Drying machine

Abstract

A dryer (1) according to an embodiment comprises: a housing (2); a housing part (3) which is provided inside the housing (2) and houses an object to be dried; and a microwave irradiation unit (6) that irradiates microwaves on the object to be dried housed in the housing unit (3). In addition, the drying machine (1) comprises a containing part (3), a door (5) (shielding part) and a radio wave absorbing body (12), wherein the containing part (3) is used for preventing the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiation part (6) from leaking to the outside; and the radio wave absorbing body (12) is used for absorbing the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiation part (6). The radio wave absorber (12) is provided on the inside of the shield section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a dryer that dries an object by irradiating it with microwaves. Background Technology

[0002] As a method to achieve high-speed drying performance in clothes dryers and washer dryers, one approach is to use microwaves as a heat source to heat the moisture in clothing (for example, see Patent Document 1). The clothes dryer disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes: a microwave irradiation unit that irradiates the clothing with microwaves; a clothing compartment for storing the clothing; and a blower that draws in external gas into the clothing compartment and expels air from the clothing compartment. By directly heating the water adhering to the clothing fibers using microwaves, the drying time of the clothing can be shortened when the moisture content of the clothing is approximately 30% or less.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-000249 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Irradiating conductive materials with microwaves may generate sparks. Furthermore, excessively high microwave intensity may cause the object being dried to overheat and be damaged. Therefore, it is necessary to further improve the safety of the dryer and suppress damage to the object being dried.

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure provides a technology for improving the safety of a dryer that irradiates objects with microwaves to dry them.

[0008] One aspect of the dryer disclosed herein includes: a housing; a receiving section disposed inside the housing for receiving the object to be dried; and a microwave irradiation section for irradiating the object to be dried stored in the receiving section with microwaves. Furthermore, the dryer includes a shielding section for suppressing leakage of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation section to the outside, and an electromagnetic wave absorber for absorbing microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation section. Moreover, the electromagnetic wave absorber is disposed inside the shielding section.

[0009] According to the technology disclosed herein, the safety of a dryer that irradiates objects with microwaves can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view that roughly shows the structure of the dryer according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the airflow in the dryer.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the flow of microwaves in a dryer. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment as an example of this disclosure will be described in detail. However, sometimes unnecessary details are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures may be omitted.

[0014] 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.

[0015] (Implementation Method 1)

[0016] The following uses Figures 1-3 Implementation method 1 is described below.

[0017] [1-1. Structure]

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view that roughly shows the structure of the dryer 1 according to Embodiment 1, showing a first example of the location of the electromagnetic wave absorber. The dryer 1 of this embodiment has the function of drying items such as clothing by irradiating them with microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic wave. Furthermore, in this disclosure, as... Figure 1 As shown, sometimes the setting state (hereinafter also referred to as "setting state") is used as a benchmark, and Figure 1 The side to the right of door 5 is designated as the front surface side of dryer 1. Figure 1 The left direction is referred to as the rear surface side. Additionally, sometimes... Figure 1 The up-down direction (i.e., the vertical direction) in the setup shown is denoted as the up-down direction of dryer 1.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, a storage section 3 for storing the object to be dried is provided inside the housing 2 of the dryer 1. The storage section 3 is made of metal or the like and has a structure that can suppress the leakage of microwaves irradiating the interior to the outside. The inner surface of the storage section 3 is formed in a way that reflects microwaves. The back surface of the storage section 3 is made of perforated metal or the like, with multiple holes that allow air to pass through but prevent microwaves from passing through.

[0020] Inside the storage section 3 is a mounting section 4 for holding items to be dried. The mounting section 4 includes a mounting surface for holding the items to be dried and an outer frame for supporting the mounting surface. The outer frame of the mounting section 4 is supported or suspended by a weight detection unit 21. The mounting surface has multiple holes for air to pass through.

