Heating device and dryer equipped with heating device

Abstract

This heating device is provided with: a water tank (2) that is a heating chamber for housing an object to be heated; a microwave radiation unit (31) for radiating electromagnetic waves in the heating chamber; a first electromagnetic wave shield for suppressing electromagnetic waves leaking from the heating chamber; and a microwave reception unit (36) for receiving electromagnetic waves. In addition, the heating device is provided with a spark detection unit for detecting electromagnetic waves generated by sparks produced in the heating chamber due to radiation of electromagnetic waves in the electromagnetic waves received by the microwave reception unit (36). The spark detection unit detects the electromagnetic waves amplified within a space of the first electromagnetic wave shield.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating device that heats an object to be heated by microwaves, and a dryer equipped with the heating device. [Background technology]

[0002] One example of a heating device is a clothes dryer that heats and dries clothes. As a method for speeding up the drying performance of a clothes dryer or a washer-dryer, there is a method that uses microwaves as a heat source for heating the moisture in the clothes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this method, the moisture in the clothes can be evaporated quickly by irradiating the clothes with microwaves to directly heat the moisture in the clothes, so that the clothes can be dried in a short time compared to hot air drying using a conventional heater or heat pump.

[0003] 11 is a block diagram of a conventional clothes dryer described in Patent Document 1. This clothes dryer includes microwave irradiation section 101 that irradiates microwaves onto clothes, clothes compartment 102 that stores clothes, air blower 103 that takes in outside air into clothes compartment 102 and blows out the air from clothes compartment 102, heater 104 for drying clothes, microwave control section 105 that controls microwave irradiation section 101, microwave reflection detection section 106 that senses the state of microwave reflection, and control circuit 107 that controls microwave control section 105.

[0004] A clothes dryer of this configuration can shorten the drying time of clothes by directly heating the water adhering to the clothes fibers with microwaves, particularly when the moisture content of the clothes is about 30% or less. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-000249 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, in conventional clothes dryers, if the clothes stored in the clothes compartment 102 have metal parts such as buttons or zippers, the electric field strength of the microwaves in the clothes compartment 102 may become strong and cause sparks. To deal with this, technology capable of detecting the occurrence of sparks is essential.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a technique for detecting the occurrence of sparks in a heating device that heats an object to be heated by irradiating it with electromagnetic waves.

[0008] The heating device of the present disclosure includes a heating chamber that accommodates an object to be heated, an irradiation unit that irradiates electromagnetic waves into the heating chamber, and a first electromagnetic wave shield for suppressing electromagnetic waves leaking from the heating chamber. The heating device also includes a receiving unit that receives the electromagnetic waves, and a detection unit that detects electromagnetic waves generated by sparks generated in the heating chamber due to the irradiation of the electromagnetic waves in the electromagnetic waves received by the receiving unit. Furthermore, the detection unit detects the electromagnetic waves amplified in the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the detection section of the heating device can more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber by detecting the electromagnetic waves amplified within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view that illustrates a schematic configuration of a drum type washer-dryer for explaining a heating device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the heating device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the heating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the frequency and intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the microwave receiving unit of the heating device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the conditions under which resonance of electromagnetic waves occurs in the heating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the frequency and attenuation of electromagnetic waves to water in the heating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a heating device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the intensity of electromagnetic waves inside and outside the electromagnetic wave shield of the heating device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a heating device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another configuration diagram of the heating device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a conventional clothes dryer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming more redundant than necessary and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0012] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (First embodiment) In the first embodiment, the heating device will be described as a washer / dryer that heats and dries laundry such as clothes. Alternatively, the heating device may be a clothes dryer or a device that heats something other than laundry.

[0014] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a drum type washer-dryer 60 for explaining a heating device according to a first embodiment. The left side will be referred to as the front, the right side as the rear, the upper side as the top, and the lower side as the bottom. The drum type washer-dryer 60 of this embodiment has a function of washing and drying laundry such as clothes, and also functions as a washing machine that performs only the washing function, a dryer that performs only the drying function, and a washer-dryer that performs both the washing function and the drying function.

[0015] Drum type washer-dryer 60 has a function of irradiating laundry in a drum with microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic waves, to heat the laundry. First, the basic configuration and operation of drum type washer-dryer 60 will be described, and then the details of a first electromagnetic wave shield for suppressing leakage of microwaves from the housing when irradiating microwaves in drum type washer-dryer 60 will be described.

[0016] Drum type washer-dryer 60 includes water tub 2, which is a heating chamber formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, in which wash water is stored. Water tub 2 is supported in a housing 1 (main body) so as to be able to swing freely by a damper 4 provided below water tub 2. Drum 3, which contains laundry to be dried such as clothes, is provided rotatably in water tub 2. This drum 3 is also formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. Drum 3 is provided so that its rotation axis is horizontal. In another example, drum 3 may be provided so that its rotation axis is inclined upward from the horizontal, or so that its rotation axis is vertical. In this embodiment, the heating chamber will be described as water tub 2 including drum 3, but only drum 3 may be the heating chamber.

[0017] A drive motor 6 is attached to the back of the water tub 2. This drive motor 6 rotates the drum 3 in forward and reverse directions about its axis of rotation. In the drum type washer-dryer 60, the drum 3 is rotated by the drive of the drive motor 6, so that the laundry contained in the drum 3 is washed by stirring and beating, rinsed, and dried.

[0018] An opening 19 and a door 5 for opening and closing the opening 19 are provided on the front of the housing 1 at positions facing the open ends of the drum 3 and the water tub 2. A user can put laundry in or take it out of the drum 3 by opening the door 5.

[0019] Water tub 2 has a water tub front part 2a with a water tub opening 2c provided at a position facing opening 19 of housing 1, and a water tub rear part 2b provided behind front part 2a. An elastic, cylindrical water seal gasket 23 is provided to connect the edge of water tub opening 2c of front part 2a to the edge of opening 19 around the entire circumference. When a user closes door 5, water seal gasket 23 is pressed by door 5 and elastically deforms, thereby ensuring water tightness of water tub 2 from the outside of the machine.

