielding section, the shielding section being used to suppress microwave leakage from the housing.

[0011] [Invention Effects]

[0012] According to the dryer disclosed herein, it is possible to improve the technology for detecting the generation of sparks in a microwave-utilizing dryer. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that roughly shows the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that roughly shows the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 2.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that roughly shows the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 3.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that roughly shows the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 4.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that roughly shows the configuration of the drum dryer in Embodiment 5.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that roughly shows the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 6.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that roughly shows the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 7.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that roughly shows the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 8.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view that schematically shows the configuration of the drum-type washer-dryer of Embodiment 9.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the shielding section of the drum-type washer-dryer according to Embodiment 9.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional view that schematically shows the structure of the shielding part of the drum-type washer-dryer of Embodiment 10.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal sectional view that schematically shows the structure of the shielding part of the drum-type washer-dryer of Embodiment 11.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a longitudinal sectional view that schematically shows the structure of the shielding part of the drum-type washer-dryer of Embodiment 12.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a longitudinal sectional view that schematically shows the configuration of the vertical washer-dryer of embodiment 13.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a longitudinal sectional view that schematically shows the structure of the shielding part of the drum-type washer-dryer of Embodiment 14.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a longitudinal sectional view that schematically shows the structure of the shielding part of the drum-type washer-dryer of Embodiment 15.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of the washer-dryer according to embodiment 16. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes unnecessary detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same configurations are sometimes omitted.

[0031] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter of the claims.

[0032] (Implementation Method 1)

[0033] The following uses Figure 1 To illustrate implementation method 1.

[0034] [1-1. Composition]

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 1. The drum dryer 60 of this embodiment has the function of drying items such as clothing. Figure 1 The left side is the front surface side of the drum dryer 60. Additionally, although not shown, an air circulation device for promoting drying may also be included.

[0036] The drum dryer 60 has the function of irradiating the object to be dried inside the drum with microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic wave. First, the basic structure and operation of the drum dryer 60 will be explained. Then, the technology used to detect sparks generated in the drum dryer 60 will be explained.

[0037] Inside the housing 1 of the drum dryer 60, a drum 3 is rotatably provided as an example of a receiving part for storing clothes and other items to be dried. The drum 3 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. The drum 3 is arranged horizontally with the rotation axis 14. In another example, the drum 3 may also be arranged with the rotation axis 14 inclined forward and upward relative to the horizontal, or it may be arranged with the rotation axis 14 vertical.

[0038] A roller drive unit 6 is installed below the roller 3. The roller drive unit 6 rotates the belt 15 during the drying process of the object to be dried. As a result, the roller 3 rotates around the rotation axis 14 in either the forward or reverse direction.

[0039] An opening 19 and a door 5 for opening and closing the opening 19 are provided on the front surface of the housing 1, opposite to the opening end of the roller 3. The user can place or remove items to be dried into the roller 3 by opening the door 5. A sealing part (not shown) is provided in the gap between the housing 1 and the door 5 to seal the gap. This prevents the air used for drying inside the roller 3 from circulating to the outside. The material of the sealing part is not particularly limited and can be felt, resin, rubber, etc.

[0040] The roller 3 has a front portion 3a and a rear portion 3b. The front portion 3a has a roller opening 3c located opposite the opening 19 of the housing 1. The rear portion 3b is located rearward of the front portion 3a. The front portion 3a may also be the top surface portion of the roller 3, which is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape. In this case, the rear portion 3b may also be the side and bottom surfaces of the cylinder. The front portion 3a may also include a portion in front of the side surface portion in addition to the top surface portion of the cylinder. In this case, the rear portion 3b may also be the remaining portion behind the side surface portion of the cylinder and the bottom surface portion. The rear portion 3b may also include a portion on the side of the top surface portion in addition to the side and bottom surfaces of the roller 3. In this case, the front portion 3a may also be the remaining portion on the roller opening 3c side of the top surface portion of the cylinder. The front portion 3a and the rear portion 3b may be manufactured integrally or separately and connected together to form the roller 3.

[0041] A cylindrical connecting part 26 is provided between the roller 3 and the door body 5. The connecting part 26 is a fixed part that is fixed to the housing 1 and does not rotate with the roller 3.

[0042] A microwave irradiation section 30, a waveguide 34, and a microwave irradiation port 32 are provided on the connecting portion 26. The microwave irradiation section 30, which constitutes a heating section for heating the object to be dried, irradiates microwaves into the drum 3 through the microwave irradiation port 32 via the waveguide 34, thereby heating the moisture contained in the object to be dried inside the drum 3. Because the microwave irradiation section 30 and the waveguide 34 are located in the connecting portion 26, vibration of the microwave irradiation section 30 and the waveguide 34 can be suppressed even when the drum 3 is rotated during the drying process. As a result, the stability and safety of microwave irradiation can be improved.

[0043] The microwave irradiation unit 30 may also be a microwave oscillator such as a magnetron, emitting electromagnetic waves at frequencies such as 2.45 GHz. Furthermore, it is not limited to the 2.45 GHz band allocated as the ISM (Industry Science Medical) band; it may also emit electromagnetic waves at frequencies such as the similarly allocated 915 MHz band.

[0044] A portion of the microwaves that are not absorbed by the moisture in the object being dried, which are irradiated into the drum 3, are reflected back from the drum 3 to the microwave irradiation unit 30 via the microwave irradiation port 32 and the waveguide 34. Alternatively, a reflector can be provided to reflect part or all of the reflected waves that are reflected from the drum 3 and travel in the direction returning to the microwave irradiation unit 30, allowing them to re-enter the drum 3 along with the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit 30. This reduces energy loss and shortens the drying time.

[0045] A heater may also be provided as a heating unit for heating the object to be dried. The microwave irradiation unit 30 and the heater can be energized simultaneously or either one. In cases where the object to be dried, such as clothing containing metal parts like buttons or zippers, has a high probability of generating sparks, the output of microwaves irradiating the drum 3 from the microwave irradiation unit 30 can be reduced or stopped, switching to heater-based drying.

[0046] The housing 1 contains a control device 20. The control device 20 controls the roller drive unit 6 and the microwave irradiation unit 30, etc. The control device 20 controls the drying operation according to the user's instructions.

[0047] In the drum dryer 60 of this embodiment, since microwaves are irradiated into the drum 3, the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking to the outside of the drum dryer 60 needs to be configured to be below a reference value determined for the area in which it is used. Therefore, the drum dryer 60 of this embodiment includes a shielding part for suppressing the leakage of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the microwave irradiation port 32.

[0048] As a standard related to leakage electromagnetic waves, there is, for example, the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS C9250" which specifies microwave ovens with a rated high-frequency output of 2kW or less that heat food using electromagnetic waves (microwaves) in the 2.45Hz frequency band, as well as microwave ovens with additional devices. In section 5.8 of this standard, it is specified that "the power density of the leakage electromagnetic wave (1) measured by the power density test of the leakage electromagnetic wave specified in section 8.2.12 of this standard is 1mW / cm² when the door is closed." 2 Below, (2) is 5mW / cm when the door is opened and fixed to the maximum position just before the oscillation stop device of the oscillating tube is about to operate. 2 Below, (3) is 5mW / cm under the condition that the oscillation stopping device other than the main oscillation stopping device is constrained. 2 The following is also stated in Table 8, paragraph 2(95), which provides an explanation of the "Ministry Ordinance for Determining Technical Standards for Electrical Appliances" as stipulated in Article 8, paragraph 1 of the Electrical Appliance Safety Law, which specifies the technical standards set forth by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The same content is also provided. Regarding washer-dryers, it is considered appropriate to use the same standards as microwave ovens.

[0049] In addition, the WHO (World Health Organization) recommends adopting the guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which are based on scientific evidence and formulated by experts from various countries, as the exposure limits for human protection. In these guidelines, the exposure limit is specified as 0.08 W / kg (1 mW / cm²). 2 The international standard IEC 62233, established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS 1912, based on it, specify methods for measuring electromagnetic fields related to human exposure from household electrical appliances and similar equipment. In the measurement methods specified in these standards, the electromagnetic field is measured as a proportion relative to an exposure limit by weighting the signals from sensors that detect the electromagnetic field. If the electromagnetic field does not exceed the exposure limit specified in the ICNIRP guidelines, it is deemed to comply with the ICNIRP guidelines. Shielding components are constructed in accordance with these standards.

[0050] In a microwave oven, the container holding the object to be heated is fixed and does not vibrate significantly under microwave irradiation. However, in the drum dryer 60 of this embodiment, the drum 3 rotates and vibrates during the drying process to improve drying efficiency. Therefore, the shielding part of the drum dryer 60 of this embodiment has a structure that can suppress microwave leakage from the gap with the fixing part even when microwaves are irradiated while the drum 3 is rotating.

[0051] exist Figure 1 In the configuration of the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 1 shown, the components constituting the shielding part are indicated by thick solid lines. In the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 1, the shielding part is configured to include a door 5, a connecting part 26, a drum 3, a first choke part 25, and a second choke part 27. The first choke part 25 is an example of a gap shielding part provided in the gap between the connecting part 26 and the drum 3, and the second choke part 27 is an example of a gap shielding part provided in the gap between the door 5 and the connecting part 26.

[0052] The door body 5, the connecting portion 26, and the roller 3 are made of conductive materials such as metal that can reflect or absorb microwaves. For example, the door body 5, the connecting portion 26, or the roller 3 may also be entirely formed of an electromagnetic wave shielding material such as a conductive material. The door body 5, the connecting portion 26, or the roller 3 may also be formed of a material such as resin, with a conductive material plating layer on the inner or outer surface. The door body 5, the connecting portion 26, or the roller 3 may also be formed of a material such as resin, with an electromagnetic wave shielding material layer on the inner, outer, or inner surface. The roller 3 may also have holes through which water vapor and air can pass; in this case, these holes are formed to a size that prevents microwave leakage.

[0053] The first choke 25 and the second choke 27 can be any choke configuration known in the art of microwave ovens and the like. For example, the first choke 25 or the second choke 27 can be composed of multiple chokes. By using multiple chokes, microwave leakage can be suppressed in multiple stages, improving leakage prevention performance. In addition, the size or shape of each choke can be changed; for example, it can also be composed of stepped chokes.

[0054] The first choke 25 can be provided in the connecting part 26 or in the front part 3a of the roller. The second choke 27 can be provided in the door body 5 or in the connecting part 26.

