JP2022109881A - Dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve technology which detects generation of sparks in a dryer utilizing microwaves.SOLUTION: A drum type dryer 60 includes: a housing 1; a drum 3 which is provided inside the housing 1, and which is a storage part for storing an object to be dried; a microwave irradiation part 30 for irradiating microwaves with the object to be dried in the drum 3; and a detection part 39 for detecting electromagnetic waves caused by sparks generated inside the drum 3. The detection part 39 is provided at a contact point or in the vicinity of a gap between members for constituting a shield part for suppressing leakage of the microwaves from the housing 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a dryer for drying objects to be dried.

2. Description of the Related Art As a method for speeding up the drying performance of a clothes dryer or a washer/dryer, there is a method of using microwaves as a heat source for heating moisture in clothes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The washing machine with a high-frequency electromagnetic wave heating dryer disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a metal surface on the inner surface of the body, the lower opening, and the upper opening to prevent the leakage of the high-frequency electromagnetic wave, and the high-frequency electromagnetic wave heating dryer. The drying parts of the machine are installed in the lower opening, the inner surface of the water tank is made of metal to improve the heating efficiency, and the air duct is used to blow air to improve the drying efficiency, and the moisture-containing air is cooled in a reservoir, condensed, and the dry air is expelled.

JP-A-2001-293281

If the clothes to be dried have metal objects such as buttons and zippers, sparks may occur when the electric field strength of microwaves increases. In order to suppress the effects of sparks and improve the safety of dryers, it is necessary to improve the technology for detecting the generation of sparks.

The present disclosure provides techniques for improving techniques for detecting the occurrence of sparks in microwave-based dryers.

The dryer according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a housing unit provided inside the housing for housing an object to be dried, a microwave irradiation unit for irradiating the object to be dried inside the housing unit with microwaves, and a housing. a detection unit for detecting electromagnetic waves caused by sparks generated inside the unit. The detection section is provided near a contact point or a gap between members constituting a shield section for suppressing leakage of microwaves from the housing.

According to the dryer of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the technology for detecting the generation of sparks in the dryer using microwaves.

Schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 1 Schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 2 Schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum dryer according to Embodiment 3 Schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum dryer according to Embodiment 4 Schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum dryer according to Embodiment 5 Schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum dryer according to Embodiment 6 Schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 7 Schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum dryer according to Embodiment 8 Longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type washing and drying machine according to Embodiment 9 The figure which shows the structure of the shield part of the drum-type washing-drying machine which concerns on Embodiment 9 FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a shield portion of a drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 10 FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a shield portion of a drum-type washing and drying machine according to Embodiment 11; FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a shield portion of a drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 12; A longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a vertical washer-dryer according to Embodiment 13 FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a shield portion of a drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 14; FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a shield portion of a drum-type washer/dryer according to Embodiment 15; Schematic perspective view of a washing and drying machine according to Embodiment 16

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted.

It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter thereby.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[1-1. Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The drum-type dryer 60 of this embodiment has a function of drying an object to be dried such as clothes. The left side of FIG. 1 is the front side of the drum-type dryer 60 . Although not shown, an air circulation device may be provided to promote drying.

The drum-type dryer 60 has a function of irradiating microwaves, which are a kind of electromagnetic waves, to the object to be dried in the drum. First, the basic configuration and operation of the drum dryer 60 will be described. After that, a technique for detecting sparks generated in the drum dryer 60 will be described.

Inside the housing 1 of the drum dryer 60, a drum 3, which is an example of a storage section in which an object to be dried such as clothes is stored, is rotatably provided as a rotating body. The drum 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The drum 3 is provided so that the rotary shaft 14 is horizontal. In another example, the drum 3 may be provided so that the rotating shaft 14 is inclined forward and upward with respect to the horizontal, or may be provided so that the rotating shaft 14 is vertical.

A drum drive unit 6 is mounted below the drum 3 . The drum drive unit 6 rotates the belt 15 while drying the object to be dried. This causes the drum 3 to rotate about the rotation shaft 14 in the forward or reverse direction.

An opening 19 and a door 5 for opening and closing the opening 19 are provided on the front surface of the housing 1 at a position facing the open end of the drum 3 . By opening the door 5, the user can take the object to be dried in and out of the drum 3. As shown in FIG. A seal portion (not shown) is provided in a gap between the housing 1 and the door 5 to seal the space between the housing 1 and the door 5 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the drying air in the drum 3 from circulating to the outside. The material of the sealing portion is not particularly limited, and may be felt, resin, rubber, or the like.

The drum 3 has a drum front portion 3a and a drum rear portion 3b. The drum front portion 3 a has a drum opening portion 3 c provided at a position facing the opening portion 19 of the housing 1 . The drum rear part 3b is provided behind the drum front part 3a. The drum front portion 3a may be a top surface portion of the drum 3 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. In that case, the drum rear part 3b may be a cylindrical side part and a bottom part. The drum front portion 3a may include a front portion of the side portion in addition to the top surface portion of the cylinder. In that case, the drum rear portion 3b may be the rear remainder of the cylindrical side portion and the bottom portion. The rear drum portion 3b may include the side and bottom portions of the drum 3 as well as a side portion of the top portion. In that case, the drum front portion 3a may be the remainder of the cylindrical top surface portion on the side of the drum opening 3c. The drum front portion 3a and the drum rear portion 3b may be integrally manufactured, or may be manufactured separately, and the drum 3 may be formed by connecting them.

A tubular communicating portion 26 is provided between the drum 3 and the door 5 . The communicating portion 26 is a fixed portion fixed to the housing 1 and does not rotate together with the drum 3 .

The communicating portion 26 is provided with a microwave irradiation portion 30 , a waveguide 34 , and a microwave irradiation port 32 . A microwave irradiation unit 30 that constitutes a heating unit that heats the object to be dried irradiates the drum 3 with microwaves from a microwave irradiation port 32 via a waveguide 34, and the microwave contained in the object to be dried in the drum 3 Heat the moisture to be Since the microwave irradiation part 30 and the waveguide 34 are provided in the communication part 26, vibration of the microwave irradiation part 30 and the waveguide 34 can be suppressed even if the drum 3 is rotated during drying. Thereby, the stability and safety of microwave irradiation can be improved.

The microwave irradiation unit 30 may be a microwave oscillator such as a magnetron, and oscillates electromagnetic waves with a frequency in the 2.45 GHz band, for example. In addition, it is not limited to the 2.45 GHz band allocated as the ISM (Industry Science Medical) band, and electromagnetic waves having a frequency such as a similarly allocated 915 MHz band may be used.

Of the microwaves irradiated into the drum 3, part of the microwaves not absorbed by the moisture contained in the object to be dried travels from the drum 3 through the microwave irradiation port 32 and the waveguide 34 as reflected waves. It returns to the microwave irradiation part 30 via. In order to reflect part or all of the reflected waves that are reflected from the drum 3 and travel in the direction returning to the microwave irradiation section 30, and make them enter the drum 3 again together with the microwaves irradiated from the microwave irradiation section 30. may be provided. Thereby, energy loss can be reduced and drying time can be shortened.

A heater may be further provided as a heating unit that heats the object to be dried. Either or both of the microwave irradiation unit 30 and the heater may be energized at the same time. If there is a high possibility that sparks will occur due to metal such as buttons and fasteners attached to clothes to be dried, the output of microwaves emitted from the microwave irradiation unit 30 to the inside of the drum 3 is reduced or stopped. Then, it may be switched to drying by a heater.

A control device 20 is provided in the housing 1 . The control device 20 controls the drum drive section 6, the microwave irradiation section 30, and the like. The control device 20 controls the drying operation according to instructions input by the user.

In the drum-type dryer 60 of the present embodiment, since microwaves are irradiated into the drum 3, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave leaking to the outside of the drum-type dryer 60 is equal to or less than the reference value determined in the area where it is used. should be configured to be Therefore, the drum-type dryer 60 of the present embodiment includes a shield portion for suppressing leakage of electromagnetic waves irradiated from the microwave irradiation port 32 .

