Far-infrared drying device with adjustable distance from the object to be dried.

Abstract

To provide a far-infrared drying device that allows for adjustment of the distance between the device and the object to be dried. [Solution] The present invention provides a far-infrared drying device that allows for adjustment of the distance to the object being dried by moving a movable frame vertically or horizontally, taking into account the size of the object being dried. This prevents the problem of reduced energy efficiency during the drying process due to the use of excessive power relative to the size of the object being dried, which occurs when the distance between the far-infrared generator and the object being dried cannot be adjusted according to the size of the object being dried.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a far-infrared drying device capable of adjusting the distance from the object to be dried.

Background Art

[0002] Organic compounds such as paint have the property of drying by absorbing a part of far-infrared rays. In particular, organic compounds mainly absorb far-infrared rays having wavelengths of 4 μm or more and 1000 μm or less in the far-infrared wavelength region.

[0003] The far-infrared rays absorbed by the organic compound molecules resonate to cause the movement of the molecules, and the increased kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy, raising the temperature of the paint itself and promoting drying.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a conventional large-scale arranged type coating drying equipment 1 using far-infrared rays.

[0005] Referring to FIG. 1, the structure of the conventional large-scale arranged type coating drying equipment 1 using far-infrared rays includes a far-infrared ray generating device 2 that emits far-infrared rays, an object 3 to be dried, a paint 4 that forms a coating film, and a reflecting plate 5.

[0006] The far-infrared ray generating device 2 is installed in a fixed state on the upper part and side part of the coating drying equipment 1.

[0007] The far-infrared rays radiated from the far-infrared ray generating device 2 pass through the indoor air in the coating drying equipment 1 and are absorbed by the paint 4 of the object 3 to be dried. As a result, the temperature of the surface of the object 3 to be dried rises, and drying is promoted. Among the far-infrared rays radiated toward the object 3 to be dried, the far-infrared rays not absorbed by the paint 4 are reflected by the reflecting plate 5, return in the direction of the object 3 to be dried, and are absorbed by the paint 4 on the surface.

[0008] However, the far-infrared ray energy emitted from the far-infrared ray generating device 2 weakens in intensity as the distance from the object 3 to be dried increases based on the inverse square root law.

[0009] Specifically, if the object to be dried 3, which receives far-infrared rays, is large enough and close to the far-infrared generator 2, the energy intensity does not decrease significantly, and the surface temperature of the object to be dried 3 can be easily raised. However, if the object to be dried 3 is small, the energy intensity weakens as the distance to the far-infrared generator 2 increases. This leads to the problem of using unnecessary excess power relative to the size of the object to be dried 3.

[0010] Thus, conventional fixed-type far-infrared generators 2 cannot adjust the radiation distance of far-infrared rays to be closer or further away depending on the size of the object to be dried 3. This can lead to the problem of unnecessarily using excessive power and reducing the energy efficiency of the drying process. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1968611 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The present invention was devised to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and its purpose is to provide a far-infrared drying device that allows for adjustment of the distance between the far-infrared generator and the object to be dried, taking into account the size of the object to be dried, thereby minimizing unnecessary power waste and improving the energy efficiency of the drying process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above objective, the far-infrared drying apparatus according to the present invention, which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried, includes a movable frame, a drive device for operating the movable frame, and a far-infrared generating device installed on the movable frame and moving together with the movable frame.

[0014] Furthermore, a reflector is provided on one side of the movable frame, and the drive device operates the movable frame so that the reflective surface of the reflector faces the object to be dried.

[0015] Furthermore, the drive device includes a motor installed on the upper fixed structure, a winch drum installed on the upper fixed structure and rotated by the motor, a link section with one end connected to the upper fixed structure and the other end connected to the movable frame, and a plurality of links arranged in a cross shape, and a wire with one end connected to the winch drum and the other end connected to the movable frame, which is wound up or unwound from the winch drum depending on the rotation direction of the winch drum. When the winch drum rotates in a first direction, the wire is unwound from the winch drum, and the links are unfolded by the weight of the movable frame and the far-infrared generator, causing the movable frame to descend and move closer to the object to be dried. When the winch drum rotates in a second direction, the wire is wound up onto the winch drum, and the links are folded, causing the movable frame to rise and move closer to the upper fixed structure.

[0016] Furthermore, the system includes a pulley installed on the upper fixed structure, and the wire is connected to the movable frame via the pulley.

[0017] Furthermore, at least two of the aforementioned wires are provided.

[0018] Furthermore, multiple wires are provided, and if any of the multiple wires break while the motor is running, the motor will be brought to an emergency stop.

[0019] Furthermore, the drive device includes a lower support frame to which an upright movable frame is fixed and which has wheels at its lower part; a link section to which one end is connected to a side fixing structure and the other end is connected to the movable frame, and to which a plurality of links are arranged in a cross shape; and an operating cylinder connected to the link section to cause the links to be deployed or folded. When the links are deployed, the movable frame moves closer to the object to be dried, and when the links are folded, the movable frame moves closer to the side fixing structure.

[0020] Furthermore, the far-infrared generating device includes a heater case having an opening, a heater provided inside the heater case, and a connecting member that connects the heater case to the movable frame.

[0021] Furthermore, the connecting member includes a horizontal cutting groove and a vertical cutting groove that extends vertically and is continuous with the horizontal cutting groove, and the heater case includes a protruding bar that protrudes outward, and the far-infrared generator is placed on the connecting member by the protruding bar passing through the horizontal cutting groove and seating in the vertical cutting groove.

[0022] Furthermore, the far-infrared generating device includes a heater case having an opening and a heater provided inside the heater case, the opening of which faces the object to be dried.

[0023] Furthermore, the far-infrared generating device includes a heater case having an opening and a heater provided inside the heater case, the opening of which faces the movable frame.

[0024] Furthermore, the far-infrared generating device includes a heater case having an opening and a heater provided inside the heater case, and a plurality of the far-infrared generating devices are provided on one of the movable frames, and the openings of some of the heater cases of the plurality of far-infrared generating devices face the object to be dried, and the openings of the remaining heater cases face the movable frame.

[0025] Further, a plurality of the far-infrared ray generating devices are provided on the moving frame, and the wavelength range generated by at least one of the plurality of far-infrared ray generating devices is different from the wavelength range generated by the other far-infrared ray generating devices.

[0026] Also, the drying object is dried by irradiating the drying object with multiple wavelengths generated by the plurality of far-infrared ray generating devices at the same time.

[0027] Also, the drying object is dried step by step by sequentially emitting multiple wavelengths generated by the plurality of far-infrared ray generating devices.

[0028] Also, it includes a non-contact type temperature sensor provided on the moving frame.

[0029] Also, it includes a non-contact type distance sensor provided on the moving frame.

[0030] Also, it includes a non-contact type temperature sensor and a non-contact type distance sensor provided on the moving frame, and the distance between the far-infrared ray generating device and the drying object is variable based on the data of the non-contact type temperature sensor and the data of the non-contact type distance sensor.

[0031] Also, a plurality of the far-infrared ray generating devices are provided on the moving frame, the opening of the heater case of at least one of the far-infrared ray generating devices faces the moving frame, and a central retroreflection prevention portion is provided on the reflector at a position facing the opening.

[0032] Also, a plurality of the far-infrared ray generating devices are provided on the moving frame, the openings of the heater cases of at least two of the far-infrared ray generating devices face the moving frame, and a peripheral retroreflection prevention portion is provided on the reflector between the two far-infrared ray generating devices.

[0033] Furthermore, it includes a safety hook that prevents the moving frame from falling in the event of wire breakage, with one end connected to the upper fixed structure and the other end connected to the moving frame.

[0034] The system also includes a vertical locking device that engages with the link in a vertical direction to secure the link.

[0035] The system also includes a horizontal locking device that engages with the link horizontally to secure the link. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] The present invention provides a far-infrared drying apparatus that allows for adjustment of the distance between the far-infrared generator and the object to be dried by moving a movable frame vertically or horizontally, taking into account the size of the object to be dried. This prevents the problem of reduced energy efficiency during the drying process due to the use of excessive power unnecessarily compared to the shape and size of the object, which occurs when the distance between the far-infrared generator and the object to be dried cannot be adjusted according to the shape and size of the object to be dried. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the structure of a conventional paint drying facility. [Figure 2] This figure schematically shows the installation state of a far-infrared drying apparatus according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention, which allows for adjustment of the distance from the object to be dried. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a far-infrared drying apparatus according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention, which allows for adjustment of the distance from the object to be dried. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a front view. [Figure 5] This figure shows another embodiment of the reflector. [Figure 6a] This figure shows another embodiment of the reflector. [Figure 6b] This figure shows another embodiment of the reflector. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of Figure 4. [Figure 8] This is a side view of Figure 4. [Figure 9] This diagram shows various arrangement structures of the link section. [Figure 10] This diagram shows various arrangement structures of the link section. [Figure 11] This is a front view of a mobile frame on which a far-infrared generator is installed. [Figure 12] This is a side view of Figure 11. [Figure 13] This figure shows a configuration in which a far-infrared generator is installed with the connecting member tilted at a certain angle with respect to its vertical central axis. [Figure 14] This is a front view of the connecting member. [Figure 15] This is a side view of Figure 14. [Figure 16] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 11. [Figure 17] This is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the mobile frame on which the far-infrared generator is installed. [Figure 18a] This figure shows various configurations of far-infrared generators. [Figure 18b] This figure shows various configurations of far-infrared generators. [Figure 19a] This figure shows various configurations of far-infrared generators. [Figure 19b] This figure shows various configurations of far-infrared generators. [Figure 19c] This figure shows various configurations of far-infrared generators. [Figure 20a] This figure shows an embodiment in which a compensatory far-infrared generator is installed. [Figure 20b] This figure shows an embodiment in which a compensatory far-infrared generator is installed. [Figure 20c] This figure shows an embodiment in which a compensatory far-infrared generator is installed. [Figure 20d] This figure shows an embodiment in which a compensatory far-infrared generator is installed. [Figure 21]This figure shows a far-infrared drying apparatus according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention, in which the opening of the far-infrared generator is installed facing the movable frame, allowing for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried. [Figure 22] This diagram schematically shows a structure in which a moving frame is equipped with a central anti-reflection section. [Figure 23] This diagram schematically shows a structure in which a movable frame is equipped with a central anti-reflection section and a peripheral anti-reflection section. [Figure 24] This diagram shows a mobile frame with multiple non-contact temperature sensors installed. [Figure 25] This diagram shows the movable frame equipped with safety hooks. [Figure 26] This diagram shows the link section equipped with a vertical locking device. [Figure 27a] This diagram shows the unlocked state of the horizontal locking device provided on the link section. [Figure 27b] This diagram shows the locked state of the horizontal locking device provided on the link section. [Figure 28] This is a front view of a far-infrared drying apparatus according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention, which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried. [Figure 29] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 28. [Figure 30] This is a perspective view of a far-infrared drying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried. [Figure 31] This is a side view of Figure 29. [Figure 32] This is a front view of a mobile frame on which a far-infrared generator is installed. [Figure 33] This figure shows a magnified portion of Figure 32. [Figure 34] This figure shows an embodiment in which the movable frame on which the far-infrared generator is installed is mounted in a different structure, in a far-infrared drying apparatus that allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried, according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35]This figure shows a far-infrared drying apparatus according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention, in which the opening of the far-infrared generator is positioned to face the movable frame, allowing for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried. [Figure 36] This figure shows a modified example of a far-infrared drying apparatus according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention, which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried. [Figure 37] This figure shows a modified example of a far-infrared drying apparatus according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention, which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried. [Figure 38] This figure shows a modified example of a far-infrared drying apparatus according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention, which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried. [Figure 39a] This figure shows a counter plate and Hall sensor according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39b] This figure shows a counter plate and Hall sensor according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39c] This figure shows a counter plate and Hall sensor according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] This figure shows an emergency stop system according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] The following is merely illustrative of the principle of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can implement the principle of the invention and invent various devices that fall within the concept and scope of the invention, even if they are not explicitly described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, all conditional terms and embodiments listed herein are, in principle, explicitly intended solely for the purpose of enabling understanding of the concept of the invention and should be understood as not being limited to the embodiments and states thus specifically listed.

