Dryer and drying method

Abstract

To provide a dryer and a drying method capable of alleviating over-drying of a mat-like member, by introducing a pre-heating step before a steaming step of the mat-like member.SOLUTION: A dryer 100 includes: a heater 220; an exhaust fan 230; a drying space D for storing a placement part 300; a steam valve 510 for delivering steam from a boiler 500 to the drying space D; and control means 400 for performing opening / closing control on the steam valve 510 and drive control on the exhaust fan 230. The control means 400 brings the steam valve 510 into a closing state, preheats a mat-like member F until an internal temperature of the mat-like member F becomes a first preset temperature by the hot air from the heater 220, brings the steam valve 510 into an open state, and stops the exhaust fan 230 for first preset time. After that, it executes a cycle for driving for second preset time, steams the mat-like member F, brings the steam valve 510 into an open state, and dries the mat-like member F placed on the placement part 300 by using the hot air containing steam.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a dryer and a drying method. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Furthermore, a prior art has been proposed in which, after the supply of heated steam to the drying chamber is stopped, the drying chamber is maintained filled with steam for a while, and then a hot air drying process is carried out (Patent Document 1). However, in the prior art, heated steam is supplied into the drying chamber by a steam supply means, and the heated steam penetrates from the surface of the bedding to the inside, sterilizing the bedding all the way to the inside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-276799 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve is to provide a dryer and a drying method that can reduce over-drying of a mat-like material by introducing a preheating process before the steaming process of the mat-like material and incorporating steam into high-temperature warm air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A dryer according to an embodiment includes a heater, an exhaust fan that can be driven by a first motor drive frequency and a second motor drive frequency that is lower than the first motor drive frequency, a housing that blows hot air from the heater into a drying space that accommodates a mounting portion, a steam valve that blows steam from a boiler into the drying space, and a control means that controls opening and closing of the steam valve and driving of the exhaust fan, and dries a mat-like material placed on the mounting portion. The control means drives the exhaust fan at the first motor drive frequency and closes the steam valve to preheat the mat-like material with the hot air from the heater until the internal temperature of the mat-like material reaches a first set temperature, After the preheating, a cycle is executed in which the steam valve is opened, the exhaust fan is stopped for a first set time, and then the exhaust fan is driven at the second motor drive frequency for a second set time, thereby steaming the mat-like member; After the steaming, The exhaust fan is driven at the first motor drive frequency, and the steam valve is opened, so that the mat-like member placed on the storage section accommodated in the drying space is dried using warm air containing the steam. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a dryer according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of spraying steam from a boiler into a drying space. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device of a dryer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a first flowchart showing the operation of the dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 6 is a second flowchart showing the operation of the dryer according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the installation position of a boiler and a first configuration example of a steam spraying member. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the installation position of a boiler and a second configuration example of a steam spraying member. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the installation position of a boiler and a third example of the configuration of a steam spraying member. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the installation position of the boiler and a configuration example 4 of the steam spraying member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 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.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the general configuration of a dryer according to an embodiment installed in a coin laundry. The dryer 100 includes a main body 200 and a movable mat placement section 300 that is housed within the main body 200 and on which a mat-like member F (e.g., a mattress, comforter, blanket, curtain, etc. made of various fibers) to be dried by the dryer 100 is placed.

[0010] The main body 200 includes a housing 210, a gas heater 220, an exhaust fan 230, and a control unit 400 (see FIG. 3). The housing 210 is formed as a hollow, approximately rectangular box overall, and defines a drying space D therein, surrounded by an upper wall, a pair of side walls, a rear wall, a bottom wall, and a door. A movable mat placement unit 300 is housed within this drying space D.

[0011] The mat placement section 300 for placing the mat-like member F has a large number of through-holes arranged in a staggered or lattice pattern. The warm air sent into the drying space D passes through the fibers of the mat-like member F to dry it. The warm air absorbs moisture by passing through the fibers and then passes through the many through-holes in the mat placement section 300 to the inside and is discharged to the outside via the downward exhaust flow path 260 and the vertical flow path 270. A temperature sensor 450 is provided in the downward exhaust flow path 260 to estimate the temperature of the discharged air that has passed through the mat-like member F. The temperature sensor 450 indirectly measures the internal temperature of the mat-like member F.