As a standard for leakage electromagnetic waves, for example, the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS" stipulates microwave ovens with a rated high-frequency output of 2 kW or less that heats food by electromagnetic waves (microwaves) with a frequency of 2.45 GHz and microwave ovens with additional devices. C9250". In 5.8 of the same standard, "the power density of the leaked radio wave measured by the power density test of the leaked radio wave specified in 8.2.12 of the same standard is (1) when the door is closed, 1 mW/cm ² or less, (2) 5 mW/cm ² or less when the door is opened to the maximum position just before the oscillation stop device of the oscillation tube operates, and (3) main oscillation. 5 mW/cm ² or less when the oscillation stopping device other than the stopping device is restrained.” In addition, as stipulated in Article 8, Paragraph 1 of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law, Appended Table No. 8 of the Notification on the Interpretation of the "Ministerial Ordinance Establishing Technical Standards for Electrical Appliances and Materials," which stipulates the technical standards specified by the Ordinance of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Section 2 (95) also stipulates almost the same content. The same standards as for microwave ovens are considered appropriate for washing and drying machines.

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which are based on scientific evidence by experts in various countries, be adopted as exposure limits for human protection. there is The guidelines specify an exposure limit of 0.08 W/kg (1 mW/cm ² ). The international standard "IEC62233" enacted by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS 1912" enacted based on it, measure electromagnetic fields related to human exposure from household electrical equipment and similar equipment. A method is specified. In the measurement method specified in the same standard, the electromagnetic field is measured as a ratio to the exposure limit value by weighting the signal of the sensor that detects the electromagnetic field, and the exposure limit value specified in the ICNIRP guidelines If it does not exceed the ICNIRP guidelines, it is judged to be in compliance. The shielding portion is configured to comply with these standards.

In the microwave oven, the container housing the object to be heated is fixed, and large vibrations do not occur during microwave irradiation. Therefore, the drum 3 rotates and vibrates during drying. Therefore, even if the shield part of the drum-type dryer 60 of the present embodiment is irradiated with microwaves while the drum 3 is rotating, it is possible to suppress the microwaves leaking from the gap with the fixed part. have a structure.

In the configuration of the drum-type dryer 60 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the members forming the shield portion are indicated by thick solid lines. In the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 1, the shield portion is an example of the door member 5, the communication portion 26, the drum 3, and the gap shield portion provided in the gap between the communication portion 26 and the drum 3. and a second choke portion 27 which is an example of a gap shield provided in the gap between the door 5 and the communicating portion 26 .

Door 5, communicating portion 26, and drum 3 contain a conductive material such as metal capable of reflecting or absorbing microwaves. For example, the door 5, the communicating portion 26, or the drum 3 may be entirely made of an electromagnetic shielding material such as a conductive material. The door 5, the communicating portion 26, or the drum 3 may be made of a material such as resin, and a plated layer of a conductive material may be provided on the inner surface or the outer surface. The door 5, the communicating portion 26, or the drum 3 may be made of a material such as resin, and may be provided with a layer of electromagnetic wave shielding material on the inner surface, the outer surface, or the interior. The drum 3 may be provided with holes through which water vapor and air can pass.

First choke portion 25 and second choke portion 27 may be any choke structure known in the art, such as microwave ovens. For example, the first choke portion 25 or the second choke portion 27 may consist of multiple chokes. With multiple chokes, leakage of microwaves can be suppressed in multiple stages, and the performance of preventing leakage is improved. Also, the multiple chokes may vary in size or shape of each choke, and may be composed of, for example, stepped chokes.

The first choke portion 25 may be provided in the communicating portion 26 or may be provided in the drum front portion 3a. The second choke portion 27 may be provided on the door 5 or may be provided on the communication portion 26 .

In the case of the drum-type dryer 60, the amount and weight of the objects to be dried vary, and the weight changes between the beginning and the end of the drying operation. During the drying operation, the drum 3 rotates and vibrates, and there is a possibility that the dimension of the gap between the communicating portion 26 constituting the first choke portion 25 and the drum front portion 3a changes. In addition, due to the structure, dimensional variations are unavoidable during manufacturing. In addition, the frequency of microwaves may change depending on driving conditions. In changing the size or shape of the step choke, dimensional changes during operation and manufacturing variations may be taken into account. Also, the case where the frequency of the microwave changes depending on the operating conditions may be taken into consideration. Therefore, according to the step choke, the performance of preventing leakage of microwaves is further improved. Thus, in the drum-type dryer 60, the multi-stage leakage prevention structure is extremely effective.

Also, the choke structure may be configured by filling at least part of the space of the groove that produces the reflected wave with a resin. As a result, the choke structure can be made thin and compact, so that the dimension of the gap between the communicating portion 26 constituting the first choke portion 25 and the front portion 3a of the drum can be reduced. A decrease in volume can be suppressed.

A choke structure or the like is used as the gap shield provided around the entire circumference of the gap between the door 5 and the communicating portion 26 or the gap shield provided around the entire circumference of the gap between the communicating portion 26 and the drum 3. An absorptive microwave shield, such as a dielectric, may be provided instead of or in addition to a reflective microwave shield. According to this configuration, the airtightness of the drum 3 and the door 5 is also improved. In addition, any type of non-contact microwave shield may be provided as the gap shield.

Any type of contact microwave shield may be provided as the gap shield instead of or in addition to a reflective microwave shield such as a choke structure. For example, the gap shield portion may be a point-contact microwave shield such as a ball bearing, or a line-contact microwave shield such as a rolling bearing. In this case, the contact interval may be configured to be less than half the wavelength of microwaves to be shielded. Thereby, leakage of microwaves can be further suppressed. Further, the gap shield portion may be a surface contact microwave shield such as a slide bearing. In this case, a flexible microwave shield may be provided as the gap shield. As a result, even if the dimension of the gap changes during rotation of the drum 3, leakage of microwaves can be suppressed. A conductive lubricant may be used as the lubricating oil for the bearings. Thereby, leakage of microwaves can be further suppressed. By configuring the clearance shield part with a contact type microwave shield, even if there is a dimensional tolerance of the clearance during assembly or a dimensional change in the clearance during rotation of the drum 3, leakage of microwaves can be suppressed. , the reliability of the microwave leakage suppression performance of the gap shield portion can be improved.

The gap shield portion may be configured in a plurality of stages. For example, in addition to the first choke portion 25, a second gap shield portion may be provided in the gap between the communication portion 26 and the drum front portion 3a. The second gap shield part may be a reflective microwave shield or an absorptive microwave shield. When an absorption type microwave shield is provided as the second gap shield, the second gap shield is preferably provided outside the first choke part 25 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the second gap shield portion from being heated by microwaves and damaged or degraded. Three or more gap shield portions may be provided in the gap between the communication portion 26 and the drum front portion 3a. Also in this case, the innermost gap shield portion is preferably a reflective microwave shield. As a result, even when an absorption-type microwave shield is provided as the gap shield part outside the second stage, it is possible to prevent the microwave shield from being damaged or deteriorated due to heating by microwaves. can. The gap shield portion outside the second stage may be a reflective microwave shield or an absorption microwave shield.

The detector 39 detects electromagnetic waves caused by sparks generated inside the drum 3 (hereinafter referred to as “spark electromagnetic waves”). The detection unit 39 is provided near a contact point or a gap between members constituting a shield unit for suppressing leakage of microwaves from the housing 1 . The detection unit 39 may be an antenna or the like capable of receiving spark electromagnetic waves.

The detection unit 39 may be provided in the vicinity of the door 5 that opens and closes the opening 19 provided in the housing 1 for taking the drying object into and out of the drum 3 . More specifically, the detection portion 39 may be provided in a region 41 a or 41 b near the second choke portion 27 provided in the gap between the door 5 and the communication portion 26 . The detection portion 39 may be provided in a region 42 a or 42 b near the first choke portion 25 provided in the gap between the communicating portion 26 and the drum 3 .

