Drying machine

Abstract

To provide a dryer capable of improving convenience.SOLUTION: A dryer includes: a case which extends in an axial direction, and which includes an intake port provided on one side in the axial direction and a discharge port provided on the other side in the axial direction; a blower unit which is accommodated in the case, and which takes in air through the intake port and sends the air toward the discharge port; and a heating unit which is accommodated in the case, and which heats the air sent from the blower unit. The intake port, the blower unit, the heating unit, and the discharge port are arranged in the axial direction in this order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to drying equipment.

Background Art

[0002] As drying equipment, various equipment for drying futons, clothes, shoes, etc. are known. For example, a futon dryer is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The futon dryer has a suction part located at one end side and a discharge part located at the other end side. An outer casing is provided with a suction port formed in the suction part and a discharge port formed in the discharge part. A blower duct is provided inside the outer casing to communicate the suction port and the discharge port. Blower means is arranged in the blower duct to suck outside air from the suction port and discharge it from the discharge port. Heating means is arranged in the blower duct to heat the outside air sucked by the blower means. It is a futon dryer that does not use an air mat that directly discharges the heated warm air from the discharge port. The heating means is disposed in a heater case constituting the blower duct. The lower wall of the heater case faces close to the bottom wall of the outer casing, and the bottom surface of the bottom wall is a flat surface without a protruding part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When using drying equipment, the user needs to move the drying equipment to the intended location and install it. If the size of the drying equipment is large, these operations are time-consuming. Therefore, one of the demands is to enable the user to easily handle the drying equipment.

[0006] Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a drying device that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A drying device according to one aspect of the present invention is a drying device for futons and comprises a case having an air intake port and an air outlet, which is inserted into the futon and is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction, a blower unit that draws in air from the air intake port and sends the air toward the air outlet, and a heating unit that heats the air sent from the blower unit. The aforementioned intake port, The blower unit and the heating unit are, In this order It is arranged along the axis of the case. The air heated by the heating unit is discharged from the discharge port.

[0008] The case may be formed in a stick shape. The air intake port may have an intake portion including a first opening formed in the peripheral wall of the case. The air intake port may also have an intake portion including a second opening formed in the end wall of the case.

[0009] The drying apparatus may further include a control unit housed in the case and configured to control the blower unit and the heating unit. The blowing unit may have a fan having a rotating shaft along the axial direction, and the fan may form the airflow that flows along the rotating shaft.

[0010] The blowing unit may further include a motor housed in the case between the fan and the heating unit and connected to the rotating shaft. The rotation axis of the fan may coincide with the axis of the case. The length of the case in the axial direction may be 250 mm or more and 350 mm or less. The air velocity discharged from the outlet may be 10 m / s or more. The cross-sectional shape of the case may include a polygonal shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a drying device that can improve convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a drying device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a drying device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a drying device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the first end portion shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing the first end portion shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing the second end portion shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drying device taken along line VII-VII shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing portion VIII shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a blower unit included in a drying device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the blower unit shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a heating unit included in a drying device according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the heating unit shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a state where the drying device is installed. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the temperature change of a futon when the drying device is used. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the temperature distribution when a futon dryer according to a comparative example is used. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the temperature distribution when the drying device is used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. In order to make the description clearer, in the drawings, the size, shape, etc. of each part may be changed and schematically represented with respect to the actual embodiment.

[0014] In the present embodiment, as an example of a drying device, a drying device that can be mainly applied to futons is disclosed. However, the configuration disclosed in the present embodiment, particularly the arrangement mode of each member, can also be applied to other types of drying devices.

[0015] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic perspective views of a drying device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the drying device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the first end portion 1a shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing the first end portion 1a shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing the second end portion 1b shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drying device 100 along the line VII-VII shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the drying device 100 is viewed from a direction different from that in FIG. 1.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drying device 100 has a shape extending along the axis CX. Here, the direction along the axis CX is defined as the axial direction X. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the drying device 100 includes a case 1, a blowing unit 2, a heating unit 3, and a control unit 4.

[0018] The blowing unit 2, the heating unit 3, and the control unit 4 are respectively housed in the case 1. The drying device 100 is configured to be able to be supplied with power from the outside by a power cable 5.

[0019] Case 1 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. For example, Case 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on axis CX and extending in the axial direction X. In other words, Case 1 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Note that the cross-sectional shape of Case 1 may be elliptical or a polygon such as a quadrilateral.

[0020] Here, the cross-sectional shape of Case 1 refers to the shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the axis CX. The diameter (outer diameter) of Case 1 is, for example, approximately 35 mm to approximately 50 mm. The length of Case 1 in the axial direction X is, for example, approximately 250 mm to approximately 350 mm.

