Bedding dryer

Abstract

We provide a futon dryer with an adjustable direction for the air outlet. [Solution] The invention comprises a cylindrical main unit 1, an inlet 101 provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the main unit 1, an outlet 140 provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the main unit 1, and a blower unit 5 provided inside the main unit that allows air to flow in from the inlet 101 and blows the air toward the outlet 140, characterized in that the second direction, which is the direction of the cylindrical axis X3 of the main unit 1 at the outlet 140, is inclined with respect to the first direction, which is the direction of the cylindrical axis X1 of the main unit 1 at the inlet 101.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a futon dryer including a main body unit formed in a cylindrical shape, an inlet provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the main body unit, an outlet provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the main body unit, and a blower unit provided in the main body unit for allowing air to flow in from the inlet and sending the air toward the outlet.

Background Art

[0002] As such a futon dryer, there is a futon dryer (drying device) disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. In this futon dryer, an inlet is provided on one side of a main body unit formed in a cylindrical shape, and an outlet is provided on the other side. The axis of the main body unit is a straight line, and the direction of the cylinder axis of the main body unit at the inlet and the direction of the cylinder axis of the main body unit at the outlet are limited to the same direction (horizontal direction).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, depending on the weight of the futon, it may be possible to dry the futon more efficiently by setting the direction of the outlet downward or upward. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a futon dryer capable of changing the setting of the direction of the outlet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, the futon dryer according to the present invention includes a main body unit formed in a cylindrical shape, An inlet provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the main unit, An air outlet provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the main unit, The main unit includes a blower unit that is provided within the main unit and receives air from the inlet and blows the air toward the outlet, With respect to the first direction, which is the direction of the cylindrical axis of the main unit at the inlet, The second direction, which is the direction of the cylindrical axis of the main unit at the air outlet, is inclined.

[0006] The operation and effects of a futon dryer with this configuration will now be explained. In this futon dryer, the second direction, which is the direction of the cylindrical axis of the main unit at the outlet, is inclined with respect to the first direction, which is the direction of the cylindrical axis of the main unit at the inlet. With this configuration, by rotating the main unit around the cylindrical axis, the second direction can be made to point downwards or upwards. As a result, a futon dryer with a changeable outlet direction can be provided.

[0007] In this invention, the first direction and the second direction are preferably linear directions.

[0008] In this invention, it is preferable that the inlet, the blower unit, the heater, and the outlet are arranged in that order along the direction of the cylindrical axis, and that the operating unit is positioned between the blower unit and the inlet.

[0009] The arrangement direction of the heater according to the present invention is preferably along the second direction.

[0010] The arrangement direction of the air blowing unit according to the present invention is preferably an angular direction intermediate between the first direction and the second direction.

[0011] In this invention, it is preferable that the direction of the cylindrical axis at the position where the operating part is located is the first direction.

[0012] In this invention, the operating unit is preferably positioned in a direction that raises the air outlet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] External perspective view of the futon dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Plan view of the futon dryer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Side view of a futon dryer according to an embodiment [Figure 4] View from arrow A in Figure 3 [Figure 5] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of BB (longitudinal section). [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of CC in Figure 3 [Figure 7] Diagram illustrating the usage of a futon dryer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the futon dryer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the futon dryer according to this embodiment, Figure 2 is a plan view, Figure 3 is a side view, Figure 4 is a view taken along arrow AA in Figure 3, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view BB in Figure 2, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view CC in Figure 3.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the cylindrical main body unit 1 can be broadly divided into a first main body section 10, a second main body section 11, and a third main body section 12. The first main body section of the main body unit 1 has a cylindrical axis X1 (corresponding to the first direction), the second main body section 11 has the same cylindrical axis X1, and the third main body section 12 has cylindrical axes X2 and X3 (X3 corresponding to the second direction). The main body unit 1 as a whole has a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction, but it does not extend in a straight line, but rather has a shape that extends while bending towards the tip.

[0016] The first main body part 10 includes a first outer case member 100. The first outer case member 100 has a hexagonal cross-section, and a large number of inlets 101 are formed on its outer surface. That is, the inlets 101 are provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the main body unit 1. Air can be taken into the interior through these inlets 101. The inlets 101 are formed by round holes and long holes, and the direction of the long holes is along the direction of the cylinder axis X1. There are a large number of long holes with various lengths formed. The size, shape, number, etc. of the inlets 101 can be set appropriately. It may also be only holes of a specific shape, for example, round or square holes.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 5, a hole 102 is formed at the center of the rear end of the first outer case member 100, and a power cord 2 is provided. The first outer case member 100 is detachably attached.

[0018] The second main body part 11 includes a second outer case member 110. The second outer case member 110 has a circular (cylindrical) cross-section. An operation part 3 is provided on the surface of the second main body part 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation part 3 includes an oval nameplate 30 in plan view, and a power button 30 and an operation switch 31 are arranged along the cylinder axis X1. The air volume, temperature, etc. can be adjusted by the operation switch 31.