[0055] In the case of the drum dryer 60, the quantity and weight of the objects to be dried vary, and the weight changes at the beginning and end of the drying operation. Furthermore, as the drum 3 rotates and vibrates during drying, the size of the gap between the connecting portion 26 constituting the first choke 25 and the front portion 3a of the drum may change. Additionally, dimensional deviations during manufacturing are unavoidable. Moreover, the microwave frequency may also change depending on the operating conditions. Changes in the size or shape of the step choke can also take into account dimensional changes and manufacturing deviations during operation. Furthermore, the possibility of microwave frequency changes depending on the operating conditions can also be considered. Therefore, the performance in preventing microwave leakage is further improved with the step choke. In this way, the multi-stage leakage prevention structure in the drum dryer 60 is extremely effective.

[0056] Alternatively, the choke structure can be constructed by filling at least a portion of the space of the groove that generates the reflected wave with resin. As a result, since the choke structure can be made thinner and smaller, the size of the gap between the connecting portion 26 constituting the first choke portion 25 and the front portion 3a of the roller can be reduced, and the reduction in the volume of the roller 3 caused by the first choke portion 25 can be suppressed.

[0057] As a gap shielding part provided throughout the entire circumference of the gap between the door body 3 and the connecting portion 26, or as a gap shielding part provided throughout the entire circumference of the gap between the connecting portion 26 and the roller 3, a reflective microwave shielding part such as a choke structure may be provided instead, or an absorptive microwave shielding part such as a dielectric may be provided. With this configuration, the airtightness of the roller 3 and the door body 5 is also improved. Furthermore, as a gap shielding part, a non-contact microwave shielding part of any type may be provided.

[0058] As a gap shield, a contact-type microwave shield can be provided in any manner, replacing reflective microwave shields such as choke structures. For example, the gap shield can be a point-contact microwave shield such as a ball bearing, or a line-contact microwave shield such as a rolling bearing. In this case, the contact interval can be configured to be less than half the wavelength of the microwave to be shielded. This further suppresses microwave leakage. Alternatively, the gap shield can be a surface-contact microwave shield such as a sliding bearing. In this case, a flexible microwave shield can also be provided as the gap shield. This suppresses microwave leakage even if the gap size changes during the rotation of the drum 3. A conductive lubricant can be used as the bearing lubricant. This further suppresses microwave leakage. By using a contact-type microwave shield to construct the gap shield, microwave leakage can be suppressed even if there are dimensional tolerances in the gap during assembly or dimensional changes in the gap during the rotation of the drum 3, thus improving the reliability of the microwave leakage suppression performance of the gap shield.

[0059] The gap shielding section can also be composed of multiple segments. For example, in the gap between the connecting section 26 and the front part 3a of the roller, a second gap shielding section can be provided in addition to the first choke section 25. The second gap shielding section can be a reflective microwave shielding member or an absorptive microwave shielding member. When an absorptive microwave shielding member is provided as the second gap shielding section, the second gap shielding section is preferably located outside the first choke section 25. This can prevent the second gap shielding section from being damaged or deteriorated by microwave heating. In the gap between the connecting section 26 and the front part 3a of the roller, three or more gap shielding sections can also be provided. In this case, the innermost gap shielding section is preferably a reflective microwave shielding member. This can prevent the microwave shielding member from being damaged or deteriorated by microwave heating, even when an absorptive microwave shielding member is provided as a gap shielding section located outside the second segment. The gap shielding section located outside the second segment can be a reflective microwave shielding member or an absorptive microwave shielding member.

[0060] The detection unit 39 detects electromagnetic waves (hereinafter referred to as "spark electromagnetic waves") caused by sparks generated inside the drum 3. The detection unit 39 is located near the joints or gaps between the components constituting the shielding part, which is used to suppress microwave leakage from the housing 1. The detection unit 39 may also be an antenna or the like capable of receiving spark electromagnetic waves.

[0061] The detection unit 39 may also be located near the door 5, which opens and closes the opening 19 in the housing 1 for taking and placing items to be dried onto the roller 3. More specifically, the detection unit 39 may also be located in region 41a or 41b near the second choke 27, which is located in the gap between the door 5 and the connecting portion 26. The detection unit 39 may also be located in region 42a or 42b near the second choke 25, which is located in the gap between the connecting portion 26 and the roller 3.

[0062] The frequency of the spark electromagnetic wave is different from that of the microwave irradiated by the microwave irradiation unit 30, for example, having a frequency of 100MHz or higher. The first choke 25 and the second choke 27 are designed to prevent leakage of the microwave irradiated by the microwave irradiation unit 30. Therefore, a portion of the spark electromagnetic wave generated inside the drum 3 leaks to the outside of the drum 3 through the second choke 25 or the second choke 27. Since the spark electromagnetic wave leaking to the outside of the drum 3 diffuses from the choke at the leakage point, its intensity decreases the further away from the choke at the leakage point. In the drum dryer 60 of this embodiment, since the detection unit 39 is provided near the first choke 25 or the second choke 27, the spark electromagnetic wave can be detected before its intensity decreases due to diffusion. Therefore, the spark electromagnetic wave can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, and appropriate countermeasures to mitigate the effects caused by sparks can be taken quickly. Thus, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed. In addition, since the detection unit 39 can be protected from the microwaves irradiated inside the drum 3, the deterioration and damage of the detection unit 39 can be suppressed, and its durability can be improved.

[0063] A small amount of microwaves irradiating the inside of the drum 3 will also leak out to the outside of the drum 3 from the first choke 25 or the second choke 27. Therefore, a first blocking part for blocking or attenuating the microwaves leaking from the drum 3 can be provided between the detection unit 39 and the first choke 25 or the second choke 27. This can improve the detection accuracy of sparks. When the frequency of the microwaves leaking from the drum 3 is higher than that of the spark electromagnetic wave, the first blocking part can also be a low-pass filter or the like, which allows the spark electromagnetic wave to pass through while blocking the microwaves leaking from the drum 3.

[0064] The drum dryer 60 may also include a second shielding section for blocking or attenuating noise electromagnetic waves that intrude into the interior from the outside of the drum dryer 60. This improves the accuracy of spark detection. The second shielding section may also be configured to include a first housing. The housing 1 may also contain a conductive material such as a metal capable of reflecting or absorbing electromagnetic waves. For example, the housing 1 may be entirely formed of an electromagnetic wave shielding material such as a conductive material. The housing 1 may also be formed of a material such as resin, with a conductive material plating layer on the inner or outer surface. The housing 1 may also be formed of a material such as resin, with an electromagnetic wave shielding material layer on the inner, outer, or inner surface. In this case, the detection unit 39 is provided in the space between the housing 1 and the drum 3. The second shielding section may also replace the housing 1 or otherwise include components for blocking or attenuating electromagnetic waves. Noise entering from outside the drum dryer 60 can be, for example, electromagnetic waves at frequencies used in mobile phones, cordless phones, etc. If the frequency is lower than that of spark electromagnetic waves, the second blocking unit can be a high-pass filter that allows spark electromagnetic waves to pass through while blocking the noise entering from outside. Alternatively, if the frequency of the noise entering from outside the drum dryer 60 is higher than that of spark electromagnetic waves, the second blocking unit can be a low-pass filter that allows spark electromagnetic waves to pass through while blocking the noise entering from outside, or a band-pass filter that is a combination of a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter.

[0065] Multiple detection units 39 can be provided in multiple locations. For example, multiple detection units 39 can be provided in regions 41a or 41b near the second choke 27, and multiple detection units 39 can also be provided in regions 42a or 42b near the first choke 25. Alternatively, detection units 39 can be provided in multiple gap shielding sections respectively. For example, one or more detection units 39 can be provided on both sides of regions 41a or 41b near the second choke 27 and regions 42a or 42b near the first choke 25. The location where sparks are generated may vary randomly depending on the position of the metal attached to the clothing, the movement of the clothing caused by tumbling during drying, etc. Therefore, the intensity distribution of the spark electromagnetic waves generated by sparks and leaking from the gap shielding section may vary randomly. By providing detection units 39 in multiple locations, the probability of detecting spark electromagnetic waves in locations with higher intensity can be increased, thus improving the accuracy of spark detection.

[0066] Similar to the electric field distribution, the time from the generation of the spark electromagnetic wave to its leakage to the outside of the gap shield varies at different locations and can be randomly variable. By providing detection units 39 at multiple locations, the probability of detecting early leakage of spark electromagnetic waves can be increased, thus improving the spark detection speed. The adverse effects of sparks on clothing are related to the time of spark generation. According to the technology of this embodiment, since sparks can be detected more quickly, the adverse effects caused by sparks can be reduced.

[0067] When the detection unit 39 is an antenna, the detection accuracy can be further improved by combining the spark electromagnetic waves received by multiple detection units 39 in the receiving circuit to enhance the receiving strength.

[0068] The detection unit 39 can also be located near the lower side of the drum 3. During the tumbling process in the drying operation, the object to be dried is stirred in the lower part of the rotating drum 3 due to gravity, so the proportion of the object in the lower part of the drum 3 is relatively high. In addition, sparks are generated by metal attached to clothing or foreign objects mixed in from clothing pockets. In particular, sparks are easily generated when metal attached to clothing falling due to tumbling comes into contact with the inner surface of the metal drum 3. Based on the above, the probability of sparks being generated near the lower side of the drum 3 is high. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 near the lower side of the drum 3, the generated spark electromagnetic waves can be detected before they attenuate due to diffusion, thus improving the accuracy of spark detection. The detection unit 39 can also be located below the drum 3. The detection unit 39 can also be located near the portion occupied by the object to be dried when the recommended amount of the object to be dried is contained in the drum 3, for example, near the portion of the drum 3 lower than the center in the height direction.

[0069] [1-2. Actions]

[0070] The operation and function of the drum dryer 60 configured as described above are explained below.

[0071] When the user opens door 5, places the item to be dried in drum 3, and instructs to begin drying, control device 20 initiates drying operation. Control device 20 drives drum drive unit 6 to rotate drum 3. Additionally, an air circulation device (not shown) can be activated. Control device 20 controls microwave irradiation unit 30 to generate microwaves. Microwaves are irradiated into drum 3 via waveguide 34 and microwave irradiation port 32. This heats and evaporates the moisture contained in the item to be dried inside drum 3. After a predetermined time, control device 20 stops driving drum drive unit 6 and irradiating microwaves from microwave irradiation unit 30, ending the drying operation. Control device 20 can also estimate the amount of moisture contained in the item to be dried and end the drying operation when the amount of moisture is less than a predetermined amount. If spark electromagnetic waves are detected by detection unit 39 during microwave irradiation, control device 20 controls microwave irradiation unit 30 to reduce or stop the microwave output. Control device 20 can also instruct the user to remove items with metal attachments from drum 3.

