Drier

Abstract

To solve a conventional problem of a drier in which a fan unit is hardly thinned and a convenience of a user is deteriorated if the user needs to cross over the fan unit.SOLUTION: In a drier 10 of the present invention, an inlet opening 26 and an outlet opening 27 are formed on a top panel 23 of a housing 11, and a fan 13 is provided in an inner space 20 of the housing 11 on a lower side of the inlet opening 26. The top panel 23 around the inlet opening 26 is supported by the support member of a protection member 17 and the like. With this configuration, the whole drier 10 can be thinned and a water-absorptive planar part 12 is dried by a hot air blown out by the top panel 23 heated by a heating member 15 and an outlet opening 26 of the top panel 23. As a result, a convenience of the user is improved by shortening a drying time of the water absorptive planar body 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drying device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART For example, the structure described in Patent Document 1 is known as a conventional drying device for a foot mat.

[0003] In the drying device, the door mat is placed on the upper surface of a heating element fixed to the stand of the drying device. The drying device then evaporates the moisture absorbed by the door mat, keeping it dry. This prevents the door mat from saturating and maintains its absorption capacity.

[0004] However, the drying device described above uses only a heating element for drying, and steam tends to be trapped under the floor mat, preventing the floor mat from drying sufficiently.

[0005] Next, as a conventional drying device for a foot mat, for example, the structure described in Patent Document 2 is known. This drying device has a structure that solves the problems caused by the heating element of the drying device described in Patent Document 1.

[0006] The drying device described in Patent Document 2 includes a rectangular base unit on which a foot mat is placed and a blower unit that forcibly blows outside air into the base unit. The blower unit includes a blower, a duct, and a heating element disposed within the duct. The outside air is drawn in through the blower and heated by the heating element, and then blown into the base unit as warm air.

[0007] The base unit has a flat lower base and first and second ventilation control members covering the upper surface of the lower base. The first and second ventilation control members are made of a material such as nonwoven fabric. In the base unit, the amount of warm air passing upward is adjusted by appropriately setting the placement areas of the first and second ventilation control members. The warm air blown from the air blowing opening spreads inside the base unit and is blown onto the foot mat from the upper opening area of the base unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 03-244416 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7193695 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] As described above, in the drying device described in Patent Document 2, the air blowing unit is disposed around the base unit. The blowing opening of the housing of the air blowing unit is aligned with the air blowing opening of the base unit, so that the warm air is blown from the air blowing unit to the base unit.

[0010] With this structure, in the drying device, the air blowing unit is disposed to the side of the base unit. The housing of the air blowing unit has a certain width, depth, and height due to the structure in which the blower and other components are disposed inside. The air blowing unit is disposed around the foot mat and around the entrance and exit between the changing room and bathroom of a hot spring facility or the like.

[0011] As a result, the air blower unit is not thin, and in the area where the air blower unit is installed, users of the bathroom, etc., must step over the air blower unit to enter and exit the foot mat, which is inconvenient.Also, there is the issue that users with poor eyesight or users with narrow feet, such as elderly people and children, have difficulty entering and exiting the foot mat from the side where the air blower unit is installed.

[0012] On the other hand, to resolve the inconvenience for users due to the size of the blower unit, it is possible to separate the blower unit from the base unit and place it farther from the entrance / exit. In this case, a duct is required to supply warm air from the blower unit to the base unit, and since the duct is located around the foot mat, problems such as tripping and annoyance for the user remain. Furthermore, the length of the duct causes pressure loss in the warm air, making it difficult to supply warm air to the base unit with sufficient air volume and pressure. On the other hand, ensuring the sufficient air volume and pressure would require an even larger blower unit.

[0013] The upper surfaces of the separate ribs arranged on the lower base are covered with first and second air-ventilation control members made of a material such as nonwoven fabric, and the first and second air-ventilation control members are covered with a foot mat.

[0014] With this structure, the first and second ventilation control members are made of a soft material, and in the area where the foot mat is placed, the user walks indirectly on the top surface of the separate ribs, which can make it difficult to keep their feet stable. For example, the entire sole of the user's foot does not come into contact with the ground, and the user's toes get caught between the separate ribs, making it easier for the user to fall.

[0015] Furthermore, commercial foot mats used in hot spring facilities, etc., are large, for example, approximately 1200 mm wide and 700 mm long, and require considerable thickness to ensure sufficient water absorption. Therefore, it is difficult to dry commercial foot mats using only the warm air blown from the air blower unit. As a result, it is difficult to reduce the frequency with which commercial foot mats need to be replaced. To increase user satisfaction, employees of hot spring facilities, etc., are required to frequently replace commercial foot mats, which increases the burden on workers.

[0016] Furthermore, when employees of a hot spring facility or the like clean the bathrooms and changing rooms after business hours, they must move the air blower unit and base unit, and then return them to their installation positions near the entrance and exit before business hours begin. Furthermore, because the air blower unit and base unit are configured as separate structures, employees must disassemble and assemble them each time they move them, which increases the number of times they need to be transported, placing a greater burden on the workers.