[0039] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages will become even clearer from the following detailed description relating to the attached drawings, thereby enabling a person with ordinary skill in the art to readily implement the technical idea of ​​the invention.

[0040] The embodiments described herein will be explained with reference to cross-sectional and / or perspective views, which are ideal illustrative diagrams of the present invention. The thicknesses of membranes and regions shown in these drawings are exaggerated for the sake of effective explanation of the technical content. The shapes in the illustrative diagrams may be altered due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Also, the number of structures shown in the drawings is illustrative and only represents a portion of the total. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific shapes shown, but also include variations in shape resulting from the manufacturing process.

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] The width direction of the far-infrared drying apparatus described below is the ±x direction indicated in the drawing, the width direction of the far-infrared drying apparatus is the ±z direction indicated in the drawing, and the height direction of the far-infrared drying apparatus is the ±y direction indicated in the drawing.

[0043] First Embodiment Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1, which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried DO, according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1, which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried DO, according to a preferred first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a front view of Figure 3. Figures 5, 6a, and 6b show other embodiments of the reflector TI. Figure 7 is a plan view of Figure 4. Figure 8 is a side view of Figure 4. Figures 9 and 10 show various configurations of the link section LP. The diagrams show the arrangement structure, with Figure 11 being a front view of the mobile frame MF on which the far-infrared generator FG is installed, Figure 12 being a side view of Figure 11, Figure 13 showing the state in which the far-infrared generator FG is installed at a certain angle with respect to the vertical central axis of the connecting member CN, Figure 14 being a front view of the connecting member CN, Figure 15 being a side view of Figure 14, Figure 16 being an enlarged view of a part of Figure 11, and Figure 17 being an enlarged perspective view of a part of the mobile frame on which the far-infrared generator FG is installed.

[0044] Multiple far-infrared drying devices FI1 are provided and installed in the indoor space IS of the paint drying facility. Preferably, the far-infrared drying devices FI1 are installed on the ceiling of the indoor space IS.

[0045] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 comprises a movable frame MF having a reflector TI on one side, a drive device DM that operates the movable frame MF so that the reflective surface RS of the reflector TI faces the object to be dried DO, and a far-infrared generator FG provided on the movable frame MF and moving together with the movable frame MF.

[0046] The drive unit DM includes a motor MT installed on the upper fixed structure UC, a winch drum WC installed on the upper fixed structure UC and rotated by the motor MT, a link section LP with one end connected to the upper fixed structure UC and the other end connected to the movable frame MF, with multiple links arranged in a cross shape, and a wire WR with one end connected to the winch drum and the other end connected to the movable frame MF, which is wound up or unwound from the winch drum WC depending on the rotation direction of the winch drum WC.

[0047] The upper fixed structure UC is fixed to the ceiling side of the indoor space IS of the paint drying equipment. The upper fixed structure UC refers to a structure that is installed on the ceiling side of the indoor space IS so as not to move. The upper fixed structure UC consists of at least one frame and can be provided, for example, in the form of a rectangular frame. The upper fixed structure UC is designed to be able to withstand the weight of the equipment installed thereon, and further structural reinforcement may be provided depending on the installation environment.

[0048] The upper fixed structure UC functions as a support member for fixing the motor MT and winch drum WC. Furthermore, the upper fixed structure UC also functions to support the link section LP, the movable frame MF, and the far-infrared generator FG, which are connected to its lower section, from above.

[0049] The motor MT rotates the winch drum WC. That is, the winch drum WC rotates in accordance with the rotation of the motor MT. For this purpose, one end of the winch drum WC is connected to a chain section CI which is linked to the rotation axis of the motor MT, and the other end is rotatably supported. The other end of the winch drum WC is positioned on the other frame side opposite the frame that supports the motor MT, and is rotatably supported by the upper fixed structure UC. The winch drum WC is positioned in a direction that crosses the center of the link section LP or the center of the movable frame MF.

[0050] The link unit LP is installed in the central region of the moving frame MF, with reference to the plane of the moving frame MF.

[0051] The link section LP is connected in the height direction (±y direction) to the upper fixed structure UC at one end and to the movable frame MF at the other end. The link section LP is provided between the movable frame MF and the upper fixed structure UC, and moves the movable frame MF relative to the upper fixed structure UC.

[0052] The link section LP consists of multiple links LK, which are arranged in an intersecting shape. The size of the angle formed by the intersecting connection of each link LK changes as it folds and unfolds. In Figure 4, the dashed line shows the folded state of the link LK of the link section LP, and the solid line shows the unfolded state of the link LK of the link section LP. The link section LP performs unfolding and folding operations, and during this operation, the moving frame MF moves in a straight line. These links LK can be made mainly from durable materials such as steel or aluminum, and preferably from aluminum for weight reduction.

[0053] The upper fixed structure UC includes a fixed frame BC, and one end of the link portion LP is connected to a link coupling portion LC provided on the fixed frame BC. One end of the link portion LP is rotatably hinged to the fixed frame BC, and the other end of the link portion LP is rotatably hinged to the movable frame MF.

[0054] The maximum length of the link section LP in its deployed state can be determined by varying the position of one of the links LK located on the moving frame MF side. Specifically, a first coupling section CB1 and a second coupling section CB2 are provided on the upper surface of the moving frame MF. One of the links LK located on the moving frame MF side is hinge-connected to the first coupling section CB1, and the remaining link LK is connected to the second coupling section CB2. As an example, the position of the link LK connected to the second coupling section CB2 can be varied. The closer the distance between one end of the link LK connected to the first coupling section CB1 and the one end of the link LK connected to the second coupling section CB2, the longer the maximum length of the link section LP in its deployed state can be. Conversely, the greater the distance between one end of the link LK connected to the first coupling section CB1 and the one end of the link LK connected to the second coupling section CB2, the shorter the maximum length of the link section LP in its deployed state can be. Thus, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can, for example, make larger or smaller the maximum length of the link LP in the deployed state by varying the position of one end of the link LK connected to the first coupling CB1.

[0055] Such a configuration of the first joint CB1 and the second joint CB2 can also be provided in the fixed frame BC of the upper fixed structure UC. In other words, of the links LK located on the fixed frame BC side, one link LK is hinged to the first joint provided in the fixed frame BC, and the other link LK is hinged to the second joint provided in the fixed frame BC, but the position of the link LK connected to the second joint can be varied.

[0056] The link section LP can be operated by an electric motor, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic cylinder, but in this embodiment, the link section LP operates by its own weight, unfolding and by the pulling of the wire WR. Since the link section LP unfolds naturally by its own weight, little additional energy is required when extending the link section LP. In other words, because the link section LP is structured to expand using gravity, energy consumption can be reduced, enabling efficient operation. Furthermore, since the expansion operation of the link section LP depends on gravity, a complex drive system is not required for the expansion operation of the link section LP, and the link section LP can be easily folded using only the wire WR and motor MT, resulting in a simple drive mechanism and easy maintenance.

[0057] The LP link unit, with its upper section suspended from the ceiling and its lower section vertically expanding and contracting, allows for efficient use of vertical space. This is particularly advantageous in environments with limited floor space. Furthermore, its flexibility in adapting to the size and shape of the object being dried (DO) makes it suitable for a variety of work environments.

[0058] Each link LK constituting the link section LP is rotatably connected at the intersection where they intersect. Self-lubricating bushings may be provided at the intersection of each link LK. Applying self-lubricating bushings minimizes friction and makes the movement of each link LK smoother. Alternatively, lubricating pads containing pre-lubricated oil may be provided at the intersection of each link LK. Adding lubricating pads to the intersection provides a sustained lubrication effect.

[0059] The link section LP can prevent the sudden drop of the moving frame MF in the event of an unexpected break in the wire WR that supports the moving frame MF. When the wire WR breaks, one end of the link section LP is connected to the upper fixed structure UC and the other end is connected to the moving frame MF, thereby connecting the upper fixed structure UC and the moving frame MF. As a result, when the wire WR breaks, the far-infrared drying device FI1 can cause the moving frame MF to fall gradually without a sudden drop due to the deployment of the link section LP.

[0060] The link section LP includes a one-side link LK provided on one side and cross-connected, a other-side link LK provided on the other side and cross-connected, and a link hinge shaft LH connecting the one-side link LK and the other-side link LK to each other. The one-side link LK and the other-side link LK, which face each other, maintain a separation distance by the link hinge shaft LH, and the link hinge shaft LH prevents the link section LP from tilting in the direction in which the link hinge shaft LH is installed, thereby preventing the moving frame MF from swaying in the direction in which the link hinge shaft LH is installed. Referring to Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 8, the one-side link LK and the other-side link LK face each other in the front-rear direction (±z direction), and the link hinge shaft LH is installed in the front-rear direction (±z direction), so the link section LP can prevent the moving frame MF from swaying in the front-rear direction (±z direction).

[0061] The movable frame MF has a rectangular cross-sectional shape overall, with reinforcing bars connected in a grid pattern. The shape of the movable frame MF is not limited to this, and can be configured in various shapes considering the indoor space IS of the paint drying equipment, the shape and size of the object to be dried DO, etc. The movable frame MF can be made of a lightweight material, preferably aluminum.

[0062] The movable frame MF is equipped with a reflector TI on one surface. The reflector T1 is positioned on the lower surface of the movable frame MF and fixedly coupled to it. The reflector T1 of the movable frame MF is provided on one surface of the movable frame MF, forming the reflective surface RS of the movable frame MF.

[0063] The reflector T1 is made of a material with high reflectivity, preferably aluminum. The reflector T1 may consist of a single thin plate or of multiple thin plates.

[0064] The reflector TI is installed facing the object to be dried DO, and the drive unit DM moves the moving frame MF in the direction facing the object to be dried DO. This prevents the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 from having to adjust the distance between the far-infrared generator FG and the object to be dried DO according to the size and shape of the object to be dried, thus preventing the problem of reducing energy efficiency during the drying process by using unnecessarily excessive power.