[0019] The third main body part 12 includes a third outer case member 120, and its cross-sectional shape is hexagonal. The third main body part 12 has cylinder axes X2 and X3, and the cylinder axis X3 is a straight line inclined with respect to the cylinder axis X1. In the side view shown in FIG. 3, the cylinder axis X3 is inclined upward. The inclination angle θ is 13°, but 7° to 30° is preferable. Note that the term "upward" is used for convenience of explanation.

[0020] The cylindrical shaft X2 is a curve that smoothly connects the cylindrical shafts X1 and X3, but it may also be a straight line. The inclination angle of the cylindrical shaft X2 is midway between 0° and θ°, and in the case of a curve, it changes gradually from 0° towards θ° (the angle of the tangent to the curve). In this embodiment, the inclination angle of X2 is set to 8°. Note that the cylindrical shaft X3 does not have to be a straight line; it may also be a curve.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, the third outer case member 120 has a rear portion 120a and a front portion 120b, the front portion 120b being a cylindrical portion along the cylindrical axis X3, and the rear portion 120a being formed as a curved (bent) cylindrical portion.

[0022] Inside each outer case member, a first inner case member 210 is provided and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first inner case member 210 can be divided into a rear section 210a, a middle section 210b, and a front section 210c. The rear section 210a is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a number of holes 211 formed in part. The holes 211 are formed at positions corresponding to the inlet 101 of the first outer case member 100, and can take in air. The holes 211 also function as inlets.

[0023] A circuit section is provided inside the intermediate section 210b. The power cord 2 is electrically connected to the circuit section 4 and supplies power. The nameplate 30 is attached to the surface of the intermediate section 210b. The operating section 3 is electrically connected to the internal circuit section 4. The circuit section 4 is located directly below the operating section 3. This makes the electrical connection between the two easier.

[0024] A blower unit 5 is provided inside the front section 210c. The blower unit 5 is positioned at an angle and mounted at an angle corresponding to the cylindrical axis X2. The blower unit 5 includes a motor (actuator), a fan, and a support case 50 that supports them, and draws air in from the inlet 101 of the first main body section 11. The direction of air inflow is perpendicular to or intersecting with the cylindrical axis X1. The blower unit 5 sends air in the same direction (forward) as the cylindrical axes X2 and X3 (indicated by arrows in Figure 5). The support case 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is attached to a recess 210d formed in the front section 210c of the inner case member 210.

[0025] A heater 6 is provided in the third main body 12. Heater 6 can blow out heated air. As shown in Figure 6, the heater 6 has a number of vertical slits 60 and horizontal slits 61 formed therein. Air passes between these slits 60 and 61, is heated as it passes through, and the heated air is blown out. The shape, size, number, and arrangement of the slits 60 and 61 can be determined as appropriate.

[0026] The heater 6 is positioned along the direction of the cylindrical axis X3. The blower unit 5 is positioned along the direction of the cylindrical axis X2, and the inclination angle of the cylindrical axis X2 is the same as the inclination angle between the cylindrical axis X1 and the cylindrical axis X3. This allows for a smooth flow of drawn-in air towards the outlet 140.

[0027] A blowing member 14 is attached to the tip of the third main body 12. As shown in Figure 4, the blowing member 14 is attached such that a part of it protrudes from the tip of the third main body 12. As shown in Figure 5, a flange 141 is formed on the blowing member 14, the front side of the flange 141 engages with the tip 120c of the third outer case member 120, and the rear side of the flange 141 abuts against the tip of the second inner case member 220. This holds the blowing member 14 in a predetermined position. The heater 6 is held in a predetermined position by the second inner case member 220.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the second outer case member 110 and the third outer case member 120 are connected by fitting the front end of the second outer case member 110 and the rear end of the third outer case member 120 together. The rear part of the second outer case member 110 has a smaller diameter than the front part, and the first outer case member 100 is detachably fitted into this smaller diameter portion.

[0029] The first inner case member 210 and the second inner case member 210 are connected by fitting their front and rear ends together.

[0030] Figure 4 is a view along arrow AA in Figure 3, and also shows a front view of the air outlet member 14. The air outlet member 14 has a hexagonal section to match the shape of the third main body 12. In a front view, it has radially extending ribs 142 and circumferentially extending ribs 143, and numerous air outlets 140 are formed between these ribs 142 and 143. Warm air is blown out from these air outlets 140. The shape, arrangement, and number of ribs can be determined as appropriate, and the shape and number of air outlets 140 can also be determined as appropriate. As described above, the air outlets 140 are provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the main body unit 1.