[0072] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the drum dryer 60 includes: a housing 1; a drum 3 (housing section) disposed inside the housing 1 and housing the object to be dried; a microwave irradiation section 30 for irradiating microwaves onto the object to be dried inside the drum 3; and a detection section 39 for detecting electromagnetic waves caused by sparks generated inside the drum 3. The detection section 39 is disposed near the joint or gap between the components constituting the shielding section, which is used to suppress microwave leakage from the housing 1. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the object to be dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drum 3 is a rotating body rotatably disposed inside the housing 1. This improves the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drum dryer 60 includes a door 5, which opens and closes an opening 19 in the housing 1 for placing and removing items to be dried onto the drum 3. A detection unit 39 is located near the door 5. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high precision, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Additionally, damage to the items to be dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shielding portion is configured to include a door body 5, a roller 3, and a gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between the components. The gap shielding portion is provided in at least one of the following gaps: the gap between the door body 5 and the door body 5, which is fixed to the connecting portion 26 (fixed portion) of the housing 1 located between the door body 5 and the roller 3; the gap between the roller 3 and the connecting portion 26; and the gap between the housing 1 and the door body 5. The detection portion 39 is provided near the gap shielding portion. As a result, since sparks generated inside the roller 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. In addition, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple detection units 39 are provided at multiple locations. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Additionally, damage to the object being dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 39 is located near the lower side of the drum 3. This allows for rapid and accurate detection of sparks generated inside the drum 3, thereby improving the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60. Additionally, it helps suppress damage to the object being dried caused by sparks.

[0079] (Implementation Method 2)

[0080] The following uses Figure 2 To illustrate implementation method 2.

[0081] Figure 2 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the drum dryer according to Embodiment 2. In the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 2, the detection unit 39 is provided in the region 43a or 43b between the plurality of gap shielding parts. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as in Embodiment 1. The differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

[0082] When the drum dryer 60 is equipped with multiple gap shielding sections such as the first choke section 25 and the second choke section 27, the overlapping portion of the emitted spark electromagnetic waves in space becomes a composite wave. The spark electromagnetic waves are not continuous waves, but rather sudden, discontinuous waves generated only for a short time. Since the spark electromagnetic waves emitted from the multiple gap shielding sections travel at the same speed, a composite wave is formed at a point equidistant from the gap shielding section that serves as the emission source. By providing a detection unit 39 at this point, the spark electromagnetic wave, whose electric field strength increases after composite formation, can be detected. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the spark can be further improved. Figure 2 The example shown is that a detection unit 39 is provided in the region 43a or 43b between the two gap shields, namely the first choke 25 and the second choke 27. However, the same applies when there are more than three gap shields. The detection unit 39 can be provided at a distance equal to that of at least two of these gap shields.

[0083] In this way, in the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 2, gap shielding parts are provided at multiple locations, and the detection part 39 is provided between the multiple gap shielding parts. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0084] (Implementation Method 3)

[0085] The following uses Figure 3 To illustrate implementation method 3.

[0086] Figure 3 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the drum dryer according to Embodiment 3. In the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 3, the detection unit 39 is provided near the microwave irradiation port 32 for irradiating microwaves from the microwave irradiation unit 30 into the interior of the drum 3. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as in Embodiment 1 or 2. The differences from Embodiment 1 or 2 will be mainly explained.

[0087] The area near the microwave irradiation port 32 has a high electric field strength, thus increasing the probability of spark generation. In the drum dryer 60, the amount of microwave-absorbing load (water, etc.) is greater compared to microwave heating products such as microwave ovens. For example, when drying 6 kg of clothing, the clothing contains approximately 4 L of water at the start of drying operation. Therefore, the difference in electric field strength between the area near the microwave irradiation port 32 and other areas is greater, resulting in a higher probability of spark generation near the microwave irradiation port 32. Therefore, by providing a detection unit 39 near the microwave irradiation port 32, where the probability of spark generation is high, the generated spark electromagnetic waves can be detected before they attenuate due to diffusion, thereby improving the accuracy of spark detection.

[0088] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, a detection unit 39 is provided near the microwave irradiation port 32 located near the upper part of the drum 3. When there are many clothes, or when there are few clothes but they are lifted to the top due to the rotation of the agitator, sparks may be generated near the upper part of the drum 3. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 near the microwave irradiation port 32 at the upper part of the drum 3, the generated spark electromagnetic waves can be detected before they attenuate due to diffusion, thus improving the accuracy of spark detection.

[0089] The microwave irradiation port 32 can also be located near the lower part, side, or bottom of the roller 3. In this case, the detection unit 39 can also be located near the microwave irradiation port 32 located near the lower part, side, or bottom of the roller 3.

[0090] In this way, in the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 3, the detection unit 39 is provided near the microwave irradiation port 32 for irradiating microwaves from the microwave irradiation unit 30 into the interior of the drum 3. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high precision, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0091] (Implementation Method 4)

[0092] The following uses Figure 4 To illustrate implementation method 4.

[0093] Figure 4 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that roughly shows the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 4. The drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 4, besides... Figure 1 In addition to the configuration of the drum dryer 60 shown in Embodiment 1, it also includes a reflector 37. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 3. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 3 will be mainly explained.

[0094] Viewed from the detection unit 39, the reflecting unit 37 is positioned opposite to the gap shield, which serves as the source of spark electromagnetic waves. Spark electromagnetic waves diffusing from the gap shield are reflected back to the detection unit 39 by the reflecting unit 37. Therefore, since the spark electromagnetic waves near the detection unit 39 can be amplified and their intensity increased for detection, the accuracy of spark detection can be improved. Considering the wavelength of the spark electromagnetic waves, the distance between the detection unit 39 and the reflecting unit 37 is set in a manner that increases the intensity of the spark electromagnetic waves near the detection unit 39.

[0095] In this way, the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 4 also includes a reflector 37 that reflects the spark electromagnetic waves toward the detection unit 39. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the object being dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0096] (Implementation Method 5)

[0097] The following uses Figure 5 Let's explain implementation method 5.

[0098] Figure 5 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 5. The drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 5, except... Figure 1 In addition to the configuration of the drum dryer 60 shown in Embodiment 1, it also includes a resonant section 38. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 4. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 4 will be mainly explained.

[0099] The resonant section 38 is located near the detection section 39, causing electromagnetic waves diffused into the vicinity of the detection section 39 to resonate. This amplifies the spark electromagnetic waves near the detection section 39, increasing their intensity for detection, thus improving the accuracy of spark detection. Considering the wavelength of the spark electromagnetic waves, the distance between the detection section 39 and the resonant section 38 is set in a manner that increases the intensity of the spark electromagnetic waves near the detection section 39.

[0100] The resonant part 38 can also be made of a conductive material such as metal or a dielectric such as resin. When the resonant part 38 is made of a conductive material such as metal, it can be configured as a void resonator with internal cavities by utilizing the reflective properties of the conductive material. When the resonant part 38 is made of a dielectric such as resin, it can be configured as a dielectric resonator that generates resonance within the dielectric by utilizing the permeability of the dielectric to electromagnetic waves. In this case, the resonant part 38 can be miniaturized due to the wavelength shortening effect based on the dielectric constant of the dielectric. The resonant part 38 can also be constructed by combining a conductive material and a dielectric.

[0101] In this way, the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 4 includes a resonant section 38 located near the detection section 39, which resonates with electromagnetic waves generated by sparks. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high precision, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the object being dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0102] (Implementation Method 6)

[0103] The following uses Figure 6 To illustrate implementation method 6.

[0104] Figure 6 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view that roughly shows the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 6. The drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 6... Figure 1 In the configuration of the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 1 shown, the first choke 25 is provided between the connecting portion 26 and the side of the drum 3. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 5. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 5 will be mainly explained.

[0105] The roller 3 side of the connecting portion 26 is configured to cover the front portion 3a of the roller. A gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the gap is provided in the gap between the roller 3 side of the connecting portion 26 and the side surface of the roller 3. The gap shielding portion can be provided in the connecting portion 26 or on the side surface of the roller 3. The gap shielding portion can be a reflective microwave shielding element such as the first choke 25, or an absorptive microwave shielding element. The gap shielding portion can be a non-contact microwave shielding element such as the first choke 25, or a contact microwave shielding element such as a ball bearing. The gap shielding portion can be composed of a single microwave shielding element or multiple microwave shielding elements.

[0106] The drum dryer 60 of embodiment 6 can increase the internal volume by enlarging the depth dimension of the drum 3 by an amount corresponding to the amount of the gap shield moved to the side. In addition, since the front part 3a of the drum can be formed from resin or the like, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0107] The detection unit 39 may also be located near the door body 5. More specifically, the detection unit 39 may also be located in region 41a or 41b near the second choke 27 provided in the gap between the door body 5 and the connecting portion 26. The detection unit 39 may also be located in region 45a or 45b near the first choke 25 provided in the gap between the connecting portion 26 and the roller 3. Multiple detection units 39 may be provided in multiple locations. Detection units 39 may also be provided in multiple gap shielding portions.

[0108] In this way, in the drum dryer 60 of embodiment 6, the shielding part is configured to include a door 5, a drum 3, and a gap shielding part for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between the components. The gap shielding part is provided in at least one of the gap between the connecting part 26 and the door 5 and the gap between the drum 3 and the connecting part 26, and the detection part 39 is provided near the gap shielding part. As a result, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. In addition, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0109] (Implementation Method 7)

[0110] The following uses Figure 7 To illustrate implementation method 7.

[0111] Figure 7 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 7. The drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 7... Figure 1 In the configuration of the drum dryer 60 shown in Embodiment 1, the connecting part 26 is omitted. Therefore, the door 5 functions as a fixed part relative to the rotating drum 3. Furthermore, a microwave irradiation unit 30 is provided in front of the door 5, such as the rotating axis of the drum 3 or the drum opening 3c. The microwave irradiation unit 30 irradiates microwaves into the drum 3 through the microwave irradiation port 32, heating the moisture contained in the object to be dried inside the drum 3. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as in any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 6. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 6 will be mainly explained.