[0020] The water tank front part 2a may be the top surface part of the water tank 2 formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. In that case, the water tank rear part 2b may be the side surface part and the bottom surface part of the cylinder. The water tank front part 2a may include a part of the front of the side surface part in addition to the top surface part of the cylinder. In that case, the water tank rear part 2b may be the remaining part of the rear of the side surface part of the cylinder and the bottom surface part. The water tank rear part 2b may include a part of the side surface side of the top surface part in addition to the side surface part and the bottom surface part of the water tank 2. In that case, the water tank front part 2a may be the remaining part of the top surface part of the cylinder on the water tank opening part 2c side. The water tank front part 2a and the water tank rear part 2b may be manufactured integrally, or may be manufactured as separate bodies and the water tank 2 may be formed by connecting them. When the water tank front part 2a and the water tank rear part 2b are manufactured as separate bodies, a water seal packing is provided at the connecting part of the water tank front part 2a and the water tank rear part 2b in the same manner as the water seal packing 23.

[0021] A water supply pipe 13 is connected to the top of the water tub 2. A water supply valve 12 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 13. The water supply valve 12 supplies water into the water tub 2 via the water supply pipe 13. A drain pipe 11 is connected to the bottom of the water tub 2. A drain valve 10 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 11. The drain valve 10 drains the water in the water tub 2 via the drain pipe 11 to the outside of the housing 1, i.e., outside the machine.

[0022] A damper 4 is provided below the water tub 2. The damper 4 supports the water tub 2 and dampens vibrations of the water tub 2 caused by uneven distribution of laundry in the drum 3 during spin-drying and the like. A cloth amount detector (not shown) is attached to this damper 4. The cloth amount detector detects the amount of vertical displacement of the axis of the damper 4 caused by weight changes due to the clothes and the like in the drum 3. The drum type washer-dryer 60 detects the amount of clothes in the drum 3 based on the amount of displacement detected by the cloth amount detector.

[0023] The drum 3 has a drum front part 3a having a drum opening 3c provided at a position facing the opening 19 of the housing 1, and a drum rear part 3b provided behind the drum front part 3a. The drum front part 3a may be a top surface part of the drum 3 formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. In that case, the drum rear part 3b may be a side surface part and a bottom surface part of the cylinder. The drum front part 3a may include a front part of the side surface part in addition to the top surface part of the cylinder. In that case, the drum rear part 3b may be a remaining part of the rear of the side surface part of the cylinder and a bottom surface part. The drum rear part 3b may include a part of the side surface side of the top surface part in addition to the side surface part and the bottom surface part of the drum 3. In that case, the drum front part 3a may be a remaining part of the top surface part of the cylinder on the drum opening 3c side. The drum front part 3a and the drum rear part 3b may be manufactured integrally or may be manufactured as separate bodies and the drum 3 may be formed by connecting them.

[0024] Drum type washer-dryer 60 includes a circulation air duct 7 that circulates air in water tub 2 and drum 3, and a microwave heating device 30 that irradiates microwaves onto the objects to be dried in drum 3. Microwave heating device 30, which constitutes a heating section that heats the objects to be dried, irradiates microwaves into drum 3 from microwave irradiation port 32 provided between water tub opening 2c of water tub 2, which serves as a heating chamber, and opening 19 of housing 1, to heat moisture contained in the objects to be dried in drum 3.

[0025] The circulation air duct 7 is configured as an air circulation air duct for drying the object to be dried in the drying process. The air circulation air duct includes the water tub 2 and the drum 3. The circulation air duct 7 is provided by connecting an outlet 8 (drying air outlet) provided on the bottom surface of the water tub 2 with an exhaust outlet 9 (drying air exhaust) provided on the front side of the water tub 2.

[0026] In the circulation air duct 7, from the exhaust port 9 side, a lint filter 22, a dehumidifier 21, a heater 17, and a blower fan 16 are provided. The lint filter 22 is a filter having a nylon mesh, and captures lint contained in the air flowing through the circulation air duct 7. The dehumidifier 21 dehumidifies the air flowing through the circulation air duct 7. The dehumidifier 21 may be either a water-cooled type or an air-cooled type. The heater 17 heats the air flowing through the circulation air duct 7. The dehumidifier 21 and the heater 17 may be composed of an evaporator and a condenser of a heat pump device. The blower fan 16 circulates the air in the water tub 2 and the drum 3 into the circulation air duct 7.

[0027] The heater 17 and the microwave irradiation unit (details will be described later) constitute a heating unit that heats the object to be dried, and electricity is passed through both or either one at the same time. Note that the method of heating the object to be dried by the heating unit includes a method of directly heating with microwaves, a method of indirectly heating by heating the circulating air with a heater or the like, or by heating the inner wall of the drum 3, and is not particularly limited. If the object to be dried, such as clothing, has metal buttons or zippers, and there is a high possibility of sparks occurring, the output of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit into the drum 3 is reduced or stopped, and drying is switched to using the heater 17.

[0028] An inflow temperature detection unit 18 is provided in the circulating air duct 7. The inflow temperature detection unit 18 detects the temperature of the air flowing into the drum 3. The inflow temperature detection unit 18 is constituted by, for example, a thermistor.

[0029] A control device 20 is provided in the housing 1. The control device 20 controls the blower fan 16, the heater 17, the microwave irradiation unit, etc. The control device 20 also controls the drive motor 6, the water supply valve 12, the drain valve 10, etc., and sequentially executes each process of washing, rinsing, and drying.

[0030] The control device 20 is realized in terms of hardware by a CPU, memory, other LSI, etc. of any computer, and in terms of software by a program loaded into memory, etc. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that it can be realized in various forms, such as hardware only or a combination of hardware and software.

[0031] Next, the flow of the dried air will be described. When microwaves are irradiated into the drum 3, the moisture contained in the material to be dried is heated and evaporated. When the blower fan 16 is driven, the air, which has become humid due to the evaporated moisture, flows into the circulating air duct 7 through the exhaust port 9 provided in the water tub 2. The air that has flowed into the circulating air duct 7 is sent by the blower fan 16 towards the dehumidifying section 21 and heater 17. The air passing through the dehumidifying section 21 is cooled and dehumidified. The cooled air is heated by the heater 17.

