Dryer

Abstract

To provide a technology for controlling a dryer more properly.SOLUTION: A dryer 1 includes: a storage part 3 for storing a drying object; a microwave irradiation part 6 for irradiating the drying object stored in the storage part 3 with microwaves; a placement part 4 provided inside the storage part 3, for placing the drying object; a weight detection part 21 for detecting the weight of the placement part 4; and a control device for controlling the microwave irradiation part 6 based on the detection result of the weight detection part 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dryer for drying an object to be dried. [Background technology]

[0002] One method for speeding up the drying performance of clothes dryers and washer-dryers is to use microwaves as a heat source for heating the moisture in clothes. Heating methods using microwaves are widely used in microwave ovens (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses that in a cooking device with a fixed food platform, weight detection means for detecting weight information of food is provided outside a waveguide approximately below the center of the fixed food platform, and the food heating time is automatically set based on that information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-28552 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a cooking device, the weight of the object to be dried does not change much during heating, but in a dryer, the moisture contained in the object to be dried is evaporated to dry the object, so the weight of the object to be dried changes significantly during drying. The present inventors recognized that in order to more appropriately control a dryer, it is necessary to use a technology for detecting the weight of the object to be dried that is different from that of a cooking device, and came up with the technology of the present disclosure.

[0005] The present disclosure provides techniques for better control of dryers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The dryer of the present disclosure comprises a storage section for storing an object to be dried, a microwave irradiation section for irradiating microwaves to the object to be dried stored in the storage section, a mounting section provided inside the storage section for placing the object to be dried, a weight detection section for detecting the weight of the mounting section, and a control section for controlling the microwave irradiation section based on the detection result of the weight detection section. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the technology of the present disclosure, the dryer can be more appropriately controlled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a dryer according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] Diagram showing air flow in a dryer [Diagram 3] Diagram showing the flow of microwaves in a dryer [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of the installation position of a radio wave absorber. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a second example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber. [Figure 6] A diagram showing a third example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber. [Figure 7] A diagram showing a fourth example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber. [Figure 8] A diagram showing a fifth example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 shows a sixth example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a change over time in the detection result by the weight detection unit; [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the rate of change of the moisture content of an object to be dried over time. [Figure 12] Diagram showing examples of objects to be dried [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of an object to be dried during drying [Figure 14] Diagram showing examples of objects to be dried [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of an object to be dried during drying [Figure 16] Schematic top view of the storage section [Figure 17] A diagram showing an example of changes over time in detection results from four weight detection units. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the installation position of the weight detection unit; [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of the installation position of the weight detection unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the installation position of the weight detection unit; [Figure 21] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a drying method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of another example of a drying method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 23] Flowchart showing the drying operation procedure DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or duplicate description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0010] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] [1-1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a dryer according to embodiment 1. Dryer 1 of this embodiment has a function of drying objects such as clothes by irradiating the objects with microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic waves. The right side of Fig. 1 is the front side of dryer 1.

[0013] A storage unit 3 for storing objects to be dried is provided inside the housing 2 of the dryer 1. The storage unit 3 is made of metal or the like and has a structure capable of suppressing leakage of microwaves irradiated inside to the outside. The inner surface of the storage unit 3 is formed so as to reflect microwaves. The back surface of the storage unit 3 is made of punching metal or the like having a plurality of holes that allow air to pass through but not microwaves.

[0014] A placement section 4 for placing an object to be dried is provided inside the storage section 3. The placement section 4 includes a placement surface for placing the object to be dried and an outer frame for supporting the placement surface. The outer frame of the placement section 4 is supported or suspended via a weight detection section 21. The placement surface has a plurality of holes for allowing air to pass through.

[0015] The weight detection unit 21 detects the weight of the object to be dried placed on the placement unit 4. A control device (not shown) for controlling the dryer 1 estimates the amount of moisture contained in the object to be dried based on the detection result by the weight detection unit 21. The control device adjusts the microwave output based on the change in the estimated moisture amount, and ends the drying operation when the rate of change in the moisture amount falls below a predetermined value. The position and number of the weight detection units 21 are not particularly limited, but for example, if only one is provided, the placement unit 4 may be supported at three points and the weight detection unit 21 may be provided at only one of the three points. Furthermore, as described later, multiple weight detection units 21 may be provided at different positions on the placement unit 4 in order to detect unevenness in the drying of the object to be dried by detecting the bias in the change in the amount of moisture contained in the object to be dried.

[0016] Doors 5 for opening and closing the openings are provided at the openings on the front sides of the housing 2 and the storage unit 3. A user can place an object to be dried in the storage unit 3 or remove an object to be dried from the storage unit 3 by opening the door 5. The door 5 includes a configuration such as a metal mesh for suppressing leakage of microwaves to the outside. Also, in order to prevent microwaves from leaking from a gap between the openings of the housing 2 and the storage unit 3 and the door 5, a choke structure or the like is formed between the openings and the door 5. The storage unit 3 and the door 5 form a shielding section for suppressing leakage of microwaves irradiated inside the storage unit 3 to the outside.

[0017] Below the storage section 3, a microwave irradiation section 6, a waveguide 7, an antenna 8, an antenna storage section 9, a partition 10, and a motor 11 are provided. These configurations may be provided above or to the side of the storage section 3. The microwave irradiation section 6 irradiates microwaves for drying the object to be dried. The microwaves generated by the microwave irradiation section 6 are guided to the antenna 8 via the waveguide 7, and are irradiated from the antenna 8 toward the storage section 3. This allows the moisture contained in the object to be dried stored in the storage section 3 to be heated and evaporated. The antenna 8 is rotated by the motor 11. This allows the microwaves to be irradiated evenly over the entire area of ​​the storage section 3, so that the object to be dried can be dried efficiently and evenly. The antenna storage section 9 accommodates the antenna 8. Above the antenna storage section 9, a partition plate 10 is provided. The partition plate 10 is formed of a material that transmits microwaves, such as glass, resin, and ceramic.