[0021] The weight detection unit 21 detects the weight of the object to be dried, which is placed on the mounting section 4. The control device (not shown) for controlling the dryer 1 calculates the moisture content of the object to be dried based on the detection results of the weight detection unit 21. The control device adjusts the microwave output based on the calculated change in moisture content, and terminates the drying operation when the rate of change in moisture content falls below a predetermined value. The position and number of the weight detection units 21 are not particularly limited; for example, if only one is provided, the mounting section 4 can be supported at three points, and the weight detection unit 21 can be provided at only one of these points. Alternatively, as described later, to detect deviations in the change in moisture content of the object to be dried and thus detect uneven drying, multiple weight detection units 21 can be provided at different positions on the mounting section 4.

[0022] A door 5 is provided at the opening on the front surface of the housing 2 and the storage section 3. The user can open the door 5 to store or remove the item to be dried in the storage section 3. The door 5 includes a structure such as a metal mesh to suppress microwave leakage to the outside. Furthermore, to prevent microwave leakage from the gap between the opening of the housing 2 and the storage section 3 and the door 5, a choke structure is formed between the opening and the door 5. The storage section 3 and the door 5 constitute a shielding part to suppress the leakage of microwaves irradiating the interior of the storage section 3 to the outside (the exterior of the dryer 1).

[0023] In this embodiment, the interior of the storage section 3 is the entire microwave shielding space located inside the housing 2. That is, the storage section 3 mainly comprises the space for storing the object to be dried, which is essentially a cuboid including the mounting section 4, but also includes the antenna storage section 9 and the absorber storage section 13, which will be described later. However, in the detailed description of the dryer 1, the space for storing the object to be dried is sometimes referred to as the storage section 3.

[0024] An antenna storage section 9 is formed by providing a partition section 10 at the lower part of the storage section 3, and the antenna 8 is disposed inside it. The partition section 10 is formed into a plate shape by a microwave-transmitting material such as glass, resin, or ceramic. The partition section 14 can also be heat-transmitting, or it can be a ventilated shape such as a grid or mesh. A microwave irradiation section 6, a waveguide 7, and a motor 11 are provided below the antenna storage section 9. These structures can also be provided above or to the side of the storage section 3.

[0025] The microwave irradiation unit 6 irradiates microwaves used to dry the object stored in the storage unit 3. The microwaves generated by the microwave irradiation unit 6 are guided to the antenna 8 via the waveguide 7, and then irradiate the interior of the storage unit 3 from the antenna 8. As a result, the moisture contained in the object being dried can be heated and evaporated. The antenna 8 is rotated by the motor 11. As a result, microwaves can be uniformly irradiated over the entire area inside the storage unit 3, thus enabling the object to be dried evenly and efficiently.

[0026] The microwave irradiation unit 6 oscillates electromagnetic waves at a frequency within the 2.45 GHz band of the ISM (Industry Science Medical) frequency band. The microwave irradiation unit 6 can also oscillate electromagnetic waves at frequencies similarly divided into the 915 MHz band. The microwave irradiation unit 6 can also be a microwave oscillator such as a magnetron. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the dryer 1. The microwave irradiation unit 6 can also be a semiconductor-type microwave oscillator. This allows for variable oscillation frequency. Furthermore, it improves the stability of output power and oscillation frequency. Additionally, it operates at lower voltages, thus enhancing safety.

[0027] A circulating air passage 16 is provided at the upper part of the housing section 3. The circulating air passage 16 is composed of an outlet side air passage 30, an inlet side air passage 29, and the absorber housing section 13 described later. The outlet side air passage 30 includes an outlet 24 provided in the housing section 3 and an exhaust port 17 communicating with the outside of the circulating air passage 16. The inlet side air passage 29 includes an inlet 23 provided in the housing section 3, an intake port 18 communicating with the outside of the circulating air passage 16, a heater 22, and a blower fan 15. Both the outlet side air passage 30 and the inlet side air passage 29 communicate with the outside. Therefore, in order to ensure the shielding of the housing section 3, a shielding member such as a perforated metal with multiple holes that allow air to pass through but prevent microwaves from passing through is provided at the opening connected to the housing section 3.

