Mat-like material dryer

Abstract

To provide a dryer for a mat-like member, which can suitably control temperature in a drying space.SOLUTION: A dryer for a mat-like member comprises: a housing 20 in which a first internal space P is defined; a mat-like member mounting portion 3 having a second internal space D; a heating portion 21 heating the air; an exhaust air duct mounted with an exhaust fan 22 which causes the heated air to flow in such a manner that heated air passes through the first internal space P, the mat-like member, and the second internal space D and which discharges the air to the outside; an inflow side flow channel 251 causing the heated air to flow into the first internal space P; an inlet temperature sensor 42 to measuring an inlet temperature in the inflow side flow channel; an outlet temperature sensor 43 measure an outlet temperature in the exhaust air duct; and control means which obtains the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature and controls on / off of the heating portion 21 and air flow of the exhaust fan 22. The control means performs controls in such a way that the inlet temperature is maintained within a first reference temperature range by controlling on / off of the heating portion, the control means keeps ignited state of the heating portion, and controls the air flow of the exhaust fan to thereby maintain an input temperature within a second reference temperature range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a dryer for a mat-like member. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, dryers are known that dry mat-like members such as futons and mattresses that have become wet due to washing, etc. One such dryer has a housing that defines a drying space into which heated air flows, a mat-like member placement section within the drying space, an internal space defined within the placement section that communicates with the drying space, and the heated air is passed through the placed mat-like member to dry the mat-like member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-157795 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-288297 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3086128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide a dryer for mat-like members that can appropriately control the temperature inside the drying space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] a control means for controlling the on / off state of the heating unit and the airflow of the exhaust fan based on the inlet temperature sensor; an outlet temperature sensor for controlling the outlet temperature of the exhaust duct; and a control means for controlling the on / off state of the heating unit and the airflow rate of the exhaust fan based on the inlet temperature sensor and the outlet temperature sensor, so that the inlet temperature falls within a reference temperature range. The control means controls the heating unit to be on / off to maintain the inlet temperature within the first reference temperature range, maintains the ignition of the heating unit, and controls the air volume of the exhaust fan to maintain the input temperature within the second reference temperature range. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a dryer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a dryer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the dryer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a dryer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the movable placement unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the flow of air inside the dryer. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing a drying process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a first air volume determination process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a multi-stage control process. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a multi-stage control process. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a multi-stage control process. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a multi-stage control process. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a second air volume determination process. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal control process. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a drying process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing a proportional control process. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing a proportional control process. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing a multistage control process according to a third embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing a multistage control process according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] First Embodiment Hereinafter, the details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0008] (Overall composition) First, the overall configuration of the dryer according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 1 to 4 are a perspective view, a front view, a back view, and a plan view, respectively, showing the configuration of the dryer according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the front side of the dryer 1 will be referred to as the front, the back side as the rear, and the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the up-down direction as the left-to-right direction.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the dryer 1 according to this embodiment includes a main body 2 and a movable placement section 3 housed within the main body 2 for placing a futon to be dried by the dryer 1.

[0010] The main body 2 includes a housing 20, a heating unit 21, an exhaust fan 22, a mist generation unit 23, and a control unit 24. The housing 20 is formed as a hollow, approximately rectangular box overall, and defines a drying space D (see FIG. 6) inside the housing 20, which is surrounded by an upper wall 25 (see FIG. 6), a pair of side walls 26, a rear wall 27, a bottom wall 28, and a door 29. The movable placement unit 3 can be accommodated in this drying space D.

[0011] The door 29 is attached to one of the side walls 26 by a hinge or the like so as to be able to open and close, and allows the movable placement unit 3 to be taken in and out of the drying space D from the front side. A part of the door 29 is formed as a light-transmitting window 291 made of glass or the like, and further provided with a grip 292 for a user to open and close the door 29.

[0012] Heating unit 21 is provided above upper wall 25 and at the rearmost part of housing 20, and has a gas burner 211 and an intake duct 212 (see FIG. 7 for both), heats air with gas burner 211, and supplies the heated air to an intake flow path 251 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) described below via intake duct 212 and a connecting pipe 253. Note that heating unit 21 may be replaced by another device that heats air by another method.

[0013] The exhaust fan 22 is provided in front of the heating section 21 and has a check damper 221 for preventing backflow of air and an exhaust duct 222 (see Figures 6 and 7) in which the check damper 221 is provided, and draws in air from the drying space D and discharges it to the outside through the exhaust duct 222.

[0014] The mist generating unit 23 is provided on the lower rear side of the dryer 1 and has a liquid storage tank, a supply unit, and a nozzle, and can spray mist into the drying space D during spraying operation. The liquid storage tank stores liquid containing chemicals such as deodorants, disinfectants, and anti-mite agents. The supply unit is a so-called compressor that is driven and controlled by the control unit 24 and supplies compressed air to the nozzle. The nozzle is fluidly connected to both the liquid storage tank and the supply unit via tubes, and is a so-called two-fluid nozzle that draws up the chemicals from the liquid storage tank in response to the supply of compressed air from the supply unit, turns them into mist, and sprays it.

[0015] Control unit 24 is provided in front of exhaust fan 22, i.e., at the front end of housing 20, and has an operation panel 241 that allows a user to give instructions regarding the operation of dryer 1, with operation panel 241 facing forward. Control unit 24 executes the drying process, which will be described later, based on operations performed on operation panel 241. The configuration of control unit 24 will be described in detail later.

[0016] A part of the bottom wall 28 of the housing 20 functions as a travel path when the movable placement unit 3 moves back and forth, and the inside functions as an exhaust flow path when the movable placement unit 3 is housed in the drying space D. This bottom wall 28 will be described in detail later together with the following explanation of the configuration of the movable placement unit 3.