[0112] A gap shield is provided in the gap between the door body 5 and the front part 3a of the roller to suppress microwave leakage from the gap. The gap shield can be located on the door body 5 or on the front part 3a of the roller. The gap shield can be a reflective microwave shield such as the first choke 25 or the second choke 27, or an absorptive microwave shield. The gap shield can be a non-contact microwave shield such as the first choke 25 or the second choke 27, or a contact microwave shield such as a ball bearing. The gap shield can be composed of a single microwave shield or multiple microwave shield segments.

[0113] The drum dryer 60 of embodiment 7 can increase the internal volume by enlarging the depth dimension of the drum 3 by an amount corresponding to the omitted connecting portion 26.

[0114] The detection unit 39 is located near the door body 5. More specifically, the detection unit 39 is located in region 41a or 41b near the first choke 25 or the second choke 27, which is a gap shield provided in the gap between the door body 5 and the roller 3.

[0115] In the drum dryer 60 of embodiment 7, the shielding portion is configured to include a door 5, a drum 3, and a gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between the components. The gap shielding portion is located in the gap between the drum 3 and the door 5, and the detection portion 39 is located near the gap shielding portion. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0116] (Implementation Method 8)

[0117] The following uses Figure 8 To illustrate implementation method 8.

[0118] Figure 8 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the drum dryer of Embodiment 8. The drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 8, except... Figure 6 In addition to the configuration of the drum dryer 60 shown in Embodiment 6, it includes a drum door body 36. The drum door body 36 includes a second choke 27, which is an example of a gap shielding portion provided throughout the entire circumference in the gap between the drum door body 36 and the drum 3. Other configurations are the same as any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 7. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 7 will be mainly described.

[0119] In the drum dryer 60 of embodiment 8, the drum door 36 is configured to be fixed to the drum 3 and rotate together with the drum 3. A door 5 is provided at the opening 19 of the housing 1. The door 5 may or may not constitute a shielding part. In the former case, the microwave exposure of the user can be further reduced. In the latter case, since the door 5 can be formed from resin or the like, the manufacturing cost of the drum dryer 60 can be reduced.

[0120] The drum dryer 60 of embodiment 8 does not require shielding of the gap between the rotating body and the stationary part; a second choke 27 is only required on the drum door 36. This simplifies the construction of the gap shielding part and suppresses microwave leakage to the outside of the housing 1.

[0121] The detection unit 39 is located in a region 46a or 46b near the second choke 27, which is a gap shield provided between the roller door body 36 and the roller 3. The detection unit 39 may also be located near the door body 5.

[0122] In this manner, the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 8 includes: a door 5 (first door) for opening and closing an opening 19 (first opening) in the housing 1 for placing and removing items to be dried onto the drum 3; and a drum door 36 (second door) for opening and closing a drum opening 3c (second opening) located inside the housing 1 opposite to the door 5; and a detection unit 39 is located near the door 5 or the drum door 36. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high precision, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the items to be dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0123] (Implementation Method 9)

[0124] The following uses Figure 9 and Figure 10 To illustrate implementation method 9.

[0125] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view that schematically shows the configuration of the drum-type washer-dryer of Embodiment 9. The drum-type washer-dryer 61 of this embodiment has the function of washing and drying laundry and other laundry items. It can function as a washer that only performs the washing function, a dryer that only performs the drying function, or a washer-dryer that performs both washing and drying functions.

[0126] The drum-type washer-dryer 61, like the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiments 1-8, has the function of irradiating the laundry inside the drum with microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic wave. Components that are common to or similar to those in the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiments 1-8 are marked with the same reference numerals. The differences from Embodiments 1-8 will be mainly described.

[0127] The drum-type washer-dryer 61 includes two tanks: a water tank 2 serving as an outer tank and a drum 3 serving as a rotating tank. The water tank 2 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape and stores washing water. The water tank 2 is supported within the housing 1 (main body) by a damper 4 located below it, allowing it to swing freely. The drum 3 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape and holds laundry and other laundry items (also referred to as "drying items" when discussing the drying function). The drum 3 is rotatably mounted within the water tank 2, with its rotation axis horizontal. In another example, the drum 3 may also be mounted with its rotation axis tilted forward and upward relative to the horizontal, or it may be mounted with its rotation axis vertical.

[0128] A drive motor 6a is mounted on the bottom surface of the water tank 2, which is opposite to the back of the housing 1. The drive motor 6a causes the drum 3 to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions around the rotation axis. The drum-type washer-dryer 61 uses the rotation of the drum 3 driven by the drive motor 6a to agitate, beat, wash, dehydrate, and dry the laundry contained inside the drum 3.

[0129] On the front surface of the housing 1, opposite to the openings of the drum 3 and the water tank 2, there is an opening 19 and a door 5 for opening and closing the opening 19. By opening the door 5, the user can put laundry into the drum 3.

[0130] The water tank 2 has a front portion 2a and a rear portion 2b. The front portion 2a has a water tank opening 2c located opposite the opening 19 of the housing 1, and the rear portion 2b is located further rearward than the front portion 2a. A resilient cylindrical water-sealing member 23 is provided, connecting the edge of the water tank opening 2c and the edge of the opening 19 of the front portion 2a around its entire circumference. When the user closes the door 5, the water-sealing member 23 is pressed by the door 5 and elastically deformed, thereby ensuring the watertightness of the water tank 2 relative to the outside of the machine. The front portion 2a may also be the top surface of the water tank 2, which is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape. In this case, the rear portion 2b may also be the side and bottom surfaces of the cylinder. The front portion 2a may also include a portion in front of the side surface in addition to the top surface of the cylinder. In this case, the rear portion 2b may also be the remaining portion behind the side surface and the bottom surface of the cylinder. The rear portion 2b of the water tank may also include a portion of the side side of the top portion in addition to the side and bottom portions of the water tank 2. In this case, the front portion 2a of the water tank may also be the remaining portion of the top portion of the cylinder on the side of the water tank opening 2c. The front portion 2a and the rear portion 2b of the water tank may be manufactured integrally or separately and connected to form the water tank 2. In the latter case, a water-sealing member is also provided at the connection between the front portion 2a and the rear portion 2b of the water tank.

[0131] A water supply pipe 13 is connected to the upper part of the water tank 2. A water supply valve 12 is installed in the middle of the water supply pipe 13. The water supply valve 12 supplies water to the water tank 2 through the water supply pipe 13. In addition, a drain pipe 11 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 2. A drain valve 10 is installed in the middle of the drain pipe 11. The drain valve 10 discharges the water in the water tank 2 to the outside of the machine through the drain pipe 11.

[0132] A damper 4 is provided below the water tank 2. The damper 4 supports the water tank 2 and attenuates the vibration of the water tank 2 caused by the displacement of laundry inside the drum 3. A fabric weight detection unit (not shown) is installed on the damper 4. The fabric weight detection unit detects the amount of vertical displacement of the damper 4's shaft based on the weight change caused by the laundry inside the drum 3. The drum-type washer-dryer 61 detects the amount of laundry inside the drum 3 based on the displacement detected by the fabric weight detection unit.

[0133] The roller 3 has a front portion 3a and a rear portion 3b. The front portion 3a has a roller opening 3c located opposite the opening 19 of the housing 1, and the rear portion 3b is located rearward of the front portion 3a. The front portion 3a may also be the top surface portion of the roller 3, which is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape. In this case, the rear portion 3b may also be the side and bottom surfaces of the cylinder. The front portion 3a may also include a portion in front of the side surface portion in addition to the top surface portion of the cylinder. In this case, the rear portion 3b may also be the remaining portion behind the side surface portion of the cylinder and the bottom surface portion. The rear portion 3b may also include a portion on the side of the top surface portion in addition to the side and bottom surfaces of the roller 3. In this case, the front portion 3a may also be the remaining portion on the roller opening 3c side of the top surface portion of the cylinder. The front portion 3a and the rear portion 3b may be manufactured integrally or separately and connected together to form the roller 3.

[0134] The drum-type washer-dryer 61 includes a circulating air passage 7 that circulates air in the water tank 2 and the drum 3, and a microwave irradiation unit 30 that irradiates microwaves onto the object to be dried in the drum 3.

[0135] The microwave irradiation unit 30, which constitutes the heating unit for heating the object to be dried, irradiates microwaves into the drum 3 through the microwave irradiation port 32 located between the water tank opening 2c of the water tank 2 and the opening 19 of the housing 1, thereby heating the moisture contained in the object to be dried inside the drum 3.

[0136] The circulating air path 7 is configured as an air circulation path for drying the object being dried in the drying process. The air circulation path includes a water tank 2 and a drum 3. The circulating air path 7 is configured to connect the blow-out port 8 (drying air blow-out port) located on the bottom surface of the water tank 2 to the exhaust port 9 (drying air exhaust port) located on the front side of the water tank 2.

[0137] In the circulating air path 7, a lint filter 22, a dehumidifier 21, a heater 17, and a blower fan 16 are provided from the outlet 9 side. The lint filter 22 is a filter with a nylon mesh that captures lint contained in the air flowing in the circulating air path 7. The dehumidifier 21 dehumidifies the air flowing in the circulating air path 7. The dehumidifier 21 can be either water-cooled or air-cooled. The heater 17 heats the air flowing in the circulating air path 7. The dehumidifier 21 and the heater 17 can also be composed of the evaporator and condenser sections of a heat pump device. The blower fan 16 circulates the air in the water tank 2 and the drum 3 within the circulating air path 7.

[0138] The heater 17 and the microwave irradiation unit 30 constitute a heating unit for heating the object to be dried, and are simultaneously energized to both or either one. Furthermore, as a method for heating the object to be dried via the heating unit, there are methods such as direct microwave heating, indirect heating by heating circulating air via a heater or the inner wall of the drum 3, etc., and there are no particular limitations. If the clothing or other items to be dried contain metal such as buttons or zippers, where there is a high possibility of sparks, the output of microwaves irradiating into the drum 3 from the microwave irradiation unit 30 is reduced or stopped, and drying is switched to be based on the heater 17.

[0139] An inflow temperature detection unit 18 is provided within the circulating air path 7. The inflow temperature detection unit 18 detects the temperature of the air flowing into the drum 3. The inflow temperature detection unit 18 is, for example, composed of a thermistor.

[0140] The housing 1 is equipped with a control device 20. The control device 20 controls the fan 16, heater 17, and microwave irradiation unit 30, etc. The control device 20 also controls the drive motor 6a, water supply valve 12, drain valve 10, etc., to sequentially perform the cleaning, rinsing, dehydration and drying processes.