[0012] The door of the housing 210 (for example, on the right side of the housing 210) is attached to one side wall by a hinge or the like so as to be able to open and close, allowing the mat placement unit 300 to be taken in and out of the drying space D from the front side. A part of the door is formed as a light-transmitting window made of, for example, glass, and is further provided with a grip for the user to open and close the door. When a mat-like member F is hung on the mat placement unit 300, it is pulled out from the drying space D of the housing 210 and returned to its original position after placement.

[0013] Gas heater 220 is provided on the upper wall of housing 210 and has a gas burner. This gas burner heats the air that flows into evaporation plate 250 from hot air intake port 240. The heated air becomes hot air A and is discharged toward drying space D through a connecting pipe.

[0014] The exhaust fan 230 is provided, for example, on the side of the gas heater 220. A check damper 235 is provided behind the exhaust fan 230 to prevent backflow of air. The exhaust fan 230 draws in air within the drying space D and discharges it to the outside via the check damper 235. The warm air blown toward the mat-like member F within the drying space D becomes air whose temperature is reduced by passing through the fibers of the mat-like member F, passes through the interior of the mat placement section 300 via the numerous through-holes, and is further discharged to the outside via the downward exhaust flow path 260, the vertical flow path 270, and the check damper 235.

[0015] The dryer 100 is provided with a boiler 500 and a steam valve 510 as mechanisms for cleaning the mat-like member F in the drying space D. The boiler 500 generates steam and supplies it to the steam valve 510. The opening and closing times of the steam valve 510 are controlled by the control unit 400. As a result, steam with a moisture content adjusted according to the opening and closing times of the steam valve 510 is generated and blown into the drying space D of the housing 210 through the steam blowing port 520.

[0016] Steam from the steam inlet 520 is blown into the drying space D of the housing 210. Warm air A generated by the gas heater 220 is blown into the drying space D, and a mixture of the warm air and steam is generated in the drying space D, generating moist warm air. This moist warm air becomes dry air and passes through the fibers of the mat-shaped member F, thereby carrying out the drying process. The air that has absorbed the moisture in the fibers passes through the numerous through-holes in the mat placement section 300, and is then discharged to the outside via the downward exhaust flow path 260, the vertical flow path 270, and the check damper 235.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which steam from a boiler 500 is sprayed into a drying space D. FIG. 2(a) shows a configuration in which one spray hole 550 for spraying steam from the boiler 500 into the drying space D is provided in the upper center of the left wall (or any other upper position is also acceptable). 2(b) and 2(c) show a configuration in which two spray holes 550a, 550b are provided at the diagonally opposite upper portions of the left and right side walls to spray steam from the boiler 500 into the drying space D. As shown in FIG. 2(c), the spray hole 550a is provided at the rear side (top in the figure), and the spray hole 550b is provided at the diagonally opposite front side (bottom in the figure). The amount of steam sprayed from the spray holes 550, 550a, and 550b in the boiler 500 is controlled by steam valves 510, 510a, and 510b, which are opened and closed. Here, one spray hole 500 or two spray holes 550a, 550b are provided, but three or more spray holes may be provided. Furthermore, it is desirable to select positions for the spray holes 500, 550a, and 550b so that steam can be sprayed evenly throughout the drying space D in a short period of time.

[0018] When using the dryer 100, the user opens the door, pulls out the mat placement section 300 housed in the drying space D, and places the mat-like member F on it. After placement, the user moves the mat placement section 300 backward (storing direction), stores it back in the drying space D, and closes the door. Thereafter, the user operates the operation panel (not shown) to set and start the desired drying operation in the dryer 100, thereby drying the mat-like member F.