[0065] Furthermore, since the moving frame MF moves up and down with its reflective surface RS facing the object to be dried DO, the upper surface of large objects DO can be dried more effectively. As a comparative example, one can consider a structure in which the moving frame stands vertically and moves up and down facing the object to be dried. However, such a comparative example may be effective for drying the sides of large objects DO, but not for drying the upper surface of large objects DO. With the structure in which the moving frame MF moves up and down with its reflective surface RS facing the object to be dried DO, the reflective surface RS faces the upper surface of the object DO, so the upper surface of particularly large objects DO can be dried more effectively.

[0066] The reflector T1 may include a bent portion BD on the outer casing of the moving frame MF. The bent portion BD of the reflector T1 is positioned to protrude outward from the moving frame MF and to be inclined downward. This prevents far-infrared rays emitted from the far-infrared generator FG from leaking outside the moving frame MF.

[0067] The reflector T1 may include an angle-adjustable bend portion BD on the outer casing of the movable frame MF. Referring to Figure 5, the bend portion BD of the reflector T1 can be rotatably coupled to the movable frame MF. The bend portion BD of the reflector T1 can be rotatably mounted on one side or the other about a hinge axis. The arrows shown in Figure 5 indicate the direction in which the bend portion BD of the reflector T1 rotates. By adjusting the angle of the bend portion DB, it is possible to more efficiently prevent far-infrared rays from leaking outwards to objects DO of various sizes and shapes that are being dried.

[0068] The reflector T1 may include a length-adjustable reflective wing RW on the outer casing of the movable frame MF. As an example, referring to Figure 6, the reflective wing RW is composed of multiple stages and is length-adjustable. In this case, the protruding length of the reflective wing RW can be adjusted by deploying only a part or the entirety of a flat plate in which layers are arranged. The reflective wing RW may be composed of flat plates stacked in multiple stages, but any other length-adjustable structure is included in the scope of the reflective wing RW of this embodiment. By adjusting the length of the reflector T1, it is possible to more efficiently prevent far-infrared rays from leaking out to drying objects DO of various sizes and shapes.

[0069] Multiple link sections LP may be provided. Multiple link sections LP are provided at a distance apart and connected to the movable frame MF. In Figure 9, two link sections LP are provided as an example. As an example, a first link section LP1 and a second link section LP2 are provided. The first and second link sections LP1 and LP2 are arranged at a distance apart. As an example, considering the horizontal maintenance of the movable frame MF and the overall center of gravity, the first link section LP1 may be located on one side offset from the vertical central axis of the movable frame MF, and the second link section LP2 may be located on the other side offset from the vertical central axis of the movable frame MF.

[0070] The link hinge axes LH of multiple link sections LP may be arranged in the same direction or in directions perpendicular to each other. Referring to Figure 9, the first and second link sections LP1 and LP2 are provided with a structure in which the link rotation axes LH are perpendicular to each other. Specifically, the link rotation axis LH of the first link section LP1 is arranged in the front-rear direction (±z direction), which prevents the moving frame MF from swaying in the front-rear direction (±z direction). On the other hand, the link rotation axis LH of the second link section LP2 is arranged in the left-right direction (±x direction), which prevents the moving frame MF from swaying in the left-right direction (±z direction). The configuration of the first and second link sections LP1 and LP2, in which the link rotation axes LH are perpendicular to each other, prevents the moving frame MF from swaying in all four directions: front-rear, left-right, and right-handed.

[0071] Referring to Figure 10, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 comprises first to third link sections LP. At least two of the link sections LP1, LP2, and LP3 can be arranged so that their link rotation axes LH are perpendicular to each other.

[0072] Considering the horizontal maintenance and overall center of gravity of the movable frame MF, a third link section LP3 is provided at the position of the vertical central axis on the plane of the movable frame MF. A first link section LP1 is provided on one side of the third link section LP3, and a second link section LP2 is provided on the other side. The first and second link sections LP1 and LP2 are arranged side by side, with the third link section LP3 in between.

[0073] The link rotation axis LH of the third link section LP3 is provided in a structure that is perpendicular to the link rotation axes LH of the first and second link sections LP1 and LP2. The link rotation axes LH of the first and second link sections LP1 and LP2 are set in the front-rear direction (±z direction), while the link rotation axis LH of the third link section LP3 is set in the left-right direction (±x direction). This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the moving frame MF from swaying in the front-rear, left-right, and right directions.

[0074] The wire WR connects the winch drum WC and the movable frame MF by having one end connected to the winch drum WC and the other end connected to the movable frame MF. As the winch drum WC rotates, the wire WR is wound into or unwound from the winch drum WC, allowing the movable frame MF to move up and down in the height direction (±y direction).

[0075] More specifically, the motor MT allows the winch drum WC to rotate in a first direction. In this case, the wire WR is unwound from the winch drum WC. Simultaneously, the weight of the moving frame MF and the far-infrared generator FG causes the link LK of the link section LP to unfold, and the moving frame MF descends. As a result, the far-infrared generator FG moves closer to the object to be dried DO.

[0076] The winch drum WC can be rotated in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, by the motor MT. In this case, the wire WR is wound onto the winch drum WC. Simultaneously, the link LK of the link section LP is folded, and the movable frame MF connected to the lower part of the link section LP rises and moves closer to the upper fixed structure UC. As a result, the far-infrared generator FG moves away from the object to be dried DO.

[0077] In other words, by operating the motor MT to rotate the winch drum WC in a first or second direction, the distance between the far-infrared generator FG and the object DO to be dried can be adjusted by moving the far-infrared generator FG closer to or further away from the object DO to be dried.

[0078] Wire WR may preferably be provided in at least two configurations.

[0079] Two wires (WR) may be provided. In this case, one end of each wire WR is connected to the winch drum (WC), and the other end of each wire WR can be connected to the moving frame (MF) at a central position in the width direction (±z direction), while being located on the outer edges of both sides of the moving frame (MF) with respect to the width direction (±x direction). With respect to the plane of the moving frame (MF), the positions of each other end of the wire WR are symmetrical with respect to the center of the moving frame (MF). With this configuration, it is easier to maintain the horizontal position of the moving frame (MF).

[0080] The wire WR may be provided in four units. In this case, one end of the wire WR is connected to the winch drum WC, and the other end is connected to each corner of the movable frame MF. The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 is equipped with wire WRs corresponding to the number of corners of the movable frame MF, and by connecting the wire WRs to each corner of the movable frame MF, the horizontal position of the movable frame MF can be maintained more stably.

[0081] By providing multiple wire WRs in this manner, not only can the horizontal position of the movable frame MF be maintained more stably, but with a configuration that includes multiple wire WRs, even if one of the wire WRs breaks, the remaining wire WRs will support the movable frame MF, thus preventing accidents in which the movable frame MF falls due to the breakage of a wire WR.

[0082] Furthermore, in a configuration with multiple wire WRs, each wire WR distributes and supports the load of the moving frame MF and the far-infrared generator FG, thereby improving the durability of the wire WRs.

[0083] The far-infrared drying device FI1 offers a significant advantage in that, while both the wire WR and the link section LP support the movable frame MF, the wire WR is installed on the outside of the link section LP. When the movable frame MF moves up and down, if it sways, there is a possibility of safety problems such as collisions between adjacent movable frames MF or collisions with surrounding structures. Therefore, it is necessary for the movable frame MF to move up and down without swaying.

[0084] While the movable frame (MF) may sway with only the wire WR, the configuration of the link section LP can prevent this sway. Similarly, while the movable frame (MF) may sway with only the link section LP, the configuration of the wire WR can prevent this sway. In other words, the movable frame (MF) may sway with only the wire WR or the link section LP. However, in a structure where the wire WR is installed outside the link section LP, while both the wire WR and the link section LP support the movable frame (MF), the wire WR and the link section LP perform a mutually complementary function, compensating for each other's sway.

[0085] As a comparative example, one can consider a structure in which a link is provided at the vertical central axis of the moving frame, and a wire is provided at the vertical central axis of the link. However, with such a comparative example structure, the configuration of the wire and the link is not in a compensatory relationship to resolve the swaying problem of the moving frame. In other words, at the position of the wire in the comparative example, when the moving frame sways due to external forces or during lifting and lowering, it does not perform the function of gripping the moving frame to prevent it from swaying.

[0086] Furthermore, when the movable frame MF is supported by only multiple wires WR, the tension of each wire WR may differ from that of the movable frame MF, causing it to become misaligned. However, the configuration of the wires WR and link section LP allows for more effective maintenance of the movable frame MF's horizontal position.

[0087] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 includes an emergency stop system. The emergency stop system can emergency stop the operation of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1. The emergency stop system can be implemented by the control unit of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1.

[0088] The emergency stop system can bring the motor MT to an emergency stop if any of the multiple wires WR break while the motor MT is in operation.

[0089] The presence or absence of wire breakage can be confirmed by a sensor that measures the tension of the wire WR. The control unit of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 controls the operation of the motor MT, but if any of the multiple wire WRs break, it determines whether the wire WR has broken based on the change in wire WR tension value, and if it is determined that the wire WR has broken, it controls the operation of the motor MT to stop.

[0090] On the other hand, whether or not the wire WR has broken can be confirmed by a limit switch LS installed in close proximity to the wire WR. Referring to Figure 40, the emergency stop system can be configured to include the limit switch LS. For example, the limit switch LS is installed above the winch drum WC, at a distance from the winch drum WC. The limit switch LS is positioned to come into contact with the wire WR when it breaks. When the wire WR breaks, the broken wire WR springs up and touches the limit switch LS like a whip. When the broken wire WR senses the limit switch LS, the control unit of the far-infrared drying device FI1 stops the operation of the motor MT.

[0091] By incorporating such an emergency stop system, the far-infrared drying device FI1 can prevent accidents involving the sudden drop of the moving frame MF.

[0092] The moving frame MF may be further equipped with a spirit level or sensor capable of measuring the horizontality of the moving frame MF. Through such a spirit level and sensor, the horizontality of the moving frame MF can be maintained more accurately.

[0093] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 is equipped with a pulley PL installed on the upper fixed structure UC. Multiple pulleys PL may be provided. The wire WR is connected to the movable frame MF via the pulley PL.

[0094] Specifically, the pulley PL provides a function to change the direction of the wire WR between one end and the other end of the wire WR. This allows the other end of the wire WR to be connected to the outer casing of the movable frame MF.

[0095] Each wire WR is fitted with two pulleys PL. Each pulley PL includes a first pulley PL1 and a second pulley PL2. The axes of rotation of the first pulley PL1 and the second pulley PL2 are opposite to each other. The axis of rotation of the first pulley PL1 is substantially in the y-axis direction, and the axis of rotation of the second pulley PL2 is substantially in the z-axis direction. The first pulley PL1 is a pulley that guides one end of the wire WR to be wound onto or unwound from the winch drum WC, and the second pulley PL2 is a pulley that guides the other end of the wire WR to be positioned outside the moving frame MF. The wire WR is connected at one end to the winch drum WC, its direction is changed by the first pulley PL1 and guided to the second pulley PL2, and after passing the second pulley PL2, the wire WR is connected to the moving frame MF in a vertical position.