[0141] Next, the flow of the drying air will be explained. When microwaves are irradiated into the drum 3, the moisture contained in the object being dried is heated and evaporated. When the blower fan 16 is driven, the air, now humid due to the evaporated moisture, flows into the circulating air path 7 through the outlet 9 located in the water tank 2. The air flowing into the circulating air path 7 is then transported to the dehumidification section 21 and the heater 17 by the blower fan 16. The air passing through the dehumidification section 21 is cooled and dehumidified. The cooled and dried air is then heated by the heater 17.

[0142] The air after passing through heater 17 is blown back into drum 3 through outlet 8. Furthermore, in a clothes dryer without a washing function, the water tank 2 for storing washing water, water supply valve 12, water supply pipe 13, drain valve 10, and drain pipe 11 are not included. Moreover, the connection between the rotating drum 3 and the circulating air passage 7 is configured such that the drum 3 slides on a sealing member such as felt.

[0143] Figure 10 This illustrates the structure of the shielding section of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 in Embodiment 9. Figure 10 Is Figure 9 The diagram showing the configuration of the drum washer-dryer 61 in Embodiment 9 omits some of its components. A diagram illustrating the detection unit 39 is also provided. Figure 10In the diagram, the components constituting the shielding part are indicated by shaded lines. In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of Embodiment 9, the shielding part is configured to include a door 5, an opening 19, a front portion 2a of the water tank, a cover 24, and a rear portion 2b of the water tank. A gap shielding part (not shown) is provided in the gap between the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the door 5. The cover 24 is a component that covers the space between the opening 19 and the front portion 2a of the water tank. The cover 24 functions as a gap shielding part for suppressing microwave leakage from the gap between the door 5 and the water tank 2.

[0144] The door body 5, opening 19, front part 2a of the water tank, and rear part 2b of the water tank contain conductive materials such as metals capable of reflecting or absorbing microwaves. The door body 5, opening 19, front part 2a of the water tank, or rear part 2b of the water tank may also be entirely formed of electromagnetic wave shielding materials such as conductive materials. The door body 5, opening 19, front part 2a of the water tank, or rear part 2b of the water tank may also be formed of materials such as resin, with a conductive material plating layer on the inner or outer surface. The door body 5, opening 19, front part 2a of the water tank, or rear part 2b of the water tank may also be formed of materials such as resin, with a layer of electromagnetic wave shielding material on the inner, outer, or inner surface.

[0145] In this embodiment, the opening 19 of the housing 1 is separated from the front 2a of the water tank 2, and water tightness is ensured by the water-sealing member 23. The space between them is covered by a cover 24 formed of electromagnetic wave shielding material. That is, by providing the conductive and flexible cover 24, even if the drum 3 vibrates as it rotates, thereby causing the water tank 2 to vibrate, a drum-type washer-dryer 61 can be provided that can suppress the leakage of electromagnetic waves when drying objects by irradiating electromagnetic waves.

[0146] The cover 24 is made of a flexible material. This allows the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the door 5 to separate from the water tank 2, which vibrates due to the rotation of the roller 3, making it difficult for the vibration of the water tank 2 to be transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress microwave leakage from the gap between the water tank 2 and the opening 19 due to vibration. Furthermore, since the microwave irradiation section 30 is not placed in the water tank 2 or the roller 3 where vibration is greater, but rather in the housing 1 where vibration is less, microwave oscillators such as magnetrons can be protected from vibration, improving microwave oscillation performance and durability. In the configuration of the microwave irradiation section 30, components such as the microwave oscillator and waveguide can also be housed within the housing 1.

[0147] The cover 24 is made of a flexible material. This facilitates processing and installation, thus reducing manufacturing costs. One end of the material is fixed to the opening 19 of the housing 1, and the other end is fixed to the front 2a of the water tank 2. The material can be fixed using other materials such as straps or wires. In this case, the material can also be fixed by pressing it down from the outside with a strap or wire. This simplifies the structure for fixing the material and reduces manufacturing costs. Alternatively, the end of the material can be formed into a pouch, and the material can be fixed by passing a strap or wire through the pouch. This simplifies the process for fixing the material, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the stability of the joint.

[0148] The cover 24 can also be made of a stretchable material in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the surface material constituting the cover 24 can also be a conductive cloth or mesh material. Alternatively, the surface material can be formed by weaving rope-like cloth. This makes it more difficult for vibrations from the water tank 2 to be transmitted to the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the door 5. In addition, since processing and installation are easier, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0149] The cover 24 can also be made of a corrugated or mesh material. In this case, the material constituting the cover 24 can also be made of a non-stretchable, conductive material. Since a non-stretchable material can also be made stretchable by being corrugated or meshed, it makes it more difficult for vibrations from the water tank 2 to be transmitted to the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the door 5. In addition, since the options for the material that can be used as the cover 24 can be expanded, manufacturing costs can be reduced. In this case, the material can also be a conductive cloth or mesh material, or it can be formed by weaving a rope-like cloth.

[0150] like Figure 9 As shown, the cover 24 can also be located on the outside of the water-sealing member 23. When using chlorine-based bleach during washing, if chlorine-containing cleaning water adheres to the cover 24, the conductive material may be corroded by the chlorine. However, by providing the cover 24 on the outside of the water-sealing member 23, moisture can be prevented from adhering to the cover 24, thus suppressing any reduction in the electromagnetic wave shielding performance and durability of the cover 24. Furthermore, since the assembly of the cover 24 becomes easier, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0151] In other examples, the cover 24 may also be located inside the water seal member 23. This suppresses the exposure of the water seal member 23 to electromagnetic waves, thereby preventing a decrease in the watertightness, airtightness, and durability of the water seal member 23. For example, it reduces the likelihood of abnormal overheating caused by electromagnetic waves concentrating on specific areas of the water seal member 23.

[0152] Furthermore, in another example, the cover 24 can also serve as the water seal member 23. In this case, the surface material constituting the cover 24 can also be formed of a conductive elastomer. Thus, as with conventional drum washer-dryers, the drum washer-dryer 61 of this embodiment can be manufactured by assembling only the water seal member 23, thereby reducing the number of parts and operating time, and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0153] Furthermore, in the configuration of the water tank 2, the front part 2a and the rear part 2b of the water tank can be integrally formed, or they can be manufactured separately and connected. As in this embodiment, if the shielding part includes the rear part 2b of the water tank, the entire water tank 2 can be formed of a conductive material. Since the configuration of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 can be simplified, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0154] When the front part 2a and the rear part 2b of the water tank are manufactured separately and connected, the connection between the front part 2a and the rear part 2b also needs to suppress microwave leakage while ensuring water tightness. Therefore, the water tank 2 is fixed by sandwiching a waterproof component and a conductive component between the front part 2a and the rear part 2b. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress electromagnetic wave leakage while ensuring water tightness.

[0155] The detection unit 39 is located near the door 5. More specifically, the detection unit 39 is located in region 47a or 47b near the cover 24, which serves as a gap shield between the door 5 and the water tank 2. In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of this embodiment, if a spark is generated inside the drum 3, a portion of the spark electromagnetic wave will also leak and diffuse outward from the cover 24. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 in region 47a or 47b near the cover 24, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

[0156] In this way, the shielding portion of the drum washer-dryer 61 in Embodiment 9 is configured to include a door 5, a drum 3, and a gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between the components. The gap shielding portion is provided in the gap between the housing 1 (opening 19) and the door, which is provided between the door 5 and the drum 3, and the detection portion 39 is provided near the gap shielding portion. As a result, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum washer-dryer 61 can be improved. In addition, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0157] Furthermore, the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of Embodiment 9 includes a water tank 2 (outer tank) fixed to the housing 1 and containing a drum 3. The shielding portion is configured to include a door 5, the water tank 2, and a gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between components. The gap shielding portion is located in the gap between the water tank 2 and the door 5, and a detection portion 39 is located near the gap shielding portion. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 can be improved. Additionally, damage to the object being dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0158] (Implementation Method 10)

[0159] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of the shielding portion of the drum washer-dryer 61 in Embodiment 10. The drum washer-dryer 61 in Embodiment 10, besides... Figure 9 Apart from the configuration of the drum washer-dryer 61 shown in Embodiment 9, it includes a first choke section 25. Other configurations and operations are the same as any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 9. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 9 will be mainly explained.

[0160] In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 10, the shielding part is configured to include a door 5, an opening 19, a water tank front part 2a, a cover 24, a drum 3, and a first choke part 25.

[0161] The drum 3 contains a conductive material such as a metal that can reflect or absorb microwaves. The first choke 25 functions as a gap shield to prevent microwaves from leaking from the gap between the front part 2a of the water tank and the front part 3a of the drum.

[0162] The detection unit 39 may also be located near the door 5. More specifically, the detection unit 39 may also be located in region 47a or 47b near the cover 24 provided in the gap between the door 5 and the water tank 2. The detection unit 39 may also be located in region 48a or 48b near the first choke 25 provided in the gap between the water tank 2 and the drum 3. In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of this embodiment, if a spark is generated inside the drum 3, a portion of the spark electromagnetic wave will also leak and diffuse to the outside from the cover 24 or the first choke 25. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 in region 47a or 47b near the cover 24, or region 48a or 48b near the first choke 25, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

[0163] In this manner, the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of Embodiment 10 includes a water tank 2 fixed to the housing 1 and containing a drum 3. The shielding portion is configured to include a door 5, the drum 3, and a gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between the components. The gap shielding portion is provided in at least one of the gap between the water tank 2 and the door 5, and the gap between the water tank 2 and the drum 3. A detection unit 39 is provided near the gap shielding portion. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0164] (Implementation Method 11)

[0165] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of the shielding portion of the drum washer-dryer of Embodiment 11. The drum washer-dryer 61 of Embodiment 11 and... Figure 9 Compared to the drum washer-dryer 61 of Embodiment 9, the cover 24 is omitted, and a water tank cover 28 is included. The water tank cover 28 is a cover for the water tank 2, which serves as the outer tank, and is an example of an outer tank cover. Other configurations and operations are the same as any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 10. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 10 will be mainly explained.

[0166] The sink cover 28 is provided at the sink opening 2c of the sink 2. Although not shown in the figure, the sink cover 28 can also be configured to open and close in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 5. For example, a linkage mechanism or the connection between the sink cover 28 and the door 5 is required to link them together, but since the user can take and put laundry into the drum 3 simply by opening the door 5, the convenience of use is improved.