[0019] In FIG. 2(a), steam from the boiler 500 is sprayed from the spray holes 550 into the drying space D for a set time period, which will be described later. In FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c), water vapor from the boiler 500 is sprayed from the spray holes 550a and 550b into the drying space D for a set time period, which will be described later. As a result, when the exhaust fan 230 is driven, the steam sprayed into the drying space D passes through the mat-like member F. Then, the humid air is discharged to the outside via the internal spaces D and T, the downward exhaust flow path 260, the vertical flow path 270, and the check damper 235. This allows the mat-like member F to be cleaned.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device of the dryer 100 according to the embodiment. In the control device, the gas heater 220, exhaust fan 230, boiler 500, and steam valve 510 are connected to a control unit 400 incorporating a ROM / RAM 410, a timer 420, etc. In addition, an operation input unit (e.g., a touch panel) 430, a fee input unit 440, a temperature sensor 450, etc., which are provided in the dryer 100, are connected to the control unit 400. The control unit 400 controls the entire dryer 100 using a program stored in the ROM. The RAM 410 is used as a working memory. The operation input unit 430 is operated by a user to input settings such as the drying time and the material of the item to be dried. The user inputs a usage fee according to the drying time into the fee input unit 440. Instead of the fee input unit 440, a configuration may be adopted in which a fee input signal is received from a centralized settlement machine.

[0021] 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the dryer 100 according to the embodiment. The user places the mat-like member F in the drying space D and places it in a position where hot air can pass through (S100). Then, the user inputs the drying time (e.g., 15 minutes) and other information from the operation input unit 440 to issue a start command. Under the control of the control unit 400, the dryer 100 starts automatic operation of the preheating process, steaming process, drying process, and cooling process.

[0022] (Preheating process) The control unit 400 operates the gas heater 220, the exhaust fan 230, the boiler 500, etc. At this time, the motor drive frequency of the exhaust fan 230 is preferably, for example, about 50 Hz. The air drawn in through the warm air intake 240 is heated by the gas heater 220 to become warm air A, which is supplied toward the drying space D (S110).

[0023] When preheating with hot air begins, the control unit checks whether the internal temperature of the mat-like member F has reached a first set temperature (e.g., 45°C) or higher based on the measurement value of the temperature sensor 450 (S120). If the outlet exhaust temperature measured by the temperature sensor 450 reaches approximately 35°C, it can be determined that the internal temperature of the mat-like member F has reached 45°C or higher. The control unit 400 continues blowing hot air until the outlet exhaust temperature reaches approximately 35°C. Depending on the room temperature of the drying space D, the outlet exhaust temperature reaches 35°C in 2 to 3 minutes. In this way, the internal temperature of the mat-like member F can be raised. If the mat-like member F is cold, there is a risk of condensation on its surface. This prevents steam from permeating into the mat-like member F during the subsequent steaming process. However, this embodiment prevents condensation and increases steam permeability, improving the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

[0024] The internal temperature (first set temperature) of the mat-like member F is preferably controlled to 45°C ± 10°C. If the internal temperature is 60°C or higher, a large amount of steam per unit time is required. If the internal temperature is 30°C or lower, too much condensation will form on the surface of the mat-like member F, which will take a long time to dry in the subsequent steps.

[0025] (Steaming process) When the control unit 400 determines that the temperature inside the mat-like member F has reached 45°C or higher, it sets the steam valve 510 to a constantly open state and supplies steam from the boiler 500 to the drying space D (S130). Once steam has been supplied to the drying space D, the control unit 400 stops the exhaust fan 230 for a first set time (e.g., 35 seconds) (S140). Thereafter, it drives the exhaust fan 230 for a second set time (e.g., 25 seconds) (S150). The motor drive frequency of the exhaust fan 230 is preferably, for example, about 15 Hz. The control unit 400 repeats the intermittent fan operation of stopping the exhaust fan 230 for the first set time and driving it for the second set time three times (N=N+1). The number of repetitions N can be set arbitrarily, but is preferably 3 to 4 times.

[0026] The motor drive frequency of the exhaust fan 230 in the steaming process is lower (about 15 Hz) than in the preheating process, so that humidity in the drying space D can be slowly and efficiently controlled. If the exhaust fan 230 is intermittently operated only once or twice, there is a risk that the humidity in the drying space D will not reach 100%. If the exhaust fan 230 is intermittently operated five or more times (especially ten or more times), the amount of moisture in the drying space D will become too high, resulting in a longer drying time in the subsequent drying process.

[0027] In this way, by stopping the exhaust fan 230 for a first set time (e.g., 35 seconds) after the preheating step, steam from the steam valve 510 fills the drying space D, making the humidity of the drying space D 100%. Then, by operating the exhaust fan 230 at low speed for a second set time (e.g., 25 seconds), air at 100% humidity is passed through the interior of the mat-like member F and exhausted. By repeating this cycle a set number of times (e.g., three times), 100% humidity is maintained for a total of three minutes. In this embodiment, steam is used in the steaming step, so "moisture" can be permeated into the mat-like member F instead of washing. Therefore, moisture is sufficiently absorbed into the mat-like member F, and the mat-like member F can be refreshed by the subsequent drying step.