[0018] The microwave irradiation unit 6 oscillates electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz band, which is assigned as the ISM (Industry Science Medical) band. The microwave irradiation unit 6 may oscillate electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 915 MHz band, which is also assigned. The microwave irradiation unit 6 may be a microwave oscillator such as a magnetron. This can reduce the manufacturing cost of the dryer 1. The microwave irradiation unit 6 may be a semiconductor microwave oscillator. This can make the oscillation frequency variable. In addition, the stability of the output power and the oscillation frequency can be improved. In addition, since it operates at a low voltage, safety can be improved.

[0019] Above the storage section 3, there are provided an outlet 24, an outlet-side air passage 30, an exhaust port 17, a circulation air passage 16, an intake port 18, a heater 22, an intake-side air passage 29, an intake port 23, and a blower fan 15. The inside air, including the water vapor evaporated from the object to be dried, flows out of the outlet 24 provided at the front upper part of the storage section 3 into the outlet-side air passage 30, circulates through the circulation air passage 16 and the intake-side air passage 29, and is sent into the storage section 3 by the blower fan 15 from the intake port 23 provided at the rear side of the storage section 3. Since the circulation air passage 16 is provided above the storage section 3, the inside air in the storage section 3 that has become hot can be circulated efficiently. A part of the inside air in the storage section 3 is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 17 provided in the outlet-side air passage 30, and the outside air is taken in from the intake port 18 provided in the intake-side air passage 29. As a result, a part of the water vapor contained in the inside air is discharged to the outside, and the drying of the object to be dried is promoted. The heater 22 heats the air flowing into the storage section 3 from the inlet 23. As a result, the drying of the object to be dried can be promoted. The water vapor contained in the inside air may be converted into liquid water by cooling and discharged to the outside. The cooling means for liquefying the water vapor may be air-cooled, water-cooled, a Peltier element, a heat pump, or the like. The cooling means may be provided in the outlet-side air duct 30, the circulation air duct 16, the inlet-side air duct 29, or the like, or may be provided at any position inside the storage section 3. When the water vapor is liquefied and discharged to the outside, any one or more of the exhaust port 17, the intake port 18, the blower fan 15, and the heater 22 may not be provided.

[0020] A radio wave absorber 12, an absorber housing section 13, and a partition plate 14 are provided on the upper part of the housing section 3. The radio wave absorber 12 is made of a material such as a dielectric or conductor that absorbs microwaves and converts them into heat. The absorber housing section 13 houses the radio wave absorber 12. The partition plate 14 is provided between the radio wave absorber 12 and the mounting section 4. The partition plate 14 is made of a material such as glass, resin, or ceramic that transmits microwaves. In the example shown in the figure, the absorber housing section 13 also serves as a circulating air passage 16. Details of the radio wave absorber 12 will be described later.

[0021] The temperature detection section 19 detects the temperature of the radio wave absorber 12. The control device estimates the electric field intensity inside the container 3 based on the detection result by the temperature detection section 19.

[0022] The temperature detection unit 20 detects the temperature of the air flowing out from the storage unit 3. The control device estimates the amount of moisture contained in the object to be dried based on the detection result by the temperature detection unit 20. As described above, the control device may estimate the amount of moisture contained in the object to be dried based on the detection result by the weight detection unit 21. In this case, the temperature detection unit 20 does not have to be provided. In addition to the temperature detection unit 20, or instead of the temperature detection unit 20, a humidity detection unit may be provided. When the amount of moisture contained in the object to be dried is estimated based on the detection result by the temperature detection unit 20 or the humidity detection unit, the weight detection unit 21 does not have to be provided.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows the air flow in the dryer 1. (1) Air is heated by the heater 22. (2) The heated air is blown out by the blower fan 15. The order of (1) and (2) may be reversed. That is, the air blown out from the blower fan 15 may be heated by the heater 22. (3) The blown out air flows into the inside of the storage unit 3 from the inlet 23 provided on the rear side of the storage unit 3. (4) The air that flows into the inside of the storage unit 3 removes moisture from the objects to be dried while flowing from the rear to the front of the storage unit 3. (5) The air containing the water vapor evaporated from the objects to be dried flows out from the outlet 24 at the front upper part of the storage unit 3 to the outlet side air duct 30. (6) A part of the air that flows out to the outlet side air duct 30 flows out from the exhaust port 17 to the outside of the dryer 1, and the rest flows into the circulation air duct 16. (7) The air that flows into the circulation air passage 16 is heated by absorbing heat from the radio wave absorber 12 that has absorbed microwaves and generated heat. (8) The air that flows out from the circulation air passage 16 to the inlet-side air passage 29 is mixed with outside air taken in from the intake port 18, returning to (1). Since the inlet 23 is provided on the back surface of the storage section 3 and the outlet 24 is provided on the upper front surface of the storage section 3, the heated drying air flows efficiently over the entire surface of the mounting section 4. This improves the drying efficiency.

[0024] 3 shows the flow of microwaves in dryer 1. (1) Microwaves are generated from microwave irradiator 6. (2) The generated microwaves flow into waveguide 7. (3) The microwaves that flow into waveguide 7 are irradiated into the inside of storage unit 3 via antenna 8. (4) The microwaves irradiated into the inside of storage unit 3 are diffusely reflected inside storage unit 3 and are absorbed by the moisture contained in the material to be dried. (5) A portion of the microwaves that are not absorbed is absorbed by radio wave absorber 12, and the remainder returns to microwave irradiator 6 and is absorbed.