[0021] Case 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a first end 1a provided on one side in the axial direction X, and a second end 1b provided on the other side in the axial direction X. In Figure 5, the first end 1a is viewed in the axial direction X. In Figure 6, the second end 1b is viewed in the opposite direction to the axial direction X.

[0022] The second end 1b corresponds to the opposite side of the first end 1a in the axial direction X. Here, the end includes the end and the area in its vicinity. The power cable 5 extends from the first end 1a to the outside of the case 1 in the opposite direction of the axial direction X.

[0023] Case 1 further includes an intake port 11 and a discharge port 13. The intake port 11 is provided at the first end 1a, and the discharge port 13 is provided at the second end 1b. The intake port 11 penetrates Case 1 in a direction intersecting the axial direction X, and the discharge port 13 opens in the axial direction X.

[0024] Air is drawn in at the intake port 11, mainly along a direction intersecting the axial direction X. Conversely, air is discharged at the discharge port 13, along the axial direction X, to the outside of case 1. In other words, the direction in which air is drawn in from the intake port 11 intersects with the direction in which air is discharged from the discharge port 13. In case 1, the first end 1a corresponds to the upstream side, and the second end 1b corresponds to the downstream side.

[0025] Case 1 is composed of, for example, multiple components. The components constituting Case 1 are each formed of, for example, a resin material, but may also include parts formed of a metal material. In the example shown in Figure 3, Case 1 comprises an inner case 21 and an outer case 22 that covers the inner case 21.

[0026] The inner case 21 and the outer case 22 each have a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the axis CX and extending in the axial direction X. The inner case 21 includes a first member 23 and a second member 24. The outer case 22 includes a third member 25 and a fourth member 26.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, members 23 and 24 have a curved shape that separates them from each other when viewed in the axial direction X. The inner case 21 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape when the second member 24 overlaps the first member 23.

[0028] Between the first member 23 and the second member 24, there is a housing section 15 that accommodates the blower unit 2, the heating unit 3, and the control unit 4. The housing section 15 has an elongated shape along the axial direction X. Multiple supports are provided on the inner surfaces of members 23 and 24 to support the units to be housed.

[0029] The first member 23 has an end 23a and an end 23b opposite to the end 23a. The second member 24 has an end 24a and an end 24b opposite to the end 24a. Ends 23a and 24a are located on the side of the first end 1a, and ends 23b and 24b are located on the side of the second end 1b.

[0030] The end portion 23a is provided with multiple intake portions 231 that penetrate the first member 23. The end portion 24a is provided with multiple intake portions 241 that penetrate the second member 24. The multiple intake portions 231 and 241 penetrate the members 23 and 24 in a direction intersecting the axial direction X.

[0031] Multiple intake sections 231 and 241 are aligned in the circumferential direction θ (shown in Figure 3) centered on the axis CX, and also aligned in the axial direction X. The region where multiple intake sections 231 are formed faces, for example, the region where multiple intake sections 241 are formed.

[0032] The intake portions 231 and 241 have, for example, a roughly rectangular shape, but the shape of the intake portions 231 and 241 is not limited to this example. The position, shape, and number of intake portions 231 of the first member 23 may be the same as or different from the position, shape, and number of intake portions 241 of the second member 24.

[0033] The second member 24 has a recess 243 on its outer surface that is recessed toward the axis CX. The recess 243 is formed in a region that overlaps with the control unit 4. The recess 243 has a predetermined length in the axial direction X. Multiple through holes 245 are formed in the bottom surface of the recess 243, through which the operating section 45, described later, is provided.

[0034] A discharge portion 211 is formed at the tip of the inner case 21 on the second end 1b side. The discharge portion 211 is defined by the ends 23b and 24b of members 23 and 24. The discharge portion 211 opens in the axial direction X. When viewed in the opposite direction to the axial direction X, the discharge portion 211 has a substantially circular shape.

[0035] The third member 25 is detachably attached to the inner case 21. The third member 25 can be attached to the inner case 21 by moving it along the axial direction X. In case 1, for example, the area where the third member 25 is provided corresponds to the first end 1a.

[0036] The third member 25 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the third member 25 has a circumferential wall 251 and an end wall 253 connected to the circumferential wall 251. The circumferential wall 251 is formed integrally with, for example, the end wall 253. The third member 25 further has a plurality of intake portions 255. The intake portions 255 are formed extending from the circumferential wall 251 to the end wall 253.

[0037] The intake section 255 has a first opening 2551 formed in the peripheral wall 251 and a second opening 2553 formed in the end wall 253. The first opening 2551 is connected to the second opening 2553.

[0038] The first opening 2551 penetrates the circumferential wall 251 in a direction intersecting the axial direction X. The first opening 2551 is formed in the circumferential wall 251 along the axial direction X. The first opening 2551 has a predetermined length in the axial direction X.