[0017] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a drying device that increases user convenience by making the entire drying device thinner, and that improves the drying performance of absorbent sheets by using heat-generating components and warm air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] The drying device of the present invention is a drying device that dries an absorbent sheet-like body that covers at least the upper surface of its housing part, and is equipped with a blower arranged in the internal space of the housing part and a heat-generating member arranged in the internal space of the housing part, and is characterized in that an intake opening and an exhaust opening are formed in the top panel of the housing part to connect the external space of the housing part with the internal space, the blower is arranged below the intake opening, and the top panel around the intake opening is supported by a support member arranged in the internal space.

[0019] Furthermore, the drying device of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a protective member arranged in the internal space of the housing portion, the blower is arranged inside the protective member, and the top panel around the suction opening is arranged above the protective member.

[0020] In addition, the drying device of the present invention is characterized in that the internal space is provided with a plurality of columnar members arranged along the longitudinal direction of the housing portion, the columnar members are covered by the top panel, and the columnar members are arranged below the top panel around the suction opening.

[0021] In addition, the drying device of the present invention is characterized in that an air passage partitioned by the columnar members is formed in the internal space, and the blowing opening is formed in the top panel above the air passage.

[0022] In addition, the drying device of the present invention is characterized in that it has an electric heating wire wired on the internal space side of the top panel and a heat transfer sheet that fixes the electric heating wire to the top panel, and the electric heating wire is arranged so as to avoid the intake opening, the outlet opening, and the arrangement area of the columnar member.

[0023] In addition, in the drying device of the present invention, the multiple suction openings are arranged around the outer peripheral edge of the top panel, the side panels of the housing unit are formed continuously with the top panel, with the outer peripheral edge as the boundary, and the top panel side of the side panels is formed at an angle toward the internal space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] In the drying device of the present invention, an intake opening and an exhaust opening are formed in the top panel of the housing, and a blower is disposed within the interior space of the housing below the intake opening. The top panel around the intake opening is supported by a support member. This structure allows for a slimmer overall drying device, and the absorbent sheet-like object is dried by heating from the top panel and warm air blown out from the exhaust opening of the top panel. As a result, the slimmer overall drying device improves user convenience and shortens the drying time for the absorbent sheet-like object.

[0025] In addition, in the drying device of the present invention, a protective member that protects the fan is disposed in the internal space of the housing. The protective member supports the top panel around the suction opening from below. With this structure, the top panel of the housing is supported by the protective member, and the fan is protected by the protective member, thereby achieving a thin housing with the fan built in.

[0026] In addition, in the drying device of the present invention, multiple columnar members are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the internal space of the housing, thereby increasing the strength and rigidity of the housing. The top surface of the housing is covered with a top panel. This structure allows employees of hot spring facilities, etc., to carry the housing by holding both longitudinal ends of the housing with the built-in fan, making it easier to set up and take down the drying device. Furthermore, users can walk on the top panel covered with the absorbent sheet, providing stability underfoot and improving safety.

[0027] In addition, in the drying device of the present invention, the air outlet openings are formed in the top panel above the air passage. With this structure, hot air heated in the internal space of the housing is blown onto the absorbent sheet, making it difficult for steam to become trapped under the absorbent sheet, and making it easier for the absorbent sheet to dry.

[0028] In addition, in the drying device of the present invention, the heat-generating element is attached to the top panel and wired. This structure allows the heat-generating element to directly heat the top panel, making it easier to maintain the top panel at the desired temperature. The absorbent sheet element comes into contact with the top panel, shortening drying time. Furthermore, employees of hot spring facilities, etc., need to replace the absorbent sheet element less frequently, reducing the burden on workers.

[0029] In addition, in the drying device of the present invention, the multiple suction openings are arranged around the outer periphery of the top panel. The side panels of the housing are formed at an angle toward the interior space. This structure makes it easier for air drawn into the interior space of the housing to be blown toward the center of the housing, and makes it easier for warm air to be blown out from the center of the top panel and its surrounding area. As a result, in hot spring facilities, the center and surrounding areas of absorbent sheets tend to absorb more water, but the drying device can actively dry the areas of the absorbent sheets that are more likely to get wet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 2B] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view illustrating a drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a graph illustrating the drying state of an absorbent sheet body using a drying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the drying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] A drying device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In describing this embodiment, the same components will generally be designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. The vertical direction indicates the height direction of the drying device 10, the left-right direction indicates the width direction of the drying device 10, and the front-rear direction indicates the depth direction of the drying device 10.

[0032] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the drying device 10 of this embodiment. Figs. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views illustrating the use state of the drying device 10 of this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the drying device 10 of this embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the internal structure of the housing unit 11 is omitted in the explanation of Figs. 2A and 2B.