The spark electromagnetic wave has a frequency of, for example, 100 MHz or higher, which is different from the frequency of the microwave irradiated by the microwave irradiation section 30 . Since the first choke portion 25 and the second choke portion 27 are designed to prevent leakage of the microwaves irradiated by the microwave irradiation portion 30, one of the spark electromagnetic waves generated inside the drum 3 is , passes through the first choke portion 25 or the second choke portion 27 and leaks to the outside of the drum 3 . The spark electromagnetic wave leaked to the outside of the drum 3 spreads from the choke portion at the leaking location, so the intensity decreases as the distance from the choke portion at the leaking location increases. In the drum-type dryer 60 of the present embodiment, since the detector 39 is provided near the first choke portion 25 or the second choke portion 27, the spark electromagnetic wave is detected before the spark electromagnetic wave diffuses and the intensity decreases. can be detected. As a result, the spark electromagnetic wave can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that appropriate measures can be quickly taken to reduce the influence of the spark. Therefore, the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed. Moreover, since the detection section 39 can be protected from microwaves irradiated into the drum 3, deterioration and damage of the detection section 39 can be suppressed, and durability can be improved.

A small amount of the microwave irradiated into the drum 3 also leaks to the outside of the drum 3 from the first choke portion 25 or the second choke portion 27 . Therefore, a first blocking section for blocking or attenuating microwaves leaking from the drum 3 may be provided between the detection section 39 and the first choke section 25 or the second choke section 27 . Thereby, the spark detection accuracy can be improved. If the microwaves leaking from the drum 3 have a higher frequency than the spark electromagnetic waves, the first blocking unit may be a low-pass filter or the like that allows the spark electromagnetic waves to pass through and blocks the microwaves leaking from the drum 3 .

The drum-type dryer 60 may include a second shielding section for shielding or attenuating noise electromagnetic waves entering the inside from the outside of the drum-type dryer 60 . Thereby, the spark detection accuracy can be improved. The second blocking section may be configured including the housing 1 . The housing 1 may contain a conductive material such as metal capable of reflecting or absorbing electromagnetic waves. For example, the housing 1 may be entirely made of an electromagnetic wave shielding material such as a conductive material. The housing 1 may be made of a material such as resin, and may be provided with a plated layer of a conductive material on the inner surface or the outer surface. The housing 1 is made of a material such as resin, and may be provided with a layer of electromagnetic wave shielding material on the inner surface, the outer surface, or the inside. In this case, the detector 39 is provided in the space between the housing 1 and the drum 3 . The second blocking section may include a configuration for blocking or attenuating electromagnetic waves instead of or in addition to housing 1 . The noise that enters from the outside of the drum dryer 60 is, for example, an electromagnetic wave with a frequency used in mobile phones, cordless phones, etc. If the frequency is lower than the spark electromagnetic wave, the second cutoff section allows the spark electromagnetic wave to pass through. A high-pass filter or the like that cuts off noise entering from the outside may be used. Further, when the noise entering from the outside of the drum dryer 60 has a higher frequency than the spark electromagnetic wave, the second blocking unit is a low-pass filter or a low-pass filter that allows the spark electromagnetic wave to pass through and blocks the noise that enters from the outside. A bandpass filter or the like that is a combination with a highpass filter may be used.

A plurality of detectors 39 may be provided at a plurality of positions. For example, a plurality of detectors 39 may be provided in the region 41a or 41b near the second choke portion 27, or a plurality of detectors 39 may be provided in the region 42a or 42b near the first choke portion 25. may be Moreover, the detection part 39 may be provided in each of the plurality of gap shield parts. For example, one or more detectors 39 may be provided in both the region 41a or 41b near the second choke portion 27 and the region 42a or 42b near the first choke portion 25, respectively. The place where the spark is generated can change randomly depending on the position of the metal attached to the clothes, the movement of the clothes due to tumbling during the drying operation, and the like. Therefore, the intensity distribution of the spark electromagnetic waves generated by the spark and leaking from the gap shield portion may vary randomly. By providing the detection units 39 at a plurality of locations, it is possible to increase the probability that the spark electromagnetic waves can be detected at locations where the intensity of the spark electromagnetic waves is high, so that the spark detection accuracy can be improved.

As with the electric field distribution, the time from the generation of the spark electromagnetic wave to the leakage to the outside of the gap shield section differs at each location and can change randomly. By providing the detectors 39 at a plurality of locations, it is possible to increase the probability that early leaked spark electromagnetic waves can be detected, so that the speed of detecting sparks can be improved. The adverse effects of sparks on clothing are correlated with the duration of the spark. According to the technique of the present embodiment, the spark can be detected more quickly, so the adverse effects of the spark can be reduced.

When the detection unit 39 is an antenna, the detection accuracy may be further improved by synthesizing spark electromagnetic waves received by a plurality of detection units 39 in the receiving circuit to increase the reception intensity.

The detector 39 may be provided in the vicinity of the lower side of the drum 3 . Even during tumbling during the drying operation, the object to be dried is agitated in the lower portion of the rotating drum 3 due to the effect of gravity, so that a high proportion of the object exists in the lower portion of the drum 3 . In addition, sparks are generated from metal attached to clothes or foreign substances mixed in pockets of clothes. In particular, sparks are likely to occur when metal attached to clothes dropped by tumbling comes into contact with the inner surface of the metal drum 3 . From the above, there is a high probability that sparks will occur in the vicinity of the lower side of the drum 3 . Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 near the lower side of the drum 3, the generated spark electromagnetic wave can be detected before it is attenuated by diffusion, so that the spark detection accuracy can be improved. The detector 39 may be provided below the drum 3 . The detection unit 39 detects the portion occupied by the objects to be dried when the recommended amount of objects to be dried is accommodated in the drum 3 in the drum type dryer 60, for example, the portion below the center of the drum 3 in the height direction. It may be provided in the vicinity.

[1-2. motion]
The operation and effect of the drum type dryer 60 configured as described above will be described below.

When the user opens the door 5, stores the object to be dried in the drum 3, and instructs the start of drying, the control device 20 starts the drying operation. The control device 20 drives the drum driving section 6 to rotate the drum 3 . Note that an air circulation device (not shown) may be operated. The control device 20 controls the microwave irradiation section 30 to generate microwaves. Microwaves are irradiated into the drum 3 via the waveguide 34 and the microwave irradiation port 32 . As a result, the moisture contained in the object to be dried in the drum 3 is heated and evaporated. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 20 stops driving the drum driving section 6 and irradiating microwaves from the microwave irradiating section 30, and ends the drying operation. The control device 20 may estimate the amount of water contained in the object to be dried, and terminate the drying operation when the amount of water is less than a predetermined amount. When a spark electromagnetic wave is detected by the detection unit 39 during microwave irradiation, the control device 20 controls the microwave irradiation unit 30 to reduce or stop the microwave output. The controller 20 may instruct the user to remove the object to be dried with attached metal from the drum 3 .