[0025] The outlet 24, the connection between the outlet-side air passage 30 and the circulation air passage 16, the connection between the inlet-side air passage 29 and the circulation air passage 16, and the inlet 23 are provided with configurations for suppressing leakage of microwaves, such as punching metal or metal mesh. The outlet-side air passage 30 and the inlet-side air passage 29 may be formed of a material such as metal that blocks microwaves. In this case, instead of or in addition to the outlet 24, the connection between the outlet-side air passage 30 and the circulation air passage 16, the connection between the inlet-side air passage 29 and the circulation air passage 16, and the inlet 23, the exhaust port 17 and the intake port 18 are provided with configurations for suppressing leakage of microwaves, such as punching metal or metal mesh. The outlet-side air passage 30 may be provided inside the housing 3.

[0026] [1-1-1. Radio wave absorber] When the amount of the object to be dried is small, or when the moisture content of the object to be dried decreases as the drying operation progresses, the amount of microwaves absorbed by the moisture (load) is small, and the radio wave intensity inside the storage unit 3 may increase. When the radio wave intensity inside the storage unit 3 increases, sparks may be generated from metals such as buttons and zippers attached to clothing, or the metals may heat up, potentially damaging the object to be dried. When a magnetron is used as the microwave irradiation unit 6, due to the characteristics of the magnetron, there is a lower limit to the microwave output at which microwaves can be stably output, and therefore it is not sufficient to simply reduce the microwave output when the moisture content decreases as the drying operation progresses.

[0027] In order to solve such problems, in the dryer 1 of the present embodiment, a microwave absorber 12 that absorbs microwaves is provided inside a shielding section that prevents microwaves from leaking to the outside. As a result, even when there is a small amount of moisture (load) inside the storage section 3, the microwave absorber 12 absorbs the microwave energy and converts it into thermal energy, thereby preventing an excessive increase in the radio wave intensity inside the storage section 3, thereby improving the safety of the dryer 1. In addition, damage to the object to be dried can be prevented.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, the container 3 and the door 5 function as a shielding section, so that the radio wave absorber 12 may be provided at any position inside the container 3 and the door 5 .

[0029] The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided on the opposite side to the microwave irradiator 6 with the object to be dried sandwiched between them. For example, the microwave irradiator 6 may be provided below the mounting part 4, and the radio wave absorber 12 may be provided above the mounting part 4. Conversely, the microwave irradiator 6 may be provided above the mounting part 4, and the radio wave absorber 12 may be provided below the mounting part 4. Alternatively, the microwave irradiator 6 may be provided on the side of the mounting part 4, and the radio wave absorber 12 may be provided on the opposite side. In this way, the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiator 6 are first irradiated to the object to be dried, and the microwaves that are not absorbed by the moisture contained in the object to be dried can be absorbed by the radio wave absorber 12, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

[0030] The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided on the inner surface of the shielding part or in the vicinity of the inner surface. This can prevent a user from touching the high-temperature radio wave absorber 12 when taking out the object to be dried after drying. In addition, the capacity of the storage part 3 can be secured.

[0031] The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided in the circulating air passage 16, which is a flow path for the air sent to the housing 3. This makes it possible to heat the air sent to the inside of the housing 3, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

[0032] The radio wave absorber 12 may be accommodated in an absorber accommodation section 13 for accommodating the radio wave absorber 12. This can ensure the volume of the accommodation section 3. In addition, it can prevent a user from touching the high-temperature radio wave absorber 12 when taking out the object to be dried after drying.

[0033] The inner surface of the absorber housing portion 13 may have a shape that reflects at least a part of the microwaves toward the radio wave absorber 12. For example, the side wall of the absorber housing portion 13 may be inclined. This can improve the efficiency of microwave absorption by the radio wave absorber 12.

[0034] A microwave-transmitting partition 14 may be provided between the container 3 and the absorber container 3. This can prevent a user from touching the high-temperature radio wave absorber 12 when taking out the object to be dried after drying.

[0035] A switching unit capable of switching between a microwave reflecting state and a microwave transmitting state may be provided between the storage unit 3 and the radio wave absorber 12. For example, the switching unit may be a shutter formed of a metal that reflects microwaves. When the moisture content of the object to be dried is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the control device may set the switching unit to a microwave reflecting state and reflect the microwaves toward the storage unit 3, and when the moisture content of the object to be dried is less than the predetermined amount, the control device may set the switching unit to a microwave transmitting state and transmit the microwaves toward the radio wave absorber 12. This can improve the drying efficiency.

[0036] [1-1-2. Heat Reuse] The technology for reusing the thermal energy converted from microwaves by the radio wave absorber 12 for drying an object to be dried will be further described.

[0037] Dryer 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the air inside storage unit 3 or the air flowing into storage unit 3 is heated by heat converted by radio wave absorber 12. More specifically, radio wave absorber 12 is provided at a position where microwaves irradiated inside storage unit 3 reach and at a position where heat exchange with the air inside storage unit 3 or the air flowing into storage unit 3 can be performed. This makes it possible to heat the air for drying the object to be dried by heat converted by radio wave absorber 12 that has absorbed surplus microwaves, thereby accelerating the drying of the object to be dried and improving the drying efficiency.

[0038] The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided at a position where it is in direct contact with the air inside the housing 3 or the air flowing into the housing 3. The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided at a position separated from the air inside the housing 3 or the air flowing into the housing 3 via a partition through which heat can pass. The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided at a position where it is in direct contact with the air inside the housing 3 or the air flowing into the housing 3, and is in thermal contact with the air flowing into the housing 3. This can suppress heat radiation loss, thereby improving drying efficiency.