[0031] An attachment 7, which functions as a space-forming member, can be detachably attached to the third main body portion 12. As shown in Figure 6, the attachment 7 has a cylindrical main body portion 70 and protrusions 71 that are formed radially from the surface of the main body portion 70. Six protrusions 71 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. By attaching the attachment 7, the main body unit 1 can be installed in a stable position. The shape of the attachment 7 is not limited to the above, and for example, the length and number of protrusions 71 can be determined as appropriate.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, the third outer case member 120 is constructed by joining together a first member 1200 and a second member 1201, which are divided into two parts. Similarly, the second inner case member 220 is constructed by joining together a first member 2200 and a second member 2201, which are divided into two parts. The first inner case member 210 and the second outer case member 110 can also be constructed in a similar two-part configuration.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the third main body 12 is in an upward position, and the operating unit 3 is positioned on its upper surface. The direction of the cylindrical axis at the position where the operating unit 3 is positioned is the cylindrical axis X1 (first direction). The operating unit 3 is positioned between the inlet 101 and the blower unit 5, which allows for efficient arrangement of the overall components.

[0034] <How to use> Next, an example of how to use the futon dryer according to the present invention will be explained with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 shows the futon dryer installed between the mattress H1 and the comforter H2. If the comforter H2 is heavy and for winter use, it is preferable to install it so that the airflow is directed downwards, as shown in Figure 7(a). That is, it is preferable to install it so that the main unit 1 is convex upwards. This allows warm air to be efficiently sent into the gap formed by the attachment 7. The attachment 7 can be attached at any appropriate position in the direction of the cylindrical axis X3 of the third main unit 12.

[0035] If the comforter H2 is light, such as a towel blanket, set it up so that the airflow is directed upwards, as shown in Figure 7(b). This creates a gap inside the comforter with the attachment 7 and air pressure, allowing warm air to be efficiently delivered. As described above, the airflow direction can be set arbitrarily by adjusting the position in which the comforter dryer is set up. It is also possible to use the comforter dryer without using the attachment 7.

[0036] <Another Embodiment> The first outer case member 100 constituting the first main body 10 may be made of a single member or of multiple members joined together. The same applies to the second outer case member 110 and the third outer case member 120. The first inner case member 210 may be made of a single member or of multiple members. The same applies to the second inner case member 220. These case members are formed from materials such as synthetic resin, but are not limited to any particular material.

[0037] The main unit 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and in this embodiment, it is composed of a first main body section 10, a second main body section 11, and a third main body section 12, but is not limited to this configuration. The configuration and number of main body sections can be changed as appropriate.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first main body 10 has a hexagonal cross-section, the second main body 11 has a cylindrical cross-section, and the third main body 12 has a hexagonal cross-section, but the invention is not limited to these shapes. Various shapes such as circular, elliptical, or quadrilateral polygonal cross-sections can be used, and the entire main body unit 1 may be cylindrical with the same cross-section, or it may be cylindrical with partially different cross-sections. Furthermore, if the cross-section is hexagonal, it does not need to be strictly a mathematical hexagon; shapes such as adding radii to the intersections of the sides may be used. In other words, the cylindrical shape in this invention is not limited to a specific shape.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cylindrical shafts X1 and X3 are straight lines, and the cylindrical shaft X2 is curved, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The cylindrical shafts X1 and X3 may also be curved. Furthermore, the number of cylindrical shafts is not limited to three; for example, it may be composed of four or more. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 1 Main Unit 10. First main body 100 First outer case member 101 Inlet 11. Second main body 110 Second outer case member 12. Third main body 120 Third outer case member 14. Discharge component 140 Air outlet 2 Power cords 210 First inner case member 220 Second inner case member 3 Control section 5. Blower Unit 6 Heater 7 Attachments X1, X2, X3 cylinder shaft

Claims

1. A cylindrical main unit, An inlet provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the main unit, An air outlet provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the main unit, The main unit includes a blower unit that is provided within the main unit and receives air from the inlet and blows the air toward the outlet, With respect to the first direction, which is the direction of the cylindrical axis of the main unit at the inlet, A futon dryer characterized in that the second direction, which is the direction of the cylindrical axis of the main unit at the air outlet, is inclined.

2. The futon dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that the first direction and the second direction are linear directions.

3. The futon dryer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inlet, the blower unit, the heater, and the outlet are arranged in that order along the direction of the cylindrical axis, and the operating unit is positioned between the blower unit and the inlet.

4. The futon dryer according to claim 3, characterized in that the arrangement direction of the heater is along the second direction.

5. The futon dryer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the direction in which the blowing unit is arranged is an angular direction intermediate between the first direction and the second direction.

6. The futon dryer according to claim 3, characterized in that the direction of the cylindrical shaft at the position where the operating unit is located is the first direction.

7. The futon dryer according to claim 3, characterized in that the operating unit is arranged in a direction that raises the air outlet.

8. The futon dryer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inclination angle of the second direction with respect to the first direction is 7° to 30°.

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