[1-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the drum-type dryer 60 includes the housing 1, the drum 3 (receiving portion) provided inside the housing 1 and housing the object to be dried, and the inside of the drum 3 and a detection unit 39 for detecting electromagnetic waves caused by sparks generated inside the drum 3. The detection unit 39 is configured to emit microwaves. It is provided in the vicinity of the contact point or the gap between the members constituting the shield section for suppressing leakage from the housing 1 . As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the drum 3 is a rotating body rotatably provided inside the housing 1 . Thereby, the safety and durability of the drum-type dryer 60 can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the drum-type dryer 60 includes the door 5 for opening and closing the opening 19 provided in the housing 1 for taking the object to be dried into and out of the drum 3. is provided in the vicinity of the door body 5 . As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the shield portion includes the door 5, the drum 3, and a gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from contacts or gaps between members, and the gap shield The part is a gap between the door 5 and the communicating part 26 (fixed part) provided between the door 5 and the drum 3 and fixed to the housing 1, and a gap between the drum 3 and the communicating part 26. , and the gap between the housing 1 and the door 5, and the detection section 39 is provided in the vicinity of the gap shield section. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

Moreover, in this embodiment, a plurality of detectors 39 are provided at a plurality of positions. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the detection unit 39 is provided near the lower side of the drum 3 . As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 2)
Embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 2. FIG. In the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 2, the detection section 39 is provided in the region 43a or 43b between the plurality of gap shield sections. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

When the drum-type dryer 60 is provided with a plurality of gap shield portions such as the first choke portion 25 and the second choke portion 27, the spark electromagnetic waves radiated from each are combined in the space where they overlap. become a wave. Spark electromagnetic waves are not continuous waves, but occur suddenly, discontinuously, and only for short periods of time. Since the spark electromagnetic waves radiated from the plurality of gap shield portions travel at the same speed, composite waves are formed at locations where the distances from the gap shield portions serving as radiation sources are equal. By providing the detector 39 at that location, it is possible to detect the combined spark electromagnetic waves with increased electric field intensity. Therefore, the spark detection accuracy can be further improved. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the detection part 39 is provided in the region 43a or 43b between the two gap shield parts of the first choke part 25 and the second choke part 27, but three or more gaps are provided. Similarly, when shield portions are provided, the detection portions 39 may be provided at locations where the distances from at least two of the gap shield portions are equal.

Thus, in the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 2, the gap shield portions are provided at a plurality of positions, and the detection portion 39 is provided between the plurality of gap shield portions. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 3)
Embodiment 3 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 3. FIG. In the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 3, the detection unit 39 is provided near the microwave irradiation port 32 for irradiating the inside of the drum 3 with microwaves from the microwave irradiation unit 30 . Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first or second embodiment. Differences from the first or second embodiment will be mainly described.

Since the electric field intensity is high in the vicinity of the microwave irradiation port 32, there is a high probability that a spark will occur. In the drum-type dryer 60, the amount of load (such as water) that absorbs microwaves is larger than microwave heating products such as microwave ovens. For example, when drying 6 kg of clothes, the clothes contain about 4 L of water when the drying operation starts. Therefore, the difference in electric field intensity between the vicinity of the microwave irradiation port 32 and other locations increases, and the probability of spark generation near the microwave irradiation port 32 increases. Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 in the vicinity of the microwave irradiation port 32 where the probability of generating a spark is high, the spark electromagnetic wave can be detected before the generated spark electromagnetic wave is attenuated by diffusion, thereby improving the spark detection accuracy. can be improved.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the detector 39 is provided near the microwave irradiation port 32 provided near the upper portion of the drum 3 . If there is a large amount of clothing, or if there is a small amount of clothing but is lifted upwards by rotation due to agitation, sparks may occur near the top within the drum 3 . Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 near the microwave irradiation port 32 on the upper part of the drum 3, the generated spark electromagnetic wave can be detected before it is attenuated by diffusion, so that the spark detection accuracy can be improved. can be done.

The microwave irradiation port 32 may be provided near the bottom, side, bottom, or the like of the drum 3 . In this case, the detection unit 39 may be provided in the vicinity of the microwave irradiation port 32 provided in the vicinity of the lower portion, the side portion, the bottom portion, or the like of the drum 3 .

Thus, in the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 3, the detection unit 39 is provided near the microwave irradiation port 32 for irradiating the inside of the drum 3 with microwaves from the microwave irradiation unit 30 . As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 4)
Embodiment 4 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 4. FIG. The drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 4 further includes a reflector 37 in addition to the configuration of the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as any one or more of the first to third embodiments. Differences from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described.

The reflecting portion 37 is provided at a position facing the gap shield portion, which is a radiation source of spark electromagnetic waves, when viewed from the detecting portion 39 . Spark electromagnetic waves diffused from the gap shield portion are reflected by the reflecting portion 37 toward the detecting portion 39 . As a result, the spark electromagnetic waves in the vicinity of the detection unit 39 can be amplified and detected with increased intensity, so that the accuracy of spark detection can be improved. The distance between the detection section 39 and the reflection section 37 is set in consideration of the wavelength of the spark electromagnetic wave so that the intensity of the spark electromagnetic wave near the detection section 39 is increased.

As described above, the drum-type dryer 60 of the fourth embodiment includes the reflecting section 37 that reflects spark electromagnetic waves toward the detecting section 39 . As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 5)
Embodiment 5 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 5. As shown in FIG. The drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 5 further includes a resonance section 38 in addition to the configuration of the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as any one or more of the first to fourth embodiments. Differences from Embodiments 1 to 4 will be mainly described.

The resonance section 38 is provided in the vicinity of the detection section 39 and causes spark electromagnetic waves diffusing in the vicinity of the detection section 39 to resonate. As a result, the spark electromagnetic waves in the vicinity of the detection unit 39 can be amplified and detected with increased intensity, so that the accuracy of spark detection can be improved. The distance between the detection section 39 and the resonance section 38 is set in consideration of the wavelength of the spark electromagnetic wave so that the intensity of the spark electromagnetic wave near the detection section 39 is increased.

The resonance section 38 may be made of a conductor such as metal or a dielectric such as resin. When the resonance section 38 is made of a conductor such as metal, the resonance section 38 may be configured as a cavity resonator having a cavity inside by utilizing the action of the conductor reflecting electromagnetic waves. When the resonance section 38 is made of a dielectric such as resin, the resonance section 38 may be configured as a dielectric resonator that generates resonance inside the dielectric by utilizing the effect of the dielectric that allows electromagnetic waves to pass through. . In this case, the resonator section 38 can be miniaturized due to the wavelength shortening effect of the dielectric constant. The resonance section 38 may be configured by combining a conductor and a dielectric.

Thus, the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 4 includes the resonance section 38 that is provided near the detection section 39 and that resonates with spark electromagnetic waves. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 6)
Embodiment 6 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. The drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 6 has the configuration of the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. be provided. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of any one or more of the first to fifth embodiments. Differences from Embodiments 1 to 5 will be mainly described.

The drum 3 side of the communicating portion 26 is configured to cover the drum front portion 3a. A clearance shield portion is provided in the clearance between the communicating portion 26 on the side of the drum 3 and the side surface of the drum 3 to suppress leakage of microwaves from the clearance. The gap shield portion may be provided on the communication portion 26 or may be provided on the side surface of the drum 3 . The gap shield portion may be a reflective microwave shield such as the first choke portion 25, or may be an absorptive microwave shield. The gap shield part may be a non-contact microwave shield such as the first choke part 25 or a contact microwave shield such as a ball bearing. The gap shield portion may be composed of a single stage microwave shield, or may be composed of a plurality of stages of microwave shields.

The drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 6 can increase the inner volume by increasing the dimension of the drum 3 in the depth direction by the amount of the gap shield moved to the side. Moreover, since the drum front portion 3a can be made of resin or the like, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The detector 39 may be provided near the door 5 . More specifically, the detection portion 39 may be provided in a region 41 a or 41 b near the second choke portion 27 provided in the gap between the door 5 and the communication portion 26 . The detection portion 39 may be provided in a region 45 a or 45 b near the first choke portion 25 provided in the gap between the communication portion 26 and the drum 3 . A plurality of detectors 39 may be provided at a plurality of positions. A detection unit 39 may be provided in each of the plurality of gap shield portions.