[0033] 1, the drying device 10 of this embodiment mainly includes a housing 11, a blower 13 (see FIG. 4) disposed in an internal space 20 (see FIG. 2A) of the housing 11, a heat-generating member 15 (see FIG. 5) disposed on a top panel 23 on the internal space 20 side of the housing 11, a columnar member 16 (see FIG. 4) disposed in the internal space 20 of the housing 11, a protective member 17 that protects the blower 13 from external forces, and a control unit 18. The size of the housing 11 is, for example, formed to have a width W1 of 1000 mm, a depth W2 of 500 mm, and a height W3 of 10.5 mm.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 2A, the drying device 10 of this embodiment is a device for drying absorbent planar objects 12, such as foot mats used in hot spring facilities, etc. The absorbent planar object 12 is, for example, formed from a highly absorbent fabric and is in the shape of a large mat measuring approximately 1200 mm wide and 700 mm long. The drying device 10 is placed in a changing room of a hot spring facility, etc., on the floor F around the entrance between the changing room and the bathroom, and the upper surface of the drying device 10 is covered by the absorbent planar object 12.

[0035] As described above, the water-absorbent sheet 12 is used as a foot mat. After bathing, the bather stands on the water-absorbent sheet 12, and absorbs the water that drips off their body as they wipe themselves. Alternatively, the bather walks on the water-absorbent sheet 12 after bathing, and the water that adheres to the bather is absorbed. Meanwhile, the water-absorbent sheet 12 is heated by the drying device 10 and has hot air blown onto it, so that it is used as a foot mat while simultaneously being dried by the drying device 10.

[0036] In this embodiment, the following description will be given of the absorbent planar body 12 as the foot mat, but this is not limited to this. The absorbent planar body 12 may also be, for example, a sauna mat or a carpet placed around a wet area such as a kitchen. The drying device 10 is also placed on the underside of the sauna mat or carpet.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, when the drying device 10 is in use, a fabric 14 such as a nonwoven fabric or another absorbent sheet 12 may be disposed between the housing 11 of the drying device 10 and the floor F. In other words, the drying device 10 is sandwiched between the absorbent sheet 12 and the fabric 14. When the drying device 10 is in operation, the housing 11 reaches a high temperature within the design range, but by disposing the fabric 14 or the like between the housing 11 and the floor F, the floor F is less susceptible to being burned or warped by heating by the drying device 10.

[0038] In this case, a non-slip portion 12A made of silicone resin or the like is formed on the fabric 14 laid on the underside of the casing 11 and on the underside of the absorbent planar body 12. When using the drying device 10, a bather walks on the upper surface of the absorbent planar body 12 covering the casing 11, and the fabric 14 or the like grips the floor surface F via the non-slip portion 12A, making it easier for the drying device 10 to remain fixed to the floor surface F. Alternatively, a heat-resistant mat made of silicone resin or the like may be provided in place of the fabric 14 or the like. In this case, it is also easier for the drying device 10 to remain fixed to the floor surface F. Note that the non-slip portion 12A may also be formed on the upper surface of the fabric 14 or the like, in which case the casing 11 itself is less likely to slip relative to the fabric 14 or the like.

[0039] 2B, the absorbent planar body 12 may be in the form of a mat with a bag structure into which the drying device 10 can be inserted. In this case, the absorbent planar body 12 is formed in the large size described above and covers the entire drying device 10, so that the absorbent planar body 12 absorbs water adhering to the bather and is simultaneously dried by the drying device 10. In this case, a non-slip portion 12A made of silicone resin or the like is formed on the underside of the absorbent planar body 12, making it easier to maintain the drying device 10 fixed to the floor surface F. Note that the non-slip member 12A may be formed, for example, continuously into the bag structure of the absorbent planar body 12, in which case the housing 11 itself will be less likely to slip inside the absorbent planar body 12.

[0040] 3, control unit 18 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Control unit 18 is an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the operation and stop of blower 13 and heat-generating member 15 in response to input signals from temperature sensor 33 and human presence sensor 34. Control unit 18 may be disposed in internal space 20 of housing 11, or may be disposed in an adapter (not shown) on power cord 19 (see FIG. 1) extending from housing 11.

[0041] The temperature sensors 33 are disposed at one or more locations, centered on the top panel 23 of the housing 11 on the interior space 20 side. In the drying device 10 of this embodiment, the temperature sensors 33 can detect the temperature of the top panel 23 of the housing 11 and the temperature within the interior space 20 of the housing 11. On foot mats used in hot spring bathing facilities, many bathers tend to stand or pass through the center of the absorbent sheet 12, which tends to absorb more water in the center than in the surrounding areas. In areas of the absorbent sheet 12 with a high water absorption rate, the temperature of the top panel 23 is likely to drop in order to dry them. Therefore, in the drying device 10, maintaining the temperature of the center of the top panel 23 at a desired temperature is important for shortening the drying time of the absorbent sheet 12.

[0042] Furthermore, in the drying device 10, for example, by arranging a human presence sensor 34 around the periphery of the housing 11, it becomes possible to detect the number of people passing over the top surface of the water-absorbent planar body 12 covering the housing 11. Note that the drying device 10 can receive signals from the human presence sensor 34 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Furthermore, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor is used as the human presence sensor 34.

[0043] In the drying device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 18 can automatically adjust the temperature of the top panel 23 of the housing 11 and the volume of hot air blown out from the outlet openings 27 of the top panel 23 in response to input signals from the temperature sensor 33 and the human presence sensor 34. As a result, efficient operation control of the drying device 10 is possible, the power consumption of the drying device 10 is reduced, and energy-saving operation is achieved.