[0028] The air inside the storage section 3, which holds the items to be dried, is circulated by a blower fan 15 through a circulation air passage 16. When the blower fan 15 operates during drying, the internal gas, containing water vapor evaporated from the items to be dried, flows out from the outlet 24 located at the upper front of the storage section 3 to the outlet-side air passage 30. The internal gas flowing out to the outlet-side air passage 30 circulates through the absorber storage section 13 and the inlet-side air passage 29, and is then sent into the interior of the storage section 3 through the inlet 23 located at the rear of the storage section 3. The circulation air passage 16 is located at the upper part of the storage section 3, thus enabling efficient circulation of the internal gas inside the high-temperature storage section 3.

[0029] Furthermore, a portion of the internal gas flowing out of the outlet 24 of the receiving section 3 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 17 of the air passage 30 on the outlet side, while external air (also referred to as external gas) is drawn in through the intake port 18 of the air passage 29 on the inlet side and flows into the receiving section 3 from the inlet 23. As a result, a portion of the water vapor contained in the internal gas is discharged to the outside, promoting the drying of the object to be dried. The heater 22 heats the air flowing into the receiving section 3 from the inlet 23. This further promotes the drying of the object to be dried.

[0030] Furthermore, the water vapor contained in the internal gas can be cooled and converted into liquid water, which is then discharged to the outside. The cooling component used to liquefy the water vapor can be air cooling, water cooling, a Peltier element, a heat pump, etc. The cooling component can be located in the outlet-side air passage 30, the circulating air passage 16, the inlet-side air passage 29, etc., or it can be located anywhere inside the housing 3. When liquefying the water vapor and discharging it to the outside, any one or more of the exhaust port 17, intake port 18, fan 15, and heater 22 may not be provided.

[0031] An absorber storage section 13 is formed by providing a partition 14 at the upper part of the storage section 3, and an electromagnetic wave absorber 12 is disposed therein. The electromagnetic wave absorber 12 is formed of a dielectric or conductive material that absorbs microwaves and converts them into heat. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 is provided on the inner surface of the absorber storage section 13 of the storage section 3. The partition 14 is formed into a plate shape by a microwave-transmitting material such as glass, resin, or ceramic. Figure 1 In the example described above, the absorber housing 13 also serves as an airflow path, forming part of the circulating airflow path 16. Details regarding the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 will be described later.

[0032] The temperature detection unit 19 detects the temperature of the electromagnetic wave absorber 12. The control device calculates the electric field strength inside the storage unit 3 based on the detection results of the temperature detection unit 19.

[0033] The temperature detection unit 20 detects the temperature of the air flowing out of the storage unit 3. The control device calculates the moisture content of the object to be dried based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 20. As described above, the control device may also calculate the moisture content of the object to be dried based on the detection result of the weight detection unit 21. In this case, the temperature detection unit 20 may not be provided. Alternatively, a humidity detection unit may be provided in addition to the temperature detection unit 20, or a humidity detection unit may be provided instead of the temperature detection unit 20. When the moisture content of the object to be dried is calculated based on the detection results of the temperature detection unit 20 or the humidity detection unit, the weight detection unit 21 may not be provided.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the airflow within dryer 1. Figure 2 In the diagram, arrows indicate airflow. For ease of understanding, the reference numerals for the components of dryer 1 are omitted. Hereinafter, [the diagram will use...] Figure 2 This illustrates the airflow within dryer 1.