[0032] The air that has passed through heater 17 passes through outlet 8 and is blown out again into drum 3. Clothes dryers without a washing function are not provided with water tub 2 for storing wash water, water supply valve 12, water supply pipe 13, drain valve 10, and drain pipe 11. Drum 3 functions as a heating chamber, and the connection between rotating drum 3 and circulating air duct 7 is configured so that drum 3 slides on a sealing member such as felt.

[0033] In drum type washer-dryer 60 of the present embodiment, microwaves are irradiated into drum 3, so it is necessary to configure drum type washer-dryer 60 so that the intensity of electromagnetic waves leaking outside is equal to or lower than the standard value set in the region in which it is used. For this reason, drum type washer-dryer 60 of the present embodiment is provided with a first electromagnetic wave shield for suppressing leakage of microwaves irradiated from microwave irradiation port 32.

[0034] As an example of a standard for leaked electromagnetic waves, there is the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS C9250" which specifies microwave ovens with a rated high frequency output of 2kW or less that use electromagnetic waves (microwaves) in the 2.45GHz frequency band to heat food, and microwave ovens with additional devices. 5.8 of the standard states that "The power density of leaked electromagnetic waves measured by the power density test for leaked electromagnetic waves specified in 8.2.12 of the standard shall be 1mW / cm when the door is closed. 2 (2) When the door is opened to the maximum position just before the oscillation stop device of the oscillator is activated, the radiation level is 5 mW / cm 2 (3) 5 mW / cm or less with all oscillation stopping devices other than the main oscillation stopping device restrained. 2 The Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law stipulates that the electrical appliances and materials used in the appliances must be less than 100% of the electrical appliances and materials used in the appliances. ...

[0035] In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that the guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which were compiled based on scientific evidence by experts from around the world, be adopted as exposure limit values ​​for human protection. These guidelines set the exposure limit at 0.08 W / kg (1 mW / cm 2) The international standard "IEC62233" established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS 1912" established based on it, specify the method of measuring electromagnetic fields related to human exposure from household electrical appliances and similar devices. In the measurement method specified in the standard, the electromagnetic field is measured as a percentage of the exposure limit value by weighting the signal from a sensor that detects the electromagnetic field, and if the exposure limit value specified in the ICNIRP guidelines is not exceeded, it is determined that the ICNIRP guidelines are met. The first electromagnetic wave shield is configured to comply with these standards.

[0036] In a microwave oven, no large vibrations occur during microwave irradiation, but in drum type washer-dryer 60 of the present embodiment, when drum 3 is rotated during drying to improve drying efficiency, drum 3 and water tub 2 vibrate. Therefore, the first electromagnetic shield of drum type washer-dryer 60 of the present embodiment has a structure capable of suppressing microwaves leaking from gaps even when microwaves are irradiated while drum 3 and water tub 2 are vibrating. Details will be described later.

[0037] 2 is a configuration diagram of microwave heating device 30, water tub 2, drum 3, door body 5, control device 20, etc., for explaining the heating device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, water tub 2, drum 3, and door body 5 are shown in a positional relationship viewed from the rear at the front position of drum-type washer-dryer 60. The position of microwave irradiation port 32 may be different from that shown in FIG. 2, as long as microwaves can be irradiated to water tub 2, which is a heating chamber. In addition, the position of microwave heating device 30 and control device 20 may be different from that shown in FIG. 2, as long as they are outside the first electromagnetic wave shield.

[0038] The microwave heating device 30 has a microwave irradiation unit 31, a waveguide 34, a microwave irradiation port 32, a microwave control unit 40, a reflecting unit 33, and a microwave receiving unit 36. The microwave irradiation unit 31 irradiates microwaves. The waveguide 34 guides the irradiated microwaves into the drum 3. The microwave irradiation port 32 is provided in the water tank 2 at the tip of the waveguide 34. The microwave control unit 40 adjusts the output of the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit 31. The reflecting unit 33 is provided between the microwave irradiation unit 31 and the microwave irradiation port 32, and reflects a part or all of the microwaves reflected from the drum 3 to irradiate the inside of the drum 3. The microwave receiving unit 36 ​​is provided inside the first electromagnetic wave shield, and receives electromagnetic waves including the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit 31 and the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark.

[0039] The first electromagnetic shield is made of a material containing an electromagnetic shielding material such as a metal capable of reflecting or absorbing microwaves. The first electromagnetic shield includes at least a wall forming a heating chamber and a door for inserting and removing an object to be heated into and from the heating chamber. Here, when the heating chamber has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, the wall forming the heating chamber includes a cylindrical side wall and a bottom surface. In FIG. 2, the first electromagnetic shield is composed of a water tank 2, which is the heating chamber, and a door 5.

[0040] Furthermore, a part or the whole of the drum 3 or the housing 1 may be made of a material containing an electromagnetic wave shielding material to form a first electromagnetic wave shield.

[0041] The first electromagnetic wave shield may also include a first choke portion 38 in order to block, attenuate, or suppress electromagnetic waves leaking from the gap between the water tank 2 and the door body 5. The first choke portion 38 is formed at the contact point between the water tank 2 and the door body 5, and has a high shielding effect against the frequency band of microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiation portion 31. The first choke portion 38 may have any choke structure known in the technical field of microwave ovens, etc.

[0042] In addition, instead of a choke structure, the first electromagnetic wave shield may be formed from a conductive material such as a metal capable of reflecting the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit 31, or a dielectric or magnetic material capable of absorbing and attenuating the microwaves due to dielectric loss, magnetic loss, etc.

[0043] The microwave irradiator 31 is a microwave oscillator such as a magnetron, and oscillates electromagnetic waves of a frequency in the 2.45 GHz band that can be used by microwave heating devices. The frequency is not limited to the 2.45 GHz band assigned as an ISM (Industry Science Medical) band, and electromagnetic waves of a frequency in the 915 MHz band or other similarly assigned band may be used. Microwaves adjusted to an arbitrary output by the microwave control device 40 are irradiated from the microwave irradiator 31. The irradiated microwaves are irradiated into the rotating drum 3 through the waveguide 34 and the microwave irradiation port 32, and heat the moisture contained in the items to be dried, such as clothes.