[0028] The key points of the steaming process are as follows: 1) The exhaust fan 230 is stopped and steam is supplied to the drying space D. 2) Humidity is necessary, so spraying water or hot water into the air is also acceptable. 3) The humidity in the drying space D is set to 100% or more. 4) A gentle breeze is used to exhaust moisture so that it can penetrate the mat-like material F. 5) The amount of exhaust air should be sufficient to maintain the humidity in the drying space D at approximately 100%. 6) The amount of exhaust air may be adjusted by turning the exhaust fan 230 on and off intermittently.

[0029] After the control unit 400 has performed the intermittent operation of the exhaust fan 230 a set number of times (for example, three times), it closes the steam valve 510 (S180) and drives the exhaust fan 230. Thereafter, a processing agent spraying step is performed in which a processing agent is sprayed into the drying space D (S190). The processing agent used may have the purpose of deodorizing, disinfecting, adding fragrance, preventing dust mites, etc.

[0030] (drying process) The control unit 400 opens the steam valve 510 and blows the hot air A from the gas heater 220 toward the mat-shaped member F in the drying space D (S200). The motor drive frequency of the exhaust fan 230 at this time is preferably, for example, about 50 Hz. Because the drying space D contains steam, the moist hot air becomes dry air and is blown toward the mat-shaped member F. This continues until the internal temperature of the mat-shaped member F reaches a second set temperature (e.g., 70°C) or higher (S210-S200). With the temperature management described above, if the outlet exhaust temperature measured by the temperature sensor 450 reaches about 60°C, it can be determined that the internal temperature of the mat-shaped member F has reached 70°C or higher. If the internal temperature of the mat-shaped member F remains at 70°C or higher for a certain period of time (e.g., about 1 minute), it is determined that drying is complete, and the process proceeds to the cooling step (Yes in S210). The hot air used in the drying step may or may not be humidity-conditioned. When humidity control is not required, drying may be performed by closing the steam valve 510. The internal temperature of the mat-like member F (for example, 70°C) is targeted to be equal to or higher than the mite extinction temperature of 60°C.

[0031] (cooling process) The control unit 400 stops the operation of the gas heater 220 and blows cool air toward the mat-like material F in the drying space D (S220). Through the temperature management described above, if the outlet exhaust temperature measured by the temperature sensor 450 falls below 50°C, it can be determined that the temperature inside the mat-like material F has fallen below 50°C. Then, when the internal temperature of the mat-like material F falls below a third set temperature (e.g., 50°C), the operation of the dryer 100 is stopped. Because the internal temperature of the mat-like material F stops at 50°C, the mat-like material F remains moderately soft, allowing for a fluffy finish when dried.

[0032] 6 to 9 show examples of the installation position of the boiler and the configuration of the steam spraying member. Fig. 6(a) is a perspective view of the dryer 100 according to Configuration Example 1, and Fig. 6(b) is a front view. In Fig. 6, a boiler 500 is disposed outside the dryer 100. Water is stored inside the boiler 500, and high-pressure, high-temperature steam is generated by heating the water. The boiler 500 is connected via steam valves (not shown) to steam spray members (hereinafter referred to as steam spray pipes) 530, 540 provided in the drying space D on the left and right sides above the mounting table 300. The steam spray pipes 530, 540 have a large number of small holes formed in the longitudinal direction toward the mounting table 300.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6(b), steam from the boiler 500 is sprayed toward the drying space D through the numerous small holes in the steam spray pipes 530 and 540. As shown in FIG. 1, when suction by the exhaust fan 230 begins, high-temperature steam is sprayed from the numerous small holes toward the mat-like material F placed on the mounting table 300 in the drying space D, and the steam is then sucked toward the internal space P. The steam that passes through the mat-like material F is discharged to the outside via the internal space T, the downward exhaust passage 260, the vertical passage 270, and the check damper 235. This cleans the mat-like material F. FIG. 6 shows the situation in which the numerous small holes in the steam spray pipes 530 and 540 spray steam in, for example, three directions indicated by arrows. The shape and number of the small holes from which the steam is ejected, the spray direction, and other factors may be optimally designed.