[0035] (1) Air is heated by heater 22. (2) Heated air is delivered by blower fan 15. The order of (1) and (2) can also be reversed. That is, the air delivered by blower fan 15 can also be heated by heater 22. (3) Air delivered by blower fan 15 flows into the interior of the storage section 3 from the inlet 23 located on the back of the storage section 3. (4) The air flowing into the interior of the storage section 3 draws moisture from the object to be dried during its flow from the rear to the front of the storage section 3. (5) Air containing water vapor evaporated from the object to be dried flows out from the outlet 24 at the front upper part of the storage section 3 into the outlet side air passage 30. (6) A portion of the air flowing out into the outlet side air passage 30 flows out from the exhaust port 17 into the outside of the circulation air passage 16, and the remainder flows into the absorber storage section 13. (7) The air flowing into the absorber housing 13 is heated by taking heat from the microwave absorber 12. (8) The external gas drawn in from the intake port 18 mixes with the air flowing out of the absorber housing 13 to the inlet side air passage 29 and returns to (1). That is, the air flowing into the interior of the housing 3 includes the external gas drawn in from the intake port 18. The inlet 23 is located on the back of the housing 3 and the outlet 24 is located on the upper front of the housing 3, so the heated drying air flows efficiently over the entire surface of the mounting section 4. As a result, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the flow of microwaves in dryer 1. Figure 3 In the diagram, arrows indicate the flow of microwaves. For ease of understanding, the reference numerals for the components of dryer 1 are omitted. Hereinafter, [the diagram will use...] Figure 3 This illustrates the flow of microwaves in dryer 1.

[0037] (1) Microwaves are generated from the microwave irradiation unit 6. (2) The generated microwaves flow into the waveguide 7. (3) The microwaves flowing into the waveguide 7 irradiate the interior of the receiving unit 3 via the antenna 8. (4) The microwaves irradiated into the interior of the receiving unit 3 are diffusely reflected inside the receiving unit 3, and are absorbed by the moisture contained in the object being dried during this period. (5) A portion of the microwaves that are not absorbed are absorbed by the electromagnetic wave absorber 12, and the remaining portion returns to the microwave irradiation unit 6 and is absorbed.

[0038] As described above, perforated metal, metal mesh, or other structures are provided at the outlet 24, the connection between the outlet-side air passage 30 and the absorber housing 13, the connection between the inlet-side air passage 29 and the absorber housing 13, and the inlet 23 to suppress microwave leakage. Furthermore, the outlet-side air passage 30 and the inlet-side air passage 29 can also be formed of microwave-blocking materials such as metal. In this case, perforated metal or metal mesh structures for suppressing microwave leakage are provided at the exhaust port 17 and intake port 18 instead of the perforated metal or metal mesh structures provided at the connection points of the outlet 24, the outlet-side air passage 30 and the absorber housing 13, the inlet-side air passage 29 and the absorber housing 13, and the inlet 23. Alternatively, in addition to the perforated metal or metal mesh structures provided at the connection points of the outlet 24, the outlet-side air passage 30 and the absorber housing 13, the inlet-side air passage 29 and the absorber housing 13, and the inlet 23, perforated metal or metal mesh structures for suppressing microwave leakage are also provided at the exhaust port 17 and intake port 18. The outlet-side air passage 30 may also be located inside the housing 3.

[0039] [1-1-1. Radio Wave Absorber]

[0040] When the quantity of items to be dried is small, and the drying process is underway while the moisture content of the items decreases, the amount of microwaves absorbed by the moisture (load) is less, which may cause the electromagnetic wave intensity inside the storage section 3 to increase. If the electromagnetic wave intensity inside the storage section 3 increases, there is a possibility that sparks or metal heating may occur from buttons, zippers, or other metal parts attached to clothing, potentially damaging the items to be dried. When using a magnetron as the microwave irradiation section 6, the magnetron's characteristics limit the microwave output that can stably output microwaves; therefore, simply reducing the microwave output when the moisture content decreases during drying is insufficient.

[0041] To address this problem, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, a microwave absorber 12 is provided inside the shielding portion for suppressing microwave leakage to the outside. Therefore, even when the moisture (load) inside the receiving portion 3 is low, the microwave absorber 12 absorbs microwave energy and converts it into heat energy, thereby preventing an excessive increase in the microwave intensity inside the receiving portion 3. Thus, the safety of the dryer 1, which irradiates objects with microwaves for drying, is improved. Furthermore, damage to the objects being dried can be prevented.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the storage part 3 and the door 5 function as shielding parts, so the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can also be provided at one or more locations on the inner side of the storage part 3 and the door 5.