[0044] Of the microwaves irradiated into the drum 3, a portion of the microwaves that is not absorbed by the moisture contained in the material to be dried returns as reflected waves from the drum 3 to the microwave irradiating section 31 through the microwave irradiation port 32. The microwaves that have returned to the microwave irradiating section 31 are converted into heat and treated as exhaust heat.

[0045] The reflecting section 33 reflects a part or all of the reflected wave that is reflected from the drum 3 and travels in a direction returning to the microwave irradiating section 31, and causes the reflected wave to be incident again into the drum 3 together with the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating section 31. This reduces energy loss and shortens the drying time.

[0046] 3 shows the configuration of a microwave control device 40, a microwave receiving unit 36, and a microwave irradiating unit 31 for explaining the heating device according to the first embodiment. The microwave control device 40 is realized by hardware such as a microcomputer, a microcontroller, and an integrated circuit.

[0047] The microwave control device 40 includes a spark detection unit 41 and an output adjustment unit 42. These components are realized as hardware by the CPU, memory, and other LSIs of any computer, and as software by programs loaded into memory, but here, functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these are depicted. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms, such as hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software.

[0048] The microwave control device 40 controls the microwave irradiation unit 31 according to instructions from the control device 20 in the washing process, rinsing process, or drying process controlled by the control device 20. The microwave control device 40 heats the washing water in the washing process, heats the rinsing water in the rinsing process, heats the moisture contained in the objects to be dried in the drying process, and heats and sterilizes bacteria attached to the laundry or objects to be dried. To this end, microwaves are irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit 31 into the drum 3. When heating the washing water or rinsing water, microwaves may be irradiated into the water tub 2 in which these waters are stored.

[0049] The spark detection unit 41 can detect the occurrence of a spark in the heating chamber by detecting electromagnetic waves generated by a spark in the electromagnetic waves received by the microwave receiving unit 36. For example, the spark detection unit 41 detects the occurrence of a spark by detecting a change in the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves. In addition, in order to improve the accuracy of spark detection, the occurrence of a spark may be detected by detecting a change in the intensity of the electromagnetic waves at a predetermined frequency. Hereinafter, the electromagnetic waves detected by the spark detection unit 41 as electromagnetic waves generated by a spark from the electromagnetic waves received by the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​will be referred to as spark electromagnetic waves.

[0050] First, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves generated by a spark will be described.

[0051] 4 is a graph explaining the frequency and intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the microwave receiving unit in the heating device according to the first embodiment, and explains the relationship between the frequency and intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​when a metal piece is placed in the heating chamber assuming that clothing has metal such as a button or zipper, microwaves are irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 31 into the heating chamber, causing sparks. The horizontal axis shows the frequency of the electromagnetic waves, and the vertical axis shows the intensity of the electromagnetic waves.

[0052] The electromagnetic waves received by the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​include both the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 31 and the electromagnetic waves generated by sparks caused by the irradiated microwaves. Here, the frequency of the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 31 is in the 2.45 GHz band.

[0053] Here, the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​is provided with a filter having frequency characteristics that block or attenuate the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 31. This filter is, for example, a low-pass filter configured by hardware. As a result, of the electromagnetic waves received by the microwave receiving unit 36, the electromagnetic wave intensity in the frequency band of the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 31 is reduced.

[0054] Therefore, compared to electromagnetic waves of other frequencies, no peak in electromagnetic wave intensity is detected in the frequency band of the microwaves irradiated from microwave irradiator 31. Also, for electromagnetic waves generated by a spark, a peak in electromagnetic wave intensity is detected in a frequency band of 100 MHz or more, particularly in the vicinity of 100 MHz to 1.5 GHz.

[0055] As described above, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves generated by a spark is 100 MHz or higher, and by receiving electromagnetic waves of a different frequency from the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit 31 and detecting the change in intensity of the electromagnetic waves, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a spark.

[0056] The electromagnetic waves generated by a spark are not electromagnetic waves having only a specific frequency, but electromagnetic waves having a wide range of frequencies above 100 MHz.

[0057] Therefore, the spark detection unit 41 analyzes the frequency of the electromagnetic waves received by the microwave receiving unit 36, and detects the occurrence of a spark by detecting a change in the intensity of electromagnetic waves of a frequency different from the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 31 as spark electromagnetic waves.

[0058] Furthermore, microwave receiving unit 36 ​​may use a filter (a low-pass filter, a band-stop filter, or a high-pass filter) having frequency characteristics that block or attenuate the microwaves irradiated from microwave irradiating unit 31 to receive only the electromagnetic waves generated from the spark, thereby allowing spark detection unit 41 to detect the spark electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the above-mentioned frequency analysis and a filter may be used in combination. The filter provided in microwave receiving unit 36 ​​may be provided in spark detection unit 41.

[0059] Next, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave generated by the spark will be described.

[0060] Since the intensity of the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark is considerably weaker than the intensity of the microwaves irradiated into the heating chamber from the microwave irradiator 31, the irradiated microwaves become noise. Therefore, it may be difficult to detect the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark.

[0061] Here, the resonance phenomenon of electromagnetic waves will be explained. As mentioned above, the electromagnetic waves generated by a spark are not electromagnetic waves with only a specific frequency, but electromagnetic waves with a wide range of frequencies above 100 MHz. Therefore, among those electromagnetic waves, those with a certain frequency or higher may cause a resonance phenomenon within the space of the electromagnetic wave shield.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the conditions under which electromagnetic wave resonance occurs in the heating device according to the first embodiment. In general, the resonance phenomenon occurs when the distance between opposing electromagnetic wave shielding surfaces in the space of the electromagnetic wave shield satisfies a relationship of an integral multiple of 1 / 2 the wavelength λ of the electromagnetic wave. Fig. 5 shows the resonance phenomenon when the distance between opposing electromagnetic wave shielding surfaces is 1, 2, and 3 times 1 / 2 the wavelength λ of the electromagnetic wave.

[0063] For example, let Lmax be the maximum linear length among the x-axis length, y-axis length, and z-axis length that make up the space of the electromagnetic shield. Resonance occurs in short electromagnetic waves generated by a spark, where half the wavelength (λ / 2) is less than Lmax. The strength of the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark is amplified by the resonance phenomenon.