[0167] At the opening edge of the water tank opening 2c, a flexible cylindrical water-sealing member 23 is provided, which is tightly connected to the water tank cover 2 all around the circumference. When the user closes the water tank cover 28, the water-sealing member 23 is pressed by the water tank cover 28 and deforms elastically, thereby ensuring the watertightness of the water tank 2 relative to the outside of the machine.

[0168] In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 11, the shielding part is configured to include a tank cover 28, which serves as the door of the tank 2, a tank front portion 2a, which includes a tank opening 2c, and a tank rear portion 2b. The tank cover 28, the tank front portion 2a, and the tank rear portion 2b are made of conductive materials such as metals that can reflect or absorb microwaves. The water-sealing member 23 between the tank 2 and the tank cover 28 is made of a conductor or dielectric and functions as a gap shielding part to prevent microwaves from leaking from the gap between the tank 2 and the tank cover 28.

[0169] In this embodiment, the opening 19 of the housing 1 is separated from the front part 2a of the water tank 2, and a water tank cover 28 is provided at the front part 2a of the water tank. The water tank 2 is watertight through a water-sealing member 23. Thus, the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the door 5 are separated from the water tank 2, which vibrates due to the rotation of the drum 3, making it difficult for the vibration of the water tank 2 to be transmitted. Furthermore, there is no need for components in the housing 1, the opening 19, and the door 5 to prevent microwave leakage. That is, with this configuration, even if the drum 3 rotates and the water tank 2 vibrates, a drum-type washer-dryer 61 capable of suppressing electromagnetic wave leakage can be provided. In this embodiment, since there is no need to worry about microwave leakage from the gap between the vibrating and non-vibrating parts, a drum-type washer-dryer 61 capable of suppressing electromagnetic wave leakage can be manufactured at low cost.

[0170] In addition, in the sink cover 28, gaps can also occur due to dimensional errors or vibrations, as long as the gap is small enough to prevent microwave leakage.

[0171] The door 5 of the housing 1 is not necessarily required. The opening 19 of the housing 1 can be constructed in a way that the vibration of the water tank 2 will not adversely affect the user. Alternatively, instead of the water tank cover 28 provided at the water tank opening 2c, the door can be provided at the roller opening 3c of the roller 3. In this case, microwaves pass through the interior of the roller 3's rotation axis and irradiate the inside of the roller 3, and the entire roller 3, including the door provided at the roller opening 3c, can also form a shield. However, since the door provided at the roller opening 3c rotates together with the roller 3, the opening and closing directions of the door will be different when rotation stops, reducing user convenience. To prevent this, the control device 20 is preferably configured to stop the roller 3's rotation at a predetermined position, at which point the opening and closing directions of the door are approximately the same.

[0172] The detection unit 39 can also be located in the region 49a or 49b near the joint between the sink cover 28 and the sink 2. In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of this embodiment, if a spark is generated inside the drum 3, a portion of the spark electromagnetic wave will also leak outward from the joint between the sink cover 28 and the sink 2. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 in the region 49a or 49b near the joint between the sink cover 28 and the sink 2, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

[0173] In this manner, the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 11 includes a water tank 2 fixed to the housing 1 and containing a drum 3. The shielding portion is configured to include a water tank cover 28 (door), the water tank 2, and a gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between components. The gap shielding portion is located in the gap between the water tank 2 and the water tank cover 28, and a detection portion 39 is located near the gap shielding portion. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the object being dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0174] (Implementation Method 12)

[0175] Figure 13 This is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of the shielding portion of the drum washer-dryer 61 in Embodiment 12. The drum washer-dryer 61 of Embodiment 12 and... Figure 11 Compared to the drum washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 10 shown, the cover 24, including the water tank cover 28, is omitted. Alternatively, besides... Figure 12 Apart from the configuration of the drum washer-dryer 61 shown in Embodiment 11, it includes a first choke section 25. Other configurations and operations are the same as any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 11. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 11 will be mainly explained.

[0176] In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 12, the shielding part is configured to include a water tank cover 28, a water tank front part 2a, a drum 3, and a first choke part 25. The drum 3 contains a conductive material such as a metal that can reflect or absorb microwaves. The first choke part 25 functions as a gap shielding part to prevent microwaves from leaking from the gap between the water tank front part 2a and the drum front part 3a.

[0177] The detection unit 39 can also be located in the region 49a or 49b near the joint between the water tank cover 28 and the water tank 2. Alternatively, the detection unit 39 can be located in the region 48a or 48b near the first choke 25 located in the gap between the water tank 2 and the drum 3. In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of this embodiment, if a spark is generated inside the drum 3, a portion of the spark electromagnetic wave will also leak and diffuse to the outside from the joint between the water tank cover 28 and the water tank 2 or the first choke 25. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 in the region 49a or 49b near the joint between the water tank cover 28 and the water tank 2, or in the region 48a or 48b near the first choke 25, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

[0178] In this manner, the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 12 includes a water tank 2 fixed to the housing 1 and containing a drum 3. The shielding portion is configured to include a water tank cover 28, the drum 3, and a gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between the components. The gap shielding portion is provided in at least one of the gap between the water tank 2 and the water tank cover 28, and the gap between the water tank 2 and the drum 3. A detection unit 39 is provided near the gap shielding portion. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0179] (Implementation Method 13)

[0180] Figure 14 This is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the vertical washer-dryer 70 according to Embodiment 13. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft of the drum 3 of the vertical washer-dryer 70 is configured longitudinally, and a pulsator 44 for agitating the washed items and washing water is provided at the bottom of the drum 3. Other configurations and operations are the same as any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 12. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 12 will be mainly explained.

[0181] Furthermore, in the vertical washer-dryer 70 of this embodiment, since the rotation axis of the drum 3 is vertical, the "front" side of the water tank 2 and the drum 3 of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 described in embodiments 9 to 12 becomes the "upper" side, and the "back" side becomes the "lower" side. If... Figures 9-13 If the water tank 2 and drum 3 of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 shown in embodiments 9 to 12 are rotated 90 degrees to the right, it can be adapted to a vertical washer-dryer 70.

[0182] In the vertical washer-dryer 70 of this embodiment, the drum 3 does not rotate, but the impeller 44 rotates in the forward and reverse directions to stir, rub, rinse and dry the laundry contained in the drum 3.

[0183] In the vertical washer-dryer 70 of Embodiment 13, the shielding part is configured to include a water tank cover 28, a water tank front part 2a including a water tank opening 2c, and a water tank rear part 2b. The vertical washer-dryer 70 of this embodiment is also the same as the drum washer-dryer 61 of Embodiments 9-12, and can suppress microwave leakage even if the water tank 2 vibrates. The water seal member 23 between the water tank 2 and the water tank cover 28 is made of a conductor or dielectric and functions as a gap shielding part to suppress microwave leakage from the gap between the water tank 2 and the water tank cover 28.

[0184] The detection unit 39 is located in area 50a or 50b near the joint between the sink cover 28 and the sink 2. In the vertical washer-dryer 70 of this embodiment, if a spark is generated inside the drum 3, a portion of the spark electromagnetic wave will also leak and diffuse to the outside from the joint between the sink cover 28 and the sink 2. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 in area 50a or 50b near the joint between the sink cover 28 and the sink 2, sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

[0185] In this manner, the vertical washer-dryer 70 of Embodiment 13 includes a water tank 2 fixed to the housing 1 and containing a drum 3. The shielding portion is configured to include a water tank cover 28, the water tank 2, and a gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between components. The gap shielding portion is located in the gap between the water tank 2 and the water tank cover 28, and a detection portion 39 is located near the gap shielding portion. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the vertical washer-dryer 70 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0186] Furthermore, the detection unit 39 can also be located near the bottom surface of the roller 3. During the tumbling process in drying operation, the object to be dried is stirred up roughly on the bottom surface inside the rotating roller 3 due to gravity, resulting in a relatively high proportion of sparks on the bottom surface inside the roller 3. Additionally, sparks can be generated by metal attached to clothing or foreign objects mixed in from clothing pockets. In particular, sparks are easily generated when metal attached to clothing falling during tumbling comes into contact with the bottom surface of the metal roller 3. Based on these factors, the probability of sparks generating near the bottom surface inside the roller 3 is high. Therefore, by placing the detection unit 39 near the bottom surface of the roller 3, the generated spark electromagnetic waves can be detected before they attenuate due to diffusion, thus improving the accuracy of spark detection.

[0187] (Implementation Method 14)

[0188] Figure 15 This is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of the shielding portion of the drum washer-dryer 61 in Embodiment 14. The vibration damping mechanism for suppressing vibrations of the housing 1 and the drum 3, the cover 24, and the water seal member 23 in this embodiment of the drum washer-dryer 61 differ from those in Embodiments 9-12. Other configurations and operations are the same as any one or more of Embodiments 1-13. The differences from Embodiments 1-13 will be mainly explained.

[0189] In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 14, an opening 19 and a door 5 for opening and closing the opening 19 are provided on the front surface of the housing 1. Inside the housing 1, a bottomed cylindrical water tank 2 is provided, configured to store washing water. The water tank 2 is fixed to the housing 1 by a water tank opening 2c located opposite to the opening 19 of the housing 1 and fixed to the opening 19. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the water tank 2 ( Figure 15 The side facing away from the back of the casing 1 is composed of multiple components. Details about these components will be explained later.

[0190] A resilient cylindrical door seal 23a is provided around the entire circumference of the inner side of the opening 19 of the housing 1. The user can take laundry into the drum 3 by opening the door 5. When the user closes the door 5, the door seal 23a is pressed by the door 5 and deforms elastically, thereby ensuring the watertightness of the sink 2 relative to the outside of the machine.

[0191] The water tank 2 has a front portion 2a and a rear portion 2b. The front portion 2a has a water tank opening 2c, and the rear portion 2b is located further rearward than the front portion 2a. The front portion 2a may also include a portion of the side side of the bottom portion in addition to the top and side portions of the cylinder. In this case, the rear portion 2b may also be the remaining portion of the central side of the bottom portion.

[0192] The front part 3a of the roller may also include a portion of the side side of the bottom part in addition to the top and side parts of the roller 3. In this case, the rear part 3b of the roller may also be the remaining part of the rotation axis side of the bottom part.