[0096] The far-infrared drying device FI1, for example, is equipped with four wires WR, and therefore has eight pulleys PL. The upper fixed structure UC is equipped with four first pulleys PL1 and four second pulleys PL2. Multiple first pulleys PL1 allow multiple wires WR to be wound into and unwound from the respective areas of the winch drum WC without becoming entangled with each other. Through the configuration of the pulleys PL, even if multiple wires WR are installed, entanglement problems between the wires WR can be avoided, and the wires WR can be positioned outside the link section LP.

[0097] The far-infrared generator FG is installed on the mobile frame MF. Specifically, the far-infrared generator FG is installed on the mobile frame MF via a connecting member CN.

[0098] The far-infrared generator FG includes a connecting member CN that connects the heater case HC to the movable frame MF. The connecting member CN is provided in a shape having a long length in the height direction (±y direction). The connecting member CN has a bent portion at its upper part. The bent portion of the connecting member CN is connected to the movable frame MF. With the bent portion of the connecting member CN in contact with the reflector T1 of the movable frame MF, the connecting member CN is fixedly connected to the movable frame MF side via separate fixing members such as screws or bolts.

[0099] The lower part of the connecting member CN is provided with a horizontal cutting groove HI and a vertical cutting groove VI that extends vertically and is continuous with the horizontal cutting groove. The horizontal cutting groove HI is open on one side, and the vertical cutting groove VI is provided continuously with the horizontal cutting groove HI.

[0100] After the protruding bar PB of the far-infrared generator FG passes through the opening of the horizontal cutting groove HI, it is guided to the horizontal cutting groove HI and the vertical cutting groove VI, and when it sits at the bottom of the vertical cutting groove VI, the far-infrared generator FG is placed on the connecting member CN. With the far-infrared generator FG placed on the connecting member CN, it is connected to the movable frame MF. With this configuration, the far-infrared generator FG can be easily installed on the connecting member CN. Furthermore, when removing the far-infrared generator FG, it can be easily removed by following the reverse process.

[0101] Because the far-infrared generator FG is not directly connected to the mobile frame MF, but indirectly connected via a connecting member CN, a separation space exists between the far-infrared generator FG and the mobile frame MF. This separation space minimizes the transfer of heat generated by the far-infrared generator FG to the mobile frame MF.

[0102] If the high-temperature heat generated by the far-infrared generator FG is transferred to the movable frame MF, there is a possibility that the movable frame MF, being made of metal, will undergo thermal deformation and distortion. If the movable frame MF is distorted, a problem will arise in which the direction angle of the far-infrared generator FG installed on it will be unexpectedly altered. However, in this embodiment, since the far-infrared generator FG is connected to the movable frame MF via a connecting member CN, thermal deformation of the movable frame MF can be prevented by minimizing the transfer of the high heat from the far-infrared generator FG to the movable frame MF.

[0103] Furthermore, since the far-infrared generator FG is installed on the movable frame MF via the connecting member CN, the position and number of far-infrared generators FG can be adjusted or maintained as needed. This helps to set the optimal far-infrared distribution for drying objects DO of various sizes and shapes.

[0104] The far-infrared generator FG comprises a heater case HC having an opening HO and a heater HT provided inside the heater case HC. Preferably, the heater case HC has an opening HO at the bottom in the height direction (±y direction). The heater HT is located inside the heater case HC. The heater case HC is provided with a cable passage for passing a power cable connected to the heater HT.

[0105] The heater case HC has outwardly protruding bars PB on both outer surfaces.

[0106] The protruding bar PB may have screw threads on its outer surface. In this case, a nut can be fastened to the protruding bar PB from the outside while the far-infrared generator FG is mounted on the connecting member CN. The size of the nut is formed to be larger than the opening width of the vertical cut groove V1, and the heater case HC can be firmly fixed to the connecting member CN by the tightening force of the nut. To change the tilt angle of the heater case HC, the heater case HC is tilted relative to the connecting member CN, and then the nut is tightened to fix the heater case HC to the connecting member CN. This makes it possible to change the tilt angle of the heater case HC.

[0107] Figure 13 shows a state in which the far-infrared generator FG is installed in a tilted state at a certain angle with respect to the vertical central axis of the connecting member CN.

[0108] Referring to Figure 13, the far-infrared generator FG may be installed at a certain angle to the vertical axis of the connecting member CN such that a specific angle is formed between the vertical axis of the connecting member CN and the vertical axis of the far-infrared generator FG. In this case, the opening HO of the far-infrared generator FG may be installed at a certain angle to the bottom surface. This can be achieved by seating the protruding bar PB of the heater case HC in the vertical cut groove VI, rotating the heater case HC to one side or the other using the protruding bar PB as the axis of rotation, and then fastening a nut on the outside to fix the connecting member CN and the heater case HC together. Therefore, the far-infrared generator FG can irradiate far-infrared rays toward the object to be dried DO with its bottom surface facing it, and can also irradiate far-infrared rays toward the object to be dried DO with its bottom surface tilted at a certain angle to the bottom surface. As a result, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can radiate far-infrared rays at various angles toward objects to be dried DO of various sizes and shapes, enabling more efficient drying.

[0109] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can be configured such that the wavelength range generated by at least one of the multiple far-infrared generators FG is different from the wavelength range generated by the other far-infrared generators FG. In other words, by configuring the wavelength ranges of the multiple far-infrared generators FG to be different from each other, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can have a structure that emits multi-wavelength far-infrared radiation.

[0110] When a single mobile frame MF is equipped with multiple far-infrared generators FG, the far-infrared wavelength ranges of the multiple far-infrared generators FG may differ from each other with respect to the single mobile frame MF. Alternatively, when multiple mobile frames MF are installed, the far-infrared wavelength ranges of the far-infrared generators FG may differ from each other with respect to each mobile frame MF.

[0111] Using multiple far-infrared generators (FG) with different wavelength ranges during paint drying can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of paint drying. Paint materials are composed of various components such as water, solvents, and binders, and each component absorbs far-infrared rays of specific wavelengths better. For example, water absorbs far-infrared rays mainly between 3 μm and 6 μm, while some organic solvents absorb them better at other wavelengths. By using far-infrared generators (FG) with different wavelength ranges, it is possible to provide wavelengths that can be optimally absorbed by all components, thereby enabling uniform drying and curing of the entire paint material.

[0112] Furthermore, while a paint layer consists of a surface layer and an inner layer, each layer has different properties for absorbing thermal energy, which affects the penetration depth and heating effect of far-infrared rays. Shorter wavelength far-infrared rays transfer more energy to the surface layer, while longer wavelength far-infrared rays can penetrate deeper and heat the inner layer. By using a range of wavelengths, it is possible to appropriately heat the surface and inner layers, resulting in uniform curing of the entire paint layer.

[0113] Furthermore, the overall drying process becomes more efficient as each component of the coating absorbs far-infrared rays at the optimal wavelength. This shortens the drying time and increases production speed. In the initial stage, the process can be adjusted in stages by rapidly evaporating the surface solvent with short wavelengths, and then removing internal moisture with longer wavelengths.

[0114] For example, multiple far-infrared generators FG can have a short wavelength range of 4 μm to 15 μm, an intermediate wavelength range of 15 μm to 100 μm, and a long wavelength range of 100 μm to 1000 μm. This is achieved by designing the far-infrared generators FG to generate different wavelength ranges from one another.

[0115] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 may be configured such that one of the multiple far-infrared generators FG is in the form of a far-infrared generator FG that generates a short wavelength range, and the remaining one is in the form of a far-infrared generator FG that generates an intermediate wavelength range and / or a long wavelength range.

[0116] As a result, the far-infrared drying device FI1 can absorb each component in the wavelength range corresponding to each component in the material DO being dried, enabling a more uniform and efficient drying process.

[0117] The far-infrared generator FG, which generates a short wavelength range, can absorb components mainly from the surface of the object to be dried (DO), thereby inducing rapid drying of the DO surface. By equipping the far-infrared dryer FI1 with the far-infrared generator FG that generates a short wavelength range, the coating on the surface of the object to be dried hardens rapidly during the initial drying process, minimizing surface cracking and deformation. When the surface of the object to be dried hardens rapidly, the durability of the object to be dried can be improved, and problems with dust and contaminant adhesion to the surface that occur during subsequent drying processes can be prevented.

[0118] The far-infrared generator FG, which generates the intermediate wavelength range, can transmit far-infrared rays to the surface and intermediate layer of the object to be dried (DO). This allows the surface and intermediate layer to harden uniformly. The far-infrared generator FG, which generates the intermediate wavelength range, may be particularly effective when drying objects DO that have a thick paint layer. The paint layer refers to the layer formed by the paint applied to the surface of the object DO. Therefore, the surface of the object DO is composed of the paint layer, and in the following, the surface of the object DO and the surface of the paint layer refer to the same part.

[0119] The far-infrared generator FG, which generates a long wavelength range, can penetrate far-infrared rays deeply into the paint layer applied to the object to be dried (DO). This allows the deeper parts of the paint layer to dry gradually, effectively evaporating the solvent and moisture inside the paint layer. By sufficiently heating and gradually drying the inside of the paint layer with the far-infrared generator FG, which generates a long wavelength range, problems such as the formation of bubbles and cracks inside the paint layer can be prevented. This improves the strength and durability of the paint layer on the dried object DO after drying is complete.

[0120] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can simultaneously emit multi-wavelength far-infrared rays toward the object to be dried DO via multiple far-infrared generators FG having different wavelength ranges. In this case, far-infrared rays can be uniformly transmitted from the surface of the object to be dried DO to a deep location within the paint layer. Specifically, the surface of the paint layer, which is the surface of the object to be dried DO, can be dried via short-wavelength far-infrared rays, the intermediate layer can be dried via mid-wavelength far-infrared rays, and the deeper locations within the paint layer, past the intermediate layer, can be dried via long-wavelength far-infrared rays.

[0121] In contrast, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can sequentially emit multi-wavelength far-infrared rays toward the object to be dried DO via multiple far-infrared generators FG having different wavelength ranges from one another.

[0122] Specifically, it can sequentially emit far-infrared rays of various wavelengths in a specific order. This allows for stepwise drying of the paint layer of the object to be dried, from the surface to deeper layers.

[0123] For example, by sequentially emitting short-wavelength far-infrared rays, mid-wavelength far-infrared rays, and long-wavelength far-infrared rays, the paint layer can be dried sequentially from the surface to the intermediate layer and then to deeper layers.

[0124] More specifically, by emitting short-wavelength far-infrared rays during the initial drying stage, the surface of the paint layer can be dried rapidly. This prevents dust and contaminants from adhering to the surface of the object to be dried (DO), which is composed of the surface of the paint layer, and prevents moisture from the intermediate layers and deeper levels of the paint layer from being released to the surface during subsequent drying stages.

[0125] Subsequently, mid-wavelength far-infrared radiation can be added during the intermediate drying stage. At this time, the short-wavelength far-infrared radiation emitted during the initial drying stage may continue to be emitted or may stop. The mid-wavelength far-infrared radiation allows the paint layer of the object to be dried (DO) to be dried uniformly, not only on the surface but also in the intermediate layer. The mid-wavelength far-infrared radiation hardens both the surface and the intermediate layer of the paint layer of the object to be dried (DO). This prevents cracking and deformation of the paint layer.