[0064] Therefore, the spark detection unit 41 may selectively detect electromagnetic waves generated by a spark, the electromagnetic waves having a frequency at which resonance occurs in accordance with the size of the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield, and detect the spark electromagnetic waves, thereby accurately detecting the occurrence of a spark.

[0065] That is, as described above, when the maximum linear length of the x-axis length, y-axis length, and z-axis length constituting the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield is Lmax, the spark detection unit 41 detects electromagnetic waves that satisfy (λ / 2)≦Lmax as spark electromagnetic waves. As a result, the spark detection unit 41 can more accurately detect the occurrence of a spark in the heating chamber by detecting the electromagnetic waves generated by a spark and amplified in the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield as spark electromagnetic waves.

[0066] For example, a case will be described where the first electromagnetic wave shield is formed substantially in the shape of a right circular cylinder. In the right circular cylinder shape, the larger of the maximum diameter of the circle that is the cross section and the maximum depth of the cylinder is set to Lmax. A resonance phenomenon occurs in electromagnetic waves generated by a spark, where half the wavelength, λ / 2, is equal to or less than Lmax. The intensity of the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark is amplified by the resonance phenomenon.

[0067] In addition, a case where the first electromagnetic shield is formed substantially in a rectangular parallelepiped shape will be described. Of the three sides forming the rectangular parallelepiped shape, the maximum straight line length is Lmax. Of the electromagnetic waves generated by a spark, a resonance phenomenon occurs in short electromagnetic waves whose half wavelength, λ / 2, is equal to or less than Lmax. The resonance phenomenon amplifies the intensity of the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark.

[0068] From the above, spark detection unit 41 may selectively detect electromagnetic waves generated by a spark, the electromagnetic waves having a frequency at which resonance occurs in accordance with the size of the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield, and detect the spark electromagnetic waves, thereby accurately detecting the occurrence of a spark.

[0069] Finally, the effect of moisture contained in the clothes, which are the objects to be heated, on the electromagnetic waves generated by sparks during the drying operation of the drum type washer-dryer 60 will be described.

[0070] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the frequency and attenuation of the electromagnetic wave for water in the heating device according to the first embodiment, where the horizontal axis indicates the frequency of the electromagnetic wave and the vertical axis indicates the loss of the electromagnetic wave.

[0071] The degree of attenuation by water increases rapidly from frequencies above 5 GHz. Since the intensity of electromagnetic waves generated by sparks is weak, it becomes difficult to detect sparks when the degree of attenuation by moisture contained in clothing increases. Therefore, the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​may detect sparks more accurately by receiving electromagnetic waves containing frequency components of 10 GHz or less, preferably 5 GHz or less. Moreover, the spark detection unit 41 may detect sparks more accurately by detecting electromagnetic waves containing frequency components of 10 GHz or less, preferably 5 GHz or less.

[0072] That is, spark detection unit 41 detects electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 10 GHz or less, preferably 5 GHz or less, among electromagnetic waves generated by sparks occurring in a heating chamber constituted by, for example, water tank 2 or drum 3. Thus, spark detection unit 41 can more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks by detecting the spark electromagnetic waves.

[0073] Then, when spark detection unit 41 detects a spark electromagnetic wave, that is, when a spark occurs, output adjustment unit 42 adjusts the output of the microwave irradiated from microwave irradiating unit 31. Specifically, when spark detection unit 41 detects a spark electromagnetic wave, output adjustment unit 42 determines that a spark has occurred and reduces the output of the microwave irradiated from microwave irradiating unit 31. Alternatively, output adjustment unit 42 stops the output of the microwave irradiated from microwave irradiating unit 31.

[0074] This makes it possible to accurately detect the occurrence of sparks inside the drum 3 and reduce or stop the output of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiator 31. In other words, damage to the object to be dried inside the drum 3 due to sparks generated by metals or the like contained in the object to be dried is prevented.

[0075] As described above, according to the present embodiment, drum type washer-dryer 60, which is a heating device, includes water tub 2 or drum 3, which is a heating chamber that accommodates clothes, which are objects to be heated, microwave irradiator 31 that irradiates electromagnetic waves into the heating chamber, and a first electromagnetic shield for suppressing electromagnetic waves leaking from the heating chamber. It also includes microwave receiver 36 that receives electromagnetic waves, and spark detector 41 that detects electromagnetic waves generated by sparks generated in the heating chamber by the irradiation of electromagnetic waves in the electromagnetic waves received by microwave receiver 36. Furthermore, spark detector 41 is configured to detect electromagnetic waves amplified in the space of the first electromagnetic shield.

[0076] With this configuration, spark detection unit 41 can more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber by detecting spark electromagnetic waves within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield.

[0077] Furthermore, the maximum linear length of the x-axis length, y-axis length, and z-axis length that form the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield may be defined as Lmax, and spark detection unit 41 may be configured to detect electromagnetic waves with a wavelength λ of (λ / 2)≦Lmax. With this configuration, spark detection unit 41 can more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks in the heating chamber by detecting electromagnetic waves that are amplified in the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield.

[0078] Spark detection unit 41 may be configured to detect electromagnetic waves generated by sparks in the heating chamber, the electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 10 GHz or less, preferably 5 GHz or less. This configuration allows more accurate detection of sparks in the heating chamber.

[0079] The first electromagnetic shield may include at least a wall that defines the heating chamber and a door for inserting and removing the object to be heated into and from the heating chamber. With this configuration, the first electromagnetic shield is optimally configured, and the spark detection unit 41 detects spark electromagnetic waves in the space of the first electromagnetic shield, thereby making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks in the heating chamber.

[0080] The first electromagnetic shield may also include a first choke portion 38 (first choke structure) that suppresses leakage of electromagnetic waves from the heating chamber. With this configuration, the first electromagnetic shield is optimally configured, and the spark detection portion 41 detects spark electromagnetic waves in the space of the first electromagnetic shield, thereby making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks in the heating chamber.

[0081] The microwave irradiation unit 31 may be configured to irradiate the inside of the heating chamber with electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 2.45 GHz or 915 MHz. With this configuration, a heating device can be realized by using electromagnetic waves in a usable frequency band.