[0043] The microwave absorber 12 can also be located on the side opposite to the microwave irradiation unit 6, separated from the object to be dried. For example, the microwave irradiation unit 6 can be located below the mounting unit 4, and the microwave absorber 12 can be located above the mounting unit 4. Conversely, the microwave irradiation unit 6 can be located above the mounting unit 4, and the microwave absorber 12 can be located below the mounting unit 4. Alternatively, the microwave irradiation unit 6 can be located to the side of the mounting unit 4, and the microwave absorber 12 can be located to the opposite side. In this way, the object to be dried can be irradiated with microwaves from the microwave irradiation unit 6 first, and the microwave absorber 12 can absorb the microwaves that are not absorbed by the moisture contained in the object to be dried, thus improving the drying efficiency.

[0044] The electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can also be provided on or near the inner surface of the shielding section. This prevents the user from coming into contact with the high-temperature electromagnetic wave absorber 12 when removing the dried object. Furthermore, it ensures sufficient volume for the storage section 3.

[0045] The electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can also be provided in the airflow path 16 that is supplied to the interior of the receiving section 3. In this way, the air supplied to the interior of the receiving section 3 can be heated, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

[0046] The dryer 1 may also include an absorber storage section 13 for storing the radio wave absorber 12. This ensures the volume of the storage section 3. In addition, when the user removes the dried object, contact with the high-temperature radio wave absorber 12 can be prevented.

[0047] The inner surface of the absorber housing 13 may also have a shape that reflects at least a portion of the microwaves toward the electromagnetic wave absorber 12. For example, the sidewalls of the absorber housing 13 may be inclined. This can improve the microwave absorption efficiency of the electromagnetic wave absorber 12.

[0048] The absorber storage section 13 can also be formed by a microwave-transmitting partition section 14. This prevents the user from coming into contact with the high-temperature microwave absorber 12 when taking out the dried object.

[0049] Alternatively, the dryer 1 may have an absorber storage section 13 formed inside the storage section 3 by a microwave-transmitting partition 14 for storing the electromagnetic wave absorber 12. The absorber storage section 13 constitutes a flow path, i.e., a circulating air path 16, for air supplied to the interior of the storage section 3. This allows for the efficient formation of the circulating air path 16, ensuring the volume of the storage section 3. Furthermore, when the user removes the dried item, contact with the high-temperature electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can be prevented.

[0050] The absorber housing 13 may also have an exhaust port 17 and an intake port 18 as part of a circulating air path 16 for circulating air inside the housing 3. Thus, the exchange of internal and external gases between the housing 3 and the heating of air by the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can be achieved using a single circulating flow path.

[0051] For microwaves radiated towards the microwave absorber 12, a switching unit can be provided that can switch between a microwave-reflecting state and a microwave-transmitting state. For example, the switching unit can also be a baffle made of a microwave-reflecting metal or the like. The control device can also switch the unit to microwave-reflecting state when the moisture content of the object to be dried is above a predetermined amount, thus reflecting the microwaves towards the interior of the receiving unit 3. On the other hand, when the moisture content of the object to be dried is below a predetermined amount, the unit can switch to microwave-transmitting state, allowing the microwaves to pass through the microwave absorber 12. This improves drying efficiency.

[0052] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, an example was described in which an electromagnetic wave absorber 12 is provided in the absorber housing 13. However, if the outlet-side air passage 30 or the inlet-side air passage 29 is configured as a shielding part, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can also be provided in the outlet-side air passage 30 or the inlet-side air passage 29. The electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can also be provided in two or more of the absorber housing 13, the outlet-side air passage 30, and the inlet-side air passage 29. In these cases, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can also heat the air supplied to the interior of the housing 3, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

[0053] [1-2. Actions]

[0054] Regarding the dryer 1 constructed as described above, its operation and function will be explained below.