[0017] (Movable mounting section 3) The configuration of the movable placement section 3 will now be described in detail. Fig. 5 is a side view showing the movable placement section on which a futon is placed, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2. For the sake of explanation, in Fig. 6, parts of connecting pipes 253 and 254, which are arranged at different positions in the left-right direction from the cross section, are virtually shown by dashed dotted lines. The movable placement section 3 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction, and as shown in Fig. 5, comprises a placement stand 31, a base section 32, and a pressing band 33.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the mounting table 31 is generally formed in the shape of a hollow, approximately triangular prism, with the top and bottom surfaces facing the front-to-rear direction and one side surface facing downward, opposite the apex formed at the most acute angle. In the following description, the front sides of the top and bottom surfaces of the triangular prism are referred to as the front surface of the mounting table 31, the other sides are referred to as the back surface of the mounting table 31, and the one side surface of the triangular prism facing downward is referred to as the bottom surface of the mounting table 31. The other two inclined side surfaces and the curved surface formed at the upper end are referred to as the mounting surface of the mounting table 31. Therefore, the mounting surface has a shape obtained by bending a plane so that an imaginary bending line facing the front-to-rear direction is positioned at the upper end. The bottom surface of the mounting table 31 is connected to the upper surface of the pedestal portion 32.

[0019] On both side surfaces of the mounting table 31, there are provided groups of punched holes 311 consisting of a plurality of circular holes that connect the internal space P of the mounting table 31 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) with the drying space D. Air flows between the drying space D and the internal space P via these groups of punched holes 311. In addition, on the front surface of the mounting table 31, there is provided a gripping portion 312 that the user grips when moving the movable mounting section 3. The groups of punched holes 311 are formed in an area that is covered by the futon F when the futon F is placed on it.

[0020] When placing the futon F to be dried on the table 31, as shown in Fig. 5, the futon F is placed on the table surface of the table 31 with its short sides facing the front-to-rear direction of the table 31 and covering the punched hole group 311. At this time, the futon F is folded so as to follow the slope of the table surface.

[0021] 5 and 6, the base 32 is formed in a hollow, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has an opening 321a formed on its upper surface for connecting its internal space T with the internal space P of the mounting table 31. Meanwhile, an opening 321b is formed on the lower surface of the base 32 for connecting a downward exhaust flow path 281 (described later) formed in the bottom wall 28 of the housing 20 with the internal space T. These openings 321a and 321b allow air within the internal space P to flow into the downward exhaust flow path 281. In addition, a plurality of casters capable of moving in the front-to-rear direction are provided on the lower surface of the base 32.

[0022] Furthermore, the bottom wall portion 28 defines a downward exhaust flow path 281 inside, and on its upper surface is formed an opening 282 for connecting the downward exhaust flow path 281 to the internal space T, and an opening 283 located behind the opening 282 for fluidly connecting the vertical flow path 271 (described later) to the downward exhaust flow path 281. A portion 287 is formed.

[0023] A sealing member 288 is provided on the periphery of the opening 282, and when the movable placing section 3 is accommodated in the drying space D, the periphery of the opening 321b of the base section 32 abuts against the sealing member 288, thereby airtightly connecting the opening 282 and the opening 321b of the base section 32 via the sealing member 288.

[0024] The pressure bands 33 are provided on both sides of the mounting base 31 and press both longitudinal ends of the futon F against the mounting surface, with groups of air vents uniformly drilled through them to allow ventilation of the futon F that comes into contact with the pressure bands 33. The pressure bands 33 are formed in a band shape with their longitudinal direction extending in the front-to-rear direction, and their longitudinal length can be adjusted by hook-and-loop fastener parts 334. The pressure bands 33 are supported by having one longitudinal end wrapped around a support member 314 that is U-shaped when viewed from the side and is provided on the front wall surface of the mounting base 31, and by having the other longitudinal end fixedly connected to a support member 314 provided on the back wall surface of the mounting base 31.

[0025] (Flow path in the housing 20) 6, two horizontally extending, parallel flat plate portions 25a, 25b are provided above the upper wall portion 25 of the housing 20, and the heating unit 21 and the exhaust fan 22 are mounted on the uppermost flat plate portion 25b. Two spaces are vertically divided and defined by the flat plate portion 25a located below the flat plate portion 25b. The space defined between the flat plate portion 25a and the upper wall portion 25 is used as an intake flow path 251, and the space defined between the flat plate portions 25a and 25b is used as an upper exhaust flow path 252. The upper exhaust flow path 252 extends slightly rearward of the intake flow path 251 and is fluidly connected to the vertical flow path 271.

[0026] The vertical flow path 271 is a gap between the rear wall portion 27 and the flat plate portion 27a located in front of and parallel to the rear wall portion 27, and is formed as a space with a rectangular cross section that is elongated in the left-right direction when viewed from above and extends in the up-down direction. The vertical flow path 271 is fluidly connected to the upper exhaust flow path 252 and the lower exhaust flow path 281, which together form a single exhaust flow path.

[0027] A connecting pipe 253 is connected to the intake flow path 251, and a connecting pipe 254 is connected to the upper exhaust flow path 252. The connecting pipe 253 is fluidly connected to the intake duct 212 of the heating unit 21 and the intake flow path 251, thereby enabling the air heated by the heating unit 21 to be drawn into the intake flow path 251. The connecting pipe 254 is formed corresponding to the exhaust fan 22, and is fluidly connected to the upper exhaust flow path 252, thereby enabling the exhaust fan 22 to exhaust the air in the upper exhaust flow path 252.

[0028] The upper wall portion 25 is also formed with a group of inlet holes 255 as ventilation holes that connect the intake passage 251 with the drying space D and allow the air heated by the heating unit 21 to flow into the drying space D. The group of inlet holes 255 is a plurality of punched holes, and is formed over the entire left-right area of ​​the drying space D and over a predetermined range in the front-rear direction.

[0029] (How to use the dryer 1 and air flow) A method of using the dryer 1 and the air flow during that use will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the air flow inside the dryer. In Fig. 7, the flow path of the dryer 1 is shown developed in a planar form. The white arrows in Fig. 7 indicate the direction of air flow.