[0044] For example, if the temperature of the top panel 23 becomes higher than the design temperature, the control unit 18 stops the supply of power to the heat-generating member 15. On the other hand, if the temperature of the top panel 23 becomes lower than the set temperature, the control unit 18 resumes the supply of power to the heat-generating member 15. This operational control realizes energy-saving operation of the drying device 10 and prevents the top panel 23 of the housing 11 from becoming higher than the design temperature, thereby preventing, for example, low-temperature burns on a person passing over the top surface of the water-absorbent sheet body 12.

[0045] On the other hand, when many people pass over the top surface of the water-absorbent sheet 12, the amount of water absorbed by the water-absorbent sheet 12 increases, so the control unit 18 starts or continues supplying power to the fan 13 and the heat-generating member 15. Alternatively, the control unit 18 can shorten the drying time of the water-absorbent sheet 12 by increasing the amount of power supplied to the heat-generating member 15. On the other hand, when few people pass over the top surface of the water-absorbent sheet 12, the control unit 18 stops supplying power to the fan 13 and the heat-generating member 15.

[0046] Next, the housing 11 and its internal structure of the drying device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the housing 11 of the drying device 10 of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating the structure of the top panel 23 side of the housing 11 of the drying device 10 of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the protective member 17 of the drying device 10 of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the housing 11 and its internal structure of the drying device 10 of this embodiment, taken along line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the housing 11 and its internal structure of the drying device 10 of this embodiment, taken along line BB in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the housing 11 and its internal structure of the drying device 10 of this embodiment, taken along line CC in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the drying status of the absorbent planar body 12 using the drying device 10 of this embodiment.

[0047] 4 and 5, the housing 11 is formed by sheet metal processing of a plate material such as an aluminum alloy, a steel plate, or a stainless steel plate. The housing 11 has a bottom surface 21 and a lid portion 22 that is detachable from the bottom surface 21. The lid portion 22 has, for example, a top surface plate 23 and four side surfaces 24 that are continuous with the top surface plate 23. Meanwhile, the bottom surface 21 has, for example, a bottom surface plate 25 and a locking portion (not shown) for maintaining the lid portion 22 attached to the bottom surface 21.

[0048] With this structure, when the lid portion 22 is attached to the bottom surface portion 21, an internal space 20 (see FIG. 2A) is formed in the housing portion 11. As will be described in detail later, a plurality of fans 13 and heat-generating members 15 are disposed in the internal space 20 of the housing portion 11. Then, the housing portion 11 itself is brought to a high temperature by the heat-generating members 15, which makes it possible to heat and dry the water-absorbent planar body 12.

[0049] Furthermore, when the blower 13 is operated, air is drawn from the external space 28 (see FIG. 7 ) of the housing 11 into the internal space 20 through the intake opening 26. The drawn air flows through the internal space 20 and is heated by the heat-generating member 15, etc., generating warm air within the internal space 20. The warm air is then blown out from the internal space 20 to the external space 28 through the outlet opening 27. In particular, when the warm air is blown out into the external space 28, steam below the water-absorbent planar body 12 and moisture inside the water-absorbent planar body 12 are blown away, making it easier for the water-absorbent planar body 12 to dry. In this embodiment, the water-absorbent planar body 12 is made of, for example, a woven fabric, and when air is drawn from the external space 28 of the housing 11 into the internal space 20, the water-absorbent planar body 12 functions as a filter, making it difficult for dust and the like from the external space 28 to enter the internal space of the housing 11.

[0050] For example, a centrifugal blower is used as blower 13. Blower 13 is disposed below suction opening 26 formed in top panel 23 of housing 11, on the upper surface of bottom panel 25 of internal space 20 of housing 11. Blower 13 draws air from external space 28 into internal space 20 of housing 11 through suction opening 26, and blows warm air generated in internal space 20 into external space 28 through outlet opening 27. Note that blower 13 is not limited to the axial flow blower, and may be, for example, an axial flow blower or a mixed flow blower.

[0051] Heat generating member 15 is, for example, a cord heater, and includes a heat transfer sheet 31 attached to top panel 23 and a heating wire 32 wired between heat transfer sheet 31 and top panel 23. By being attached to top panel 23 on the internal space 20 side, heat generating member 15 heats the entire housing 11, centered around top panel 23, and also heats the air in internal space 20 of housing 11.

[0052] The pillar-shaped members 16 are formed from a highly rigid material such as stainless steel or steel plate, and are angular members with a square cross section. The pillar-shaped members 16 are disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 25 of the internal space 20 of the housing 11. The pillar-shaped members 16 are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 25 (left-right direction on the paper) and are also disposed in multiple rows in the lateral direction of the bottom plate 25 (front-rear direction on the paper). The pillar-shaped members 16 are also disposed around the outer periphery of the bottom plate 25, extending approximately around the entire circumference.

[0053] As will be described in more detail later, the columnar member 16 is used to divide the internal space 20 and form an air passage for the air blown out from the blower 13, and the columnar member 16 also supports the top panel 23 from below and is used as a support member in the present invention.