[0039] The second opening 2553 penetrates the end wall 253 in the axial direction X. As shown in Figure 5, the second opening 2553 is formed near the edge of the end wall 253. In other words, the second opening 2553 does not extend to the central part of the end wall 253.

[0040] The multiple intake sections 255 are provided, for example, at equal intervals in the circumferential direction θ. In relation to the inner case 21, the multiple first openings 2551 overlap the intake sections 231 and 241 of the inner case 21, respectively. The length of the first openings 2551 in the axial direction X is approximately equal to the length in the axial direction X of the region in the inner case 21 where the multiple intake sections 231 and 241 are formed.

[0041] The air intake port 11 is formed by the overlapping of multiple air intake sections 231 and 241 of the inner case 21 with multiple air intake sections 255 of the outer case 22. This allows the drying equipment 100 to draw in air from outside the case 1 at the first end 1a along a direction intersecting the axial direction X (specifically, the direction toward the axis CX). The end wall 253 further has a through hole 257 in the center through which the power cable 5 passes, as shown in Figure 5.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the fourth member 26 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. The fourth member 26 covers the inner case 21. Specifically, the fourth member 26 covers the area of ​​the inner case 21 that is not covered by the third member 25. The fourth member 26 can be attached to the inner case 21 by moving it along the direction opposite to the axial direction X.

[0043] The fourth member 26 has an end portion 26b located on the side of the second end portion 1b. An end wall 261 is provided at the tip of the end portion 26b. As shown in Figure 6, a discharge portion 263 is formed on the end wall 261. As a result, the fourth member 26 is open in the axial direction X at the end portion 26b.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the discharge section 263 has a substantially circular shape when viewed in the opposite direction to the axial direction X. It opens in a substantially circular shape. The diameter of the discharge section 263 is, for example, 20 mm or more and 30 mm or less.

[0045] The discharge portion 211 of the inner case 21 and the discharge portion 263 of the fourth member 26 overlap when viewed in opposite directions along the axial direction X. The discharge port 13 is formed by the discharge portion 211 of the inner case 21 and the discharge portion 263 of the fourth member 26. As a result, the drying machine 100 can discharge air to the outside of the case 1 along the axial direction X at the second end 1b.

[0046] The fourth member 26 further has a through hole 265, as shown in Figure 3. The through hole 265 is formed at a position corresponding to the recess 243 of the inner case 21. The size of the through hole 265 is approximately equal to the size of the recess 243. As a result, when the outer case 22 is attached to the inner case 21, the recess 243 of the inner case 21 is exposed.

[0047] The drying apparatus 100 may further include a filter member 6, as shown in Figure 3. The filter member 6 is provided between a plurality of intake sections 255 and a plurality of intake sections 231, 241. The filter member 6 is formed of a metal material such as stainless steel, but is not limited to this example.

[0048] The filter member 6 has a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall 61 extending in the axial direction X. Multiple through holes (not shown) are formed in the peripheral wall 61. The multiple through holes are formed in a mesh-like pattern. The size of these through holes is very small, for example, a diameter of about 1 mm or less. Foreign matter such as dust and dirt that has passed through the intake section 255 is collected by the filter member 6. This prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the case 1.

[0049] Since the third member 25 is detachably attached to the inner case 21, foreign matter collected in the filter member 6 can be easily removed by removing the third member 25.

[0050] The drying apparatus 100 may further include a discharge member 7, as shown in Figure 6. The discharge member 7 is provided at the discharge port 13. The discharge member 7 is held, for example, by a first member 23 and a second member 24.

[0051] The discharge member 7 has a substantially disc shape. When viewed in the opposite direction to the axial direction X, the discharge member 7 overlaps the discharge section 263. As shown in Figure 6, the discharge member 7 is provided with a plurality of through holes 71 that penetrate in the axial direction X. The through holes 71 have, for example, a substantially hexagonal shape, but are not limited to this example.

[0052] The discharge member 7 has multiple through-holes 71 that serve to straighten the air discharged from the discharge port 13. This straightens the discharged air, making it easier to send the air along the axial direction X. The size and shape of the through-holes 71 of the discharge member 7 are appropriately changed according to the wind speed and pressure of the discharged air.

[0053] Next, the relationship between the blower unit 2, the heating unit 3, and the control unit 4 in the housing section 15 will be explained. The intake port 11, the control unit 4, the blower unit 2, the heating unit 3, and the discharge port 13 are arranged in this order along the axial direction X, as shown in Figure 7. Here, "arranged along the axial direction X" includes the state in which at least one element does not overlap when viewed along the axial direction X.