[0030] When using the dryer 1, first open the door 29 and pull the movable placement section 3 forward from the drying space D. The user ejects the movable placement section 3, places the futon F on the placement surface, and then moves the movable placement section 3 a predetermined distance backward (in the placement direction) so that the door section 29 can be closed. When the movable placement section 3 is completely placed in the drying space D, the internal spaces P and T of the movable placement section 3 are fluidically connected to the downward exhaust flow path 281, and therefore the internal spaces P and T are fluidically connected to the upward exhaust flow path 252. After the movable placement section 3 is placed in the drying space D, the control section 24 receives a command from the user to start the drying process, and the drying process is carried out, activating the heating section 21, the exhaust fan 22, etc.

[0031] When the heating section 21 and the exhaust fan 22 are activated, the air in the upper exhaust passage 252 is discharged to the outside as shown in Fig. 7, and the internal spaces P and T in the movable receiver 3 become negative pressure via the vertical passage 271 and the downward exhaust passage 281. When the internal spaces P and T become negative pressure, the air in the drying space D passes through the futon F via the punched hole groups 311 provided on both sides of the receiver 31 and is drawn into the movable receiver 3. In response to this, the drying space D becomes negative pressure, and air outside the dryer 1 passing through the heating section 21 is drawn into the drying space D via the intake air passage 251, which is connected to the drying space D by the inlet hole group 255.

[0032] This air flow causes the air heated by the heating section 21 to flow into the drying space D as hot air, and this hot air passes over the futon F placed on the movable placing section 3, drying the futon F. The drying process according to this embodiment mainly consists of a drying step in which heated air is blown onto the futon F as hot air, and a cooling step in which unheated air at room temperature is blown. This drying process will be described in detail later.

[0033] Furthermore, when the mist generating unit 23 is operating while air is flowing into the dry space D, the mist generated by the mist generating unit 23 is dispersed into the dry space D, and the air containing this mist passes through the futon F, allowing the medicine to penetrate into the interior of the futon F.

[0034] 7, in this embodiment, air intake duct 212 is provided with an air flow sensor 41 that is activated by the difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of air intake duct 212. Specifically, when the air flow rate increases and the air pressure inside air intake duct 212 becomes higher than the outside, air flow sensor 41 rotates to the outside of air intake duct 212, and when the air flow rate inside air intake duct 212 increases sufficiently so that the amount of rotation exceeds a certain value, a switch is turned on. When this switch is turned on, air flow sensor 41 outputs a detection signal to control unit 24.

[0035] 7, in this embodiment, an intake-side temperature sensor 42 that detects the temperature of air drawn into the drying space D is provided in the intake flow path 251, and an exhaust-side temperature sensor 43 that detects the temperature of air that passes through the futon F and is exhausted from the internal space P is provided in the exhaust duct 222. The control unit 24 can monitor the temperatures of the intake and exhaust air using these temperature sensors. In addition, a lint filter 44 that captures lint contained in the air that passes through the futon F and is exhausted from the internal space P is provided in the vertical flow path 271, preventing lint from being exhausted from the exhaust duct 222.

[0036] (Configuration of control unit 24) Next, the configuration of the control unit 24 that executes the drying process described above will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control unit according to this embodiment, and Figure 9 is a functional block diagram thereof. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 24 includes the operation panel 241 described above, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 242, a memory 243, and an input / output I / F 244.

[0037] The operation panel 241 is for accepting operations by the user of the dryer 1, and includes an input port for inserting coins and bills, a drying process execution button for executing the drying process, and a button for pressing a key before the drying process. There are provided an air blow button for blowing air into the drying space D, a spray button for causing the mist generation unit 23 to spray mist prior to the drying process, and a display for displaying the drying time, the amount of money inserted, etc.

[0038] The CPU 242 executes the main processing of the control unit 24, and the memory 243 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and is used as a work area for the CPU 242 as well as a storage device that stores programs that realize various functions and various data used in the processing executed by the various functions. The input / output I / F 244 is used to input signals from the operation panel 241 and various sensors, and to output control signals to the heating unit 21, exhaust fan 22, and mist generation unit 23. These hardware components work together to realize the various functions described below.

[0039] 9, the control unit 24 has as its functions an acquisition unit 101, a drive control unit 102, a determination unit 103, and a setting unit 104. The acquisition unit 101 acquires a signal when coins are inserted into an insertion slot of an operation panel 241, signals from various sensors, and various data stored in a memory 243. Hereinafter, the temperature of the air in the intake flow path 251 indicated by a signal from the intake side temperature sensor 42 will be referred to as the inlet temperature, and the temperature of the air in the exhaust duct 222 indicated by a signal from the exhaust side temperature sensor 43 will be referred to as the outlet temperature.

[0040] Based on the signals and data acquired by the acquisition unit 101, the drive control unit 102 outputs control signals for controlling the on / off of the gas burner 211 of the heating unit 21 and the mist generation unit 23, and for controlling the air volume of the exhaust fan 22. Based on the signals acquired by the acquisition unit 101 and the setting state of the dryer 1, the determination unit 103 performs various determination processes involved in the drying process, such as determining the air volume and time. Based on the determination result of the determination unit 103, the setting unit 104 sets the state of the dryer 1 to, for example, a standby state. The standby state will be described in detail later.

[0041] (Drying process) Next, the drying process of the dryer 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the drying process according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the drying process includes a drying step S1 for drying the futon F and a cooling step S2 for cooling the futon F. The drying process here is triggered when, with the door 29 closed, a predetermined amount of money sufficient to execute the drying process is inserted into the insertion slot of the operation panel 241 and the drying process execution button is pressed.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 10, first, the drive control unit 102 drives the exhaust fan 22 at a predetermined reference rotation frequency (e.g., 45 Hz) (S101). After driving, a first air volume determination process is executed to determine whether the air volume of the exhaust fan 22 is sufficient to perform the drying process (S102). This first air volume determination process will be described in detail later. After the first air volume determination process, the determination unit 103 determines whether the multi-stage control process is on (S103). The multi-stage control process is a process for controlling the air volume in stages according to the temperature inside the intake duct 212, and can be set on or off as appropriate by the administrator of the dryer 1.