[0039] The air flowing into the inside of the storage unit 3 may be air taken in from the outside, air returned to the storage unit 3 after dehumidifying the air inside the storage unit 3, or a mixture of these. The inside air may be dehumidified by discharging a part of the inside air containing water vapor to the outside, or the inside air may be dehumidified by cooling the water vapor contained in the inside air to convert it into liquid water and discharging it to the outside. The cooling means for liquefying the water vapor may be air cooling, water cooling, a Peltier element, a heat pump, or the like.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows a first example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber 12. In the first example, the radio wave absorber 12 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 3. Since the radio wave absorber 12 is in direct contact with the air inside the housing 3, the air inside the housing 3 can be heated by the thermal energy converted by the radio wave absorber 12. In the first example, the air inside the housing 3 is exhausted from the exhaust port 17 through the exhaust path 26 from the outlet 24 provided at the front upper part of the housing 3, and instead, the outside air sucked in from the intake port 18 flows into the inside of the housing 3 from the inlet 23 through the intake path 25. The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided upstream of the air flowing into the housing 3, particularly near a plurality of holes provided on the back surface of the housing 3 that function as the inlet 23 for allowing air to flow into the housing 3. This allows the air flowing into the housing 3 to be preheated, thereby improving the drying efficiency. The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided along the flow of air from the inlet 23 toward the outlet 24, as shown in this figure. This allows the object to be dried evenly. The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided over the entire mounting surface of the mounting section 4. This allows the object to be dried evenly. The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided on the side surface or bottom surface of the housing section 3. The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided in the antenna housing section 9.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a second example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber 12. In the second example, the radio wave absorber 12 is accommodated in the absorber accommodation section 13 provided above the accommodation section 3. The radio wave absorber 12 and the accommodation section 3 are separated by a partition plate 14 formed of a material such as glass, resin, or ceramic that transmits microwaves and allows heat to pass therethrough, so that the air inside the accommodation section 3 can be heated by the thermal energy converted by the radio wave absorber 12. In the second example, as in the first example, the air inside the accommodation section 3 is exhausted from the exhaust port 17 through the exhaust path 26 from the outlet 24 provided at the front upper part of the accommodation section 3, and instead, the outside air sucked from the intake port 18 flows into the accommodation section 3 from the inlet 23 through the intake path 25. The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided along the air flow from the inlet 23 to the outlet 24. This allows the object to be dried to be dried evenly. The radio wave absorber 12 may be provided over the entire mounting surface of the mounting section 4. This allows the entire object to be dried evenly. The absorber housing section 13 and the radio wave absorber 12 may be provided on the side of or below the housing section 3.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a third example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber 12. In the third example, the radio wave absorber 12 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 3, as in the first example. In the third example, the air intake 18 is provided near the exhaust 17, and the air intake path 25 is in indirect contact with the radio wave absorber 12 via a partition formed of a material such as metal that blocks microwaves and allows heat to pass through. This allows the air inside the housing 3 to be heated by the thermal energy converted by the radio wave absorber 12, and also allows the air flowing into the housing 3 from the air intake path 25 to be heated, thereby improving the drying efficiency. A part of the air intake path 25 and the exhaust path 26 may be provided so as to be in indirect contact with each other via a partition formed of a material that allows heat to pass through. This allows the air flowing into the housing 3 from the air intake path 25 to be heated by the air discharged from the inside of the housing 3 to the outside, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

[0043] FIG. 7 shows a fourth example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber 12. In the fourth example, similar to the second example, the radio wave absorber 12 is housed in the absorber housing 13 provided above the housing 3. In the fourth example, an air intake 18 is provided near the exhaust port 17 of the absorber housing 13, and the absorber housing 13 also serves as the air intake path 25. This allows the air flowing into the housing 3 from the air intake path 25 to be heated, improving the drying efficiency. The partition plate 14 may be formed of a material such as glass, resin, or ceramic that transmits microwaves and allows heat to pass through. This allows the air inside the housing 3 to be heated by the thermal energy converted by the radio wave absorber 12, improving the drying efficiency.

[0044] FIG. 8 shows a fifth example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber 12. In the fifth example, the radio wave absorber 12 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 3, as in the first example. Since the radio wave absorber 12 is in direct contact with the air inside the housing 3, the air inside the housing 3 can be heated by the thermal energy converted by the radio wave absorber 12. In the fifth example, a circulation air passage 16 is provided between the exhaust port 17 and the intake port 18, and part of the air inside the housing 3 that flows out from the outlet 24 is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 17, and the rest is returned to the inside of the housing 3 via the circulation air passage 16. The circulation air passage 16 is indirectly in contact with the radio wave absorber 12 via a partition formed of a material such as metal that blocks microwaves and allows heat to pass through. As a result, the air that flows from the circulation air passage 16 into the inside of the housing 3 can be heated by the thermal energy converted by the radio wave absorber 12, and the drying efficiency can be improved. A dehumidifying means for dehumidifying moisture in the air may be provided in the circulation air passage 16. In this case, one or both of the exhaust port 17 and the intake port 18 may not be provided.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows a sixth example of the installation position of the radio wave absorber 12. In the sixth example, similar to the second example, the radio wave absorber 12 is housed in the absorber housing 13 provided above the housing 3. In the fifth example, the absorber housing 13 also serves as the circulating air passage 16. This allows the air flowing from the circulating air passage 16 into the housing 3 to be heated, improving the drying efficiency. The partition plate 14 may be made of a material such as glass, resin, or ceramic that transmits microwaves and allows heat to pass through. This allows the air inside the housing 3 to be heated by the thermal energy converted by the radio wave absorber 12, improving the drying efficiency. The circulating air passage 16 may be provided with a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying moisture in the air. In this case, one or both of the exhaust port 17 and the intake port 18 may not be provided.

[0046] [1-1-3. Microwave control] The technique for controlling the mode of microwave irradiation by the microwave irradiator 6 based on the detection result by the weight detector 21 will be further described.