[0193] A drum drive unit 6, which rotates and drives the drum 3, is mounted on the bottom surface of the drum 3. The drum drive unit 6 includes a drive motor 6a, a rotating shaft 6b connecting the drum 3 and the drive motor 6a, and a bearing unit 6c supporting the rotating shaft 6b. The bearing unit 6c is configured to support the rotating shaft 6b with multiple bearings. The drive motor 6a causes the drum 3 to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions around the rotating shaft. The drum-type washer-dryer 61, through the rotation of the drum 3 based on the drive motor 6a, agitates, beats, washes, dehydrates, and dries the laundry contained inside the drum 3.

[0194] Next, the configuration of the bottom surface of the water tank 2 included in the rear part 2b of the water tank and the vibration damping mechanism 40 for suppressing the vibration of the roller 3 and the housing 1 will be described. First, as described above, the bottom surface of the water tank 2 is composed of multiple components. That is, the bottom surface of the water tank 2 itself retains an opening on the side side and the central side, and a part of the vibration damping mechanism 40 is installed in this opening. The vibration damping mechanism 40 includes a motor support 33, multiple dampers (lower damper 4a and upper damper 4b) provided between the motor support 33 and the housing 1, and a flexible water-sealing member 23. The roller drive 6 is fixed to the motor support 33. The motor support 33 is located at the opening of the bottom surface of the water tank 2 and is provided in such a way that the opening is sealed by the flexible and watertight water-sealing member 23. In this way, the bottom surface of the water tank 2 is configured to include the motor support 33 and the water-sealing member 23.

[0195] Multiple dampers support the drum drive unit 6 and the drum 3 from the housing 1 via the motor support 33. The dampers include two lower dampers 4a supporting the lower left and right sides of the motor support 33 from the bottom of the housing 1, and an upper damper 4b supporting the upper part of the motor support 33 from the rear of the housing 1. The drum 3, especially when rotating at high speed, experiences complex vibrations due to the displacement of the laundry inside. These vibrations are transmitted to the motor support 33 via the drum drive unit 6. At this time, the lower dampers 4a primarily absorb the vertical and horizontal vibrations of the motor support 33, while the upper dampers 4b primarily absorb the front-to-back vibrations of the motor support 33. This attenuates the vibration of the drum 3 and suppresses the transmission of vibrations to the housing 1.

[0196] Vibration damping mechanism 40 configured in this way transmits the vibration of the drum 3, which contains laundry and rotates, to the motor support 33. However, the transmission of vibration to the housing 1 is suppressed by the lower damper 4a and the upper damper 4b, and the transmission of vibration to the water tank 2, which is fixed to the housing 1, is suppressed by the water seal member 23.

[0197] Furthermore, a fabric weight detection unit (not shown) may also be installed on the lower damper 4a. The fabric weight detection unit detects the amount of vertical displacement of the shaft of the lower damper 4a based on the weight change caused by the clothes and other items inside the drum 3. The drum-type washer-dryer 61 detects the amount of clothes inside the drum 3 based on the displacement detected by the fabric weight detection unit.

[0198] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the position and number of dampers, or the shape of the motor support 33. In short, it is sufficient to reliably support the load of the rotating drum 3 and accurately attenuate vibrations in all directions.

[0199] In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 14, the shielding part is configured to include a door 5, an opening 19, a front part 2a of the water tank, a cover 24, and a rear part 2b of the water tank. The cover 24 may also be included in the rear part 2b of the water tank. The cover 24 is arranged to cover the water sealing member 23 parallel to the water sealing member 23 at a location on the outer side of the water tank 2, closer to the water sealing member 23. The cover 24 may also function as a gap shielding part for suppressing microwave leakage from the gap between the water tank 2 and the door 5. The door seal 23a between the water tank 2 and the door 5 is made of a conductor or dielectric and may also function as a gap shielding part for suppressing microwave leakage from the gap between the water tank 2 and the door 5.

[0200] In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the water tank 2 is configured to include a motor support 33 and a water-sealing member 23. The water-sealing member 23 ensures water tightness and is covered by a cover 24 formed of an electromagnetic wave shielding material. The cover 24 is made of a conductive and flexible surface material. This allows the housing 1 and at least the front part 2a of the water tank to be separated from the motor support 33, which vibrates due to the rotation of the drum 3, making it difficult for the vibration of the drum 3 to be transmitted to the housing 1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the gap in the bottom surface of the water tank 2, where the water-sealing member 23 is located, due to vibration, thereby preventing microwave leakage from this gap. In other words, by providing the conductive and flexible cover 24, even if the drum 3 vibrates with rotation, thereby causing vibration of the motor support 33 and the water tank 2, a drum-type washer-dryer 61 is provided that can suppress the leakage of electromagnetic waves when drying objects by irradiating electromagnetic waves.

[0201] Furthermore, since the microwave irradiation section 30 can be housed in the housing 1 or the water tank 2 where vibration is less, the microwave oscillator, such as the magnetron, can be protected from vibration, thereby improving the oscillation performance and durability of the microwave. In the configuration of the microwave irradiation section 30, components such as the microwave oscillator and waveguide can also be housed in the housing 1 or the water tank 2.

[0202] The cover 24 is made of a flexible material. This facilitates processing and installation, thus reducing manufacturing costs. One end of the material is fixed to the circumference of the opening on the bottom surface of the water tank 2, and the other end is fixed to the motor support 33. The material can be fixed using other materials such as straps or wires. In this case, the material can also be fixed by pressing it down from the outside with a strap or wire. This simplifies the structure for fixing the material and reduces manufacturing costs. Alternatively, the end of the material can be formed into a pouch, and the material can be fixed by passing a strap or wire through the pouch. This simplifies the process for fixing the material, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the stability of the connection.

[0203] The cover 24 can also be made of a stretchable material in the form of a ring with a space on the central side. In this case, the surface material constituting the cover 24 can also be a conductive cloth or mesh material. Alternatively, the surface material can be formed by weaving rope-like cloth. This makes it more difficult for the vibration of the roller 3 to be transmitted to the housing 1. In addition, since processing and installation are easier, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0204] like Figure 15 As shown, the cover 24 can also be located on the outside of the water-sealing member 23. When using chlorine-based bleach during washing, if chlorine-containing cleaning water adheres to the cover 24, the conductive material may be corroded by the chlorine. However, by providing the cover 24 on the outside of the water-sealing member 23, moisture adhesion to the cover 24 can be prevented, thus suppressing the reduction in the electromagnetic wave shielding performance and durability of the cover 24. Furthermore, since the assembly of the cover 24 becomes easier, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0205] In other examples, the cover 24 may also be located inside the water seal member 23. This suppresses the exposure of the water seal member 23 to electromagnetic waves, thereby preventing a decrease in the watertightness, airtightness, and durability of the water seal member 23. For example, it reduces the likelihood of abnormal overheating caused by electromagnetic waves concentrating on specific areas of the water seal member 23.

[0206] Furthermore, in another example, the cover 24 can also serve as the water seal member 23. In this case, the surface material constituting the cover 24 can also be formed of a conductive elastomer. Thus, as with conventional drum washer-dryers, the drum washer-dryer 61 of this embodiment can be manufactured by assembling only the water seal member 23, thereby reducing the number of parts and operating time, and lowering manufacturing costs.

[0207] That is, the cover 24 only needs to be located in the same position as the water seal member 23, and it only needs to be set in such a way that electromagnetic waves will not leak due to the flexibility of the water seal member 23.

[0208] When the front part 2a and the rear part 2b of the water tank are manufactured and connected separately, the connection between the front part 2a and the rear part 2b also needs to suppress microwave leakage while ensuring water tightness. Therefore, in this case, the water tank 2 is configured to be fixed by sandwiching a waterproof component and a conductive component between the front part 2a and the rear part 2b.

[0209] Furthermore, in Embodiment 14, it was described that when the shielding portion includes the rear portion 2b of the water tank, a flexible cover portion 24 is provided at a position substantially the same as the water-sealing member 23 on the bottom surface of the water tank 2. As a variation, instead of the cover portion 24, a choke structure as described in Embodiment 2 may also be provided. In addition, a choke structure may be provided in addition to the cover portion 24.

[0210] The detection unit 39 can also be located in the region 51a or 51b near the junction between the door 5 and the water tank 2. The detection unit 39 can also be located in the region 52a or 52b near the cover 24. In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of this embodiment, if a spark is generated inside the drum 3, a portion of the spark electromagnetic wave will leak and diffuse to the outside from the junction between the door 5 and the water tank 2 or the cover 24. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 in the region 51a or 51b near the junction between the door 5 and the water tank 2, or in the region 52a or 52b near the cover 24, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

[0211] In this manner, the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 14 includes a water tank 2 fixed to the housing 1 and containing a drum 3. The shielding portion is configured to include a door 5, the drum 3, and a gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between the components. The gap shielding portion is located in the gap between the water tank 2 and the door 5, and a detection unit 39 is located near the gap shielding portion. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the object being dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0212] (Implementation Method 15)

[0213] Figure 16 This is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of the shielding portion of the drum washer-dryer 61 in Embodiment 15. The drum washer-dryer 61 in Embodiment 15, besides... Figure 15 Apart from the configuration of the drum washer-dryer 61 shown in Embodiment 14, it includes a first choke section 25. Other configurations and operations are the same as any one or more of Embodiments 1 to 14. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 14 will be mainly described.

[0214] In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 15, the shielding part is configured to include a door 5, an opening 19, a water tank front part 2a, a drum 3, and a first choke part 25.

[0215] The drum 3 contains a conductive material such as a metal that can reflect or absorb microwaves. The first choke 25 functions as a gap shield to prevent microwaves from leaking from the gap between the front part 2a of the water tank and the front part 3a of the drum.

[0216] The detection unit 39 can also be located in the region 51a or 51b near the junction between the door 5 and the water tank 2. The detection unit 39 can also be located in the region 53a or 53b near the first choke 25 located in the gap between the water tank 2 and the drum 3. In the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of this embodiment, if a spark is generated inside the drum 3, a portion of the spark electromagnetic wave will also leak and diffuse to the outside from the junction between the door 5 and the water tank 2 or the first choke 25. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 in the region 51a or 51b near the junction between the door 5 and the water tank 2, or in the region 53a or 53b near the first choke 25, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

[0217] In this manner, the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of embodiment 15 includes a water tank 2 fixed to the housing 1 and containing a drum 3. The shielding portion is configured to include a door 5, the drum 3, and a gap shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between the components. The gap shielding portion is provided in at least one of the gap between the water tank 2 and the door 5, and the gap between the water tank 2 and the drum 3. A detection unit 39 is provided near the gap shielding portion. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0218] (Implementation Method 16)

[0219] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of the washer-dryer 62 according to Embodiment 16. The washer-dryer 62 of Embodiment 16 is the same as that of Embodiments 9-15, having the function of washing and drying laundry and other laundry items. It can function as a washer that only performs the washing function, a dryer that only performs the drying function, or a washer-dryer that performs both washing and drying functions. Similar to Embodiments 1-8, it can also function as a dryer that only performs the drying function. The washer-dryer 62 of Embodiment 16, like that of Embodiments 1-15, has the function of irradiating the laundry inside the drum with microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic wave. The differences from Embodiments 1-15 will be mainly explained.