[0054] In relation to the air intake port 11, the blower unit 2 is positioned away from the air intake port 11 in the axial direction X. In other words, the blower unit 2 does not overlap with the air intake port 11 in the direction intersecting the axial direction X. Therefore, a certain space is formed between the air intake port 11 and the blower unit 2 in the axial direction X. The control unit 4 is located in this space.

[0055] The control unit 4 is located between the air intake 11 and the blower unit 2. The blower unit 2 is located between the control unit 4 and the heating unit 3. The heating unit 3 is located between the blower unit 2 and the discharge port 13.

[0056] In Figure 7, the airflow in the drying machine 100 is indicated by arrows. When the blower unit 2 is driven, air is drawn in from the intake port 11 of the case 1. Specifically, the air is drawn in by passing through the intake port 255 of the third member 25, the filter member 6, and the intake port 231 of the first member 23, or by passing through the intake port 255 of the third member 25, the filter member 6, and the intake port 241 of the second member 24.

[0057] Air drawn in from the intake port 11 travels along the axial direction X, passing through the control unit 4, the blower unit 2, and the heating unit 3 in that order, as it goes through the containment section 15, and is discharged from the discharge port 13. In this way, the containment section 15 also functions as an air passage.

[0058] The control unit 4 is configured to control the blower unit 2 and the heating unit 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the control unit 4 includes a control board 41 and an operation board 43. The control board 41 is electrically connected to the operation board 43, the blower unit 2, and the heating unit 3, respectively. The control board 41 includes a control circuit for controlling, for example, the rotational speed of the motor 35 (described later), the temperature of the heater 53, and so on. The control board 41 and the operation board 43 have, for example, a long, flat plate shape in the axial direction X.

[0059] The control board 41 and the operation board 43 are provided along the axial direction X, respectively. The operation board 43 is provided between the control board 41 and the second member 24. The space between the control board 41 and the first member 23, and the space between the control board 41 and the operation board 43, constitute part of the airflow path, as shown in Figure 7.

[0060] The control board 43 is provided with an operating section 45. The operating section 45 includes a power switch 47 and several buttons 49. The power switch 47 and the several buttons 49 are respectively provided in through holes 245 (shown in Figure 3) of the second member 24. The user can operate the drying machine 100 via the operating section 45.

[0061] For example, the user can supply power to the drying machine 100 by operating the power switch 47, or select a preset operating mode by operating one of the buttons 49.

[0062] Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing section VIII shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the blower unit 2 included in the drying apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the blower unit 2 shown in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the heating unit 3 included in the drying apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the heating unit 3 shown in Figure 11.

[0063] The blower unit 2 forms an airflow along the axial direction X in the drying equipment 100. Specifically, the drying equipment 100 draws air in from the intake port 11 and sends the air along the axial direction X toward the discharge port 13 using the blower unit 2.

[0064] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the blower unit 2 includes a holding member 31, a fan 33, a motor 35, and a vibration-damping member 37. The holding member 31 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. Part of the motor 35 and the fan 33 are housed in the holding member 31. In the example shown in Figure 10, the fan 33 and the motor 35 are arranged in this order in the axial direction X.

[0065] The retaining member 31 includes an outer cylinder 311, an inner cylinder (not shown) provided inside the outer cylinder 311, and a plurality of supports (not shown) connecting the outer cylinder 311 and the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder covers the motor 35. The plurality of supports are provided at equal intervals around the axis CX.

[0066] Fan 33 is, in one example, an axial flow fan. Fan 33 is made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy, but is not limited to this example. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, fan 33 has a base portion 331 and a plurality of blades 333. The base portion 331 is formed in a cup shape.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, the fan 33 further has a rotating shaft 337 along the axial direction X. The rotating shaft 337 is formed by penetrating the base portion 331 in the axial direction X. The rotating shaft 337 is, for example, a hollow shaft.

[0068] As shown in Figure 9, the multiple blades 333 are provided between the base portion 331 and the holding member 31. The multiple blades 333 extend from the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 331 toward the holding member 31.

[0069] Multiple blades 333 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction θ. For example, there are 11 blades 333. There may be 10 or fewer blades 333, or 12 or more blades. The inclination of the multiple blades 333 with respect to the rotation axis 337 is set so that when the fan 33 rotates, the air flows along the rotation axis 337.

[0070] As the fan 33 rotates in the direction R1 of the arrow shown in Figure 10, an airflow along the rotation axis 337 (indicated by arrow R2) is formed. Specifically, air located upstream of the fan 33 is drawn in and flows downstream along the axial direction X. As a result, air flows through the inside of the holding member 31 in the axial direction X. The inside of the holding member 31 constitutes part of the airflow path.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 8, the motor 35 is located between the fan 33 and the heating unit 3. Because the motor 35 is located downstream of the fan 33, the motor 35 is cooled by the flowing air, and the temperature of the motor 35 does not rise easily.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, the motor 35 has a rotating shaft 351 extending in the axial direction X. The motor 35 is connected to the rotating shaft 337 of the fan 33 via the rotating shaft 351. The central axes of the rotating shafts 337 and 351 roughly coincide with the axis CX of the drying machine 100.