[0082] (Second embodiment) FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a microwave heating device 30, a water tank 2, a drum 3, a door body 5, a control device 20, etc., for explaining a heating device according to a second embodiment.

[0083] In Fig. 2 showing the heating device according to the first embodiment, microwave receiving unit 36 ​​is provided inside a first electromagnetic shield including a wall and door body 5 forming a heating chamber, and receives electromagnetic waves within the space of the first electromagnetic shield. Here, the electromagnetic waves irradiated by microwave irradiating unit 31 have a high intensity, and therefore may become noise when spark detecting unit 41 detects the spark electromagnetic waves. In other words, this may be a factor that hinders the detection of spark occurrence.

[0084] In the microwave heating device 30 constituting the heating device according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​is provided outside the first electromagnetic shield and receives the electromagnetic waves leaked outside the first electromagnetic shield. Since the first electromagnetic shield has a high shielding effect for a specific frequency band, the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiating unit 31 have a higher attenuation rate when leaking outside the first electromagnetic shield than the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark. Therefore, outside the first electromagnetic shield, the difference in intensity between the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiating unit 31 and the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark becomes smaller. Therefore, by receiving the electromagnetic waves by the microwave receiving unit 36, the microwave detecting unit 41 can more accurately detect the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark and detect the occurrence of the spark.

[0085] The microwave receiving unit 36 ​​may be provided outside the first electromagnetic shield, and the location where it is installed is not particularly limited. For example, it may be provided inside the drum type washer-dryer 60, or may be provided separately from the drum type washer-dryer 60. When provided separately from the drum type washer-dryer 60, for example, a mobile terminal or a separate measuring device may be used. The microwave receiving unit 36 ​​and the microwave control device 40 are connected by a wired signal or a wireless signal. The other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0086] As in the first embodiment, the first electromagnetic wave shield may include a first choke portion 38 to block or attenuate electromagnetic waves leaking from the gap between the door body 5 and the water tank 2. The first choke portion 38 is formed at the contact point between the door body 5 and the water tank 2, and has a high shielding effect against the frequency band of microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiator 31.

[0087] Since the first electromagnetic wave shield using the choke structure has a high shielding effect for a specific frequency band, the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation section 31 have a higher attenuation rate when leaking outside the first electromagnetic wave shield compared to the electromagnetic waves generated by a spark.

[0088] Therefore, outside the first electromagnetic shield using the choke structure, the difference in intensity between the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiating unit 31 and received by the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​and the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark becomes smaller, and the microwave detecting unit 41 can detect the spark electromagnetic waves and detect the spark more accurately.

[0089] Furthermore, by providing the first electromagnetic shield and the first choke portion 38, it becomes unnecessary to add a component such as an attenuator to the microwave receiving portion 36. This allows the configuration of the drum type washer-dryer 60 to be simplified, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and size of the drum type washer-dryer 60. Of course, only the first electromagnetic shield may be provided.

[0090] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the intensity of the electromagnetic waves inside the first electromagnetic shield and the intensity of the electromagnetic waves leaking outside the first electromagnetic shield (leakage electromagnetic waves) in the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiator 31 of the heating device according to the second embodiment. The vertical axis shows the electromagnetic wave intensity of the microwaves. If the electromagnetic wave intensity of the microwaves incident on the drum 3 from the microwave irradiation port 32 is 100%, the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from the drum 3 and returning to the microwave irradiator 31 is about 17%, and the intensity of the electromagnetic waves leaking outside the first electromagnetic shield is about 0.0001%.

[0091] In this way, the intensity of the leakage electromagnetic waves received by the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​outside the first electromagnetic wave shield is considerably weaker than the intensity of the incident waves, and by installing the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​outside the first electromagnetic wave shield, it becomes easier to detect spark electromagnetic waves.

[0092] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​is provided outside the first electromagnetic shield and configured to receive electromagnetic waves leaking from the first electromagnetic shield. As a result, the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​provided outside the electromagnetic shield receives electromagnetic waves leaking from the first electromagnetic shield, and the spark detection unit 41 detects spark electromagnetic waves in the space of the first electromagnetic shield, thereby making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks in the heating chamber.

[0093] The first electromagnetic wave shield may also include a first choke portion 38 (first choke structure) that suppresses leakage of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the microwave irradiation portion 31 from the heating chamber. This allows the first electromagnetic wave shield to be optimally configured and allows the spark detection portion 41 to detect spark electromagnetic waves, thereby making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks.

[0094] (Third embodiment) FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a microwave heating device 30, a water tank 2, a drum 3, a door body 5, a control device 20, etc., for explaining a heating device according to a third embodiment. In FIG. 7 of the second embodiment, the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​is provided outside the first electromagnetic wave shield and receives electromagnetic waves leaked outside the first electromagnetic wave shield. In the microwave heating device 30 according to the third embodiment, a second electromagnetic wave shield 37 configured to suppress the intrusion of microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiating unit 31 is provided around the microwave receiving unit 36. The microwave receiving unit 36 ​​is provided inside the second electromagnetic wave shield 37 and receives electromagnetic waves that have intruded into the second electromagnetic wave shield 37.

[0095] Since the second electromagnetic shield 37 has a high shielding effect against a specific frequency band, the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiator 31 have a higher attenuation rate when penetrating into the second electromagnetic shield 37 than the electromagnetic waves generated by a spark. Therefore, inside the second electromagnetic shield 37, the difference in intensity between the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiator 31 and the electromagnetic waves generated by a spark becomes smaller. Therefore, by receiving the electromagnetic waves with the microwave receiver 36, the microwave detector 41 can more accurately detect the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark and detect the occurrence of a spark.

[0096] Second electromagnetic wave shield 37 may also be configured to include a second choke portion 39 at the contact point with water tank 2. Second choke portion 39 has a high shielding effect against the frequency band of microwaves irradiated by microwave irradiator 31. As second choke portion 39, any choke structure known in the technical field of microwave ovens and the like can be adopted.

[0097] The second electromagnetic wave shield 37 using the choke structure has a high shielding effect for a specific frequency band, so that when the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation section 31 penetrate into the second electromagnetic wave shield 37, the attenuation rate is higher than that of the electromagnetic waves generated by a spark.