[0043] If the multistage control process is on (S103, YES), the multistage control process is executed (S104). On the other hand, if the multistage control process is not on (S103, NO), the normal control process is executed (S105). The multistage control process and the normal control process will be described in detail later. After the process, the outlet temperature control process is executed (S106). The outlet temperature control process is a process in which the drive control unit 102 controls the exhaust fan 22 to maintain the rotation frequency immediately before the outlet temperature control process until a preset drying process time has elapsed, and controls the gas burner 211 on and off to maintain a constant temperature. The drying process time is, for example, 20 minutes, and may be variable depending on the amount of input. These processes correspond to the drying process S1 described above.

[0044] After the outlet temperature control process, the drive control unit 102 performs a cooling process (S107). The cooling process corresponds to the cooling step S2 described above, and is a process in which the drive control unit 102 controls the exhaust fan 22 so as to maintain the rotation frequency at the time of completion of the drying step until a preset cooling step time has elapsed, and turns off the gas burner 211. After the cooling process, the drive control unit 102 stops driving the exhaust fan 22 (S108), and notifies the user by displaying a message on the operation panel 241 or the like that indicates that the drying has been completed, and this flow ends.

[0045] (First air volume determination process) The first air volume determination process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the first air volume determination process.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 11 , first, the determination unit 103 determines whether the air volume sensor 41 is on (S201). If the air volume sensor 41 is on (S201, YES), this flow ends. On the other hand, if the air volume sensor 41 is not on (S201, NO), the determination unit 103 determines whether the air volume level is 1 (S202). The air volume level indicates the rotation frequency of the exhaust fan 22 and is preset to 1 before being changed. The air volume level indicates the degree of the rotation frequency of the exhaust fan 22, and each time the air volume level is increased by one level, the rotation frequency increases by a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the air volume level is set to four levels, from level 0, which is the reference rotation frequency, to level 3. Note that the number of levels of the air volume level and the value of the rotation frequency that increases with each increase by one level can be set as appropriate. For example, the air volume level may be set to five levels, and the rotation frequency may increase by 5 Hz with each increase by one level.

[0047] If it is determined that the air volume level is 1 (S202, YES), the determination unit 103 determines whether or not a first air volume determination time has elapsed (S203). The first air volume determination time is the time elapsed since the air volume determination process was executed, and is set to, for example, 15 seconds. If it is determined that the first air volume determination time has elapsed (S203, YES), the drive control unit 102 increases the air volume level by one step, thereby increasing the rotation frequency of the exhaust fan 22 by one step (S204), and proceeds to step S201, where it is determined whether or not the air volume sensor 41 is on. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first air volume determination time has not elapsed (S203, NO), the air volume level is maintained as it is, and the process proceeds to step S201.

[0048] If it is determined in step S202 that the airflow level is not 1 (S202, NO), the determination unit 103 determines whether a second airflow determination time has elapsed (S205). The second airflow determination time is the time that has elapsed since the airflow level was increased or decreased, and is set to, for example, 5 seconds. If it is determined that the second airflow determination time has elapsed (S205, YES), the determination unit 103 determines whether the current airflow level is less than the maximum airflow level (here, 3) (S206). If it is determined that the current airflow level is less than the maximum airflow level (S206, YES), the process proceeds to step S204, where the airflow level is increased by one level.

[0049] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current airflow level is not less than the maximum airflow level, i.e., is the maximum airflow level (S206, NO), the setting unit 104 turns on an airflow insufficiency flag indicating insufficient airflow, and this flow ends. The airflow insufficiency flag indicates that a satisfactory airflow has not been obtained. For example, once the flag is turned on, the user is notified after the drying process is completed by an airflow error display, an error sound, a blinking lamp indicating an error, or the like on the operation panel 241. When an airflow error is notified, the user can know that it is time to clean the lint filter 44. Furthermore, if it is determined that the second airflow determination time has not elapsed (S205, NO), the flow proceeds to step S201, where it is determined whether the airflow sensor 41 is on.

[0050] According to this first air volume determination process, the air volume required for combustion in the gas burner 211 can be ensured in advance prior to the multistage control process for drying the futon F, and it becomes possible to smoothly ignite the gas burner 211 without causing incomplete combustion. Note that the drying process may be terminated when the insufficient air volume flag is turned on.

[0051] (Multi-stage control processing) To briefly explain the multistage control process according to this embodiment, the multistage control process mainly consists of early inlet temperature control and late inlet temperature control. Early inlet temperature control is feedback control that maintains the rotation frequency of the exhaust fan 22 constant and keeps the inlet temperature within the early reference temperature range by controlling the on / off of the gas burner 211. Meanwhile, late inlet temperature control is feedback control that maintains the ignition of the gas burner 211 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of early inlet temperature control and keeps the inlet temperature within the late reference temperature range (first temperature range) by changing the airflow rate of the exhaust fan 22. The late reference temperature range here is a temperature range that allows the futon F to be dried well, and it is preferable that the early reference temperature range be set so that at least the upper limit is higher than the late reference temperature range, i.e., so that the range is wider, from the perspective of responsiveness of the on / off control of the gas burner 211.

[0052] The multistage control process will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 12 to 15. Figs. 12 to 15 are flowcharts showing the multistage control process. As shown in Fig. 12, the determination unit 103 determines whether the time elapsed since the ignition of the gas burner 211 has reached the inlet temperature switching time (S301). The inlet temperature switching time is a time threshold for transitioning to later inlet temperature control; if the time elapsed since the start of the drying process is less than this time, early inlet temperature control continues, and if it is equal to or greater than this time, a transition to later inlet temperature control occurs. The inlet temperature switching time is set to, for example, 3 minutes.

[0053] If it is determined that the time elapsed since the ignition of the gas burner 211 has not reached the inlet temperature switching time (S301, NO), the acquisition unit 101 acquires the outlet temperature from the exhaust-side temperature sensor 43, and the determination unit 103 determines whether the acquired outlet temperature is less than a predetermined outlet set temperature (S302). The outlet set temperature is a temperature that serves as a drying reference and is a temperature threshold for transitioning to outlet temperature control.