[0126] Subsequently, long-wavelength far-infrared radiation can be emitted during the final drying stage. At this time, the short-wavelength far-infrared radiation from the initial drying stage and the mid-wavelength far-infrared radiation from the intermediate drying stage can continue to be emitted or cease. The long-wavelength far-infrared radiation allows heat to be transferred to a deep level within the paint layer of the object being dried, completely removing any remaining solvent or moisture inside the paint layer. This improves the strength and durability of the paint layer.

[0127] Referring to Figures 18a and 18b, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can be repositioned so that the far-infrared generator FG can have various configurations on the plane of the moving frame MF.

[0128] When rearranging the far-infrared generator FG, it can be rearranged together with the connecting member CN, or it can be moved to another pre-installed connecting member CN and rearranged. In this case, the number of connecting members CN may be pre-installed in addition to the number of installed far-infrared generators FG. Since the far-infrared generator FG can be easily installed or removed via the connecting member CN, the far-infrared generator FG can be easily rearranged according to the object to be dried. This makes it easy to deal with changes in the shape or size of the object to be dried.

[0129] Figure 18a shows the rearrangement of far-infrared generators FG with different separation distances. The far-infrared generators FG shown by dashed lines in Figure 18a represent the far-infrared generators FG located in the positions before the separation distance was changed. The separation distance between far-infrared generators FG can be made relatively smaller or larger by rearranging them. This allows adjustment of the far-infrared irradiation range and / or far-infrared irradiation intensity by the far-infrared generator equipped area AR.

[0130] Figure 18b shows the rearrangement of the far-infrared generators FG at different angles. Figure 18b schematically shows a structure in which one of the multiple far-infrared generators FG is rearranged to be orthogonal to at least one of the others. Referring to Figure 18b, there are three far-infrared generators FG, with the central far-infrared generator FG positioned along the x-axis, and the far-infrared generators FG on both sides positioned along the x-axis. This makes it easier to handle situations where it becomes necessary to change the far-infrared irradiation range and / or far-infrared irradiation intensity due to a change in the object being dried.

[0131] Figures 19a to 19c are schematic diagrams showing various arrangements of multiple far-infrared generators FG.

[0132] Referring to Figure 19a, multiple far-infrared generators FG can be arranged side by side. Referring to Figure 19b, of the multiple far-infrared generators FG, the centrally located far-infrared generator FG is arranged along the x-axis, and the rest are arranged along the x-axis. Referring to Figure 19c, multiple far-infrared generators FG may be arranged diagonally on the plane of the moving frame MF.

[0133] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 may include a far-infrared generator FG that emits a relatively small energy intensity between multiple far-infrared generators FG for compensation.

[0134] Figures 20a to 20d schematically show a structure equipped with a far-infrared generator FG that emits a relatively small energy intensity for compensation.

[0135] Referring to Figure 20a, in a structure in which far-infrared generators FG that emit relatively large energy intensities are arranged in a row, far-infrared generators FG that emit relatively small energy intensities are placed at the distance between each far-infrared generator FG. Far-infrared generators FG that emit relatively small energy intensities can also be arranged in a row.

[0136] Figure 20b schematically shows a structure in which, among relatively large far-infrared generators FG, some are arranged along the x-axis and the rest along the z-axis, and a far-infrared generator FG emitting a relatively small energy intensity is provided as compensation between the far-infrared generators FG emitting a relatively large energy intensity that are arranged along the x-axis.

[0137] Figure 20c schematically shows a structure in which, among relatively large far-infrared generators FG, some are arranged along the x-axis and the rest along the z-axis, and a far-infrared generator FG emitting a relatively small energy intensity is provided outside the far-infrared generator FG that is arranged along the x-axis and emitting a relatively large energy intensity, as a compensatory measure.

[0138] Figure 20d schematically shows a structure in which far-infrared generators FG that emit relatively large energy intensities are arranged diagonally on the plane of the moving frame MF, and far-infrared generators FG that emit relatively small energy intensities are arranged diagonally at a diagonal separation distance.

[0139] As shown in Figures 20a to 20d, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can improve the density and uniformity of far-infrared radiation by arranging far-infrared generators FG that emit relatively small energy intensities between far-infrared generators FG that emit relatively large energy intensities.

[0140] Specifically, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 forms a wide far-infrared radiation area via relatively large far-infrared generators FG, but it can also superimpose far-infrared radiation areas via relatively small far-infrared generators FG positioned between them. This allows for dense far-infrared radiation without any empty space. In this way, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can increase the density of far-infrared radiation and distribute the emitted far-infrared radiation more uniformly by equipping relatively small far-infrared generators FG as compensation between relatively large far-infrared generators FG.

[0141] Figure 21 schematically shows a structure in which the opening HO of the heater case HC of the far-infrared generator FG is oriented toward the movable frame MF. The arrows shown in Figure 21 indicate the direction in which the far-infrared rays emitted from the far-infrared generator FG are diffused.

[0142] Referring to Figure 21, the far-infrared generator FG may be positioned such that the opening HO of the heater case HC faces the reflective surface RS of the reflector TI of the movable frame MF. Figure 21 is a diagram in which the connecting member CN is omitted.

[0143] The far-infrared generator FG is positioned so that its aperture HO faces the reflective surface RS of the moving frame MF. As a result, the far-infrared rays emitted from the far-infrared generator FG are reflected by the reflector TI and diffused towards the object to be dried DO. The far-infrared rays are diffused by the reflector TI to spread over a wide area, allowing them to reach the object to be dried DO uniformly.

[0144] In this way, the far-infrared rays generated by the far-infrared generator FG are reflected by the large reflector T1 and directed towards the object DO to be dried, thus enabling effective utilization of far-infrared rays. Specifically, because the large reflector T1 concentrates the far-infrared rays toward the object DO, energy loss is minimized, and efficient drying is possible. Furthermore, because the far-infrared rays are reflected uniformly over a wide area via the large reflector T1, the entire surface of the object DO can be dried uniformly, preventing excessive energy concentration or energy deficiency in specific areas.

[0145] In contrast, among multiple far-infrared generators FG, the opening HO of the heater case HC of some of the far-infrared generators FG can be positioned to face the object to be dried DO, while the opening HO of the heater case HC of the remaining far-infrared generators FG can be positioned to face the reflector TI of the moving frame MF. Some of the multiple far-infrared generators FG installed on a single moving frame MF can be positioned so that the opening HO of the heater case HC faces the object to be dried DO, thereby directly radiating far-infrared rays toward the object to be dried DO and increasing the concentration of radiation toward the object to be dried DO. Furthermore, by simplifying the radiation path toward the object to be dried DO and minimizing energy loss, energy can be used efficiently.

[0146] The remaining of the multiple far-infrared generators FG are positioned so that the opening HO of the heater case HC faces the reflector TI side of the moving frame MF, allowing far-infrared rays to be emitted toward the reflector TI and indirectly onto the object to be dried DO. In this case, the far-infrared rays can be widely diffused in the direction of the object to be dried DO via the reflective surface RS of the reflector TI. This allows the far-infrared rays to reach the entire object to be dried DO, enabling uniform processing.

[0147] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 has multiple far-infrared generators FG on a single moving frame MF, but the opening HO of each far-infrared generator FG can be positioned to face different directions. This allows the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 to directly radiate far-infrared rays to the object to be dried DO via some of the far-infrared generators FG, and to indirectly radiate far-infrared rays to the object to be dried DO by reflecting the far-infrared rays off a reflector TI via other far-infrared generators FG. As a result, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can efficiently use energy while uniformly drying the object to be dried DO by diffusing and radiating far-infrared rays over a wide area.

[0148] In the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1, if a far-infrared generator FG is provided such that the opening HO of the heater case HC faces the movable frame MF, the reflector TI not only has the function of reflecting far-infrared rays emitted from the far-infrared generator FG, but can also prevent the heat generated by the far-infrared rays from being transmitted to the movable frame MF and the drive unit DM.

[0149] Specifically, the reflector TI reflects the far-infrared rays emitted from the far-infrared generator FG. The reflected far-infrared rays are directed towards the object to be dried DO. This prevents heat from being transferred by far-infrared rays to the upper side of the far-infrared generator FG, which is equipped with a moving frame MF and a drive unit DM.

[0150] In other words, when far-infrared rays are reflected back towards the far-infrared generator FG, some of the energy that should have been directed towards the object to be dried DO is lost, which can reduce drying efficiency and lead to energy waste. Also, if far-infrared rays are reflected back towards the far-infrared generator FG, there is a risk of the far-infrared generator FG overheating. If the far-infrared generator FG absorbs the energy it continuously and spontaneously generates, its temperature will rise, and in severe cases, this can damage the far-infrared generator FG or shorten its lifespan. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent far-infrared rays generated by the far-infrared generator FG from reflecting back towards the far-infrared generator FG.

[0151] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which a moving frame MF is equipped with a central anti-reflection unit MP. The arrows shown on the far-infrared generator FG in Figure 22 indicate the direction in which far-infrared rays are emitted from the far-infrared generator FG, and the arrows shown on the reflector TI and central anti-reflection unit MP of the moving frame MF indicate the direction in which the far-infrared rays reflected by the reflector TI and central anti-reflection unit MP are diffused, respectively.

[0152] Referring to Figure 22, when the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 includes a far-infrared generator FG, which is provided with an opening HO facing the movable frame MF, the reflector TI of the movable frame MF is provided with a central anti-reflection section MP. The far-infrared generator FG is installed on the movable frame MF via a connecting member CN, but in Figure 22, the connecting member CN is omitted.

[0153] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 is equipped with a central anti-reverse reflection section MP at a position corresponding to the opening HO of the heater case HC of the far-infrared generator FG, on the reflector plate TI of the moving frame MF. The central anti-reverse reflection section MP is provided on the reflector plate at a position opposite the opening HO of the heater case HC in the height direction (±y direction).

[0154] Preferably, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 has an opening HO of the heater case HC of at least one of the multiple far-infrared generators FG facing the movable frame MF, and a central anti-reflection section MP is provided on the reflector plate TI at a position opposite to it.

[0155] The central anti-reflection section MP is made of the same material that forms the reflective surface RS as the material that makes up the reflector TI.

[0156] The central anti-reflection section MP may, for example, be provided in a form that protrudes from the central portion where the two inclined surfaces IC abut each other in the width direction (±x direction), with a pointed corner facing the object to be dried DO. As a result, the central anti-reflection section MP has a shape that slopes outwards on both sides in the width direction (±x direction) from the protruding portion in the central part.

[0157] The central anti-reverse reflection section MP reflects the far-infrared rays emitted from the far-infrared generator FG to the outside of the far-infrared generator FG via the inclined surface IC. As a result, in a structure in which the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 is configured such that the opening HO of the far-infrared generator FG faces the reflector TI of the movable frame MF, it is possible to prevent the problem of the far-infrared generator FG overheating due to the far-infrared rays emitted from the far-infrared generator FG being reflected back and returning to the inside of the heater case HC.