[0220] The main body 81 is configured to house the internal space as a receiving section 82, which is used to store washed clothes. The receiving section 82 corresponds to the drum 3 in embodiments 1-15. The receiving section 82 does not rotate and serves as both a sink 2 and a drum 3, and is shaped as a cuboid. A door 84 is provided on the front surface of the main body 81. The door 84 opens and closes the opening on the front surface of the receiving section 82. Each piece of clothing in the receiving section 82 is hung on a hanger 85 for storage. A hanging part 86 of the hanging hanger 85 is provided on the top surface of the receiving section 82. The hanging part 86 is configured to slide back and forth.

[0221] The door 84 has a resilient door seal 95 on its entire inner circumference, positioned opposite the opening of the receiving section 82. Users can access clothing into the receiving section 82 by opening the door 84. When the user closes the door 84, the door seal 95 is pressed against the receiving section 82 and elastically deforms, thereby ensuring the watertightness of the receiving section 82 relative to the outside of the machine.

[0222] A detergent inlet 88, into which the user adds detergent, is located around the periphery of the opening of the receiving section 82. Below the detergent inlet 88, an effect agent inlet 90 is provided for adding an effect agent that further enhances the cleanliness of the washed clothes. Furthermore, a release button 91 is provided for removing the added detergent and effect agent. The detergent inlet 88, effect agent inlet 90, and release button 91 are arranged so that they are visible when the door 84 is open. A machine chamber 94 is located at the bottom of the receiving section 82. A microwave irradiation port 32 is located above the machine chamber 94. The microwave irradiation port 32 irradiates microwaves from a microwave irradiation unit (not shown) into the receiving section 82.

[0223] In the washing process, washing water is sprayed onto the clothes. The washing water passing through the clothes is recovered and recycled. In the rinsing process, rinsing water is sprayed onto the clothes. The rinsing water is also recovered and recycled. In the drying process, microwaves are irradiated onto the clothes through microwave irradiation port 32.

[0224] In the washer-dryer 62 of embodiment 16, the shielding part is configured to include a door 84 and a receiving part 82. The door seal 95 between the door 84 and the receiving part 82 is made of a conductor or dielectric and also serves as a gap shielding part.

[0225] The detection unit 39 is located near the door 84. More specifically, the detection unit 39 is located in the area near the door seal 95, which is a gap shield provided between the door 84 and the receiving part 82. For example, it is located in the area between the receiving part 82 and the main body 81, and is located outside the shield.

[0226] In the washer-dryer 62 of this embodiment, if a spark is generated inside the housing 82, a portion of the spark electromagnetic wave will also leak and diffuse to the outside from the junction of the door 84 and the main body 81. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 near the door 84, the spark generated inside the housing 82 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

[0227] As such, the washer-dryer 62 of Embodiment 16 includes: a main body 81 (housing 1); a receiving section 82 provided inside the main body 81 for receiving the items to be dried; a microwave irradiation section for irradiating microwaves onto the items to be dried in the receiving section 82; and a detection section 39 for detecting electromagnetic waves caused by sparks generated inside the receiving section 82. Additionally, a door 84 (door body) is included, which opens and closes an opening in the main body 81 for taking items to be dried in and out of the receiving section 82, and the detection section 39 is located near the door 84. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the receiving section 82 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the washer-dryer 62 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the items to be dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0228] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shielding section is configured to include a door 84, a receiving section 82, and a gap shielding section for suppressing microwave leakage from the joints or gaps between components. The gap shielding section is located in the gap between the door 84 and the receiving section 82, and the detection section 39 is located near the gap shielding section. Therefore, since sparks generated inside the receiving section 82 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, the safety and durability of the washer-dryer 62 can be improved. Additionally, damage to the object being dried caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0229] The detection unit 39 can also be located near the microwave irradiation port 32. The microwave irradiation port 32 can also be located near the upper, lower, or bottom portion of the housing 82. In this case, the detection unit 39 can also be located near the microwave irradiation port 32 located near the upper, lower, or bottom portion of the housing 82. In this case, since sparks generated inside the housing 82 can be detected quickly and with high precision, the safety and durability of the washer-dryer 62 can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the dried object caused by sparks can be suppressed.

[0230] (Other implementation methods)

[0231] As described above, embodiments 1 to 16 have been presented as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments with modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. Furthermore, new embodiments can be created by combining the constituent elements described in embodiments 1 to 16.

[0232] Hereinafter, other embodiments are illustrated.

[0233] In embodiments 1 to 8, a drum dryer 60 is described as an example of a dryer. The dryer can also be a dryer other than a drum type, or a washing dryer, etc. For example, a vertical dryer, etc., can also be applied.

[0234] In embodiments 9 to 15, a drum-type washer-dryer 61 and a vertical washer-dryer 70 are described as examples of dryers. The dryer can also be other types of washer-dryers. Additionally, the dryer can also be a dedicated dryer without a washing function. In this case, an outer trough can be provided outside the drum 3 instead of the water tank 2. Furthermore, the technology of this disclosure can also be applied to dryers for drying items other than clothing.

[0235] Furthermore, the above embodiments are used to illustrate the technology in this disclosure, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0236] [Industrial Availability]

[0237] This disclosure can be used in dryers.

[0238] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0239] 1. Housing; 2. Water tank (outer tank); 2a. Front part of water tank; 2b. Rear part of water tank; 2c. Opening of water tank; 3. Roller (receiving part); 3a. Front part of roller; 3b. Rear part of roller; 3c. Opening of roller (second opening); 4. Damper; 4a. Lower damper; 4b. Upper damper; 5. Door (first door); 6. Roller drive unit; 6a. Drive motor; 6b. Rotating shaft; 6c. Bearing unit; 7. Circulating air passage; 8. Air outlet; 9. Exhaust outlet; 1 0. Drain valve, 11. Drain pipe, 12. Water supply valve, 13. Water supply pipe, 14. Rotating shaft, 15. Belt, 16. Fan, 17. Heater, 18. Inflow temperature detection section, 19. Opening (first opening), 20. Control device, 21. Dehumidification section, 22. Lint filter, 23. Water seal component, 23a. Door seal, 24. Cover, 25. First choke section, 26. Connecting part (fixed part), 27. Second choke section, 28. Water tank cover (door) 30 Microwave irradiation section, 32 Microwave irradiation port, 33 Motor support section, 34 Waveguide, 36 Roller door body (second door body), 37 Reflector section, 38 Resonant section, 39 Detection section, 40 Vibration damping mechanism, 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 48a, 48b, 49a, 49b, 50a, 50b, 51a, 51b, 5 Areas near 2a, 52b, 53a, and 53b; area between the shielding parts of 43a and 43b; 44 impeller; 60 drum dryer; 61 drum washer-dryer; 62 washer-dryer; 70 vertical washer-dryer; 81 main body (shell); 82 housing; 84 door (door body); 85 clothes hanger; 86 hanging part; 88 detergent inlet; 90 effect agent inlet; 91 button; 94 machine room.

Claims

1. A dryer comprising: case, A receiving section located inside the housing to house the object to be dried. A microwave irradiation unit that irradiates a dry object inside the containment section with microwaves, and A detection unit for detecting electromagnetic waves with a frequency different from the frequency of microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiation unit, caused by sparks generated inside the containment section, and... The door is designed to open and close an opening in the housing for taking the dried object into or out of the receiving section. The detection unit is located near the joint or gap between the components constituting the shielding part, and the shielding part is used to suppress the leakage of microwaves from the housing. The shielding portion is configured to include: The door body. The containment section, and A gap shield for suppressing leakage of microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiation unit from the joints or gaps between the components; The gap shielding portion is provided in at least one of the following gaps: the gap between the fixing portion of the housing and the door body, the gap between the housing and the door body, the gap between the housing and the fixing portion, and the gap between the housing and the door body; The detection unit is located near the outside of the gap shield.

2. A dryer comprising: case, A receiving section located inside the housing to house the object to be dried. A microwave irradiation unit that irradiates a dry object inside the containment section with microwaves, and A detection unit for detecting electromagnetic waves with a frequency different from the frequency of microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiation unit, caused by sparks generated inside the containment section, and... The door, which opens and closes an opening in the housing for taking the dried object into and out of the receiving section, and An outer groove fixed to the housing and containing the receiving portion; The detection unit is located near the joint or gap between the components constituting the shielding part, and the shielding part is used to suppress the leakage of microwaves from the housing. The shielding portion is configured to include: The door body. The outer groove or the receiving part A gap shield for suppressing leakage of microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiation unit from the joints or gaps between the components; The gap shielding part is provided in at least one of the gap between the outer groove and the door body and the gap between the outer groove and the receiving part; The detection unit is located near the outside of the gap shield.

3. The dryer as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising: The first door body opens and closes a first opening in the housing for taking the dried object into and out of the receiving section, and The second door is used to open and close a second opening located inside the housing opposite to the first door. The detection unit is located near the outside of the first gate or the second gate.

4. The dryer as described in claim 1 or 2, The receiving part is a rotating body rotatably disposed inside the housing.

5. The dryer as described in claim 1 or 2, The multiple detection units are located in multiple positions.

6. The dryer as described in claim 1 or 2, The gap shielding part is located in multiple positions; The detection unit is located between the plurality of gap shielding units.

7. The dryer as described in claim 1 or 2, The detection unit is located near the irradiation port, which is used to irradiate the interior of the receiving unit with microwaves from the microwave irradiation unit.

8. The dryer as described in claim 1 or 2, The detection unit is located near the lower side of the receiving unit.

9. The dryer as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising: A reflector that reflects the electromagnetic waves toward the detection unit.

10. The dryer as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising: A resonant part located near the detection unit, which resonates with the electromagnetic waves.

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