[0054] If it is determined that the outlet temperature is less than the outlet set temperature (S302, YES), the acquisition unit 101 acquires the inlet temperature from the intake-side temperature sensor 42, and the determination unit 103 determines whether the acquired inlet temperature is less than the first inlet temperature (S303). The first inlet temperature is the upper limit of the aforementioned reference temperature range and is set to, for example, 165°C. If it is determined that the inlet temperature is less than the first inlet temperature (S303, YES), the determination unit 103 determines whether the acquired inlet temperature is less than the second inlet temperature (S304). The second inlet temperature is the lower limit of the reference temperature range and is set to, for example, 125°C.

[0055] If it is determined that the inlet temperature is less than the second inlet temperature (S304, YES), the drive control unit 102 determines that the inlet temperature is less than the reference temperature range, controls the heating unit 21 to ignite the gas burner 211 (S305), and executes a second air volume determination process (S306), which will be described later. After the second air volume determination process, the determination unit 103 determines whether a control process end flag is on (S307). If it is determined that the control process end flag is on (S307, YES), this flow ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the control process end flag is not on (S307, NO), the flow proceeds to step S301.

[0056] If it is determined in step S304 that the inlet temperature is not less than the second inlet temperature (S304, NO), the drive control unit 102 determines that the inlet temperature is within the aforementioned reference temperature range, maintains the state of the gas burner 211, and proceeds to step S306. If it is determined that the inlet temperature is not less than the first inlet temperature (S303, NO), the drive control unit 102 determines that the inlet temperature is equal to or greater than the aforementioned reference temperature range, controls the heating unit 21 to extinguish the gas burner 211 (S308), and proceeds to step S306.

[0057] If it is determined that the acquired outlet temperature is not lower than the outlet set temperature (S302, NO), as shown in Fig. 13, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the inlet temperature from the intake-side temperature sensor 42, and the determination unit 103 determines whether the acquired inlet temperature is lower than or equal to a third inlet temperature (S309). The third inlet temperature is the upper limit value in the above-mentioned later reference temperature range, and is set to a temperature lower than the first inlet temperature, for example, 140°C.

[0058] If it is determined that the acquired inlet temperature is not equal to or lower than the third inlet temperature (S309, NO), the determination unit 103 determines that the inlet temperature exceeds the later reference temperature range and determines whether the current airflow level is less than the maximum airflow level (S310). If it is determined that the current airflow level is less than the maximum airflow level (S310, YES), the drive control unit 102 increases the airflow level by one level, thereby increasing the rotation frequency of the exhaust fan 22 by one level (S311). Thereafter, the setting unit 104 turns on the control process end flag (S312) and proceeds to step S306 as shown in FIG. 12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current airflow level is not less than the maximum airflow level, i.e., is the maximum airflow level (S310, NO), the airflow level cannot be increased any further, so the current airflow level is maintained, and if the gas burner 211 is on, it is turned off, and the process proceeds to step S312.

[0059] If it is determined in step S309 that the acquired inlet temperature is equal to or lower than the third inlet temperature (YES in S309), the determination unit 103 determines whether the acquired inlet temperature is lower than a fourth inlet temperature (S313). The fourth inlet temperature is the lower limit of the above-mentioned later reference temperature range, and is set to, for example, 95°C.

[0060] If it is determined that the acquired inlet temperature is less than the fourth inlet temperature (S313, YES), the determination unit 103 determines that the inlet temperature is less than the later reference temperature range, and determines whether the current airflow level is 1 or greater (S314), and the drive control unit 102 ignites the gas burner 211 if it is extinguished. If it is determined that the current airflow level is 1 or greater (S314, YES), the drive control unit 102 decreases the rotation frequency of the exhaust fan 22 by one step by decreasing the airflow level by one step (S315), and the process proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current airflow level is not 1 or greater (S314, NO), the determination unit 103 determines that the airflow level cannot be decreased any further, and the process proceeds to step S312. Furthermore, when it is determined that the acquired inlet temperature is not less than the fourth inlet temperature (S313, NO), the determination unit 103 determines that the inlet temperature is within the later reference temperature range, the current air volume level is maintained, and the process proceeds to step S312. Note that, although it has been described that in step S314, the drive control unit 102 ignites the gas burner 211 if it is extinguished, it is also possible to not perform processing related to the gas burner 211 at this point, and instead ignite the gas burner 211 if it is extinguished when it is determined that the current air volume level is not 1 or more (S314, NO).

[0061] 12, if it is determined that the time elapsed since the ignition of the gas burner 211 has reached the inlet temperature switching time (S301, YES), the acquisition unit 101 acquires the outlet temperature from the exhaust-side temperature sensor 43, and the determination unit 103 determines whether the acquired outlet temperature is less than the outlet set temperature (S316), as shown in FIG. 14. If the acquired outlet temperature is not less than the outlet set temperature (S316, NO), the process proceeds to step S312 as shown in FIG. 13, whereas if the acquired outlet temperature is less than the outlet set temperature (S316, YES), the determination unit 103 determines whether the current state is a standby state (S317). The standby state will be described in detail later.

[0062] If it is determined that the air conditioner is not in the standby state (S317, NO), the acquisition unit 101 acquires the inlet temperature from the intake-side temperature sensor 42, and the determination unit 103 determines whether the acquired inlet temperature is equal to or lower than the third inlet temperature (S318). If the acquired inlet temperature is not equal to or lower than the third inlet temperature (S318, NO), the determination unit 103 determines that the inlet temperature exceeds the later reference temperature range and determines whether the current airflow level is lower than the maximum airflow level (S319). If it is determined that the current airflow level is lower than the maximum airflow level (S319, YES), the drive control unit 102 increases the airflow level by one level (S320). After the increase, the setting unit 104 sets the current state to the standby state (S321), and the process proceeds to step S306 as shown in FIG. 12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current air volume level is not less than the maximum air volume level (S319, NO), the judgment unit 103 determines that the current air volume level is the maximum air volume level, and if the gas burner 211 is on, turns it off, and proceeds to step S321.