[0073] The motor 35 further includes a rotor, stator, etc., which are not shown. The rotation of the motor 35's rotating shaft 351 causes the base portion 331 and multiple blades 333 of the fan 33 to rotate.

[0074] The fan 33 is configured to rotate at high speed by a motor 35. The motor 35 is, for example, a DC motor (a brushless DC motor in one example). The rotational speed of the motor 35 is, for example, between 50,000 rpm and 110,000 rpm. The rotational speed of the fan 33 corresponds to the rotational speed of the motor 35.

[0075] The vibration-damping member 37 is, for example, vibration-damping rubber. The vibration-damping member 37 is provided outside the holding member 31. The vibration-damping member 37 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. The length of the vibration-damping member 37 in the axial direction X is approximately equal to the length of the holding member 31 in the axial direction X. The vibration-damping member 37 is formed of, for example, a rubber material, but is not limited to this example.

[0076] As shown in Figure 10, the vibration-damping member 37 has an inner circumferential surface 371 facing the retaining member 31 and an outer circumferential surface 373 facing the inner case 21. Multiple protrusions 375 are formed on the outer circumferential surface 373. A portion of the inner circumferential surface 371 is in contact with the retaining member 31.

[0077] A portion of the outer surface 373 is in contact with the inner case 21. Specifically, the outer surface 373 is in contact with an annular support formed along the circumferential direction θ of the inner case 21. In this way, the vibration-damping member 37 is in partial contact with the holding member 31 and the inner case 21, respectively, which makes it difficult for vibrations generated when the blower unit 2 is driven to be transmitted to the inner case 21.

[0078] The heating unit 3 heats the air supplied from the blower unit 2. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the heating unit 3 includes a heater case 51, a heater 53, and fin sections 55 and 57.

[0079] The heater case 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. The heater 53 and fin portions 55 and 57 are housed in the heater case 51, as shown in Figure 11. The heater case 51 has a first case 511 provided on the first member 23 side and a second case 513 provided on the second member 24 side.

[0080] The first case 511 and the second case 513 have curved shapes that are separated from each other when viewed in the axial direction X. The heater case 51 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape when the second case 513 overlaps the first case 511. As a result, a housing is formed between the first case 511 and the second case 513 in which the heater 53 and the fin portions 55 and 57 are housed.

[0081] In one example, the heater 53 is a PTC heater. The heater 53 has, for example, a long, flat plate shape in the axial direction X. As shown in Figure 8, the heater 53 has a surface 531 facing the first member 23 and a surface 533 facing the second member 24. Surface 533 corresponds to the surface opposite to surface 531.

[0082] The fin portions 55 and 57 are formed from a metal material with high thermal conductivity (for example, an aluminum alloy). Fin portion 55 is provided on surface 531, and fin portion 57 is provided on surface 533. The length of the fin portions 55 and 57 in the axial direction X is approximately equal to the length of the heater 53 in the axial direction X.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11, each of the fin sections 55 and 57 has multiple fins 59. The fins 59 have a long, flat shape in the axial direction X. The thickness of the fins 59 is smaller than, for example, the thickness of the heater 53.

[0084] The fins 59 are positioned approximately perpendicular to surfaces 531 and 533. Because the cross-sectional shape of the heater case 51 is approximately circular, the height of the fins 59 gradually decreases as it moves away from the axis CX.

[0085] Multiple fins 59 are arranged at intervals in a direction intersecting the axial direction X. As a result, slits SL extending in the axial direction X are formed between adjacent fins 59. Multiple slits SL are formed between the surface 531 of the heater 53 and the first case 511, and between the surface 533 of the heater 53 and the second case 513, respectively. Multiple slits SL constitute part of the airflow path of the air supplied from the blower unit 2.

[0086] When current flows, the heater 53 generates heat, and the heat from the heater 53 is transferred to the multiple fins 59 via surfaces 531 and 533, respectively, heating the fin sections 55 and 57. Then, as air passes through the multiple slits SL, it is heated, and warm air is formed.

[0087] The temperature of the air that passes through is, for example, between 40 and 70 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Celsius in one example). The length of the slit SL in the axial direction X, the number of slits SL, etc., are appropriately changed according to the temperature of the air at the discharge port 13.

[0088] The drying apparatus 100 may further include an ozone generating unit 8. The ozone generating unit 8 is housed in the housing section 15 of the case 1. As shown in Figure 3, the ozone generating unit 8 includes a high-voltage power supply 81 and an ozone generating section 83.