[0047] 10 shows an example of the change over time in the detection result by the weight detection unit 21. As the drying operation progresses, the moisture contained in the object to be dried evaporates and is discharged to the outside, so the weight of the object to be dried decreases and the drying rate increases and approaches 100%.

[0048] 11 shows an example of the rate of change over time in the moisture content of the object to be dried. As the drying operation progresses, the rate of change in the moisture content of the object to be dried decreases and approaches zero. When the rate of change in the moisture content of the object to be dried falls below a predetermined value, the control device stops the output of microwaves from the microwave irradiator 6 and ends the drying operation.

[0049] 12 shows an example of an object to be dried. This figure is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the storage unit 3 as viewed from above. A long-sleeved shirt is placed on the placement unit 4 in a folded state.

[0050] FIG. 13 shows an example of an object to be dried during drying. The upper part of a folded long-sleeved shirt is slow to dry because the sleeves are folded, so it contains a large amount of moisture to begin with and the moisture does not evaporate easily. The lower part of a folded long-sleeved shirt is quick to dry because it contains less moisture to begin with and the moisture evaporates easily. When uneven drying occurs like this, if the completion of drying is determined based on the moisture content of the entire long-sleeved shirt, the lower part of the long-sleeved shirt may be over-dried and damaged. If the drying is completed early to prevent damage to the object to be dried, the upper part of the long-sleeved shirt may not be dry enough.

[0051] 14 shows an example of an object to be dried. In this figure, a folded long-sleeved shirt is placed on the back side of the placement unit 4, and folded pants are placed on the front side of the placement unit 4.

[0052] FIG. 15 shows examples of objects to be dried in the middle of drying. A folded long-sleeved shirt is slow to dry because it contains a large amount of moisture to begin with and the moisture does not evaporate easily. A folded pair of pants is quick to dry because it contains less moisture to begin with and the moisture evaporates easily. In cases where there are uneven drying conditions like this, if the completion of drying is determined based on the moisture content of the long-sleeved shirt, the pants may be over-dried and damaged. If the drying is completed early to prevent damage to the object to be dried, the long-sleeved shirt may end up being damp.

[0053] In order to solve such problems, the dryer 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a weight detection unit 21 that detects the weight of the mounting unit 4. The control device controls the microwave irradiating unit 6 based on the detection result of the weight detection unit 21. The control device may estimate the amount of moisture contained in the object to be dried based on the detection result by the weight detection unit 21, and control the microwave irradiating unit 6 based on the estimated amount of moisture. There may be only one weight detection unit 21, but in order to more accurately estimate the distribution of the amount of moisture contained in the object to be dried, a plurality of weight detection units 21 that detect the weight at a plurality of positions on the mounting unit 4, respectively, may be provided.

[0054] 16 is a schematic top view of the storage unit 3. The mounting surface of the mounting unit 4 is divided into four regions 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, and four weight detection units 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are provided for each region to detect the weight of the mounting unit 4 in each of the divided regions.

[0055] Fig. 17 shows an example of the change over time in the detection results by the four weight detection units 21. In the example shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the weight detected by the weight detection units 21a, 21c provided in the areas 4a, 4c where the long-sleeved shirt is placed is heavier than the weight detected by the weight detection units 21b, 21d provided in the areas 4b, 4d where the pants are placed. This indicates that the long-sleeved shirt placed in the areas 4a, 4c contains more moisture than the pants placed in the areas 4b, 4d, and is drying more slowly.

[0056] The control device controls the irradiation intensity, irradiation area, irradiation time, etc. of the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiator 6 based on the detection results of the weight detectors 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d. The control device estimates the distribution of the moisture content contained in the object to be dried based on the detection results of the weight detectors 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, and controls the irradiation intensity, irradiation area, irradiation time, etc. of the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiator 6 so that the distribution of the moisture content is averaged. More specifically, the control device controls so that the integrated irradiation amount of the microwaves to the area with a high moisture content is higher than that to the area with a low moisture content. This makes it possible to suppress uneven drying and to dry the object to be dried evenly. In addition, it is possible to improve the drying efficiency. The integrated irradiation amount of the microwaves is expressed as the product of the irradiation intensity and the irradiation time of the microwaves.

[0057] The control device may increase the intensity of microwaves irradiated from microwave irradiator 6 when antenna 8 is in an area with a high moisture content, and decrease the intensity of microwaves when antenna 8 is in an area with a low moisture content. The control device may keep the output of microwave irradiator 6 constant, slow down the rotation speed of antenna 8 when antenna 8 is in an area with a high moisture content, and speed up the rotation speed of antenna 8 when antenna 8 is in an area with a low moisture content. The control device may cause antenna 8 to reciprocate in the area with a high moisture content.

[0058] When a plurality of microwave irradiating units 6 are provided, the control device may control the phase of the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiating units 6 so that standing waves are generated in areas with a large amount of moisture.

[0059] Fig. 18 shows another example of the installation position of the weight detection unit 21. In the example of this figure, four weight detection units 21e, 21f, 21g, and 21h are provided near the center of each side of the outer frame of the mounting unit 4. This makes it possible to suppress deflection of the mounting surface when an object to be dried is placed on the mounting surface.

[0060] The weight detection unit 21 may be provided in two or three units, or in five or more units. The weight detection unit 21 may be provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the center of gravity of the placement surface. The weight detection unit 21 may be provided so that the center of gravity of the weight detection unit 21 is approximately the same as the center of gravity of the placement surface. This allows the distribution of the moisture content contained in the object to be dried to be estimated more accurately, and the object to be dried to be dried uniformly. The weight detection unit 21 may be provided in one unit. For example, as described above, the placement unit 4 may be supported at three points, and the weight detection unit 21 may be provided at only one of the three points. The weight detection unit 21 may be provided at a position different from the center of gravity of the placement unit 4. The control device may estimate the distribution of the moisture content based on the difference between the moisture content estimated based on the microwave intensity or the like and the moisture content estimated based on the detection result of the weight detection unit 21.