[0063] In step S318, if the acquired inlet temperature is equal to or lower than the third inlet temperature (YES in S318), the determination unit 103 determines whether the acquired inlet temperature is lower than the fourth inlet temperature (S322). If it is determined that the acquired inlet temperature is lower than the fourth inlet temperature (YES in S322), the determination unit 103 determines that the inlet temperature is lower than the later reference temperature range, and determines whether the current airflow level is equal to or higher than 1 (S323). The drive control unit 102 ignites the gas burner 211 if it is extinguished. If it is determined that the current airflow level is equal to or higher than 1 (YES in S323), the drive control unit 102 decreases the airflow level by one level (S324) and proceeds to step S321. If it is determined that the current airflow level is not equal to or higher than 1 (NO in S323), the determination unit 103 determines that the airflow level cannot be decreased any further, and proceeds to step S306. Furthermore, if it is determined that the acquired inlet temperature is not less than the fourth inlet temperature (S322, NO), the determination unit 103 determines that the inlet temperature is within the later reference temperature range, the current air volume level is maintained, and the process proceeds to step S306. Note that, although it has been described that in step S323, the drive control unit 102 ignites the gas burner 211 if it is extinguished, it is also possible to not perform processing related to the gas burner 211 at this point, and instead ignite the gas burner 211 if it is extinguished if it is determined that the current air volume level is not 1 or more (S323, NO).

[0064] The above-mentioned standby state is a state that is set when the airflow level is increased or decreased by one step, and is a state in which the process of controlling the airflow level to maintain the inlet temperature within the later reference temperature range (S318 to S320 and S322 to S324) is temporarily not performed.

[0065] If it is determined in the process of step S317 that the device is in a standby state (YES in S317), the determination unit 103 determines whether a predetermined standby time has elapsed (S325), as shown in FIG. 15. The standby time according to this embodiment indicates the time for which the standby state is maintained, and if the time elapsed since the standby state was established is less than this time, the standby state continues, and if it is more than this time, the standby state is canceled. The standby time is set to, for example, one minute.

[0066] If it is determined that the standby setting time has not elapsed (S325, NO), the acquisition unit 101 acquires the inlet temperature from the intake-side temperature sensor 42, and the determination unit 103 determines whether the acquired inlet temperature is less than the fifth inlet temperature (S326). The fifth inlet temperature according to this embodiment is a threshold temperature for determining whether to rapidly reduce the temperature in the drying space D to prevent overheating in the drying space D during standby, and is set to, for example, 155°C. If the acquired inlet temperature is not less than the fifth inlet temperature (S326, NO), the drive control unit 102 increases the airflow level to the maximum (S327) and extinguishes the gas burner 211 (S328). Note that the gas burner 211 is preferably extinguished after a predetermined burner cut standby time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed. The gas burner 211 is then re-ignited when the inlet temperature drops below the fourth inlet temperature.

[0067] After the fire is extinguished, the setting unit 104 cancels the standby state (S329) and proceeds to step S306 as shown in Fig. 12. Similarly, if the acquired inlet temperature is less than the fifth inlet temperature in the processing of step S326 (YES in S326), the processing proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of step S325 that the standby setting time has elapsed (YES in S325), the processing proceeds to step S329.

[0068] The above-described multi-stage control process ends when a predetermined drying process time has elapsed, even if the control process end flag is not on.

[0069] According to the multi-stage control process described above, the rotation frequency of the exhaust fan 22 can be changed in stages while checking the inlet and outlet temperatures, so the inlet temperature can be kept well within the later reference temperature range, compared to, for example, the case where only the on / off control of the gas burner 211 is performed. Therefore, excessive temperature fluctuations in the drying space D can be suppressed.

[0070] During the multi-stage control process, if the door section 29 or the lint box containing the lint filter 44 is opened and closed, if power is restored after a power outage, or if the unit automatically recovers, it is preferable that the process start from the first or second air volume determination process.

[0071] (Second air volume determination process) Next, the second air volume determination process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the second air volume determination process. As shown in FIG. 16, first, the determination unit 103 determines whether the air volume sensor 41 is on (S401). If the air volume sensor 41 is on (S401, YES), this flow ends. On the other hand, if the air volume sensor 41 is not on (S401, NO), the determination unit 103 determines whether the air volume setting time has elapsed (S402). The air volume setting time according to this embodiment is the time elapsed since the second air volume determination process was performed, and is set to, for example, 2 seconds.

[0072] If it is determined that the air volume setting time has elapsed (S402, YES), the determination unit 103 determines whether the air volume level is less than the maximum air volume level (S403). If it is determined that the air volume level is less than the maximum air volume level (S403, YES), the drive control unit 102 increases the air volume level by one level, executes a first air volume determination process (S405), and ends this flow. On the other hand, if it is determined that the air volume level is not less than the maximum air volume level (S403, NO), the setting unit 104 turns on the air volume insufficiency flag and turns on the control process end flag (S406, S407), and ends this flow. Also, if it is determined in step S402 that the air volume setting time has not elapsed (S402, NO), this flow ends.

[0073] (Normal control processing) Next, the normal control process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the normal control process. The normal control process controls the on / off of the gas burner 211 so that the inlet temperature falls within the early or late reference temperature range. Similar to the multi-stage control process, the normal control process is executed at regular intervals (e.g., clock cycles) and ends when a predetermined drying process time has elapsed. As shown in FIG. 17, the determination unit 103 first determines whether the air volume sensor 41 is on (S501). If the air volume sensor 41 is on (YES in S501), this flow ends. On the other hand, if the air volume sensor 41 is not on (NO in S501), the determination unit 103 determines whether a first air volume determination time has elapsed (S502). If it is determined that the first air volume determination time has elapsed (YES in S502), the setting unit 104 turns on the insufficient air volume flag (S503), and this flow ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first air volume determination time has not elapsed (S502, NO), the process proceeds to step S501.

[0074] According to the present embodiment described above, the inlet temperature can be satisfactorily maintained within the later reference temperature range, and as a result, the temperature in the drying space D can be appropriately controlled. Furthermore, such appropriate temperature control in the drying space D can also realize, for example, an extension of the cleaning cycle of the lint filter 44 and an improvement in drying efficiency.