As described above, in the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 6, the shield portion includes the door 5, the drum 3, the gap shield portion for suppressing the leakage of microwaves from contacts or gaps between members, The gap shield part is provided in at least one of the gap between the communication part 26 and the door 5 and the gap between the drum 3 and the communication part 26, and the detection part 39 is , are provided in the vicinity of the gap shield portion. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 7)
Embodiment 7 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 7. FIG. A drum-type dryer 60 according to Embodiment 7 has the configuration of drum-type dryer 60 according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. As a result, the door 5 functions as a fixing portion for the rotating drum 3 . A microwave irradiation unit 30 is provided on the rotating shaft of the drum 3 or on the door 5 in front of the drum opening 3c. The microwave irradiation unit 30 irradiates the inside of the drum 3 with microwaves from a microwave irradiation port 32 to heat moisture contained in the object to be dried in the drum 3 . Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as any one or more of the first to sixth embodiments. Differences from Embodiments 1 to 6 will be mainly described.

A clearance shield portion is provided in the clearance between the door 5 and the drum front portion 3a to suppress leakage of microwaves from the clearance. The gap shield portion may be provided on the door 5 or may be provided on the drum front portion 3a. The gap shield portion may be a reflective microwave shield such as the first choke portion 25 or the second choke portion 27, or may be an absorption microwave shield. The gap shield part may be a non-contact microwave shield such as the first choke part 25 or the second choke part 27, or a contact microwave shield such as a ball bearing. The gap shield portion may be composed of a single stage microwave shield, or may be composed of a plurality of stages of microwave shields.

In the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 7, the dimension in the depth direction of the drum 3 can be increased by the omitted communication portion 26, and the inner volume can be increased.

The detector 39 is provided near the door 5 . More specifically, the detection unit 39 detects a region 41a near the first choke portion 25 or the second choke portion 27, which is a gap shield portion provided in the gap between the door 5 and the drum 3, or 41b.

As described above, in the drum dryer 60 of Embodiment 7, the shield portion includes the door member 5, the drum 3, a gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from contacts or gaps between members, The gap shield part is provided in the gap between the drum 3 and the door 5, and the detection part 39 is provided in the vicinity of the gap shield part. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 8)
Embodiment 8 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type dryer according to Embodiment 8. As shown in FIG. A drum dryer 60 of the eighth embodiment includes a drum door 36 in addition to the configuration of the drum dryer 60 of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. The drum door 36 includes a second choke portion 27, which is an example of a clearance shield portion provided over the entire circumference in a clearance between the drum door 36 and the drum 3. As shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those of any one or more of the first to seventh embodiments. Differences from the first to seventh embodiments will be mainly described.

In the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 8, the drum door 36 is fixed to the drum 3 and configured to rotate together with the rotation of the drum 3 . A door 5 is provided in the opening 19 of the housing 1 . The door 5 may constitute a shield portion, or may not constitute a shield portion. In the former case, the user's exposure to microwaves can be further reduced. In the latter case, the door body 5 can be made of resin or the like, so the manufacturing cost of the drum dryer 60 can be reduced.

The drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiment 8 does not need to shield the gap between the rotating body and the fixed part, and only needs to provide the second choke part 27 on the drum door 36 . As a result, the configuration of the gap shield portion can be simplified, and leakage of microwaves to the outside of the housing 1 can be suppressed.

The detection portion 39 is provided in a region 46a or 46b near the second choke portion 27, which is a gap shield portion provided in the gap between the drum door 36 and the drum 3. As shown in FIG. The detector 39 may be provided near the door 5 .

As described above, the drum-type dryer 60 of the eighth embodiment has a door that opens and closes the opening 19 (first opening) provided in the housing 1 for loading and unloading the object to be dried with respect to the drum 3. Body 5 (first door) and drum door 36 (second door) for opening and closing drum opening 3c (second opening) provided inside housing 1 at a position facing door 5 , and the detection unit 39 is provided near the door 5 or the drum door 36 . As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum dryer 60 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 9)
The ninth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a drum-type washing/drying machine according to Embodiment 9. As shown in FIG. The drum-type washing/drying machine 61 of the present embodiment has a function of washing and drying laundry such as clothes. It also functions as a washer-dryer that performs washing and drying functions.

The drum-type washing/drying machine 61 has a function of irradiating the laundry in the drum with microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic waves, in the same manner as the drum-type washing/drying machines 60 of the first to eighth embodiments. Members common to or similar to those of the drum-type dryer 60 of Embodiments 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Differences from the first to eighth embodiments will be mainly described.

The drum-type washing/drying machine 61 includes two tubs, a water tub 2 as an outer tub and a drum 3 as a rotating tub. The water tank 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and is filled with washing water. The water tank 2 is swingably supported within the housing 1 (main body) by a damper 4 provided below. The drum 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and accommodates laundry such as clothes (also referred to as "object to be dried" when referring to the drying function). The drum 3 is rotatably provided in the water tank 2, and is provided so that the rotation axis is horizontal. In another example, the drum 3 may be provided so that the rotation axis is tilted forward and upward with respect to the horizontal, or may be provided so that the rotation axis is vertical.

A driving motor 6a is attached to the bottom surface of the water tank 2 facing the rear surface of the housing 1. As shown in FIG. The drive motor 6a rotates the drum 3 about the rotation axis in forward and reverse directions. The drum-type washing/drying machine 61 performs agitation-beating washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying on the laundry accommodated in the drum 3 by rotating the drum 3 driven by the driving motor 6a.

An opening 19 and a door 5 for opening and closing the opening 19 are provided on the front surface of the housing 1 at positions facing the open ends of the drum 3 and the water tank 2 . A user can put laundry in and out of the drum 3 by opening the door 5 .

The water tank 2 has a water tank front part 2a having a water tank opening 2c provided at a position facing the opening 19 of the housing 1, and a water tank rear part 2b provided behind the water tank front part 2a. A cylindrical water sealing member 23 having elasticity is provided so as to connect the edge of the water tub opening 2c of the water tub front portion 2a and the edge of the opening 19 over the entire circumference. When the user closes the door 5, the water sealing member 23 is pressed by the door 5 and elastically deformed, thereby ensuring watertightness of the water tank 2 to the outside of the machine. The water tank front portion 2a may be the top surface portion of the water tank 2 formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. In that case, the water tank rear part 2b may be a cylindrical side part and a bottom part. The tank front part 2a may include a front part of the side part in addition to the top part of the cylinder. In that case, the water tank rear part 2b may be the rear remaining part and the bottom part of the side part of the cylinder. The tank rear portion 2b may include the side and bottom portions of the tank 2 as well as a side portion of the top portion. In that case, the water tank front part 2a may be the remaining part of the top surface of the cylinder on the side of the water tank opening 2c. The water tank front part 2a and the water tank rear part 2b may be integrally manufactured, or may be manufactured separately, and the water tank 2 may be formed by connecting them. In the latter case, a water sealing member is similarly provided at the connecting portion between the water tank front portion 2a and the water tank rear portion 2b.

A water supply pipe 13 is connected to the upper portion of the water tank 2 . A water supply valve 12 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 13 . The water supply valve 12 supplies water into the water tank 2 through the water supply pipe 13 . A drain pipe 11 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 2 . A drain valve 10 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 11 . A drain valve 10 drains the water in the water tank 2 out of the machine through a drain pipe 11 .

A damper 4 is provided below the water tank 2 . The damper 4 supports the water tank 2 and attenuates the vibration of the water tank 2 caused by the unevenness of the laundry in the drum 3 during dehydration or the like. A cloth amount detector (not shown) is attached to the damper 4 . The cloth amount detection unit detects the amount of vertical displacement of the shaft of the damper 4 due to the change in the weight of the clothes in the drum 3 . The drum-type washing/drying machine 61 detects the amount of clothes in the drum 3 based on the amount of displacement detected by the amount-of-clothes detection section.