[0054] Protective member 17 is a cover member that covers the exterior of blower 13 and prevents blower 13 from being damaged by external forces such as the weight of a bather. Protective member 17 is formed by sheet metal processing of a highly rigid material such as stainless steel or steel plate. Protective member 17 supports top panel 23 from below and is also used as a support member in the present invention.

[0055] 6, protective member 17 has top panel 17A and four side panels 17B that are continuous with top panel 17A. Protective member 17 is formed as a hollow box-like body, and the four side panels 17B are also used as legs. Top panel 17A has a plurality of suction openings 17D formed to match the blade shape of blower 13. By ensuring that suction openings 17D have a desired opening area, the desired suction characteristics of blower 13 are maintained.

[0056] Additionally, a plurality of air outlet openings 17C are formed in each of the side panels 17B. The desired opening area is ensured for the air outlet openings 17C, and the desired positions for their formation relative to the side panels 17B are designed. With this structure, air drawn in from the external space 28 is efficiently blown out from the blower 13 into the air passage in the internal space 20 through the air outlet openings 17C. Meanwhile, the side panels 17B have the desired strength and rigidity to serve as the legs of the protective member 17, allowing the protective member 17 to protect the blower 13 and support the top panel 23 from below.

[0057] For example, as shown in the figure, two air outlet openings 17C are formed in side panel 17B of protective member 17 in the left-right direction on the paper. The presence of side panel 17B between the two air outlet openings 17C provides strength and rigidity to protective member 17. Meanwhile, three air outlet openings 17C are formed in side panel 17B of protective member 17 in the front-rear direction on the paper. By intentionally forming air outlet openings 17C in side panel 17B facing the air passage between columnar members 16, losses in the volume and pressure of air blown out from fan 13 are reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, a pair of alignment protrusions 17E are formed on the side panels 17B of the protection member 17 in the left-right direction of the page. Alignment grooves (not shown) into which the alignment protrusions 17E are fitted are formed on the bottom panel 25 of the housing 11. With this structure, the protection member 17 can be easily and accurately disposed at a desired position on the bottom panel 25.

[0059] The blower 13, the pillar-shaped members 16, and the protective member 17 are fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate 25 using fixing members such as double-sided tape, adhesive, or screws, or by welding or the like. The power cord 19 (see FIG. 1) that supplies power to the blower 13 is routed to the upper surface of the bottom plate 25 by utilizing the air passage formed by the pillar-shaped members 16. The power cord 19 is then led from the internal space 20 of the housing 11 to the external space 28 through the gaps in the pillar-shaped members 16 indicated by circles 29.

[0060] 5 shows the lid 22 of the housing 11 turned upside down and viewed from the internal space 20 side. As shown in the figure, six suction openings 26 are formed in the top panel 23 on the outer peripheral edge 23A side of the top panel 23. The suction openings 26 are, for example, approximately square opening areas measuring 60 mm on each side in a plan view, and are formed so that two suction openings 26 are aligned in the short direction (front-rear direction on the page) of the top panel 23, two at each end in the long direction (left-right direction on the page) and the center thereof.

[0061] The center of the top panel 23 is an area that is likely to be stepped on by bathers, and therefore is an area where the absorbent sheet body 12 covering the upper surface of the top panel 23 absorbs a large amount of water. The suction openings 26 are positioned around the outer peripheral edge 23A of the top panel 23, avoiding the center of the top panel 23. This structure makes it difficult for moisture inside the absorbent sheet body 12 to be sucked into the blower 13 through the suction openings 26, making the blower 13 less likely to break down. Furthermore, the contact area with the absorbent sheet body 12 increases in the center of the top panel 23, making it easier for the absorbent sheet body 12 to dry.

[0062] A plurality of blow-out openings 27 are formed in the top panel 23. The blow-out openings 27 are small holes, for example, 4 mm in diameter, and are formed across substantially the entire surface of the top panel 23. By forming the blow-out openings 27 as uniformly as possible on the top panel 23, it becomes easier to blow warm air evenly onto the water-absorbent planar body 12 covering the upper surface of the top panel 23. As a result, uneven drying of the water-absorbent planar body 12 is less likely to occur, improving the comfort of the bather.

[0063] Furthermore, the opening area of each intake opening 26 is larger than the opening area of each blow-out opening 27. This structure makes the housing 11 thinner, but the blower 13 is structured to easily draw air from the external space 28, ensuring a sufficient volume of air blown by the blower 13 into the internal space 20 of the housing 11. On the other hand, the opening area of the blow-out opening 27 is smaller than the opening area of the intake opening 26, increasing the wind pressure of the warm air blown out from the housing 11. This structure makes it easier to blow away steam below the absorbent sheet body 12 and moisture inside the absorbent sheet body 12, making it easier to dry the absorbent sheet body 12. This also shortens the drying time of the absorbent sheet body 12. Furthermore, since the blow-out opening 27 is formed above the air passage of the housing 11, the warm air is easily blown out into the external space 28.

[0064] The heating wires 32 are all, for example, of the same thickness and have the same resistance per unit length. The heating wires 32 are wired to the top panel 23 while adjusting their lengths and avoiding the areas where the intake openings 26, the exhaust openings 27, and the columnar members 16 are formed. An adhesive layer is formed on one side of the heat transfer sheet 31, so that the heating wires 32 are attached to the top panel 23 of the housing 11 in contact with the top panel 23.