[0075] The flow path may be reversed by exchanging the positions of the heating unit 21 and the exhaust fan 22. In this case, heated air from the internal space P of the mounting table 31 passes through the futon F and flows into the drying space D. Furthermore, the roles of the intake side temperature sensor 42 and the exhaust side temperature sensor 43 are reversed, and the air volume sensor 41 is provided in the exhaust duct 222.

[0076] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, after transitioning to later inlet temperature control, each time the inlet temperature is acquired, it is determined whether the temperature is outside the later reference temperature range consisting of the fourth inlet temperature to the third inlet temperature, and if the temperature is outside the range, the air volume level is repeatedly increased or decreased by one step. However, instead of performing multi-stage control, control may be performed based on the deviation between the inlet temperature and the target value. In this embodiment, a dryer in which proportional control is incorporated into the drying process will be described as an example of such control.

[0077] Fig. 18 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18, a control unit 24A according to this embodiment differs from the control unit 24 according to the first embodiment in that it has a new function, a calculation unit 105 that calculates the deviation (control deviation) between a predetermined temperature target value and an acquired inlet temperature. A drive control unit 102 determines and outputs a rotation frequency based on a deviation table showing the relationship between the rotation frequency and the deviation and the deviation calculated by the calculation unit 105.

[0078] The deviation table associates increases and decreases in the rotational frequency with increases and decreases in the deviation, and is pre-stored in memory 243. For example, in the deviation table, when the deviation is a positive value, the inlet temperature is considered to be lower than the target temperature value, and as the deviation continuously increases in the positive direction, the rotational frequency continuously decreases. On the other hand, when the deviation is a negative value, the inlet temperature is considered to be higher than the target temperature value, and as the deviation continuously increases in the negative direction, the rotational frequency continuously increases. The target temperature here is the median of the later reference temperature range. Note that when the inlet temperature exceeds the third inlet temperature, which is the upper limit of the later reference temperature range, or the deviation corresponds to that, the rotational frequency may be set to the maximum. When the inlet temperature is less than the fourth inlet temperature, which is the lower limit of the later reference temperature range, or the deviation corresponds to that, the rotational frequency may be set to the minimum or zero.

[0079] (Drying process) Next, the drying process of the dryer according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the drying process according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the drying process according to this embodiment differs from the drying process according to the first embodiment in that steps S109 to S110 are executed after the first air volume determination process of step S102. That is, after the first air volume determination process, the determination unit 103 determines whether the proportional control process is on (S109), and if it is on (S103, YES), the proportional control process is executed (S110), whereas if the proportional control process is not on (S109, NO), the normal control process is executed (S105).

[0080] (Proportional control processing) Next, the proportional control process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21. Figs. 20 to 21 are flowcharts showing the proportional control process. The proportional control process according to this embodiment is The process before the elapsed time from the ignition of the burner 211 reaches the inlet temperature switching time is the same as the drying process shown in Fig. 12 according to the first embodiment, so a description of this process will be omitted here.

[0081] 12, if it is determined that the acquired outlet temperature is not less than the set outlet temperature (S302, NO), the acquisition unit 101 acquires the inlet temperature, and the calculation unit 105 calculates the deviation by subtracting the acquired inlet temperature from the target temperature (S601), as shown in FIG. 20. After the calculation, the drive control unit 102 selects a rotation frequency corresponding to the calculated deviation based on the deviation table, and adjusts the airflow rate by driving the exhaust fan 22 at that rotation frequency (S602). After adjusting the airflow rate, the process proceeds to step S312, where a control process end flag is set to ON.

[0082] 12, if it is determined that the time elapsed since the ignition of the gas burner 211 has reached the inlet temperature switching time (S301, YES), the acquisition unit 101 acquires the outlet temperature from the exhaust-side temperature sensor 43, and the determination unit 103 determines whether the acquired outlet temperature is less than the outlet set temperature (S316), as shown in FIG. 21. If it is determined that the acquired outlet temperature is not less than the outlet set temperature (S316, NO), the process proceeds to step S312, as shown in FIG. 13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the outlet temperature is less than the outlet set temperature (S316, YES), the determination unit 103 determines whether the current state is a standby state (S317). If it is determined in step S317 that the current state is a standby state (S317, YES), the process proceeds to step S325, as shown in FIG. 15, in which it is determined whether the standby set time has elapsed. The process up to this point is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined that the air conditioner is not in the standby state (S317, NO), the process proceeds to step S601, in which a deviation is calculated by subtracting the acquired inlet temperature from the temperature target value, and step S602, in which a rotation frequency corresponding to the deviation calculated based on the deviation table is selected and the air volume is adjusted by driving the exhaust fan 22 at that rotation frequency. After adjusting the air volume, the setting unit 104 sets the current state to be the standby state (S321), and proceeds to step S306, in which a second air volume determination process is performed, as shown in FIG.

[0084] According to the present embodiment described above, an appropriate rotation frequency can be determined based on the deviation between the target temperature and the inlet temperature, and the rotation frequency can be output as a continuous value, enabling more precise airflow adjustment. While proportional control has been used as an example in this embodiment, PID control may also be performed by presetting a PID gain. Furthermore, the control unit 24A may be implemented as an analog circuit using a regulator or the like, and analog control may be performed to output the rotation frequency as a continuous value.

[0085] <Third embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, the air volume level is maintained when the gas burner 211 is returned from OFF to ON during the later inlet temperature control. However, the air volume level may be reset to the default when the gas burner 211 is returned from OFF to ON.

[0086] The dryer according to this embodiment has the same hardware configuration and functional configuration as the dryer 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in the multistage control process of step S104 in the drying process. FIGS. 22 and 23 are flowcharts showing the multistage control process according to this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the multistage control process according to this embodiment differs from the multistage control process according to the first embodiment in that steps S701 to S703 are executed after the determinations in steps S313 and S322 are YES. Each of these processes will be described in detail below.