[0061] The weight detection unit 21 is provided at a position where the intensity of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiator is reduced. This makes it possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the weight detection unit 21 from being reduced due to the influence of noise caused by the microwave, and to improve the detection accuracy.

[0062] 19 shows an example of the installation position of weight detection unit 21. This figure is a schematic cross-sectional view of dryer 1 as viewed from the side. In the example shown in this figure, side wall 27 is provided around mounting unit 4, and weight detection unit 21 is provided inside storage unit 3 so as to suspend an upper portion of side wall 27 of mounting unit 4. This allows weight detection unit 21 to be provided at a position far from antenna 8, thereby preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of weight detection unit 21 due to the influence of noise caused by microwaves and the like, and improving the detection accuracy.

[0063] 20 shows another example of the installation position of the weight detection unit 21. In the example shown in this figure, the weight detection unit 21 is provided outside the accommodation unit 3. The placement unit 4 is supported by the weight detection unit 21 via a pin 28. This allows the weight detection unit to be provided outside the shielding unit that prevents microwave leakage, thereby preventing a decrease in the detection accuracy of the weight detection unit 21 due to the effects of noise caused by microwaves and the like, and improving the detection accuracy.

[0064] When weight detection unit 21 is provided inside the shielding portion, weight detection unit 21 may be surrounded by a member such as a metal that blocks microwaves. When weight detection unit 21 is provided inside the shielding portion, the detection result by weight detection unit 21 when antenna 8 is located far from weight detection unit 21 may be used. This makes it possible to prevent the detection accuracy of weight detection unit 21 from decreasing due to the influence of noise caused by microwaves, and improve the detection accuracy.

[0065] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the dryer 1 configured as above will be described below.

[0066] FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the drying method according to the present embodiment. When the power supply of the dryer 1 is turned on (S10), the control device acquires the detection result by the weight detection unit 21 (S12). At this time, since no object to be dried is placed on the placement unit 4, the weight of the placement unit 4 is detected. The control device calculates the difference between the detection results of the four weight detection units 21 (S14). If the difference between the detection results is not within a predetermined value (Y in S14), the offset of each weight detection unit 21 is adjusted to align the zero point (S16). This makes it possible to absorb the variation in the characteristics of the weight detection unit 21 and the variation in the shape of the placement unit 4, etc., and therefore improves the detection accuracy and robustness of the weight detection unit 21. If the difference between the detection results is within a predetermined value (N in S14), S16 is skipped. When the user places the object to be dried on the placement unit 4 (S28) and issues an instruction to start drying, the control device executes the drying operation (S30). If the detection result obtained in S12 is significantly different from the weight of the mounting section 4, there is a possibility that an object to be dried is placed on the mounting section 4, and therefore the user may be notified of this fact.

[0067] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the procedure of another example of the drying method according to the present embodiment. When the power supply of the dryer 1 is turned on (S10), the control device acquires the detection result by the weight detection unit 21 (S12). At this time, since no object to be dried is placed on the placement unit 4, the weight of the placement unit 4 is detected. The control device calculates the difference between the detection results of the four weight detection units 21 (S14). If the difference between the detection results is not within a predetermined value (Y in S14), the placement unit 4 may not be placed correctly, so the control device notifies the user to reposition the placement unit 4 (S18). When the user repositions the placement unit 4 (S20), the process returns to S12, and the control device acquires the detection result by the weight detection unit 21 again. If the difference between the detection results is within a predetermined value (N in S14), S18 and S20 are skipped. When the user places an object to be dried on the placement unit 4 (S28) and issues an instruction to start drying, the control device executes a drying operation (S30). Note that if the user resets the placement unit 4, and the difference in the detection result by the weight detection unit 21 is not within a predetermined value, the user may be notified of an error.

[0068] 23 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the drying operation. The control device controls the microwave irradiating unit 6 to irradiate microwaves into the inside of the storage unit 3 (S32). The control device controls the motor 11 to rotate the antenna 8 (S34). The control device turns on the heater 22 to heat the air flowing into the inside of the storage unit 3 (S36). The control device drives the blower fan 15 to flow air into the inside of the storage unit 3 (S37).

[0069] The control device acquires the detection results of the weight detection units 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d (S38), and estimates the distribution of the moisture content contained in the objects to be dried based on the detection results (S40). The control device may further acquire an image captured by an infrared camera, etc., to estimate the distribution of the moisture content contained in the objects to be dried. The control device acquires the microwave intensity inside the storage unit 3 based on the detection results by the antenna 8 and the temperature detection unit 19 (S42). The control device adjusts the mode of microwave irradiation by the microwave irradiation unit 6 (S44).

[0070] The control device controls the output of the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 6 or the antenna 8 capable of changing the irradiation area of ​​the microwaves based on the sum of the detection results of the multiple weight detection units 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d. For example, when the sum of the detection results is large, the control device presumes that the object to be dried contains a large amount of moisture, and therefore increases the intensity of the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 6 compared to when the sum of the detection results is small.

[0071] The control device controls the output of microwaves irradiated from microwave irradiator 6 or antenna 8 capable of changing the irradiation area of ​​microwaves based on the difference between the detection results of multiple weight detectors 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d. For example, when there is a large difference between the detection results of two weight detectors 21, the control device presumes that the object to be dried is unevenly dried, and therefore controls the integrated irradiation amount of microwaves to areas with a high moisture content to be higher than areas with a low moisture content.