[0034] FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of the dryer 100 according to Configuration Example 2, and FIG. 7(b) is a front view. In FIG. 7, the boiler 500 is disposed outside the dryer 100, as in Configuration Example 1. The difference from Configuration Example 1 is that a steam spray pipe 530 is provided below the mounting table 300 (in the internal space T). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(b), steam from the boiler 500 is sprayed toward the internal space P from the steam spray pipe 530, which is provided at the lower center of the mounting table 300 (when viewed from the front) of the dryer 100, via a steam valve 510. A mat-like member F is placed on the mounting table 300. Therefore, the mat-like member F can be cleaned by spraying high-temperature steam from the steam spray pipe 530 toward the mat-like member F from the inside through the internal space P. The steam that has passed through the mat-like member F is discharged to the outside via an opening / closing window (shutter) 535, a vertical flow path 270, and a check damper 235. The openable window 535 is controlled to maintain an open state while the exhaust fan 230 is operating during the cleaning process.

[0035] The steam spray pipe 530 in Fig. 7 also has many small holes formed in the longitudinal direction that spray steam toward the internal space P. Fig. 7(b) shows the steam spray pipe 530 spraying steam in, for example, seven directions indicated by arrows. The shape and number of small holes that spray steam, the upward spray direction, and the like may be designed to be optimal. Note that, although Fig. 7 shows the steam spray pipe 530 being provided in the internal space T of the base 32, it may also be provided in the internal space P of the mounting table 300.

[0036] FIG. 8(b) shows a perspective view of the dryer 100 of Configuration Example 3, and FIG. 8(b) shows a front view. In FIG. 8, a steam spray pipe 530a is provided on the lower side, as in FIG. 7, and a steam spray pipe 530b is also provided on the upper side of the internal space P of the mounting table 300. The steam spray pipe 530b is connected to the boiler 500 via piping 545. In this example, steam is sprayed from the steam spray pipe 530a in six directions indicated by arrows, and water vapor is sprayed from the steam spray pipe 530b in five directions indicated by arrows. However, the shape and number of small holes from which the steam is ejected, the spray direction, and other factors may be optimally designed. As shown in FIG. 8(b), a mat-like member F is placed on the mounting table 300. Therefore, the mat-like member F can be cleaned by spraying high-temperature steam from the steam spray pipes 530a and 530b through the internal space P toward the mat-like member F from the inside. The steam that has passed through the mat-like member F is discharged to the outside via the openable window 535, the vertical flow path 270, and the check damper 235. The openable window 535 is controlled to maintain an open state together with the operation of the exhaust fan 230 during the cleaning process.

[0037] FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of the dryer 100 according to Configuration Example 4, and FIG. 9(b) is a front view. In FIG. 9, a boiler 500 is built into the dryer 100. The boiler 500 built into the dryer 100 is connected to left and right steam spray pipes 530 and 540 via a steam valve (not shown) and a pipe 570. Steam is sprayed toward the drying space D from a large number of small holes provided in the longitudinal direction of the steam spray pipes 530 and 540. The other configurations and operations are the same as those of Configuration Example 1 shown in FIG. 6, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In Configuration Example 4 as well, a mat-like member F is placed on the mounting table 300. Therefore, the mat-like member F can be cleaned by spraying high-temperature steam toward the mat-like member F in the drying space D.

[0038] As described above, according to the dryer of the embodiment, the internal temperature of the mat-like member F is raised to the first set temperature or higher in the preheating step, which increases the moisture permeability of steam in the steaming step. Furthermore, since the steaming step is performed using steam, "moisture" can be permeated into the mat-like member F instead of washing. Furthermore, sufficient moisture permeation into the mat-like member F allows the mat-like member F to be refreshed in the subsequent drying step.