[0098] Therefore, inside the second electromagnetic shield 37 using the choke structure, the difference in intensity between the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiating unit 31 and received by the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​and the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark becomes smaller, and the microwave detecting unit 41 can detect the spark electromagnetic waves and detect the spark more accurately.

[0099] Furthermore, by providing the first electromagnetic shield, the second electromagnetic shield 37, the first choke portion 38, and the second choke portion 39, it becomes unnecessary to add a component such as an attenuator to the microwave receiving portion 36. This allows the configuration of the drum type washer-dryer 60 to be simplified, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and size of the drum type washer-dryer 60. Of course, the first electromagnetic shield and the second electromagnetic shield 37 may not be provided with the first choke portion 38 and the second choke portion 39, or may be provided with either one of the first choke portion 38 and the second choke portion 39.

[0100] In addition, the first electromagnetic wave shield can be used to realize the above-mentioned standard regarding leakage electromagnetic waves, and the attenuation rates of the first electromagnetic wave shield and the second electromagnetic wave shield 37 can be set so that the electromagnetic waves generated by a spark have an appropriate electromagnetic wave intensity for reception by the microwave receiving unit 36.

[0101] Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, or may be the same as those of the second embodiment. Note that only a part of the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​may be provided inside the second electromagnetic wave shield 37 to receive the electromagnetic waves that have entered the second electromagnetic wave shield 37.

[0102] As described above, according to this embodiment, the drum type washer-dryer 60, which is a heating device, is provided with the second electromagnetic wave shield 37 for suppressing the intrusion of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the microwave irradiation unit 31, and the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​is provided inside the second electromagnetic wave shield 37 and is configured to receive the electromagnetic waves that intrude into the second electromagnetic wave shield 37.

[0103] With this configuration, the microwave receiving unit 36 ​​provided inside the second electromagnetic wave shield 37 receives electromagnetic waves penetrating into the second electromagnetic wave shield 37, and the spark detection unit 41 detects spark electromagnetic waves within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield, thereby making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of a spark.

[0104] Furthermore, the second electromagnetic shield 37 may be provided within the space of the first electromagnetic shield. This allows the microwave receiving unit 36, which is provided within the space of the first electromagnetic shield and inside the second electromagnetic shield 37, to receive electromagnetic waves penetrating into the second electromagnetic shield 37, and the spark detecting unit 41 to detect the spark electromagnetic waves, thereby making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of a spark.

[0105] Moreover, second electromagnetic wave shield 37 may include second choke portion 39 (second choke structure) that suppresses the intrusion of electromagnetic waves irradiated from microwave irradiator 31. This allows second electromagnetic wave shield 37 to be optimally configured, and spark detection portion 41 to detect spark electromagnetic waves and more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 10, in another configuration of the heating device according to the third embodiment, the microwave receiving unit 36, the second electromagnetic shield 37, and the second choke unit 39 may be provided outside the first electromagnetic shield, and the installation positions are not particularly limited. For example, they may be provided inside the drum type washer-dryer 60, or may be provided separately from the drum type washer-dryer 60. When they are provided separately from the drum type washer-dryer 60, for example, a mobile terminal or a separate measuring device may be used. The microwave receiving unit 36 ​​and the microwave control device 40 are connected by a wired signal or a wireless signal.

[0107] According to this configuration, the first electromagnetic shield and the second electromagnetic shield 37 have a high shielding effect against a specific frequency band, so that the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiating unit 31 have a higher attenuation rate than the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark when entering the second electromagnetic shield 37, as compared with a configuration having only the first electromagnetic shield (see FIG. 7 showing the second embodiment). Therefore, inside the second electromagnetic shield 37, the difference in intensity between the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiating unit 31 and the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark becomes smaller. Therefore, by receiving the electromagnetic waves by the microwave receiving unit 36, the electromagnetic waves generated by the spark can be detected more accurately, and the occurrence of the spark can be detected.

[0108] As described above, the heating device and the washer / dryer (dryer) equipped with the heating device have been described in the first to third embodiments. That is, by equipping a dryer with the heating device of the first to third embodiments, it is possible to realize a dryer that can more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks.

[0109] The present disclosure has been described above based on the first to third embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine each component described in the above embodiments to create a new embodiment.

[0110] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc. are also valid aspects of the present disclosure.

[0111] As described above, the heating device in the first disclosure includes a heating chamber that accommodates an object to be heated, an irradiation unit that irradiates electromagnetic waves into the heating chamber, and a first electromagnetic wave shield for suppressing electromagnetic waves leaking from the heating chamber. The heating device also includes a receiving unit that receives the electromagnetic waves, and a detection unit that detects electromagnetic waves generated by sparks generated in the heating chamber due to the irradiation of the electromagnetic waves in the electromagnetic waves received by the receiving unit. Furthermore, the detection unit is configured to detect the electromagnetic waves amplified in the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield.

[0112] With this configuration, the detection section of the heating device detects the electromagnetic waves amplified within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield, making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber.

[0113] The heating device in the second disclosure may be configured in the first disclosure such that the maximum straight line length among the x-axis length, y-axis length, and z-axis length that form the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield is Lmax, and the detection unit detects electromagnetic waves with a wavelength λ that satisfies (λ / 2)≦Lmax.

[0114] With this configuration, the detection section can more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber by detecting electromagnetic waves that are amplified within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield.

[0115] The heating device in the third disclosure may be configured in any one of the first and second disclosures such that the detection unit detects electromagnetic waves generated by sparks within the heating chamber, the electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 5 GHz or less.

[0116] This configuration allows the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber to be detected more accurately.

[0117] The heating device in the fourth disclosure may be any one of the first to third disclosures, wherein the receiving unit is provided outside the first electromagnetic wave shield and is configured to receive electromagnetic waves leaking from the first electromagnetic wave shield.

[0118] With this configuration, the receiving unit provided outside the first electromagnetic wave shield receives electromagnetic waves leaking from the first electromagnetic wave shield, and the detecting unit detects the electromagnetic waves amplified within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield, thereby making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber.