[0072] The control device controls the output of microwaves irradiated from microwave irradiator 6 or antenna 8 capable of changing the irradiation area of ​​microwaves based on the change over time in the detection results of multiple weight detectors 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d. For example, when the change over time in the detection results is small, the control device presumes that the amount of moisture contained in the object to be dried has decreased, and therefore reduces the intensity of microwaves irradiated from microwave irradiator 6 compared to when the change over time in the detection results is large.

[0073] The control device estimates the amount of moisture contained in the object to be dried based on the detection result by weight detection unit 21 or temperature detection unit 20, and continues the drying operation by returning to S32 until the rate of change in the amount of moisture falls below a predetermined value (N in S46). When the rate of change in the amount of moisture falls below the predetermined value (Y in S46), the control device stops the microwave irradiation by microwave irradiation unit 6 (S48), stops the rotation of antenna 8 (S50), stops heater 22 (S52), stops blower fan 15 (S54), and ends the drying operation.

[0074] When the user removes the object to be dried from the storage section 3, the control device detects an abnormality in the weight detection section 21 (S56). The control device acquires the detection results of the multiple weight detection sections 21 and compares the values ​​stored as the detection results when no object to be dried is placed. If the difference between the detection result and the stored value is less than a predetermined value, the control device does not detect an abnormality in the weight detection section 21. If the difference between the detection result and the stored value is abnormal by a predetermined value, the control device detects an abnormality in the weight detection section 21 and notifies the user. This makes it possible to quickly detect and deal with an abnormality in the weight detection section 21, thereby improving the safety of the dryer 1 and suppressing excessive drying of the object to be dried and preventing damage to the object to be dried.

[0075] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the dryer 1 includes the storage section 3 for storing the object to be dried, the microwave irradiating section 6 for irradiating the object to be dried stored in the storage section 3 with microwaves, the placement section 4 provided inside the storage section 3 for placing the object to be dried, the weight detection section 21 for detecting the weight of the placement section 4, and a control device for controlling the microwave irradiating section 6 based on the detection result of the weight detection section 21. This makes it possible to prevent uneven drying and to dry the object to be dried evenly. Also, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0076] In this embodiment, the weight detection unit 21 is provided at a position where the intensity of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiator 6 is reduced. This makes it possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the weight detection unit 21 from being reduced due to the influence of noise caused by the microwave, and improve the detection accuracy.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the storage unit 3 is formed of a material that blocks microwaves, and the weight detection unit 21 is provided outside the storage unit 3. This makes it possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the weight detection unit 21 from being reduced due to the influence of noise caused by microwaves, and improve the detection accuracy.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the weight detection unit 21 is provided inside the storage unit 3 and surrounded by a member that blocks microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiator. This makes it possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the weight detection unit 21 from being reduced due to the influence of noise caused by microwaves, and to improve the detection accuracy.

[0079] In this embodiment, the weight detection unit 21 is provided in a plurality of areas obtained by dividing the placement unit 4. This makes it possible to prevent uneven drying and to dry the object evenly. Also, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0080] In this embodiment, the weight detection units 21 are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of gravity of the placement unit 4. This makes it possible to prevent uneven drying and to dry the object evenly. Also, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0081] In this embodiment, the control device controls the microwave output irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 6 or the antenna 8 capable of changing the microwave irradiation area so that the distribution of the moisture content contained in the object to be dried is averaged. This makes it possible to prevent uneven drying and to dry the object to be dried evenly. Also, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0082] In this embodiment, the control device controls the microwave output irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 6 or the antenna 8 capable of changing the microwave irradiation area so that the cumulative amount of microwave irradiation to the area with a high moisture content is higher than that to the area with a low moisture content. This makes it possible to prevent uneven drying and to dry the object evenly. Also, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the control device controls the output of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 6 or the antenna capable of changing the irradiation area of ​​the microwave based on the sum of the detection results of the multiple weight detection units 21. This can improve the drying efficiency.

[0084] In this embodiment, the control device controls the microwave output irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 6 or the antenna 8 capable of changing the microwave irradiation area based on the difference between the detection results of the multiple weight detection units 21. This makes it possible to prevent uneven drying and to dry the object evenly. Also, the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0085] In this embodiment, the control device controls the output of microwaves irradiated from microwave irradiator 6 or antenna 8 capable of changing the irradiation area of ​​microwaves based on the change over time of the detection result of weight detector 21. This can improve the drying efficiency. Also, since the completion of drying can be appropriately determined, the safety of dryer 1 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried can be suppressed.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device adjusts the offsets of the multiple weight detection units 21 based on the detection results of the multiple weight detection units 21. This makes it possible to absorb variations in the characteristics of the weight detection units and variations in the shape of the placement unit 4, etc., thereby improving the detection accuracy and robustness of the weight detection units 21.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device detects an abnormality in weight detection unit 21 based on the detection result of weight detection unit 21. This allows an abnormality in weight detection unit 21 to be promptly detected and dealt with, thereby improving the safety of dryer 1 and preventing excessive drying of the object to be dried and preventing damage to the object to be dried.

[0088] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment to create new embodiments.

[0089] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the dryer 1 on which an object to be dried is placed and dried has been described as an example of a dryer. The dryer may be a drum type dryer, a dryer other than a drum type dryer, a washer / dryer, etc. The object to be dried may be something other than clothes.