[0055] The user opens door 5, places the item to be dried on the placement section 4, and stores it in the storage section 3. When the user instructs to start drying, the control device begins drying operation. The control device drives the air blower 15. The control device controls the microwave irradiation section 6 to generate microwaves. The control device controls the motor 11 to rotate the antenna 8. The microwaves irradiate the interior of the storage section 3 via the waveguide 7 and the antenna 8. As a result, the moisture contained in the item to be dried is heated and evaporated. The control device calculates the electric field strength inside the storage section 3 based on the detection results of the antenna 8 and the temperature detection section 19, and adjusts the output of the microwave irradiation section 6. The control device calculates the moisture content of the item to be dried based on the detection results of the weight detection section 21 or the temperature detection section 20. Then, when the rate of change of moisture content is less than a predetermined value, the control device stops the microwave irradiation of the microwave irradiation section 6, and stops the air blower 15 and the motor 11, ending the drying operation.

[0056] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the dryer 1 includes: a housing 2; a storage section 3 disposed inside the housing 2 for storing the object to be dried; and a microwave irradiation section 6 for irradiating the object to be dried stored in the storage section 3 with microwaves. Furthermore, the dryer 1 includes a shielding section (storage section 3 and door 5) for suppressing leakage of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation section 6 to the outside, and an electromagnetic wave absorber 12 for absorbing microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation section 6. Moreover, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 is disposed inside the shielding section. Therefore, even when the moisture content inside the storage section 3 is low, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can absorb electromagnetic wave energy and convert it into heat energy to prevent excessive increase in electromagnetic wave intensity inside the storage section 3. Thus, the safety of the dryer 1, which irradiates the object to be dried, can be improved. Additionally, damage to the object to be dried can be prevented.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 is disposed on the side opposite to the microwave irradiation unit 6, separated from the object to be dried. Therefore, the object to be dried can be irradiated first with microwaves from the microwave irradiation unit 6, and the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can absorb microwaves not absorbed by the moisture contained in the object to be dried, thus improving drying efficiency.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 is provided on or near the inner surface of the shielding portion. This prevents the user from coming into contact with the high-temperature electromagnetic wave absorber 12 when removing the dried object. Additionally, it ensures the adequate volume of the storage portion 3.

[0060] In this embodiment, the storage section 3 includes a mounting section 4 for holding the object to be dried. The microwave irradiation section 6 is located either below or above the mounting section 4. When the microwave irradiation section 6 is located below the mounting section 4, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 is located above the mounting section 4. When the microwave irradiation section 6 is located above the mounting section 4, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 is located below the mounting section 4. Therefore, the object to be dried can be irradiated first with microwaves from the microwave irradiation section 6, and the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can absorb microwaves not absorbed by the moisture contained in the object to be dried, thus improving drying efficiency.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 is provided in the airflow path (circulating air path 16) of the air supplied to the storage section. As a result, the air supplied to the interior of the storage section 3 can be heated, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dryer 1 includes an absorber storage section 13 for storing the radio wave absorber 12. This ensures the volume of the storage section 3.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner surface of the absorber housing 13 has a shape that reflects at least a portion of microwaves toward the electromagnetic wave absorber 12. This improves the microwave absorption efficiency of the electromagnetic wave absorber 12.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the absorber housing 13 is formed by a microwave-transmitting partition 14. This prevents the user from coming into contact with the high-temperature microwave absorber 12 when removing the dried object.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the dryer 1, the absorber housing 13 for housing the microwave absorber 12 is formed inside the housing 3 by a microwave-transmitting partition, and the absorber housing 13 constitutes the airflow path (circulating air path 16) for air supplied to the housing 3. This allows for the efficient formation of the circulating air path 16, ensuring the volume of the housing 3. Additionally, when the user removes the dried object, contact with the high-temperature microwave absorber 12 can be prevented.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the absorber housing 13 has an exhaust port 17 and an intake port 18, forming a partial configuration of a circulating air path 16 for circulating air within the housing 3. This allows for the exchange of internal and external gases within the housing 3 and the heating of air by the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 using a single circulating air path 16, thereby improving drying efficiency.

[0067] (Other implementation methods)

[0068] As described above, Embodiment 1 has been presented as an example of the technology disclosed herein. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this 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 Embodiment 1 above.

[0069] Therefore, other implementation methods are illustrated below.