[0089] The high-voltage power supply 81 is located between the air intake 11 and the blower unit 2. Specifically, the high-voltage power supply 81 is located upstream of the control unit 4. The high-voltage power supply 81 is electrically connected to the control board 41. In other words, the control unit 4 is configured to control the ozone generation unit 8.

[0090] The ozone generating unit 83 is located between the blower unit 2 and the discharge port 13. In the example shown in Figure 8, the ozone generating unit 83 is located between the blower unit 2 and the heating unit 3. The ozone generating unit 83 may also be located downstream of the heating unit 3.

[0091] The ozone generating unit 83 is electrically connected to the high-voltage power supply 81. The ozone generating unit 83 has a discharge unit (not shown). The ozone generating unit 83 generates ozone by decomposing oxygen in the air through the discharge of this discharge unit. The generated ozone passes through the heating unit 3 and is discharged from the discharge port 13.

[0092] The drying apparatus 100 may further include sheet members 91, 93 (shown in Figure 3) and sheet member 95 (shown in Figure 12). The sheet members 91, 93, and 95 are formed of, for example, a flame-retardant resin material. The thickness of the sheet members 91, 93, and 95 is smaller than, for example, the thickness of each member constituting the case 1. The thickness of the sheet members 91, 93, and 95 is, for example, about 0.25 mm.

[0093] As shown in Figure 3, the sheet member 91 covers the control unit 4 in the housing section 15. The sheet member 91 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. The sheet member 91 has a first sheet 911 provided on the first member 23 side and a second sheet 913 provided on the second member 24 side.

[0094] The first sheet 911 and the second sheet 913 have curved shapes that are separated from each other when viewed in the axial direction X. The sheet member 91 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape when the second sheet 913 overlaps the first sheet 911.

[0095] The sheet member 93 is located between the inner case 21 and the outer case 22. The sheet member 93 is provided so as to overlap the control unit 4, the blower unit 2, and the heating unit 3, with the inner case 21 in between. As shown in Figure 3, the sheet member 93 has a through hole formed at a position corresponding to the recess 243 of the inner case 21.

[0096] As shown in Figure 12, the sheet member 95 covers the heater 53 and the fin portions 55 and 57 inside the heater case 51. The sheet member 95 has a substantially cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction X. The length of the sheet member 95 in the axial direction X is approximately equal to the length of the fin portions 55 and 57 in the axial direction X.

[0097] Next, the air (warm air) discharged from the discharge port 13 will be described. The air discharged from the discharge port 13 is determined by the rotation speed of the motor 35 and fan 33 of the blower unit 2, the shape of the housing section 15 (flow path), the size of the discharge port 13, and so on. In this embodiment, the air discharged from the discharge port 13 is set as follows.

[0098] The wind speed of the air discharged from the discharge port 13 is, for example, 10 m / s to 20 m / s. Preferably, the wind speed is 12 m / s to 18 m / s, and more preferably 14 m / s to 16 m / s. The above wind speed is, for example, the value at a position approximately 3 cm away from the discharge port 13 in the axial direction X. The wind speed can be measured, for example, by a wind turbine anemometer or a thermal anemometer. The drying equipment 100 can, for example, discharge air (warm air) with a wind speed of 10 m / s to 16 m / s and a temperature of 40 degrees to 70 degrees.

[0099] With such a wind speed, the air pressure of the discharged air can be increased. For example, if the air from the drying device 100 is discharged towards a weighing scale installed approximately 10 cm away from the discharge port 13 in the axial direction X, the value shown on the weighing scale will be, for example, 40 g or more.

[0100] Figure 13 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the installation of the drying equipment 100. In Figure 13, the longitudinal direction LD and the short direction SD of the futon 10 are defined. In the example shown in Figure 13, the drying equipment 100 is installed on one side (head side) of the longitudinal direction LD of the futon 10. In the example shown in Figure 13, the longitudinal direction LD of the futon 10 is the direction along the axial direction X of the drying equipment 100.

[0101] The drying device 100 is positioned between the mattress 10A and the comforter 10B. Specifically, the air intake 11 of the drying device 100 is exposed from the mattress 10A, while the rest of the device overlaps with the comforter 10B. In relation to the comforter 10B, the blower unit 2, heating unit 3, and control unit 4 overlap with the comforter 10B.

[0102] In Figure 13, the flow of air A discharged from the outlet 13 of the drying machine 100 is indicated by arrows. The air A discharged from the outlet 13 travels along the longitudinal direction LD of the futon 10 (axial direction X in the drying machine 100) between the mattress 10A and the comforter 10B.

[0103] As described above, the air pressure of the air discharged from the drying machine 100 is high. As a result, air A can travel in the longitudinal direction LD between the mattress 10A and the comforter 10B, and reach the other side (foot side) of the comforter 10.