[0158] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing a structure in which a movable frame MF is equipped with a central anti-reflection section MP and a peripheral anti-reflection section SP. The arrows shown on the reflector TI, the central anti-reflection section MP, and the peripheral anti-reflection section SP in Figure 23 indicate the direction in which far-infrared rays reflected through each are diffused, and the arrow shown on the far-infrared generator FG indicates the direction in which far-infrared rays are emitted from the far-infrared generator FG. In Figure 23, the connecting member CN that connects the movable frame MF and the far-infrared generator FG is omitted.

[0159] Referring to Figure 23, multiple far-infrared generators FG are installed on the moving frame MF. The openings HO of the heater cases HC of at least two of the multiple far-infrared generators FG face the moving frame MF, and a peripheral back-reflection prevention section SP is provided on the reflector TI between the two far-infrared generators FG whose openings HO face the moving frame MF.

[0160] The peripheral anti-reflection section SP is provided on the reflector TI, but does not correspond to the position of the aperture HO of the far-infrared generator FG, and is provided between the central anti-reflection sections MP.

[0161] The peripheral anti-reflection section SP may, for example, be provided in a form in which two inclined surfaces IC' abut each other in the width direction (±x direction), forming a pointed corner in the direction toward the object to be dried DO in the central portion, and protruding. As a result, the peripheral anti-reflection section SP has a shape that slopes inward on both sides in the width direction (±x direction) from the central protruding portion. The size of the angle formed in the central portion where the two inclined surfaces IC' abut each other in the peripheral anti-reflection section SP can be made smaller than the size of the angle formed in the central portion where the two inclined surfaces IC' of the peripheral anti-reflection section SP abut each other in the central portion. Preferably, as a result, the protruding length of the central protruding portion of the peripheral anti-reflection section SP may be longer than the protruding length of the central protruding portion of the central anti-reflection section MP.

[0162] The peripheral anti-reflection section SP reflects the far-infrared rays reflected by the central anti-reflection section MP with its inclined surface IC', guiding them toward the object to be dried DO. In other words, the peripheral anti-reflection section SP prevents the far-infrared rays reflected by the central anti-reflection section MP from being guided toward other adjacent far-infrared generators FG, thereby blocking them from flowing into the heater case HC of the other adjacent far-infrared generators FG.

[0163] As an example, the far-infrared generator FG may be configured such that three far-infrared generators FG are mounted on a movable frame MF, with the overall opening HO of the three far-infrared generators FG facing the movable frame MF. In this case, a central anti-reflection section MP may be provided on the reflector TI facing the opening HO of each far-infrared generator FG, and peripheral anti-reflection sections SP may be provided on the reflector T1 between adjacent central anti-reflection sections MP.

[0164] As another example, among the multiple far-infrared generators FG provided on the moving frame MF, only one of the far-infrared generators FG may be provided such that its aperture HO faces the moving frame MF. In this case, a central anti-reflection section MP is provided on the reflector TI of the moving frame MF at a position corresponding to the aperture HO of the far-infrared generator FG. At this time, a peripheral anti-reflection section SP may be provided adjacent to the central anti-reflection section MP at a distance from the central anti-reflection section MP in the width direction (±x direction) and at a position that does not correspond to the aperture HO of the far-infrared generator FG.

[0165] As another example, among a plurality of far-infrared generators FG installed on a moving frame MF, at least two far-infrared generators FG may be positioned so that their apertures HO face the moving frame MF. In this case, the two far-infrared generators FG can be located adjacent to each other, or they can be positioned with at least one far-infrared generator FG in between, the aperture HO of which faces the object to be dried DO. In this case, the peripheral anti-reflection section SP can be provided adjacent to the central anti-reflection section MP at a distance from the central anti-reflection section MP in the width direction (±x direction) and at a position that does not correspond to the aperture HO of the far-infrared generator FG. In other words, the peripheral anti-reflection section SP can be provided on a reflector TI located between two adjacent central anti-reflection sections MP.

[0166] As another example, if a far-infrared generator FG, which is positioned such that its aperture HO faces a movable frame MF, is located on either side of another far-infrared generator FG, which is positioned such that at least one aperture HO faces an object DO to be dried, the peripheral anti-reflection section SP can be provided adjacent to the central anti-reflection section MP at a position that does not correspond to the aperture HO of the far-infrared generator FG.

[0167] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 is equipped with a non-contact temperature sensor TS on the moving frame MF. The non-contact temperature sensor TS is connected to the bottom of the moving frame MF and can measure the temperature of the material to be dried DO, which is formed by far-infrared radiation emitted from the far-infrared generator FG. The non-contact temperature sensor TS allows for real-time measurement of the temperature of the material to be dried DO, enabling the maintenance of optimal drying conditions.

[0168] For example, if the temperature of the object to be dried DO falls outside the reference temperature range based on data measured by the non-contact temperature sensor TS, the far-infrared drying device FI1 can adjust the distance between the object to be dried DO and the far-infrared generator FG to make them closer or further apart.

[0169] The non-contact temperature sensor TS may include an infrared temperature sensor, an optical pyrometer, a non-contact optical fiber temperature sensor, or a thermal IR sensor. However, it is not limited to these, and any means capable of measuring the temperature of the object to be dried D0 can be used as the non-contact temperature sensor TS of the present invention. The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 may be equipped with multiple non-contact temperature sensors TS of the same or different types.

[0170] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 may include an infrared temperature sensor and a thermal imaging camera. In this case, the infrared temperature sensor can precisely measure the temperature at a specific location on the object to be dried D0, and the thermal imaging camera can measure the overall temperature distribution of the object to be dried DO. This allows for the measurement of temperatures not only at local locations on the object to be dried DO, but also over a wider area.

[0171] Figure 24 shows a configuration in which a moving frame MF is equipped with multiple non-contact temperature sensors TS. Referring to Figure 24, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can be equipped with multiple non-contact temperature sensors TS. Each non-contact temperature sensor TS can preferably be placed between multiple far-infrared generators FG at a distance apart from each other.

[0172] This allows the far-infrared drying device FI1 to measure the temperature of the object being dried (DO) at various locations. Therefore, it can measure the temperature distribution of the object being dried (DO) over a wide area.

[0173] The far-infrared drying device FI1 can emit a warning sound or activate a warning light depending on the temperature state of the object being dried DO, based on data measured by the non-contact temperature sensor TS. Furthermore, even with power control of the far-infrared generator FG, if the surface temperature of the object being dried DO rises rapidly, an emergency cooling system can be activated.

[0174] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 is equipped with a non-contact distance sensor DS on the moving frame MF. The non-contact distance sensor DS is connected to the bottom of the moving frame MF and can measure the distance between the object to be dried DO and the far-infrared generator FG in the far-infrared radiation space. Based on the data measured by the non-contact distance sensor DS, if the distance between the object to be dried DO and the far-infrared generator FG falls outside the reference distance range, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can adjust the distance between the object to be dried DO and the far-infrared generator FG to make them closer or further away.

[0175] The non-contact distance sensor DS may include an ultrasonic sensor, a laser distance sensor, an optical distance sensor, a millimeter-wave radar sensor, and a camera-based distance measuring system. However, it is not limited to these, and any means capable of measuring the distance to the object to be dried D0 can be used as the non-contact distance sensor DS of the present invention. The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 may be equipped with multiple non-contact distance sensors DS of the same or different types.

[0176] If the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 is equipped with a non-contact distance sensor DS, it is preferable that it be equipped with both an ultrasonic sensor and a laser distance sensor. Based on the data measured by the ultrasonic sensor and the laser distance sensor, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can adjust the distance between the object to be dried DO and the far-infrared generator FG based on more accurate data. Furthermore, even if one of the two sensors fails or makes an error, the distance between the object to be dried DO and the far-infrared generator FG can still be measured via the remaining sensor.

[0177] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 may be equipped with a non-contact temperature sensor TS and a non-contact distance sensor DS, or both.

[0178] When equipped with both a non-contact temperature sensor TS and a non-contact distance sensor DS, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can vary the distance between the far-infrared generator FG and the object to be dried DO based on the data from the non-contact temperature sensor TS and the non-contact distance sensor DS. The combination of the temperature sensor and distance sensor enables automatic position control (feedback control-based) of the far-infrared generator FG, which is effective in improving operational stability and reducing human error.

[0179] Furthermore, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 is equipped with both a non-contact temperature sensor TS and a non-contact distance sensor DS, allowing for efficient energy use by emitting far-infrared rays while monitoring the temperature of the object to be dried DO in real time. It also allows for real-time adjustment of the distance between the object to be dried DO and the far-infrared generator FG to prevent collisions between the two. Additionally, the drying process can be carried out by emitting far-infrared rays from an optimal distance considering the size of the object to be dried DO.

[0180] On the other hand, referring to Figures 39a to 39c, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 includes means for measuring the lifting height of the movable frame MF. The lifting height of the movable frame MF can be calculated by measuring the total length of the wire WR.

[0181] To measure the total pull-out length of the wire WR, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 includes a counter plate CT and a Hall sensor HS.

[0182] The counter plate CT rotates in sync with the winch drum WC as it rotates. For this purpose, the counter plate CT and the winch drum WC can be connected to each other via a connecting means such as a chain.

[0183] The counter plate CT is provided in the shape of a disc and includes a plurality of through holes H formed along the circumferential direction.

[0184] The Hall sensor HS is installed adjacent to the counter plate CT and senses the through-holes H each time they pass between the light-emitting sensors SS1 and light-receiving sensors SS2, which are provided on both sides, and measures the number of through-holes H that have passed. In other words, when the counter plate CT rotates, the Hall sensor HS calculates the total length of the wire WR by measuring the number of through-holes H.

[0185] If there is a difference between the change in the total length of the wire WR and the change in distance measured by the non-contact distance sensor DS, the far-infrared drying device FI1 can output an operation error message. This allows you to verify whether the far-infrared drying device FI1 is operating correctly.

[0186] Figure 25 shows the mobile frame MF equipped with a safety hook DH.

[0187] Referring to Figure 25, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 may further be equipped with safety hooks DH to prevent the moving frame MF from falling unexpectedly.

[0188] The safety hook DH is provided such that one end is connected to the upper fixed structure UC and the other end is connected to the movable frame MF. The far-infrared drying device FI1 can further prevent the movable frame MF from falling in the event of wire WR breakage by further providing the safety hook DH.

[0189] The safety hook DH preferably includes a first connecting portion DC1 connected to an upper fixed structure UC, a second connecting portion DC2 connected to a movable frame MF, and a longitudinal member SR provided between the first and second connecting portions DC1 and DC2.

[0190] The first connecting portion DC1 is, for example, composed of a ring-shaped connecting member. In this case, the first connecting portion DC1 can be connected by passing through a hole provided in the upper fixing structure UC corresponding to the first connecting portion DC1. However, it is not limited to a ring shape; any structure that allows the safety hook DH to be fixed to the upper fixing structure UC is included within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0191] The second connecting portion DC2 is, for example, composed of an annular connecting member. In this case, the second connecting portion DC2 can be connected by passing through a hole provided in the movable frame MF corresponding to the second connecting portion DC2. However, it is not limited to an annular shape; any structure that allows the safety hook DH to be fixed to the movable frame MF is included within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0192] The longitudinal member SR can preferably be made of an elastic material, which includes a spring. When the longitudinal member SR is made of an elastic material, it stretches together with the moving frame MF as it descends, but its restoring force allows for a smooth descent of the moving frame MF. The longitudinal member SR also has a maximum extension length, which can limit the height the moving frame MF falls when the wire WR breaks.