[0070] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the dryer of this disclosure, a dryer 1 is described in which the object to be dried is placed in the holding part 4 provided inside the storage part 3 and dried. The dryer of this disclosure can be a drum dryer that holds the object to be dried in the storage part of this disclosure, or it can be a dryer other than a drum dryer, a washer-dryer, etc. In addition, the object to be dried in this disclosure can be an item other than clothing, for example, it can be a cloth or leather product other than items worn by people such as towels, bedding, curtains, mats, shoes, etc., and may partially include metal such as buttons and zippers.

[0071] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the storage section 3 and the door 5 are described as examples of the shielding part of this disclosure. Alternatively, in addition to the storage section 3, the housing 2 may also function as an example of the shielding part of this disclosure, or the housing 2 may function as an example of the shielding part of this disclosure and replace the storage section 3. This improves shielding effectiveness and enhances security.

[0072] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, a structure was described that utilizes a circulating air path 16 to exhaust internal gas containing moisture generated from the object to be dried in the storage section 3, to draw in external gas, and to heat the air in the storage section 3 using an electromagnetic wave absorber 12. However, this is not a limitation; other circulating flow paths can be used to construct flow paths solely for exhaust and drawing in air, or independent flow paths can be used to construct flow paths solely for exhaust and drawing in air. In this case, the circulating air path 16 can also be a structure that only circulates the internal gas of the storage section 3 and heats it using the electromagnetic wave absorber 12. Moreover, the electromagnetic wave absorber 12 can also be provided in an independent drawing flow path.

[0073] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are used to illustrate the technology disclosed herein, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0074] (Postscript)

[0075] Based on the description of the above embodiments, the following technology is disclosed.

[0076] (Technology 1)

[0077] The dryer of Technology 1 includes: a housing; a receiving section disposed inside the housing for receiving the object to be dried; and a microwave irradiation section for irradiating the object to be dried stored in the receiving section with microwaves. Furthermore, the dryer of Technology 1 includes a shielding section for suppressing leakage of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation section to the outside, and an electromagnetic wave absorber for absorbing microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation section. Moreover, the electromagnetic wave absorber is disposed inside the shielding section.

[0078] Therefore, even when there is little moisture inside the storage compartment, the electromagnetic wave absorber absorbs electromagnetic wave energy and converts it into heat energy, thus preventing excessive increases in electromagnetic wave intensity inside the storage compartment. This improves the safety of the dryer that irradiates objects with microwaves. Furthermore, it prevents damage to the objects being dried.

[0079] (Technology 2)

[0080] In the dryer of Technology 2, based on the dryer described in Technology 1, the electromagnetic wave absorber is located on the side opposite to the microwave irradiation section, separated from the object to be dried.

[0081] Therefore, the drying efficiency can be improved by first irradiating the object to be dried with microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit, and then using the electromagnetic wave absorber to absorb the microwaves that are not absorbed by the moisture contained in the object to be dried.

[0082] (Technology 3)

[0083] In the dryer of technology 3, based on the dryer described in technology 1 or 2, the electromagnetic wave absorber is provided on or near the inner surface of the shielding part.

[0084] Therefore, when the user removes the dried item, it can prevent contact with the high-temperature electromagnetic wave absorber. Additionally, it ensures sufficient storage space.

[0085] (Technology 4)

[0086] In the dryer of Technology 4, based on the dryers described in any of Technologies 1 to 3, the storage section includes a mounting section for holding the object to be dried. Furthermore, the microwave irradiation section is located either below or above the mounting section. Additionally, the electromagnetic wave absorber is located either above or below the mounting section.

[0087] Therefore, the drying efficiency can be improved by first irradiating the object to be dried with microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit, and then using the electromagnetic wave absorber to absorb the microwaves that are not absorbed by the moisture contained in the object to be dried.

[0088] (Technology 5)

[0089] In the dryer of technology 5, based on the dryer described in any of technologies 1 to 4, an electromagnetic wave absorber is provided in the flow path of the air supplied to the interior of the receiving section.

[0090] This allows the air supplied to the interior of the storage compartment to be heated, thus improving drying efficiency.

[0091] (Technology 6)

[0092] In the dryer of Technology 6, based on the dryer described in any of the technologies 1 to 5, an absorber housing section for housing the radio wave absorber is included.