[0104] Furthermore, a portion of the air A moves along the longitudinal direction LD while also moving along the shorter direction SD of the futon 10. In this way, the air A discharged from the drying device 100 spreads throughout the entire futon 10, allowing the entire futon 10 to be heated to a predetermined temperature.

[0105] Figure 14 is a graph showing the temperature change of the futon 10 when the drying device 100 is used. Here, the drying device 100 is placed on the futon 10 as shown in Figure 13, and the temperature at corner C (shown in Figure 13) of the futon 10A is measured. Corner C is located on the opposite side from the end where the drying device 100 is placed.

[0106] The temperature of the air discharged from the drying machine 100 is approximately 60 degrees Celsius. In Figure 14, the horizontal axis represents time (min), and the vertical axis represents temperature (°C). Here, time corresponds to the elapsed time since the start of operation of the drying machine 100.

[0107] It was confirmed that the temperature at corner C rose to over 45 degrees Celsius approximately 40 minutes after the start of the test. Subsequently, as shown in section XIV, it was confirmed that the temperature at corner C remained stable between approximately 47 and 49 degrees Celsius until the operation of the drying equipment 100 was stopped.

[0108] These results indicate that the drying device 100 according to this embodiment can reliably heat the corners C of the futon 10. In other words, even if the drying device 100 is installed at the head end of the futon 10, it can reliably heat the foot end of the futon 10 as well.

[0109] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the temperature distribution when using the futon dryer according to the comparative example. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the temperature distribution when using the drying device 100.

[0110] The futon dryer in the comparative example comprises, for example, a drying device body and a nozzle extending from the drying device body. In the futon dryer in the comparative example, air heated by the drying device body is discharged from the tip of the nozzle. The air velocity discharged from the tip of the nozzle is approximately 5 meters per second.

[0111] In other words, the air velocity discharged from the drying device 100 is greater than that of the futon dryer in the comparative example, by about twice as much. Similar to the drying device 100, the tip of the nozzle was placed on the futon 10. The tip of the nozzle is positioned to be approximately equal to the discharge port 13 of the drying device 100 shown in Figure 13.

[0112] Figures 15 and 16 show the surface temperatures of the mattress 10A and comforter 10B, which were heated for 20 minutes, obtained using thermography, and the results are shown. In Figures 15 and 16, the region where the temperature is approximately 40 degrees Celsius or higher is shown as region B.

[0113] The size of region B shown in Figure 16 is larger than the size of region B shown in Figure 15. In other words, it was confirmed that when the drying device 100 was used, the overall temperature of the futon 10 increased compared to when the futon dryer in the comparative example was used.

[0114] The average surface temperatures of the mattress 10A and comforter 10B were as follows: With the drying device 100, the mattress 10A was 48 degrees Celsius and the comforter 10B was 44 degrees Celsius. With the futon dryer of the comparative example, the mattress 10A was 42 degrees Celsius and the comforter 10B was 37 degrees Celsius. From this, it was confirmed that the drying device 100 could heat each of the mattress 10A and comforter 10B more effectively than the futon dryer of the comparative example.

[0115] Therefore, the drying device 100 according to this embodiment can reliably warm the entire futon 10 more effectively than the futon dryer according to the comparative example. Figures 13 to 16 illustrate an example of installation on a futon 10, but similar effects can be obtained when installed on a bed system or the like.

[0116] With the drying equipment 100 configured as described above, convenience can be improved. Specifically, in the drying equipment 100, the air intake 11, the blower unit 2, the heating unit 3, and the discharge port 13 are arranged in this order along the axial direction X.

[0117] By arranging the air intake 11, the blower unit 2, the heating unit 3, and the discharge port 13 in this manner, the arrangement of each component constituting the drying equipment 100 becomes compact, and the case 1 can be made smaller. Specifically, the blower unit 2 and the heating unit 3 can be housed in the case 1 having the air intake 11 and the discharge port 13.

[0118] By miniaturizing Case 1, the effort required of the user to move and install the drying equipment 100 can be reduced. As a result, the convenience of the drying equipment 100 can be improved in this embodiment. Furthermore, since the drying equipment 100 is miniaturized, the space required to house the drying equipment 100 when not in use is also small.

[0119] In this embodiment, since the case 1 has a cylindrical shape, the drying device 100 can be easily inserted and installed between the mattress and the comforter. Since the drying device 100 does not have, for example, a futon bag or nozzle, the effort required to install it on the futon 10 is reduced compared to devices that have a futon bag or nozzle. The drying device according to this embodiment is more convenient compared to these devices.

[0120] In this embodiment, the control unit 4 is located between the air intake 11 and the blower unit 2. Specifically, the control unit 4 is located upstream of the heating unit 3. This suppresses the thermal influence of the heating unit 3 on the control unit 4.