The drum 3 has a drum front portion 3a having a drum opening portion 3c provided at a position facing the opening portion 19 of the housing 1, and a drum rear portion 3b provided behind the drum front portion 3a. The drum front portion 3a may be a top surface portion of the drum 3 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. In that case, the drum rear part 3b may be a cylindrical side part and a bottom part. The drum front portion 3a may include a front portion of the side portion in addition to the top surface portion of the cylinder. In that case, the drum rear portion 3b may be the rear remainder of the cylindrical side portion and the bottom portion. The rear drum portion 3b may include the side and bottom portions of the drum 3 as well as a side portion of the top portion. In that case, the drum front portion 3a may be the remainder of the cylindrical top surface portion on the side of the drum opening 3c. The drum front portion 3a and the drum rear portion 3b may be integrally manufactured, or may be manufactured separately, and the drum 3 may be formed by connecting them.

The drum-type washing/drying machine 61 includes a circulation air passage 7 that circulates the air in the water tank 2 and the drum 3, and a microwave irradiation section 30 that irradiates the object to be dried in the drum 3 with microwaves.

A microwave irradiation unit 30 constituting a heating unit for heating the object to be dried emits microwaves from a microwave irradiation port 32 provided between the water tank opening 2 c of the water tank 2 and the opening 19 of the housing 1 to the drum 3 . The inside of the drum 3 is irradiated to heat the moisture contained in the object to be dried in the drum 3 .

The circulation air passage 7 is configured as an air circulation passage for drying the object to be dried in the drying process. The air circulation path includes a water tank 2 and a drum 3. The circulation air passage 7 is provided by connecting an outlet 8 (drying air outlet) provided on the bottom surface of the water tank 2 and an outlet 9 (drying air outlet) provided in front of the side surface of the water tank 2. It is

The circulation air passage 7 is provided with a lint filter 22 , a dehumidifying section 21 , a heater 17 , and a blower fan 16 from the discharge port 9 side. The lint filter 22 is a filter having a nylon mesh and traps lint contained in the air flowing through the circulation air passage 7 . The dehumidifier 21 dehumidifies the air flowing through the air circulation path 7 . The dehumidification unit 21 may be either water-cooled or air-cooled. The heater 17 heats the air flowing through the circulation air passage 7 . The dehumidifying section 21 and the heater 17 may be composed of an evaporating section and a condensing section of a heat pump device. The blower fan 16 circulates the air inside the water tank 2 and the drum 3 through the circulation air passage 7 .

The heater 17 and the microwave irradiation section 30 constitute a heating section that heats the object to be dried, and both or one of them is energized at the same time. As a method of heating the object to be dried by the heating unit, there is a method of directly heating with microwaves, and a method of indirectly heating by heating circulating air with a heater or the like, or by heating the inner wall of the drum 3. etc., and is not particularly limited. If there is a high possibility that sparks will occur due to metal such as buttons and fasteners attached to clothes to be dried, the output of microwaves emitted from the microwave irradiation unit 30 to the inside of the drum 3 is reduced or stopped. Then, the drying by the heater 17 is switched.

An inflow temperature detector 18 is provided in the circulation air passage 7 . The inflow temperature detector 18 detects the temperature of the air flowing into the drum 3 . The inflow temperature detection unit 18 is configured by, for example, a thermistor.

A control device 20 is provided in the housing 1 . The control device 20 controls the blower fan 16, the heater 17, the microwave irradiation section 30, and the like. The control device 20 also controls the drive motor 6a, the water supply valve 12, the drain valve 10, etc., and sequentially executes the steps of washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying.

Next, the flow of dry air will be explained. When the drum 3 is irradiated with microwaves, the moisture contained in the object to be dried is heated and evaporated. When the blower fan 16 is driven, the air that has become humid due to the evaporated moisture flows through the outlet 9 provided in the water tank 2 and into the circulation air passage 7 . The air that has flowed into the circulation air passage 7 is sent toward the dehumidifying section 21 and the heater 17 by the blower fan 16 . The air passing through the dehumidifying section 21 is cooled and dehumidified. The cooled and dried air is heated by heater 17 .

The air that has passed through the heater 17 passes through the outlet 8 and is blown out into the drum 3 again. A clothes dryer that does not have a washing function is not provided with the water tank 2 for storing wash water, the water supply valve 12, the water supply pipe 13, the drain valve 10, and the drain pipe 11. FIG. The connection between the rotating drum 3 and the circulation air passage 7 is configured so that the drum 3 slides on a seal member such as felt.

FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the shield portion of a drum type washing/drying machine 61 according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram omitting a part of the configuration of the drum-type washer/dryer 61 according to the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. Moreover, it is a figure explaining the detection part 39. FIG. In FIG. 10, members constituting the shield portion are indicated by hatching. In the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the ninth embodiment, the shield portion includes the door 5, the opening 19, the water tank front portion 2a, the cover portion 24, and the water tank rear portion 2b. A gap shield portion (not shown) is provided in the gap between the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the door 5 . The cover portion 24 is a member that covers the space between the opening portion 19 and the water tank front portion 2a. The cover part 24 functions as a gap shield part for suppressing leakage of microwaves from the gap between the door 5 and the water tank 2 .

The door 5, the opening 19, the water tank front part 2a and the water tank rear part 2b comprise a conductive material such as metal capable of reflecting or absorbing microwaves. The door 5, the opening 19, the water tank front part 2a, or the water tank rear part 2b may be entirely made of an electromagnetic shielding material such as a conductive material. The door 5, the opening 19, the water tank front part 2a, or the water tank rear part 2b may be made of a material such as resin, and a plated layer of a conductive material may be provided on the inner surface or the outer surface. The door 5, the opening 19, the water tank front part 2a, or the water tank rear part 2b are made of a material such as resin, and may be provided with a layer of electromagnetic wave shielding material on the inner surface, the outer surface, or the inside.

In this embodiment, the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the water tank front portion 2a of the water tank 2 are separated, watertightness is ensured by the water sealing member 23, and the space between them is formed of an electromagnetic wave shielding material. It is covered with the cover part 24 which is formed. That is, since the cover portion 24 having conductivity and flexibility is provided, the drum 3 rotates and vibrates, and even if the water tank 2 vibrates, the object to be dried is dried by irradiating electromagnetic waves. It is possible to provide the drum-type washing and drying machine 61 capable of suppressing leakage of electromagnetic waves.

The cover portion 24 is made of a flexible surface material. As a result, the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the door 5 are separated from the water tank 2 which vibrates due to the rotation of the drum 3, and the vibration of the water tank 2 can be prevented from being transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the microwave from leaking through the gap caused by the expansion of the space between the water tank 2 and the opening 19 due to vibration. In addition, since the microwave irradiation unit 30 can be installed in the housing 1 with small vibration rather than in the water tank 2 or drum 3 with large vibration, the microwave oscillator such as the magnetron can be protected from vibration. It is possible to improve the microwave oscillation performance and durability. Among the components of the microwave irradiation unit 30 , part of the components such as the microwave oscillator and the waveguide may be installed in the housing 1 .

The cover portion 24 is made of a flexible surface material. As a result, processing and mounting can be facilitated, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. One end of the face member is fixed to the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the other end is fixed to the water tank front portion 2 a of the water tank 2 . The face material may be fixed by another face material such as a belt, or may be fixed by a wire rod such as a wire. In this case, the face material may be fixed by pressing the face material with a belt, wire, or the like from the outside of the face material. Thereby, the configuration for fixing the face material can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Alternatively, the edge of the face member may be formed into a bag shape, and the face member may be fixed by passing a belt, wire, or the like through the bag. As a result, the work for fixing the face material can be simplified, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the stability of the contact can be improved.

The cover portion 24 may be configured in a tubular shape from a stretchable material. In this case, the face material forming the cover portion 24 may be a conductive cloth or mesh material. Also, the face material may be formed by weaving a string-like cloth. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the vibration of the water tank 2 to be transmitted through the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the door 5 . Moreover, since processing and mounting can be facilitated, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

The cover portion 24 may be formed in a bellows tube shape or in a mesh shape by a face material. In this case, the face material forming the cover portion 24 may be made of a non-stretchable, conductive material. Even if the material does not have stretchability, it can be made stretchable by forming it into a bellows tube shape or a mesh shape. can be made difficult. In addition, since it is possible to expand the options for the face material that can be used as the cover portion 24, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost. Also in this case, the face material may be a conductive cloth or mesh material, or may be formed by knitting a string-like cloth.