[0193] Specifically, there is a possibility that the movable frame MF may fall when the wire WR breaks. In this case, as the longitudinal member SR of the safety hook DH extends due to the load of the movable frame MF, the falling speed of the movable frame MF is gradually reduced, and the falling of the movable frame MF can be stopped at its maximum extended length. In this way, by further equipping the far-infrared drying device FI1 with the safety hook DH, the falling height of the movable frame MF when the wire WR breaks can be limited to prevent damage and prevent safety accidents.

[0194] Figure 26 shows the link section LP equipped with a vertical locking device VL.

[0195] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 may further include a vertical locking device VL that engages vertically with the link section LP to fix the link LK.

[0196] The vertical locking device VL preferably includes a coupling portion CP coupled to the intersection where links LK intersect, and a lever LV hinged to the coupling portion CP and rotatable to one side and the other.

[0197] The coupling portion CP can be fixedly coupled to the intersection of two links LK that constitute the link portion LP. For example, one end of the coupling portion CP may be coupled to the intersection of two links LK, and the other end may be coupled to the intersection of two other adjacent links LK. One end of the coupling portion CP is formed with a groove structure. Multiple grooves may be provided at one end of the coupling portion CP, and a projection formed on the link LK is guided into one of the grooves, thereby preventing the link portion LP from moving.

[0198] Lever LV is, for example, hinged to one end of the coupling CP. Lever LV is located at one end of the coupling CP and rotates in one direction or the other around a hinge axis connecting the intersection of link LK and the coupling CP, performing locking and unlocking operations. The rotation of lever LV can be performed manually or automatically.

[0199] The vertical locking device VL locks when the lever LV is rotated to one side, causing the coupling part CP to engage with the intersection of the link LK. This prevents the link LK from expanding in the height direction (±y direction). This minimizes the tension on the wire WR, thereby preventing the wire WR from breaking. Specifically, the wire WR is constantly subjected to tension due to the loads of the moving frame MF and the far-infrared generator FG. However, when the vertical locking device VL locks, the load on the wire WR is distributed to the vertical locking device VL, preventing the wire WR from breaking due to tension. In this way, the vertical locking device VL can function as a safety device.

[0200] When the far-infrared drying device FI1 is not used, or when the far-infrared drying device FI1 is used with the movable frame MF fixed at a specific height, the vertical locking device VL can be locked. As an example, Figure 26 shows the case when the far-infrared drying device FI1 is not used, and the link section LP is shown in its fully folded state. In this state, the lever LV of the vertical locking device VL can be rotated to one side to fix the link section LP so that it can no longer be unfolded. Conversely, the vertical locking device VL can be unlocked by rotating the lever LV to the other side.

[0201] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 can be equipped with a horizontal locking device HL in the link section LP.

[0202] Figure 27a shows the unlocked state of the horizontal locking device HL provided on the link section LP, and Figure 27b shows the locked state of the horizontal locking device HL provided on the link section LP.

[0203] Referring to Figures 27a and 27b, the horizontal locking device HL engages horizontally with the link LK, thereby performing the locking operation.

[0204] The horizontal locking device HL is installed on the link section LP, with one end hinged to link LK or the intersection of link LK, and the other end is provided as a free end. The horizontal locking device HL performs locking and unlocking operations by rotating in one direction or the other. The rotation of the horizontal locking device HL can be performed manually or automatically.

[0205] At least one horizontal locking device HL may be provided.

[0206] Multiple engagement grooves SH may be provided in the horizontal locking device HL, and when an engagement projection SB formed on the link LK engages with the inside of one of the multiple engagement grooves SH, the link portion LP is prevented from operating.

[0207] Referring to Figure 27b, the horizontal locking device HL rotates in one direction, and the engaging projection SB is accommodated in the engaging groove SH, performing the locking operation. This prevents the link LK from unfolding in the height direction (±y direction). This minimizes the tension on the wire WR, effectively preventing wire WR from breaking. Specifically, tension is constantly acting on the wire WR due to the loads of the moving frame MF and the far-infrared generator FG. However, when the horizontal locking device HL performs the locking operation, the load on the wire WR is distributed to the vertical locking device VL, preventing the wire WR from breaking due to tension. In this way, the horizontal locking device HL can function as a safety device.

[0208] Second Embodiment Next, a far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the second embodiment described below will focus on its characteristic components compared to the first embodiment. Components identical or similar to those in the first embodiment will also be used in the configuration of the second embodiment, and their explanation will be omitted as much as possible.

[0209] In the first embodiment, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 is installed on top of the object to be dried DO, while in the second embodiment, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 is installed on the side of the object to be dried DO.

[0210] Figure 28 is a front view of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 of the second embodiment, Figure 29 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 28, Figure 30 is a perspective view of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 of the second embodiment, Figure 31 is a side view of Figure 28, Figure 32 is a front view of the mobile frame MF on which the far-infrared generator FG is installed, and Figure 33 is an enlarged view of a part of Figure 32.

[0211] Referring to Figures 28 to 33, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 of the second embodiment is configured to include a drive unit DM which includes a lower support frame BF to which an upright movable frame MF is fixed and which is equipped with wheels WH at its lower part, a link section LP to which one end is connected to a side fixing structure SF and the other end is connected to the movable frame MF and which has a plurality of links LK arranged in an intersecting shape, and an operating cylinder SY connected to the link section LP which causes the links LK to be extended or folded.

[0212] Multiple far-infrared drying devices FI1 are provided and installed in the indoor space IS of the paint drying facility. Preferably, the far-infrared drying devices FI2 are installed on the side of the object to be dried DO.

[0213] The side fixing structure SF is fixed to the floor or side wall of the indoor space IS of the paint drying equipment. The side fixing structure SF consists of at least one frame, which may be provided in the shape of a rectangular frame, for example. The side fixing structure SF is designed to withstand the equipment installed thereon, and further structural reinforcement may be provided in the installation environment.

[0214] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 is configured to move horizontally left and right in the width direction (±x direction) with the reflective surface RS of the moving frame MF facing the object to be dried DO via a drive unit DM. As a result, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 has a horizontal movement structure relative to the object to be dried DO. Consequently, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 can adjust the distance between itself and the object to be dried DO in the horizontal direction, becoming closer or further away, thereby preventing the problem of unnecessary excessive power waste relative to the size of the object to be dried DO.

[0215] The movable frame MF stands vertically to a horizontal floor surface and is fixed to a lower support frame BF equipped with wheels WH that allow it to move on the floor surface.

[0216] The lower support frame BF comprises a base section BS and a plurality of wheels WH provided below the base section BS, which allow it to move on the floor surface. The lower support frame BF is movable horizontally from side to side via the wheels WH in response to the operation of the link section LP being extended or folded by the operating cylinder SY.

[0217] The movable frame MF is erected and fixed on the upper part of the lower support frame BF, more specifically on the upper part of the base BS. A reflector TI is provided on one side of the movable frame MF. A far-infrared generator FG is installed on the reflective surface RS of the movable frame MF, which is equipped with the reflector TI, via a connecting member CN.

[0218] The link section LP is operated by an operating cylinder SY, which extends and folds the link LK. When the link LK is extended, the moving frame MF moves closer to the object to be dried DO, and when the link LK is folded, the moving frame MF moves closer to the side fixed structure SF.

[0219] The far-infrared generator FG is installed with the opening HO of the heater case HC facing the object to be dried DO. That is, the far-infrared generator FG is installed on the movable frame MF via the connecting member CN with the opening HO positioned perpendicular to the floor. As a result, the opening HO of the heater case HC faces the same direction as the reflective surface RS of the reflector plate TI. Since the movable frame MF is installed upright, the reflective surface RS of the reflector plate TI is also positioned perpendicular to the floor.

[0220] The far-infrared generator FG is seated on the connecting member CN by passing through the opening of the horizontal cutting groove HI via a protruding bar PB provided on the outside of the heater case HC and seating in the vertical cutting groove VI. The far-infrared generator FG can be fixedly connected to the connecting member CN via a nut separately fastened to the protruding bar PB on the outside of the protruding bar PB, by providing screw threads on the outer surface of the protruding bar PB.

[0221] The far-infrared generator FG can be fixedly connected to the connecting member CN by rotating the heater case HC to one side or the other using the protruding bar PB located on the z-axis as the axis of rotation, and then securely fixing the nut. In this case, the far-infrared generator FG can be installed at a specific angle, tilted with respect to the horizontal central axis of the connecting member CN. By adjusting the tilt angle of the far-infrared generator FG, far-infrared rays can be emitted onto the object DO to be dried.

[0222] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 may be equipped with a non-contact temperature sensor TS and a non-contact distance sensor DS, either individually or together. The non-contact temperature sensor TS and the non-contact distance sensor DS may be installed, for example, on the lower support frame BF or on the movable frame MF.

[0223] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 may omit the lower support frame BF and add a wire WR to provide a movable frame MF. Figure 34 shows an embodiment in which the movable frame MF of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 is installed in a different structure. Referring to Figure 34, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 may include a winch drum WC installed on the side fixed structure SF, a motor MT for rotating the winch drum WC, and a drive unit DM including a wire WR with one end connected to the winch drum WC and the other end connected to the movable frame MF.

[0224] The winch drum WC and motor MT are fixed to the side fixing structure SF. The far-infrared drying device FI2 is mounted on top of the winch drum WC and motor MT and has a pulley PL installed on the side fixing structure SF.

[0225] The wire WR is installed with one end connected to the winch drum WC and the other end connected to the moving frame MF. The middle portion of the wire WR between the two ends is wound onto the pulley PL. The other end of the wire WR is connected to the upper end of the moving frame MF, and is installed in a manner that pulls the moving frame MF upward in the height direction (±y direction). The downward deflection of the moving frame MF is prevented by the wire WR connected to the upper part.

[0226] The movable frame MF is supported by the wire WR and moves horizontally (±x direction) by a link section LP actuated by the operating cylinder SY. This adjusts the distance between the far-infrared generator FG and the object DO to be dried.

[0227] Figure 35 shows an embodiment in which the aperture HO of the far-infrared generator FG is positioned to face the movable frame MF. In Figure 35, the connecting member CN that connects the movable frame MF and the far-infrared generator FG is omitted.

[0228] The far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 can be configured such that the far-infrared generator FG is mounted on the movable frame MF with the opening HO of the heater case HC facing the movable frame MF. Figure 35 shows, as an example, a structure in which the movable frame MF is supported using a wire WR. Alternatively, the movable frame MF may be supported via the lower support frame BF described above.

[0229] In the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2, the far-infrared generator FG is installed on the movable frame MF such that the opening HO of the heater case HC faces the movable frame MF.