[0065] The heat transfer sheet 31 is a plate- or foil-shaped heat conductor made of a metal such as aluminum. In this embodiment, as shown by the sand-like hatching, the heat transfer sheet 31 is attached so as to cover substantially the entire surface of the top panel 23, except for the areas where the intake openings 26 and the outlet openings 27 are formed. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the central part of the top panel 23 and its surrounding area are areas where the intake openings 26 are not arranged, and therefore are areas where the heating wire 32 is wired long.

[0066] This structure allows the heat generating member 15 to heat almost the entire surface of the top panel 23, and also adjusts the temperature of the center of the top panel 23 to be higher than the temperature of the outer peripheral edge 23A of the top panel 23. As mentioned above, the amount of water absorbed by the water-absorbent sheet body 12 increases in the center of the top panel 23, but by increasing the temperature of the top panel 23, the drying time of the water-absorbent sheet body 12 is shortened, improving the comfort of the bather.

[0067] 7, the protective member 17 and the blower 13 are disposed below the intake opening 26 of the top panel 23. The intake opening 26 has, for example, a substantially square opening shape in a plan view, and the opening width W4 is narrower than the width W5 of the top panel 17A of the protective member 17.

[0068] As shown by the circle 35, when the lid portion 22 is attached to the bottom portion 21, the opening edge of the suction opening 26 and the top panel 23 in its surrounding area are placed on the upper surface of the top panel 17A of the protective member 17.

[0069] 6, a plurality of intake openings 17D are formed in top panel 17A of protective member 17, and a plurality of outlet openings 17C are formed in side panel 17B. As described above, protective member 17 is a member that receives external forces such as the weight of a bather, and the opening areas and positions of outlet openings 17C and intake openings 17D are formed to have a structure that provides protective member 17 with the desired strength and rigidity.

[0070] With this structure, even if a bather stands around suction opening 26 on the top surface of top panel 23, top panel 23 around suction opening 26 is supported by protective member 17, preventing plastic deformation. In particular, in the area where suction opening 26 is formed, the above-mentioned external force is repeatedly applied to top panel 23 when a bather stands on the top surface of top panel 23.

[0071] However, the tip end side of top panel 23 is supported from below by protective member 17, and top panel 23 around suction opening 26 is also supported from below by columnar members 16. As a result, the top panel 23 around suction opening 26 is an area where stress tends to concentrate and is prone to breakage due to the presence of suction opening 26, but being supported by protective member 17 and columnar members 16 allows it to bend within the range of elastic deformation and is less likely to undergo plastic deformation. In drying device 10, multiple fans 13 and heat-generating members 15 are built into internal space 20 of housing 11, and housing 11 can be made thinner.

[0072] Furthermore, even if a bather stands on the top panel 17A of the protective member 17 inside the suction opening 26, as described above, the protective member 17 itself has the desired strength and rigidity, so that the top panel 17A does not undergo plastic deformation and the blower 13 is prevented from being destroyed.

[0073] 8, in the drying device 10 of this embodiment, the height width W6 of the internal space 20 of the housing 11 is, for example, 8.5 mm. The thickness of the columnar members 16 is 8.0 mm, and the gap 20A between the top panel 23 and the columnar members 16 is approximately 0.5 mm. Using this gap 20A, the heat transfer sheet 31 of the heat-generating member 15 is attached over substantially the entire surface of the top panel 23 facing the internal space 20. As described above, the heating wire 32 of the heat-generating member 15 is arranged in the air passage between the columnar members 16.

[0074] With this structure, when a bather stands on the top surface of the top panel 23, the top panel 23 sinks downward by the gap 20A and comes into contact with the pillar-shaped members 16, thereby being supported by the pillar-shaped members 16. The pillar-shaped members 16 are arranged in the depth direction of the housing 11 (front-to-back direction on the page), for example, at a pitch of 53 mm between the centers of the pillar-shaped members 16.

[0075] As a result, the feet of a bather standing on the top surface of the top panel 23 are supported by the multiple pillar-like members 16 and the top panel 23, allowing the bather to stand stably on the top surface of the top panel 23. The housing 11 is covered with the water-absorbent planar body 12, and the bather, standing on the top surface of the water-absorbent planar body 12, hardly feels any bending of the top panel 23 due to the gap 20A. In other words, the bather can walk on the top surface of the top panel 23 with a feeling comparable to walking on the top surface of the water-absorbent planar body 12 laid on the floor surface F.

[0076] 4, the internal space 20 between the columnar members 16 is used as an air passage for the air drawn into the internal space 20 by the blower 13. A plurality of columnar members 16 are aligned in a straight line with gaps between them in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction on the paper) of the housing 11. In other words, the air passage in the internal space 20 is in a connected state via the gaps between the columnar members 16 in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] As shown in the figure, blower 13 is disposed in the middle of two air passages extending in the depth direction of housing 11, thereby being able to blow air to both air passages. Blower 13 then draws air from external space 28 through intake opening 26 of top panel 23 in a direction approximately perpendicular to top panel 23. Then, blower 13 blows air in all directions of internal space 20 in a direction approximately horizontal to top panel 23.