[0119] The heating device in the fifth disclosure may be any one of the first to fourth disclosures, wherein the first electromagnetic wave shield includes at least a wall forming a heating chamber and a door body for inserting and removing an object to be heated into and from the heating chamber.

[0120] With this configuration, the first electromagnetic wave shield can be optimally configured, and the detection unit can detect the electromagnetic waves that are amplified within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield, making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber.

[0121] The heating device in a sixth disclosure is any one of the first to fifth disclosures, wherein the first electromagnetic wave shield may include a first choke structure that suppresses leakage of electromagnetic waves from the heating chamber.

[0122] With this configuration, the first electromagnetic wave shield can be optimally configured, and the detection unit can detect the electromagnetic waves that are amplified within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield, making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber.

[0123] The heating device in the seventh disclosure may be configured in any one of the first to third disclosures, further comprising a second electromagnetic wave shield for suppressing intrusion of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation unit, and the receiving unit is provided inside the second electromagnetic wave shield and receives electromagnetic waves that intrude into the second electromagnetic wave shield.

[0124] With this configuration, the receiving unit provided inside the second electromagnetic shield receives electromagnetic waves that penetrate into the second electromagnetic shield, and the detecting unit detects the electromagnetic waves that are amplified within the space of the first electromagnetic shield, thereby making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber.

[0125] The heating device according to the eighth disclosure may be the heating device according to the seventh disclosure, wherein a second electromagnetic shield is provided within the space of the first electromagnetic shield.

[0126] With this configuration, the receiving unit, which is provided within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield and inside the second electromagnetic wave shield, receives electromagnetic waves that penetrate into the second electromagnetic wave shield, and the detecting unit detects the electromagnetic waves that are amplified within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield, thereby making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber.

[0127] The heating device in a ninth disclosure may be any one of the seventh or eighth disclosures, wherein the second electromagnetic wave shield has a second choke structure that suppresses the intrusion of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation unit.

[0128] With this configuration, the second electromagnetic wave shield can be optimally configured and the detection unit can detect the electromagnetic waves that are amplified within the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield, making it possible to more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks within the heating chamber.

[0129] The heating device in a tenth disclosure is any one of the first to ninth disclosures, and may be configured such that the irradiation unit irradiates the inside of the heating chamber with electromagnetic waves having a frequency in the 2.45 GHz band or the 915 MHz band.

[0130] With this configuration, a heating device can be realized using electromagnetic waves in a usable frequency band.

[0131] The dryer in the eleventh disclosure may include any one of the heating devices in the first to tenth disclosures.

[0132] With this configuration, a dryer can be provided that can more accurately detect the occurrence of sparks in the heating chamber. [Industrial Applicability]

[0133] As described above, the scope of application of the present disclosure is not limited to the drum-type washer / dryer or drum-type dryer described above. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to a vertical washer / dryer or vertical dryer of a line-drying method or a pulsator method other than a drum type. In addition, any heating device that uses electromagnetic waves for heating may be used, and the heating object may be applied to objects other than clothing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1 Case 2 Water tank (heating chamber) 2a Front of tank 2b Rear of the tank 2c Aquarium opening 3 Drums 3a Front of drum 3b Rear of drum 3c Drum opening 4 Damper 5 Door body 6 Drive motor 7 Circulation air duct 8 Air outlet 9 Outlet 10 Drain valve 11 Drain pipe 12 Water supply valve 13 Water supply pipe 16 Blower fan 17 Heater 18 Inlet temperature detector 19 Opening 20 Control device 21 Dehumidification section 22 Lint Filter 23 Water seal packing 30 Microwave heating equipment 31 Microwave irradiation unit (irradiation unit) 32 Microwave radiation port 33 Reflector 34 Waveguide 36 Microwave receiving unit (receiving unit) 37 Second Electromagnetic Shield 38 First choke section (first choke structure) 39 Second choke section (second choke structure) 40 Microwave control device 41 Spark detection unit (detection unit) 42 Output adjustment section 60 Drum type washer-dryer (dryer)

Claims

1. A heating chamber that accommodates an object to be heated; An irradiation unit that irradiates an electromagnetic wave into the heating chamber; a first electromagnetic wave shield for suppressing electromagnetic waves leaking from the heating chamber; A receiving unit that receives electromagnetic waves; A detection unit that detects electromagnetic waves generated by sparks generated in the heating chamber by irradiation of the electromagnetic waves in the electromagnetic waves received by the receiving unit, the receiving unit is provided outside the first electromagnetic wave shield and receives electromagnetic waves leaking from the first electromagnetic wave shield; The detection unit detects electromagnetic waves amplified in the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield. heating device.

2. A heating chamber for accommodating an object to be heated; An irradiation unit that irradiates an electromagnetic wave into the heating chamber; a first electromagnetic wave shield for suppressing electromagnetic waves leaking from the heating chamber; a second electromagnetic wave shield for suppressing intrusion of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiating unit; A receiving unit that receives electromagnetic waves; A detection unit that detects electromagnetic waves generated by sparks generated in the heating chamber by irradiation of the electromagnetic waves in the electromagnetic waves received by the receiving unit, the receiving unit is provided inside the second electromagnetic wave shield and receives electromagnetic waves that enter the second electromagnetic wave shield; The detection unit detects electromagnetic waves amplified in the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield. heating device.

3. The second electromagnetic shield is provided within a space of the first electromagnetic shield. The heating device according to claim 2.

4. The second electromagnetic wave shield includes a second choke structure that suppresses intrusion of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation unit. The heating device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. Among the x-axis length, y-axis length, and z-axis length that form the space of the first electromagnetic wave shield, a maximum straight line length is defined as Lmax, The detection unit is The wavelength λ is (λ / 2)≦Lmax, Detects electromagnetic waves that are The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The detection unit detects electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 5 GHz or less among electromagnetic waves generated by sparks generated in the heating chamber. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first electromagnetic wave shield includes at least a wall that forms the heating chamber and a door body for inserting and removing the object to be heated into and from the heating chamber. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the first electromagnetic wave shield has a first choke structure that suppresses leakage of electromagnetic waves from the heating chamber; The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The irradiation unit irradiates electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 2.45 GHz or 915 MHz into the heating chamber. The heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A dryer comprising the heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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