[0230] Multiple far-infrared generators FG installed on a single moving frame MF may all be configured such that the openings HO of the heater cases HC face the moving frame MF. Alternatively, some of the openings HO of the heater cases HC of the multiple far-infrared generators FG may be configured to face the moving frame MF, while the openings HO of the remaining heater cases HC may be configured to face the object to be dried DO. Figure 35 shows, as an example, a structure in which the openings HO of the heater cases HC of all the multiple far-infrared generators FG are configured to face the moving frame MF. The arrows shown in Figure 23 indicate the direction in which the far-infrared rays emitted from the far-infrared generators FG and reflected by the reflector TI are diffused.

[0231] The far-infrared generator FG is positioned so that the opening HO of the heater case HC faces the movable frame MF, and radiates far-infrared rays to the reflector TI of the movable frame MF. The far-infrared rays are reflected via the reflector TI of the movable frame MF and diffused to the object to be dried DO.

[0232] If the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 includes a far-infrared generator FG such that the opening HO of the heater case HC faces the movable frame MF, it may include the configuration of the central anti-reflection section MP and the peripheral anti-reflection section SP described in the first embodiment.

[0233] Second Embodiment, First Modified Example Figure 36 shows a first modified example of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2.

[0234] The first modified example described below will focus on its distinctive components compared to the second embodiment, while descriptions of components identical or similar to those in the second embodiment will be omitted as much as possible.

[0235] Referring to Figure 36, the first modified example includes a link portion LP, one end of which is connected to an operating cylinder SY and is extended or folded by the operating cylinder SY, and an internal drying device ID, which is connected to the other end of the link portion LP and dries the inside of the object to be dried DO.

[0236] For the internal drying device ID to enter the inside of the object to be dried DO and dry the inner surface of the object to be dried OD, the structure of the internal drying device ID needs to be simple. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the number of far-infrared generators FG, excluding the wire WR configuration in the second embodiment, and to operate the link section LP using only the operating cylinder SY.

[0237] The operating cylinder SY is installed in the side fixed structure SF. The link section LP has one end of any of the links LK located on the operating cylinder SY side hinged to the operating cylinder SY. As a result, the links LK constituting the link section LP are unfolded when the operating cylinder SY extends. The internal drying device ID, which is connected to the other end of the link section LP, is inserted into the object to be dried DO via the link section LP that is unfolded when the operating cylinder SY extends.

[0238] The internal drying apparatus ID can consist of at least one far-infrared generator FG mounted on a separate support frame FR connected to the other end of the link section LP. A reflector TI may be provided on one side of the support frame FR.

[0239] The internal drying device ID is connected to the other end of the link section LP. This allows the internal drying device ID to be inserted into the object to be dried DO by the unfolding operation of the link section LP, and to dry the inside of the object to be dried DO.

[0240] Second Modification of the Second Embodiment Figure 37 shows a second modified example of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2.

[0241] The second modification described below will focus on the characteristic components compared to the second embodiment, but descriptions of components that are identical or similar to those in the second embodiment will be omitted as much as possible.

[0242] Referring to Figure 37, the second modified example includes a link portion LP, one end of which is connected to an operating cylinder SY and is extended or folded by the operating cylinder SY, and an internal drying device ID', which is connected to the other end of the link portion LP and dries the inside of the object to be dried DO.

[0243] The second modified internal drying apparatus ID' differs from the configuration of the first modified apparatus in that the heater HT of the far-infrared generator FG is provided in a rod shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction. By providing the heater HT in a rod shape, far-infrared rays can be transmitted more effectively to deeper parts of the interior of the object to be dried DO.

[0244] Third Modified Example of the Second Embodiment Figure 38 shows a third modified example of the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2.

[0245] The third modification described below will focus on the distinctive components compared to the second embodiment, but descriptions of components that are identical or similar to those in the second embodiment will be omitted as much as possible.

[0246] Referring to Figure 38, the second modified example includes a link section LP, one end of which is connected to an operating cylinder SY and is extended or folded by the operating cylinder SY, and a lower drying device LD, which is connected to the other end of the link section LP and dries the lower part of the object to be dried DO. The arrows shown in Figure 38 indicate the direction in which the lower drying device LD emits far-infrared rays.

[0247] The lower drying unit LD is positioned below the object to be dried DO via an unfolded link section LP, and emits far-infrared rays to the lower part of the object to be dried DO via a portion of the heater HT exposed to the outside of the heater case HC. This allows for more effective drying of the lower part of the object to be dried DO.

[0248] Usage form The far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 according to the first embodiment, and the far-infrared drying apparatus FI2 according to the second embodiment and its modified form, can be positioned above, to the side, and / or below the object to be dried DO. Multiple far-infrared drying apparatuses FI1 and FI2 can be installed in the drying facility. By using multiple far-infrared drying apparatuses FI1 and FI2, the object to be dried DO can be dried more effectively. Furthermore, although the size and shape of the object to be dried DO may vary, even if the object to be dried DO is changed, unnecessary power waste can be minimized and drying efficiency can be improved by adjusting the distance between the far-infrared generator FG and the object to be dried DO by moving the movable frame MF vertically or horizontally.

[0249] In this embodiment, the object to be dried DO includes not only painted objects but also unpainted articles such as food, ingredients, semiconductors, displays, PCB surface treatments, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural and marine products. However, the far-infrared drying apparatus FI1 and FI2 of this embodiment can be usefully used for drying painted objects such as ships and vehicles, and can be used even more effectively for drying large painted objects.

[0250] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, those skilled in the art can implement the present invention with various modifications or variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the following claims.

Explanation of Signs

[0251] FI1, FI2 Far-infrared drying device capable of adjusting the distance from the object to be dried MF Moving frame DO Object to be dried TI Reflector BD Bent part FG Far-infrared generator HC Heater case HO Opening HT Heater DM Driving device UC Upper fixing structure PL Pulley MT Motor WC Winch drum LP Link part LK Link WR Wire CN Connecting member HI Horizontal cutting groove VI Vertical cutting groove MP Central antireflection part SP Peripheral antireflection part TS Temperature sensor DS Distance sensor BF Lower support frame SF Side fixing structure SY Actuating cylinder ID, ID’ Internal drying device LD Lower drying device

Claims

1. Movement frame and A drive device for operating the aforementioned moving frame, A far-infrared drying apparatus that allows adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried, including a far-infrared generator installed on the movable frame and moving together with the movable frame.

2. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a reflector is provided on one side of the movable frame, and the drive device operates the movable frame so that the reflective surface of the reflector faces the object to be dried, allowing for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

3. The drive device is A motor installed in the upper fixed structure, A winch drum is installed on the aforementioned upper fixed structure and rotated by the aforementioned motor, A link section having one end connected to the upper fixed structure and the other end connected to the movable frame, with multiple links arranged in an intersecting shape, A wire, one end of which is connected to the winch drum and the other end of which is connected to the moving frame, is included, which is wound up or unwound from the winch drum in accordance with the rotation direction of the winch drum, When the winch drum rotates in the first direction, the wire is unfurled from the winch drum, and the link is deployed by the weight of the moving frame and the far-infrared generator, causing the moving frame to descend and move closer to the object to be dried. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the winch drum rotates in a second direction, the wire is wound onto the winch drum and the link folds, and the moving frame moves upward so as to approach the upper fixed structure.

4. Includes a pulley installed on the upper fixed structure, The wire is connected to the moving frame via the pulley, in the far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 3, which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

5. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 4, comprising at least two wires, wherein the distance between the wire and the object to be dried can be adjusted.

6. The aforementioned wire is provided in multiple quantities, The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 4, which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried, wherein the motor is stopped in the event that any of the multiple wires breaks while the motor is in operation.

7. The drive device is An upright movable frame is fixed in place, and a lower support frame with wheels is provided at the bottom, A link section in which one end is connected to a side fixing structure and the other end is connected to the movable frame, and multiple links are arranged in an intersecting shape, Includes an operating cylinder connected to the link portion, which causes the link to be extended or folded, When the link is deployed, the moving frame moves to approach the object to be dried. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the link is folded, the movable frame moves closer to the side fixing structure, allowing for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

8. The far-infrared generating device includes a heater case having an opening and a heater provided inside the heater case. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 1, which includes a connecting member for connecting the heater case to the movable frame, and which allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

9. The connecting member includes a horizontal cutting groove and a vertical cutting groove that extends vertically and is continuous with the horizontal cutting groove, and the heater case includes a protruding bar that protrudes outward, The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the far-infrared generating device is placed on the connecting member by the protruding bar passing through the horizontal cutting groove and seating in the vertical cutting groove, thereby allowing adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

10. The far-infrared generating device includes a heater case having an opening and a heater provided inside the heater case, wherein the opening of the heater case faces the object to be dried, and the far-infrared drying device according to claim 1 allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

11. The far-infrared generating device includes a heater case having an opening and a heater provided inside the heater case. The opening of the heater case faces the movable frame, and the far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 1 allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

12. The far-infrared generating device includes a heater case having an opening and a heater provided inside the heater case. Each of the aforementioned moving frames is equipped with a plurality of the aforementioned far-infrared generating devices. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, among the multiple far-infrared generating devices, the openings of some of the heater cases face the object to be dried, and the openings of the remaining heater cases face the movable frame, allowing for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

13. Multiple far-infrared generating devices are provided on the moving frame. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength range generated by at least one of the plurality of far-infrared generators is different from the wavelength range generated by the other far-infrared generators, and the distance to the object to be dried can be adjusted.

14. A far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the distance to the object to be dried can be adjusted, wherein multiple wavelengths generated by a plurality of far-infrared generators are simultaneously irradiated onto the object to be dried to dry, thereby drying the object to be dried.

15. A far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 13, which sequentially emits multiple wavelengths generated by a plurality of far-infrared generators to dry the object to be dried in stages, and allows adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

16. A far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 1, which includes a non-contact temperature sensor provided on the movable frame, and is capable of adjusting the distance to the object to be dried.

17. A far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 1, which includes a non-contact distance sensor provided on the moving frame, and is capable of adjusting the distance to the object to be dried.

18. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 1, which includes a non-contact temperature sensor and a non-contact distance sensor provided on the moving frame, wherein the distance between the far-infrared generator and the object to be dried is variable based on the data from the non-contact temperature sensor and the data from the non-contact distance sensor, and the distance between the far-infrared generator and the object to be dried is adjustable.

19. Multiple far-infrared generating devices are provided on the moving frame. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the opening of the heater case of at least one of the far-infrared generators faces the movable frame, and a central anti-reverse reflection portion is provided on the reflector plate at a position opposite the opening, allowing for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

20. Multiple far-infrared generating devices are provided on the moving frame. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the openings of the heater cases of at least two of the far-infrared generators face the movable frame, and a peripheral anti-reverse reflection portion is provided on the reflector between the two far-infrared generators, allowing for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

21. The far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 3, which includes a safety hook that prevents the moving frame from falling when the wire breaks, with one end connected to the upper fixed structure and the other end connected to the moving frame.

22. A far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 3, which includes a vertical locking device that engages with the link in a vertical direction and fixes the link, and is capable of adjusting the distance to the object to be dried.

23. A far-infrared drying apparatus according to claim 3, which includes a horizontal locking device that engages horizontally with the link and fixes the link, and allows for adjustment of the distance to the object to be dried.

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