[0093] This ensures the storage capacity.

[0094] (Technology 7)

[0095] In the dryer of Technology 7, based on the dryer described in Technology 6, the inner surface of the absorber housing has a shape that reflects at least a portion of microwaves toward the electromagnetic wave absorber.

[0096] This can improve the microwave absorption efficiency of the electromagnetic wave absorber.

[0097] (Technology 8)

[0098] In the dryer of technology 8, based on the dryer described in technology 6 or 7, the absorber housing is formed by a microwave-transmitting partition.

[0099] Therefore, when the user takes out the dried object, it can prevent it from coming into contact with the high-temperature electromagnetic wave absorber.

[0100] (Technology 9)

[0101] In the dryer of Technology 9, based on the dryer described in any of the technologies 1 to 8, an absorber housing section for housing the radio wave absorber is formed inside the housing section by a microwave-transmitting partition section, and the absorber housing section constitutes a flow path for air sent to the housing section.

[0102] This allows for efficient airflow and ensures sufficient storage space. Furthermore, it prevents contact between the dried item and the high-temperature electromagnetic absorber when the user removes the item.

[0103] (Technology 10)

[0104] In the dryer of Technology 10, based on the dryer of Technology 9, the absorber housing is a partial component of the circulating air path that circulates the air in the housing. The circulating air path has an exhaust port that discharges the internal gas of the housing to the outside and an intake port that draws in external gas.

[0105] Therefore, by utilizing a circulating air path to exchange the internal and external gases of the storage section and the heating of the air by the electromagnetic wave absorber, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0106] Industrial availability

[0107] This disclosure can be applied, for example, to dryers for domestic or commercial use. Specifically, for example, this disclosure can be applied to vertical washer-dryers, drum dryers, and tumble dryers.

[0108] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0109] 1. Dryer; 2. Shell; 3. Storage section; 4. Placement section; 5. Door; 6. Microwave irradiation section; 7. Waveguide; 8. Antenna; 9. Antenna storage section; 10. Separator; 11. Motor; 12. Radio wave absorber; 13. Absorber storage section; 14. Separator; 15. Air supply fan; 16. Circulating air path; 17. Exhaust port; 18. Inlet port; 19. Temperature detection section; 20. Temperature detection section; 21. Weight detection section; 22. Heater; 23. Inlet; 24. Outlet; 29. ​​Inlet side air path; 30. Outlet side air path.

Claims

1. A dryer, wherein, The dryer includes: case; A storage section, located inside the housing, is used to store items to be dried; A microwave irradiation unit that irradiates the dried object housed in the housing with microwaves; A shielding section for suppressing leakage of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation section to the outside; and An electromagnetic wave absorber, used to absorb microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit. The electromagnetic wave absorber is located inside the shielding part.

2. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, The electromagnetic wave absorber is located on the side opposite to the microwave irradiation section, separated from the object to be dried.

3. The dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electromagnetic wave absorber is disposed on the inner surface of the shielding part or near the inner surface of the shielding part.

4. The dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The storage section includes a mounting section for holding the dried object. The microwave irradiation unit is located below or above the mounting unit. The radio wave absorber is positioned above or below the mounting portion.

5. The dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electromagnetic wave absorber is disposed in the airflow path that supplies air into the interior of the receiving section.

6. The dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The dryer includes an absorber housing for housing the radio wave absorber.

7. The dryer according to claim 6, wherein, The inner surface of the absorber housing has a shape that reflects at least a portion of microwaves toward the radio wave absorber.

8. The dryer according to claim 6, wherein, The absorber housing is formed by a microwave-transmitting partition.

9. The dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, An absorber housing for housing the radio wave absorber is formed inside the housing by a microwave-transmitting partition. The absorber housing section forms a flow path for the air supplied to the housing section.

10. The dryer according to claim 9, wherein, The absorber housing is a partial component of the circulating air path that circulates air within the housing. The circulating air path has an exhaust port for discharging the internal gas of the receiving section to the outside and an intake port for drawing in external gas.

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