[0039] As described above, the dryer of the embodiment includes the heater 220, A motor drive circuit that can be driven at a first motor drive frequency and a second motor drive frequency that is lower than the first motor drive frequency. The dryer is provided with an exhaust fan (230), a housing (210) in which hot air is blown from a heater (220) into a drying space accommodating a placement section (300), a steam valve (510) that blows steam from a boiler (500) into the drying space (D), and a control means (400) that controls the opening and closing of the steam valve (510) and the driving of the exhaust fan (230), and dries a mat-like material (F) placed on the placement section (300), wherein the control means (400) The exhaust fan 230 is driven at the first motor driving frequency, and The steam valve 230 is closed, and the mat-like member F is preheated by hot air from the heater 220 until the internal temperature of the mat-like member F reaches a first set temperature. The steam valve 510 is opened, and the exhaust fan 230 is stopped for a first set time. The exhaust fan 230 is driven at the second motor drive frequency. A cycle of driving for a second set time is executed to steam the mat-like member F, The exhaust fan 230 is driven at the first motor driving frequency, and The steam valve 510 is opened, and hot air containing steam is used to dry the space. D The mat-like member F placed on the placement section 300 housed in the drying chamber is dried. This raises the internal temperature of the mat-like member F to above the first set temperature, thereby increasing the moisture permeability of steam during the steaming process. Furthermore, since this is a steaming process using steam, "moisture" can be permeated into the mat-like member F instead of washing. Furthermore, since moisture permeates the mat-like member F sufficiently, the mat-like member F can be refreshed in the subsequent drying process. Furthermore, the motor drive frequency of the exhaust fan 230 in the steaming process is lower than that in the preheating process, so that humidity control in the drying space D can be performed slowly and efficiently.

[0040] Also, the dryer of the embodiment In the steamThe motor drive frequency of the exhaust fan 230 in the cooling step is lower than the first motor drive frequency in the preheating step. First Since it is driven at two motor drive frequencies, it can slowly and efficiently control the humidity in the drying space D.

[0041] Also, the dryer of the embodiment The humidity in the drying space D is adjusted by stopping and driving the exhaust fan 230 a set number of times. If the exhaust fan 230 is stopped and steam is blown in, saturated moisture will condense in the drying space D. To prevent excessive saturation (condensation), the exhaust fan 230 is driven and the steam is exhausted while passing through the mat-like member F. Therefore, the humidity in the drying space D can be adjusted by stopping and driving the exhaust fan 230 a set number of times.

[0042] In addition, the dryer of the embodiment includes: After preheating the mat-like member F to a first set temperature, the mat-like member F is dried by hot air from the heater 220 until the internal temperature of the mat-like member F reaches a second set temperature or higher, and when the internal temperature of the mat-like member F remains above the second set temperature for a certain period of time, the mat-like member F is cooled until the internal temperature of the mat-like member F reaches a third set temperature or lower. The first set temperature is 45°C, the second set temperature is 70°C, and the third set temperature is 50°C. As a result, the first set temperature of 45°C can prevent condensation on the mat-like material F, and the second set temperature of 70°C can kill mites and the like. In addition, the third set temperature stops at 50°C, leaving the clothes moderately soft, allowing for a fluffy finish when drying.

[0043] The drying method of the above embodiment includes a heater 230, A motor drive circuit that can be driven at a first motor drive frequency and a second motor drive frequency that is lower than the first motor drive frequency. A drying method for a dryer that includes an exhaust fan (230), a housing (210) that blows hot air from the heater (230) into a drying space (D) that houses a placement section (300), a steam valve (510) that blows steam from a boiler (500) into the drying space (D), and a control means (400) that controls opening and closing of the steam valve (510) and driving of the exhaust fan (230), and dries a mat-like material (F) placed on the placement section (300), comprising: The exhaust fan 230 is driven at the first motor driving frequency, and The steam valve 510 is closed, and the heater 230 Steps (S110, S120) of preheating the mat-like material F with hot air from the mat-like material F until the internal temperature of the mat-like material F reaches a first set temperature, and then opening the steam valve 510 and stopping the exhaust fan 230 for a first set time. The exhaust fan 230 is driven at the second motor drive frequency. A cycle of driving for a second set time is executed to steam the mat-like member F (S130-S170); The exhaust fan 230 is driven at the first motor driving frequency, andand steps (S220, S210) of drying the mat-like member F placed on the placement section 300 housed in the drying space D with the steam valve 510 in an open state and using hot air containing steam. This raises the internal temperature of the mat-like member F to a first set temperature or higher, thereby increasing the moisture permeability of the steam in the steaming process. Furthermore, since this is a steaming process using steam, "moisture" can be permeated into the mat-like member F instead of washing. Furthermore, since moisture permeation into the mat-like member F is sufficient, the mat-like member F can be refreshed in the subsequent drying process. Furthermore, the motor drive frequency of the exhaust fan 230 in the steaming process is lower than that in the preheating process, so that humidity control in the drying space D can be performed slowly and efficiently.