[0091] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0092] (Additional Note) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques. (Technology 1) A storage section for storing an object to be dried; A microwave irradiation unit that irradiates microwaves onto the object to be dried accommodated in the accommodation unit; A placement section provided inside the storage section for placing the object to be dried; A weight detection unit that detects the weight of the placement unit; A control unit that controls the microwave irradiation unit based on a detection result of the weight detection unit; A dryer equipped with This prevents uneven drying and allows the objects to be dried evenly. It also improves drying efficiency. (Technology 2) The weight detection unit is provided at a position where the intensity of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit is reduced. The dryer described in technique 1. This makes it possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the weight detection unit 21 from being reduced due to the influence of noise caused by microwaves, and improve the detection accuracy. (Technology 3) The container is formed of a material that blocks microwaves, The weight detection unit is provided outside the storage unit. The dryer described in technique 2. This makes it possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the weight detection unit 21 from being reduced due to the influence of noise caused by microwaves, and improve the detection accuracy. (Technology 4) The weight detection unit is provided inside the storage unit and is surrounded by a member that blocks microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit. The dryer described in technique 2. This makes it possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the weight detection unit 21 from being reduced due to the influence of noise caused by microwaves, and improve the detection accuracy. (Technology 5) The weight detection unit is provided in a plurality of areas obtained by dividing the placement unit into a plurality of areas. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4. This prevents uneven drying and allows the objects to be dried evenly. It also improves drying efficiency. (Technology 6) The plurality of weight detection units are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the center of gravity of the placement unit. The dryer according to technique 5. This prevents uneven drying and allows the objects to be dried evenly. It also improves drying efficiency. (Technology 7) The control unit controls the output of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit or an antenna capable of changing an irradiation area of ​​the microwave so that the distribution of the moisture content contained in the object to be dried is averaged. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 6. This prevents uneven drying and allows the objects to be dried evenly. It also improves drying efficiency. (Technology 8) The control unit controls the output of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit or an antenna capable of changing an irradiation area of ​​microwaves so that an integrated irradiation amount of microwaves to an area with a high moisture content is higher than that to an area with a low moisture content. The dryer described in technique 7. This prevents uneven drying and allows the objects to be dried evenly. It also improves drying efficiency. (Technology 9) The control unit controls the output of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit or an antenna capable of changing an irradiation area of ​​the microwave based on the sum of the detection results of the plurality of weight detecting units. The dryer according to any one of claims 5 to 6. This can improve the drying efficiency. (Technology 10) The control unit controls an antenna capable of changing the output of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit or an irradiation area of ​​microwaves based on a difference between detection results of the plurality of weight detecting units. The dryer according to any one of claims 5 to 6. This prevents uneven drying and allows the objects to be dried evenly. It also improves drying efficiency. (Technology 11) The control unit controls an antenna capable of changing the output of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit or an irradiation area of ​​microwaves based on a change over time in the detection result of the weight detection unit. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 10. This can improve the drying efficiency. Also, since the completion of drying can be appropriately determined, the safety of the dryer 1 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried can be suppressed. (Technology 12) The control unit adjusts offsets of the weight detection units based on detection results of the weight detection units. The dryer according to any one of claims 5 to 6. This makes it possible to absorb variations in the characteristics of the weight detection unit and variations in the shape of the placement unit 4 and the like, thereby improving the detection accuracy and robustness of the weight detection unit 21. (Technology 13) The control unit detects an abnormality in the weight detection unit based on a detection result of the weight detection unit. 13. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 12. This allows any abnormality in the weight detection unit 21 to be quickly detected and dealt with, thereby improving the safety of the dryer 1 and preventing excessive drying of the object to be dried and damage to the object to be dried. [Industrial Applicability]

[0093] The present disclosure is applicable to dryers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Dryer 2. Chassis 3. Storage section 4. Placement section 5 Door 6 Microwave irradiation section 7 Waveguide 8 Antennas 9 Antenna housing 10 Partition 11 Motor 12 Radio wave absorber 13 Absorbent housing section 14 Partition 15 Blower fan 16 Circulation air duct 17 Exhaust port 18 Air Intake 19 Temperature detection unit 20 Temperature detection unit 21 Weight detection unit 22 Heater 23 Inlet 24 Outlet 25 Intake passage 26 Exhaust duct 27 Side wall 28-pin 29 Inlet side air passage 30 Outlet side air duct

Claims

1. A storage section for storing an object to be dried; A microwave irradiation unit that irradiates microwaves onto the object to be dried accommodated in the accommodation unit; A placement section provided inside the storage section for placing the object to be dried; A weight detection unit that detects the weight of the placement unit; A control unit that controls the microwave irradiation unit based on a detection result of the weight detection unit; A dryer equipped with

2. The weight detection unit is provided at a position where the intensity of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit is reduced. The dryer according to claim 1.

3. The container is formed of a material that blocks microwaves, The weight detection unit is provided outside the storage unit. The dryer according to claim 2.

4. The weight detection unit is provided inside the storage unit and is surrounded by a member that blocks microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit. The dryer according to claim 2.

5. The weight detection unit is provided in a plurality of areas obtained by dividing the placement unit into a plurality of areas. A dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The plurality of weight detection units are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the center of gravity of the placement unit. The dryer according to claim 5.

7. The control unit controls the output of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit or an antenna capable of changing an irradiation area of ​​the microwave so that the distribution of the moisture content contained in the object to be dried is averaged. A dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The control unit controls the output of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit or an antenna capable of changing an irradiation area of ​​microwaves so that an integrated irradiation amount of microwaves to an area with a high moisture content is higher than that to an area with a low moisture content. The dryer according to claim 7.

9. The control unit controls the output of the microwave irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit or an antenna capable of changing an irradiation area of ​​the microwave based on the sum of the detection results of the plurality of weight detecting units. The dryer according to claim 5.

10. The control unit controls an antenna capable of changing the output of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit or an irradiation area of ​​microwaves based on a difference between detection results of the plurality of weight detecting units. The dryer according to claim 5.

11. The control unit controls an antenna capable of changing the output of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit or an irradiation area of ​​microwaves based on a change over time in the detection result of the weight detection unit. A dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

12. The control unit adjusts offsets of the weight detection units based on detection results of the weight detection units. The dryer according to claim 5.

13. The control unit detects an abnormality in the weight detection unit based on a detection result of the weight detection unit. A dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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