[0121] In this embodiment, the fan 33 of the blower unit 2 has a rotating shaft 337 along the axial direction X, and can flow air along the rotating shaft 337. This can form an airflow that passes through the housing portion 15 of the case 1.

[0122] In this embodiment, the fan 33 is configured to rotate at high speed by the motor 35. Specifically, the rotational speed of the motor is, for example, between 50,000 rpm and 110,000 rpm (approximately 100,000 rpm in one example). By providing a blower unit 2 having such a motor 35 and fan 33, it is possible to discharge air at a high wind speed. Even with a miniaturized drying device 100, such a wind speed allows for the discharge of air at a high air pressure.

[0123] This allows for the discharge of warm air sufficient to reliably warm the target object (e.g., a futon). Specifically, as explained with reference to Figures 13 to 16, the high air pressure allows the air to circulate throughout the futon 10, ensuring that the entire futon 10 is warmed. Furthermore, since the blower unit 2 can increase the suction force, the air intake 11 and the blower unit 2 can be positioned with a gap in the axial direction X.

[0124] In this embodiment, the drying device 100 further includes an ozone generating unit 8. This allows for the discharge of ozone from the discharge port 13, not only warming the object (e.g., bedding) but also suppressing odors attached to the object. The drying device 100 may further include safety devices such as a thermostat and a thermal fuse.

[0125] In this embodiment, an example of applying the drying device 100 to a futon was described, but the drying device 100 can be applied to other uses such as drying clothes, smoothing out wrinkles in clothes, and drying shoes. With the drying device 100 according to this embodiment, even if the object is not a futon, warm air can be sent to the object and the object can be heated to a predetermined temperature according to the purpose. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] A case that extends in the axial direction and has an intake port provided on one side in the axial direction and an outlet port provided on the other side in the axial direction, A blower unit housed in the aforementioned case, which draws in air from the intake port and sends the air toward the discharge port, The case comprises a heating unit housed within the case, which heats the air supplied from the blower unit, The intake port, the blower unit, the heating unit, and the discharge port are arranged in this order along the axial direction. drying equipment. [2] The system further includes a control unit housed in the case between the air intake and the blower unit, and configured to control the blower unit and the heating unit. [1] The drying equipment described above. [3] The case has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. [1] The drying equipment described above. [4] The case has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. [3] Drying equipment as described above. [5] The aforementioned intake port penetrates the case in a direction intersecting the axial direction. [3] Drying equipment as described above. [6] The discharge port is open in the axial direction. [3] Drying equipment as described above. [7] The blowing unit has a fan having a rotating shaft along the axial direction, The fan forms the airflow that flows along the axis of rotation. [1] The drying equipment described above. [8] The blower unit further includes a motor housed in the case between the fan and the heating unit and connected to the rotating shaft. Drying equipment as described in [7]. [9] The system further comprises an ozone generating unit having an ozone generating section housed in the case, located between the blower unit and the discharge port. [1] The drying equipment described above.

[10] The air velocity discharged from the outlet is 10 m / s or more. A drying apparatus as described in any one of [1] through [9]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1...Case, 1a...First end, 1b...Second end, 2...Air blowing unit, 3...Heating unit, 4...Control unit, 8...Ozone generating unit, 11...Intake port, 13...Discharge port, 33...Fan, 35...Motor, 83...Ozone generating unit, 100...Drying equipment, 337...Rotating shaft.

Claims

1. It is a drying device for futons, A case having an air intake and an air discharge port, which is inserted into the futon and is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction, A blower unit that draws in air from the intake port and sends the air toward the discharge port, The system includes a heating unit that heats the air supplied from the blowing unit, The air intake, the blower unit, and the heating unit are arranged in this order along the axis of the case. The air heated by the heating unit is discharged from the discharge port. drying equipment.

2. The case is formed in a stick shape, The drying apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The air intake port has an air intake portion that includes a first opening formed in the peripheral wall of the case. The drying apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned air intake port has an air intake portion that includes a second opening formed in the end wall of the case. The drying apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The case further comprises a control unit housed within the aforementioned case and configured to control the blower unit and the heating unit. The drying apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The blowing unit has a fan having a rotating shaft along the axial direction, The fan forms the airflow that flows along the axis of rotation. The drying apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The blower unit further includes a motor housed in the case between the fan and the heating unit and connected to the rotating shaft. The drying apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The rotation axis of the fan coincides with the axis of the case. The drying apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The axial length of the case is 250 mm or more and 350 mm or less. The drying apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The air velocity discharged from the outlet is 10 meters per second or more. The drying apparatus according to claim 1.

11. The cross-sectional shape of the case includes a polygonal shape. A drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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