[0044] Furthermore, the drying method of the embodiment The humidity in the drying space D is adjusted by stopping and driving the exhaust fan 230 a set number of times. If the exhaust fan 230 is stopped and steam is blown in, saturated moisture will condense in the drying space D. To prevent excessive saturation (condensation), the exhaust fan 230 is driven and the steam is exhausted while passing through the mat-like member F. Therefore, the humidity in the drying space D can be adjusted by stopping and driving the exhaust fan 230 a set number of times.

[0045] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 100... dryer, 200... main body, 210... housing, 220... gas heater 230...Exhaust fan, 235...Check damper, 240...Warm air intake 250...evaporation plate, 260...downward exhaust flow path 260, 270...vertical flow path 300... Mat placing unit, 400... Control unit, 410... RAM, 420... Timer 430...Operation input unit, 440...Fee input unit, 450...Temperature sensor 500...Boiler, 510...Steam valve, 520...Steam inlet 530, 530a, 530b, 540...Steam spray pipe 550, 550a, 550b…spray hole

Claims

1. A heater and an exhaust fan that can be driven at a first motor driving frequency and a second motor driving frequency that is lower than the first motor driving frequency; a housing into which hot air is blown from the heater into a drying space that accommodates the mounting portion; a steam valve for delivering steam from a boiler to the drying space; a control means for controlling the opening and closing of the steam valve and the driving of the exhaust fan; A dryer for drying a mat-like material placed on the placement section, comprising: The control means driving the exhaust fan at the first motor drive frequency and closing the steam valve, preheating the mat-like member with the hot air from the heater until the internal temperature of the mat-like member reaches a first set temperature; After the preheating, the steam valve is opened, the exhaust fan is stopped for a first set time, and then the exhaust fan is driven at the second motor drive frequency for a second set time, thereby steaming the mat-like member; After the steaming, the exhaust fan is driven at the first motor drive frequency, and the steam valve is opened to dry the mat-like member placed on the placement section accommodated in the drying space using hot air containing the steam. A dryer characterized by:

2. 2. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the second motor driving frequency is 15 Hz and the first motor driving frequency is 50 Hz.

3. A dryer as described in claim 1, wherein during the steaming operation, the exhaust fan is cycled between stopping and driving a set number of times to adjust the humidity in the drying space.

4. After preheating the mat-like member to the first set temperature, In the drying operation, the mat-like member is dried by hot air from the heater until the internal temperature of the mat-like member reaches a second set temperature or higher, When the internal temperature of the mat-like member is equal to or higher than a second set temperature for a certain period of time due to the drying operation, the mat-like member is cooled after the drying operation until the internal temperature of the mat-like member is equal to or lower than a third set temperature; 2. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the first set temperature is 45°C, the second set temperature is 70°C, and the third set temperature is 50°C.

5. a drying method for a dryer that dries a mat-like material placed on the placement section, the dryer comprising: a heater; an exhaust fan that can be driven by a first motor drive frequency and a second motor drive frequency that is lower than the first motor drive frequency; a housing that blows hot air from the heater into a drying space that houses a placement section; a steam valve that blows steam from a boiler into the drying space; and control means that controls opening and closing of the steam valve and controls driving of the exhaust fan, the method comprising: a preheating step of driving the exhaust fan at the first motor drive frequency and closing the steam valve to preheat the mat-like member with the hot air from the heater until the internal temperature of the mat-like member reaches a first set temperature; a steaming step of steaming the mat-like member by executing a cycle of opening the steam valve, stopping the exhaust fan for a first set time, and then driving the exhaust fan at the second motor drive frequency for a second set time after the preheating step; a drying step of driving the exhaust fan at the first motor drive frequency after the steaming step, and opening the steam valve to dry the mat-like member placed on the placement section accommodated in the drying space using hot air containing the steam; A drying method comprising the steps of:

6. A drying method as described in Claim 5, wherein during the steaming step, the exhaust fan is cycled between stopping and starting a set number of times to adjust the humidity in the drying space.

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