The cover part 24 may be provided outside the water sealing member 23 as shown in FIG. When a chlorine-based bleaching agent is used for washing, if washing water containing chlorine adheres to the cover portion 24, the chlorine may corrode the conductive material. However, by providing the cover portion 24 on the outside of the water sealing member 23, it is possible to prevent moisture from adhering to the cover portion 24, so that deterioration of the electromagnetic wave shielding performance and durability of the cover portion 24 can be suppressed. can be done. In addition, since the cover portion 24 can be easily assembled, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In another example, the cover part 24 may be provided inside the water sealing member 23 . As a result, exposure of the water sealing member 23 to electromagnetic waves can be suppressed, so that deterioration of the water sealing property, airtightness, and durability of the water sealing member 23 can be suppressed. For example, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of abnormal overheating due to electromagnetic waves concentrating on a specific portion of the water sealing member 23 .

In yet another example, the cover portion 24 may also serve as the water sealing member 23 . In this case, the face member forming the cover portion 24 may be made of a conductive elastomer. As a result, the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of the present embodiment can be manufactured by installing only the water sealing member 23 in the same manner as in the conventional drum-type washer-dryer. Manufacturing costs can be reduced.

In addition, in the configuration of the water tank 2, the water tank front part 2a and the water tank rear part 2b may be integrally formed or may be separately manufactured and connected. When the shield part includes the water tank rear part 2b as in the present embodiment, the entire water tank 2 may be made of a conductive material, and the structure of the drum-type washer/dryer 61 can be simplified. Cost can be reduced.

When the water tank front part 2a and the water tank rear part 2b are separately manufactured and connected, the connecting part of the water tank front part 2a and the water tank rear part 2b also needs to be watertight and suppress microwave leakage. Therefore, the water tank 2 is fixed by interposing a waterproof member and a conductive member between the water tank front portion 2a and the water tank rear portion 2b. With this configuration, leakage of electromagnetic waves can be suppressed while ensuring watertightness.

The detector 39 is provided near the door 5 . More specifically, the detection part 39 is provided in a region 47 a or 47 b near the cover part 24 which is a gap shield part provided in the gap between the door 5 and the water tank 2 . Also in the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 of the present embodiment, when a spark is generated in the drum 3, part of the spark electromagnetic wave leaks from the cover portion 24 and diffuses to the outside. Therefore, by providing the detection portion 39 in the region 47a or 47b near the cover portion 24, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

Thus, in the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the ninth embodiment, the shield portion includes the door member 5, the drum 3, and the gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from contacts or gaps between members. , The gap shield part is provided between the door 5 and the drum 3 and is provided in the gap between the housing 1 (opening 19) and the door, and the detection part 39 is provided in the gap It is provided near the shield part. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

Further, the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 of the ninth embodiment includes a water tank 2 (outer tank) fixed to the housing 1 and containing the drum 3, and the shield portion includes the door 5, the water tank 2, and the member and a gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from the contacts or gaps between , are provided in the vicinity of the gap shield portion. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 10)
FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the shield portion of drum-type washing/drying machine 61 according to the tenth embodiment. A drum type washing/drying machine 61 according to the tenth embodiment includes a first choke portion 25 in addition to the configuration of the drum type washing/drying machine 61 according to the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. Other configurations and operations are the same as any one or more of the first to ninth embodiments. Main differences from the first to ninth embodiments will be described.

In the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the tenth embodiment, the shield includes the door 5, the opening 19, the water tank front portion 2a, the cover portion 24, the drum 3, and the first choke portion 25. consists of

Drum 3 comprises a conductive material, such as metal, capable of reflecting or absorbing microwaves. The first choke portion 25 functions as a gap shield portion for preventing microwaves from leaking from the gap between the water tank front portion 2a and the drum front portion 3a.

The detector 39 may be provided near the door 5 . More specifically, the detection part 39 may be provided in a region 47 a or 47 b near the cover part 24 provided in the gap between the door 5 and the water tank 2 . The detection part 39 may be provided in the region 48a or 48b near the first choke part 25 provided in the gap between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 . Also in the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 of the present embodiment, when a spark is generated in the drum 3, part of the spark electromagnetic wave leaks from the cover portion 24 or the first choke portion 25 and diffuses to the outside. Therefore, by providing the detecting portion 39 in the region 47a or 47b near the cover portion 24 or in the region 48a or 48b near the first choke portion 25, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be quickly detected with high precision. can be detected.

Thus, the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the tenth embodiment is fixed to the housing 1 and includes the water tank 2 containing the drum 3, and the shield portion includes the door 5, the drum 3, and the member between the members. and a gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from the contacts or gaps. , and the detection part 39 is provided near the gap shield part. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 11)
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the shield portion of the drum-type washing/drying machine according to the eleventh embodiment. A drum-type washer-dryer 61 according to the eleventh embodiment does not have the cover part 24 and has a water tank lid 28, unlike the drum-type washer-dryer 61 according to the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. The water tank lid 28 is a lid for the water tank 2, which is an outer tank, and is an example of an outer tank lid. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of any one or more of the first to tenth embodiments. Differences from the first to tenth embodiments will be mainly described.

The water tank cover 28 is provided at the water tank opening 2 c of the water tank 2 . Although not shown, the water tank cover 28 may be configured to open and close in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 5 . For example, although a link mechanism or the like is required for interlocking, such as a connecting portion between the water tank lid 28 and the door 5, the user can load and unload the laundry from the drum 3 simply by opening the door 5. can improve usability.

An elastic cylindrical water sealing member 23 is provided at the opening edge of the water tank opening 2c so that the water tank lid 28 is in close contact with the entire circumference. When the user closes the water tank lid 28, the water sealing member 23 is pressed by the water tank lid 28 and elastically deformed, thereby ensuring watertightness of the water tank 2 to the outside of the machine.

In the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the eleventh embodiment, the shield section includes a water tank cover 28 which is a door of the water tank 2, a water tank front portion 2a including a water tank opening 2c, and a water tank rear portion 2b. . The aquarium lid 28, the aquarium front 2a and the aquarium rear 2b comprise a conductive material such as metal capable of reflecting or absorbing microwaves. A water sealing member 23 between the water tank 2 and the water tank lid 28 is made of a conductor or dielectric, and serves as a gap shield for suppressing microwave leakage from the gap between the water tank 2 and the water tank lid 28. Function.

In this embodiment, the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the water tank front portion 2a of the water tank 2 are separated. Secured. As a result, the opening 19 of the housing 1 and the door 5 are separated from the water tank 2 which vibrates due to the rotation of the drum 3, and the vibration of the water tank 2 can be prevented from being transmitted. Further, the housing 1, the opening 19, and the door 5 do not require a structure for preventing leakage of microwaves. That is, with this configuration, even if the drum 3 rotates and the water tub 2 vibrates, it is possible to provide the drum-type washer/dryer 61 capable of suppressing leakage of electromagnetic waves. In the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to take into consideration the leakage of microwaves from the gap between the vibrating portion and the non-vibrating portion, the drum-type washer/dryer 61 capable of suppressing the leakage of electromagnetic waves can be manufactured at low cost. can do.

Also in the tank cover 28, a gap may occur due to dimensional error, vibration, or the like, as long as the gap is such that microwaves do not leak.

The door 5 of the housing 1 does not necessarily have to be provided. It is sufficient that the opening 19 of the housing 1 is configured so that the vibration of the water tank 2 does not adversely affect the user. Further, a door may be provided at the drum opening 3c of the drum 3 instead of the water tank lid 28 provided at the water tank opening 2c. In this case, the microwave may be irradiated into the drum 3 through the inside of the rotating shaft of the drum 3, and the entire drum 3 including the door provided at the drum opening 3c may constitute the shield. At this time, since the door provided at the drum opening 3c rotates together with the drum 3, it is conceivable that the opening and closing directions of the door will be different when the rotation is stopped, resulting in deterioration of usability for the user. In order to prevent this, it is desirable that the control device 20 is configured to stop the rotation of the drum 3 at a predetermined position so that the opening and closing directions of the door body at that time are substantially uniform.