[0087] 22, if it is determined in the determination process of step S313 that the acquired inlet temperature is less than the fourth inlet temperature (S313, YES), the determination unit 103 determines that the inlet temperature is less than the later reference temperature range and determines whether the gas burner 211 is OFF (S701). If it is determined that the gas burner 211 is OFF (S701, YES), the drive control unit 102 controls the heating unit 21 to ignite the gas burner 211 (S702), and sets the airflow level to the default, i.e., minimum level (S703), and proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, if it is determined that the gas burner 211 is not OFF (S701, NO), the process proceeds to step S314.

[0088] 23, if it is determined in the determination process of step S322 that the acquired inlet temperature is less than the fourth inlet temperature (S322, YES), the determination unit 103 determines that the inlet temperature is less than the later reference temperature range and determines whether the gas burner 211 is OFF (S701). If it is determined that the gas burner 211 is OFF (S701, YES), the drive control unit 102 controls the heating unit 21 to ignite the gas burner 211 (S702), and sets the airflow level to the default, i.e., the minimum level (S703), and proceeds to step S321. On the other hand, if it is determined that the gas burner 211 is not OFF (S701, NO), the process proceeds to step S323.

[0089] According to the present embodiment described above, if the airflow level is maintained when the gas burner 211 is switched from OFF to ON, the inlet temperature can be brought quickly within the later reference temperature range, and power consumption and the rotation noise of the fan 22 can be reduced, compared to when the airflow level is at the maximum level, for example.

[0090] In this embodiment, it has been described that the airflow level is reset to the default when the gas burner 211 is turned on from off during the later inlet temperature control in the multistage control process. However, the above process may be performed during the later inlet temperature control in the proportional control process. That is, during the airflow adjustment in step S602, if the inlet temperature is below the later reference temperature range and the gas burner 211 is off, the drive control unit 102 controls the heating unit 21 to ignite the gas burner 211 and sets the airflow level to the default.

[0091] In the first to third embodiments, the drying program that executes the drying process described above is pre-installed inside the dryer 1, for example, in the memory 243. Note that the drying program according to the present invention also includes one stored in a storage medium. Here, the storage medium refers to any medium that can be read and executed by the control unit 24 (computer) of the dryer, such as a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk (such as a hard disk drive), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM or DVD), a magneto-optical disk (such as an MO), or a flash memory, which is detachable from the dryer 1, or which can be transmitted via a network.

[0092] The first to third embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are not intended to be limiting of the scope of the invention. It is included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the scope of the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1... Dryer (mat-type material dryer) 101...Acquisition section (temperature acquisition section) 102...Drive control unit (air volume adjustment unit) 20…Housing 21...Heating part (heating device) 22...Exhaust fan (blower, blower) 251... Intake passage (inlet passage) 3... Movable placement section (placement section) 311...Punched holes (ventilation holes) 321b...Opening (first opening) 43... Intake side temperature sensor (inlet temperature detection part) F... Futon (mat-like material) D...Drying space (first internal space) P...Internal space (second internal space)

Claims

1. A mat-like member dryer for drying a mat-like member, a housing defining a first interior space; a mounting section configured so that the breathable mat-like member can be placed on a mounting surface and can be accommodated in the first internal space, and also having a second internal space, and a vent hole communicating the first and second internal spaces is provided on the mounting surface; a heating unit that heats the air; an exhaust duct provided with an exhaust fan that causes the air heated by the heating unit to flow through the first internal space, the mat-like member, and the second internal space; an inlet side flow path that allows heated air to flow into the first internal space; an inlet temperature sensor for measuring an inlet temperature in the inlet side flow path; an outlet temperature sensor for measuring an outlet temperature in the exhaust duct; a control means for acquiring the inlet temperature measured by the inlet temperature sensor and the outlet temperature measured by the outlet temperature sensor, and for controlling the on / off of the heating unit and the air volume of the exhaust fan based on the acquired outlet temperature and inlet temperature so that the inlet temperature falls within a reference temperature range; Equipped with The control means performing an inlet temperature control in which the inlet temperature is controlled to be kept within the reference temperature range by controlling on / off of the heating unit; After the early inlet temperature control is performed, a later inlet temperature control is performed in which the ignition of the heating unit is maintained and the air volume of the exhaust fan is controlled to maintain the inlet temperature within a later reference temperature range that is a temperature range narrower than the early reference temperature range. In the latter inlet temperature control, the control means A dryer for mat-like members, characterized in that when the outlet temperature is equal to or higher than the drying reference temperature and the inlet temperature is lower than the lower limit of the later reference temperature range, and when the heating unit is returned from off to on, the air volume level of the exhaust fan is set to a minimum level.

2. The control means performs the inlet temperature control as follows: When the outlet temperature is lower than the drying reference temperature and the inlet temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit of the reference temperature range, the heating unit is extinguished; When the outlet temperature is lower than the drying reference temperature and the inlet temperature is lower than the lower limit of the reference temperature range, igniting the heating unit; 2. The mat-like member dryer according to claim 1, wherein the state of the heating section is maintained when the outlet temperature is lower than the drying reference temperature and the inlet temperature is within the reference temperature range.

3. The control means performs the later inlet temperature control as follows: When the outlet temperature is equal to or higher than the drying reference temperature and the inlet temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit value of the later reference temperature range, and the airflow level of the exhaust fan is lower than the maximum airflow level, increasing the airflow level; When the outlet temperature is equal to or higher than the drying reference temperature and the inlet temperature is lower than the lower limit of the later reference temperature range, and the airflow level of the exhaust fan is equal to or higher than 1, the airflow level is reduced; The mat-like member dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the current air volume level is maintained when the outlet temperature is equal to or higher than the drying reference temperature and the inlet temperature is within the later reference temperature range.

4. The control means performs the later inlet temperature control as follows: When the outlet temperature is lower than the drying reference temperature, the inlet temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit of the latter reference temperature range, and the airflow level of the exhaust fan is lower than the maximum airflow level, increasing the airflow level; When the outlet temperature is lower than the drying reference temperature and the inlet temperature is lower than the lower limit of the later reference temperature range, and the airflow level of the exhaust fan is equal to or greater than 1, the airflow level is reduced; The mat-like member dryer according to claim 1 , wherein the current air volume is maintained when the outlet temperature is lower than the drying reference temperature and the inlet temperature is within the later reference temperature range.

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