[0078] As described above, the six fans 13 are arranged around the outer peripheral edge 23A of the top panel 23, around the edge of the internal space 20 of the housing 11. Most of the air sucked into the internal space 20 by the fans 13 collides with the columnar members 16 and is blown in the longitudinal direction of the housing 11 while being guided by the air path. The air is then blown in the lateral direction of the housing 11 through the gaps between the columnar members 16. In other words, by arranging the fans 13 around the edge of the housing 11, the air sucked into the internal space 20 is blown toward the center of the housing 11.

[0079] Here, the air drawn into the internal space 20 is turned into warm air by the heat-generating member 15, the heated housing 11, etc. as it flows through the internal space 20. Then, the warm air is blown out into the external space 28 from the outlet opening 27 of the top panel 23 by the operation of the blower 13.

[0080] With this structure, the warm air is blown out through the outlet opening 27 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the top panel 23, and is then blown onto the water-absorbent sheet body 12. As a result, the warm air is sent to the external space 28 while blowing away steam below the water-absorbent sheet body 12 and moisture inside the water-absorbent sheet body 12, making it easier to dry the water-absorbent sheet body 12. This shortens the drying time of the water-absorbent sheet body 12.

[0081] 9, the lid 22 of the housing 11 has a top panel 23 and four side panels 24 continuous with the top panel 23. The side panels 24 are formed to be inclined toward the internal space 20. As described above, the columnar members 16 are disposed along the outer periphery of the bottom panel 25 over approximately one periphery. A gap 20B is formed between the columnar members 16, the top panel 23, and the side panels 24. The gap 20B is formed along the outer periphery of the bottom panel 25 over approximately one periphery.

[0082] With this structure, particularly around blower 13, the air drawn into internal space 20 is also blown into gap 20B. As shown by arrow 36, in an area away from blower 15, the air flowing through gap 20B is more likely to be blown toward the center of internal space 20 via gap 20B.

[0083] At this time, as described above, the side panel 24 on the top panel 23 side is inclined toward the internal space 20, which makes it easier for air to be blown toward the gap 20A. In particular, in the region indicated by the circle 37 in FIG. 4, the air blown from the gap 20B to the internal space 20 via the gap 20A is less likely to be blocked by the columnar members 16. In other words, in the longitudinal direction of the housing 11, the columnar members 16 are linearly arranged, so that the air path is also formed linearly. Then, as indicated by the arrow 36, the air is blown toward the center of the housing 11.

[0084] As a result, airflow is more likely to flow toward the center of the housing 11. The volume and pressure of the warm air increases in the center of the housing 11, and the warm air is more likely to be blown out through the outlet openings 27 than at the ends of the housing 11. By actively blowing warm air toward areas of the absorbent sheet body 12 that absorb a large amount of water, the drying time of the absorbent sheet body 12 is shortened.

[0085] Finally, Fig. 10 shows the results of an experiment in which the drying device 10 and absorbent sheet body 12 were installed as shown in Fig. 2A to verify the effect of the blower 13 on the drying rate of the absorbent sheet body 12. The horizontal axis of Fig. 10 represents the elapsed time (minutes), and the vertical axis of Fig. 10 represents the drying rate (%). Note that the drying rate in this embodiment is the value obtained by dividing the evaporation rate by the spray amount.

[0086] The experimental conditions for this embodiment were a laboratory temperature of 26.8°C, a laboratory humidity of 48%, a rotation speed of the blower 13 of the drying device 10 of 1490 rpm, and an AC voltage of 65 V applied to the heat-generating member 15. Then, after 200 g of water was sprayed onto substantially the entire surface of the water-absorbent sheet body 12 in advance, the drying device 10 was operated, and the weight of the water-absorbent sheet body 12 was measured at the elapsed time intervals shown in the figure.

[0087] The solid line indicates the state in which the heat generating element 15 and the blower 13 are operating, and the dashed line indicates the state in which the heat generating element 15 is operating but the blower 13 is stopped. As shown in the figure, it was verified that operating the blower 13 increases the drying rate of the water-absorbent sheet body 12 over time. In particular, it was verified that operating the blower 13 increases the drying rate when a certain amount of time has passed since the drying device 10 was started.

[0088] As described above, after the drying device 10 has been in operation for a certain period of time, the top panel 23 reaches a high temperature, making it easier for the absorbent sheet body 12 to dry. As the drying of the absorbent sheet body 12 progresses, steam becomes trapped on the underside of the absorbent sheet body 12. Therefore, in the drying device 10 of this embodiment, it is presumed that by blowing warm air from below to above the absorbent sheet body 12, the steam below the absorbent sheet body 12 is diffused, making it easier for the absorbent sheet body 12 to dry. It is also presumed that by reducing the amount of water absorbed inside the absorbent sheet body 12, the warm air is more likely to blow away the moisture inside the absorbent sheet body 12.

[0089] Furthermore, in hot bathing facilities and the like, by quickly drying the absorbent sheet 12 or by heating the wet areas of the absorbent sheet 12, bathers are less likely to feel the wetness of the absorbent sheet 12, reducing discomfort. As a result, employees of the hot bathing facility and the like who are also users of the drying device 10 can devote their time to other tasks by reducing the frequency with which the absorbent sheet 12 needs to be replaced, reducing the burden on workers.

[0090] As described above, the housing 11 is sized to accommodate a single large-sized foot mat for commercial use. However, by arranging multiple pillars 16 along the length of the housing 11, the housing 11 is made thinner but has increased strength and rigidity. As a result, after a hot spring facility or the like closes for business, the drying device 10 needs to be moved to clean the changing rooms. Even if two employees hold both ends of the housing 11 in the lengthwise direction, the housing 11 is less likely to bend, making transportation easier. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the gaps between the pillars 16 along the length of the housing 11 are staggered so as not to align with the short side of the housing 11, thereby increasing the strength and rigidity of the housing 11.

[0091] As described above, in the drying device 10 of this embodiment, the thickness width W3 of the housing 11 is approximately 10.5 mm, but multiple fans 13 are disposed within the internal space 20 of the housing 11. The heat-generating member 15 is disposed on the top panel 23 of the housing 11. This structure allows the drying device 10 to be made thinner, allowing bathers to safely use the absorbent planar body 12 covering the top surface of the drying device 10 without having to worry about unevenness in the absorbent planar body 12 itself or obstacles around it.

[0092] In the present embodiment, a protective member 17 is disposed in the internal space 20 below the intake opening 26 of the top panel 23, and the protective member 17 protects the blower 13 and supports the top panel 23 from below. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the housing of the blower 13 itself is formed to have the desired strength and rigidity, the top panel 23 around the intake opening 26 may be placed on the top surface of the housing of the blower 13 without using the protective member 17.

[0093] Although the case where the top panel 23 at the edge of the suction opening 26 is placed on the top surface of the top panel 17A of the protective member 17 has been described, this is not limiting. FIG. 11 shows a modified example of the drying device 10 of this embodiment, and is a cross section corresponding to the cross section shown in FIG. 7. As shown in the figure, the top panel 23 at the edge of the suction opening 26 may be disposed close to the protective member 17, so that the top panel 23 and the top panel 17A are substantially flush with each other. In this case, the columnar members 16 are disposed, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the housing 11 around the suction opening 26, below the top panel 23. By placing a portion of the top panel 23 around the suction opening 26 on the top surface of the columnar members 16, the top panel 23 is supported from below, achieving the same effect as described above. Similarly, in the cross section shown in FIG. 8, the gap 20A may be eliminated, and the top panel 23 may be placed on the top surface of the columnar members 16.

[0094] In addition, although the case where the protective member 17 and the blower 13 are disposed below the suction opening 26 and the water-absorbent planar body 12 is used as a filter has been described, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, a mesh filter may be disposed above the suction opening 26. Similarly, the filter may be disposed above the top panel 17A of the protective member 17. Various other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10 Drying equipment 11 Housing 12 Water-absorbing planar body 12A Anti-slip part 13 Blower 14 Fabric 15 Heat generating components 16 Columnar member 17 Protective materials 17A Top plate 17B Side plate 17C Air outlet opening 17D Intake opening 18 Control Unit 20 Interior Space 21 Bottom part 22 Lid 23 Top plate 23A Outer edge 24 Side plate 25 Bottom plate 26 Intake opening 27 Air outlet opening 28 Exterior Space 31 Heat transfer sheet 32 Heating wire 33 Temperature Sensor 34 Human Sensor

Claims

1. A drying device that dries a water-absorbent sheet body that covers at least the upper surface of the housing portion, a blower disposed in the internal space of the housing; a heat generating member disposed in the internal space of the housing, an intake opening and an exhaust opening are formed on a top panel of the housing unit to communicate an external space with the internal space of the housing unit; The drying device is characterized in that the blower is disposed below the suction opening, and the top panel around the suction opening is supported by a support member disposed in the internal space.

2. a protective member disposed in the internal space of the housing, 2. The drying device according to claim 1, wherein the air blower is disposed inside the protective member, and the top panel around the suction opening is disposed above the protective member.

3. a plurality of pillar-shaped members are arranged in the internal space along the longitudinal direction of the housing; The drying device according to claim 1 , wherein the columnar members are covered by the top panel, and the columnar members are disposed below the top panel around the suction opening.

4. An air passage partitioned by the columnar members is formed in the internal space, The drying device according to claim 3 , wherein the blow-out opening is formed in the top panel above the air passage.

5. The heat generating member includes a heating wire wired on the interior space side of the top panel and a heat transfer sheet that fixes the heating wire to the top panel, 5. The drying device according to claim 1, wherein the heating wire is arranged so as to avoid areas where the suction opening, the blow-out opening, and the columnar members are arranged.

6. The plurality of suction openings are arranged around the outer periphery of the top panel, the side panel of the housing is formed continuously with the top panel, with the outer periphery being the boundary; The drying device according to claim 5, wherein the top panel side of the side panel is formed to be inclined toward the internal space.

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