The sensing portion 39 is provided in a region 49a or 49b near the contact point between the water tank lid 28 and the water tank 2. As shown in FIG. Also in the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the present embodiment, when a spark is generated in the drum 3, part of the spark electromagnetic wave leaks to the outside from the contact between the water tank cover 28 and the water tank 2 and diffuses. Therefore, by providing the detection portion 39 in the region 49a or 49b near the contact point between the water tank cover 28 and the water tank 2, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

As described above, the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 of the eleventh embodiment is fixed to the housing 1 and includes the water tank 2 containing the drum 3. , and a gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from contacts or gaps between members, and the gap shield portion is provided in the gap between the water tank 2 and the water tank lid 28, and the detection part 39 is provided in the vicinity of the gap shield portion. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 12)
FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the shield portion of drum-type washing/drying machine 61 according to the twelfth embodiment. A drum type washing/drying machine 61 according to the twelfth embodiment omits the cover portion 24 and includes a water tank cover 28, unlike the configuration of the drum type washing/drying machine 61 according to the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. . Alternatively, a first choke portion 25 is provided in addition to the configuration of the drum-type washer/dryer 61 according to the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of any one or more of the first to eleventh embodiments. Differences from the first to eleventh embodiments will be mainly described.

In the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the twelfth embodiment, the shield portion includes the water tank lid 28, the water tank front portion 2a, the drum 3, and the first choke portion 25. As shown in FIG. Drum 3 comprises a conductive material, such as metal, capable of reflecting or absorbing microwaves. The first choke portion 25 functions as a gap shield portion for preventing microwaves from leaking through the gap between the water tank front portion 2a and the drum front portion 3a.

The sensing portion 39 may be provided within the region 49 a or 49 b near the contact point between the water tank lid 28 and the water tank 2 . The detection part 39 may be provided in the region 48a or 48b near the first choke part 25 provided in the gap between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 . Also in the drum-type washing and drying machine 61 of the present embodiment, when a spark is generated in the drum 3, a part of the spark electromagnetic wave is transmitted from the contact point between the water tank cover 28 and the water tank 2 or the first choke portion 25 to the outside. leaks into and spreads. Therefore, by providing the detector 39 in the region 49a or 49b near the contact between the water tank cover 28 and the water tank 2 or in the region 48a or 48b near the first choke part 25, It is possible to quickly and accurately detect sparks that have occurred.

Thus, the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the twelfth embodiment is fixed to the housing 1 and includes the water tub 2 containing the drum 3, and the shield portion includes the water tub lid 28, the drum 3, and the and a gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from the contacts or gaps. , and the detection part 39 is provided near the gap shield part. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 13)
FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the structure of a vertical washing/drying machine 70 according to Embodiment 13. As shown in FIG. Vertical washing/drying machine 70 of the present embodiment has drum 3 with a vertical rotation axis, and includes pulsator 44 at the bottom of drum 3 for agitating laundry and washing water. Other configurations and operations are similar to any one or more of the first to twelfth embodiments. Differences from the first to twelfth embodiments will be mainly described.

In the vertical washing/drying machine 70 of the present embodiment, the rotating shaft of the drum 3 is vertical. ' direction becomes the 'up' direction and the 'back, back' direction becomes the 'bottom, bottom' direction. If the water tub 2 and the drum 3 of the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of the ninth-twelfth embodiments shown in FIGS.

In the vertical washing/drying machine 70 of the present embodiment, the drum 3 does not rotate, and the pulsator 44 rotates forward and backward to stir and knead the laundry accommodated in the drum 3. Wash, rinse and dry.

In the vertical washing/drying machine 70 of the thirteenth embodiment, the shield part includes the water tank lid 28, the water tank front part 2a including the water tank opening 2c, and the water tank rear part 2b. Like the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the ninth to twelfth embodiments, the vertical washer/dryer 70 of the present embodiment can also suppress microwave leakage even if the water tank 2 vibrates. A water sealing member 23 between the water tank 2 and the water tank lid 28 is made of a conductor or dielectric, and serves as a gap shield for suppressing microwave leakage from the gap between the water tank 2 and the water tank lid 28. Function.

The sensing portion 39 is provided in a region 50 a or 50 b near the contact point between the water tank lid 28 and the water tank 2 . Also in the vertical washing/drying machine 70 of the present embodiment, when a spark is generated in the drum 3, part of the spark electromagnetic wave leaks to the outside from the contact point between the water tank cover 28 and the water tank 2 and diffuses. Therefore, by providing the detection portion 39 in the region 50a or 50b near the contact point between the water tank cover 28 and the water tank 2, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

Thus, the vertical washing and drying machine 70 of the thirteenth embodiment is fixed to the housing 1 and includes the water tank 2 containing the drum 3, and the shield part includes the water tank lid 28, the water tank 2, and the a gap shield part for suppressing leakage of microwaves from the contact or gap, the gap shield part is provided in the gap between the water tank 2 and the water tank lid 28, and the detection part 39 is provided in the gap. It is provided near the shield part. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so the safety and durability of the vertical washing/drying machine 70 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

Note that the detection unit 39 may be provided near the bottom surface of the drum 3 . Even during tumbling during the drying operation, the object to be dried is agitated on the bottom surface of the rotating drum 3 due to the influence of gravity, so that a large proportion of the object is present on the bottom surface of the drum 3 . In addition, sparks are generated from metal attached to clothes or foreign substances mixed in pockets of clothes. In particular, sparks are likely to occur when metal attached to clothes dropped by tumbling comes into contact with the bottom surface of the metal drum 3 . From the above, there is a high probability that sparks will occur in the vicinity of the bottom surface inside the drum 3 . Therefore, by providing the detection unit 39 near the bottom surface of the drum 3, the generated spark electromagnetic wave can be detected before it is attenuated by diffusion, so that the spark detection accuracy can be improved.

(Embodiment 14)
FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the shield portion of drum-type washing/drying machine 61 according to the fourteenth embodiment. The drum-type washing and drying machine 61 of the present embodiment has a vibration isolation mechanism for suppressing vibration of the housing 1 and the drum 3, a cover portion 24, and a water sealing member 23 of the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 of the ninth to twelfth embodiments. It is different from the washing/drying machine 61 . Other configurations and operations are the same as those of any one or more of the first to thirteenth embodiments. Differences from the first to thirteenth embodiments will be mainly described.

In the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the fourteenth embodiment, an opening 19 and a door 5 for opening and closing the opening 19 are provided on the front surface of the housing 1 . A bottomed cylindrical water tank 2 for storing washing water is provided inside a housing 1. - 特許庁The water tank 2 is fixed to the housing 1 by fixing the water tank opening 2 c provided at a position facing the opening 19 of the housing 1 to the opening 19 . The bottom surface of the water tank 2 (the surface facing the rear surface of the housing 1 in FIG. 15) is composed of a plurality of members. Details of this will be described later.

An elastic tubular door packing 23 a is provided along the entire inner periphery of the opening 19 of the housing 1 . A user can put laundry in and out of the drum 3 by opening the door 5 . When the user closes the door 5, the door packing 23a is pressed by the door 5 and elastically deformed, thereby ensuring watertightness of the water tank 2 to the outside of the machine.

The water tank 2 has a water tank front part 2a having a water tank opening 2c and a water tank rear part 2b provided behind the water tank front part 2a. The tank front part 2a may include a part of the side surface of the bottom part in addition to the cylindrical top part and side part. In that case, the rear portion 2b of the water tank may be the rest of the bottom portion on the central side.

The drum front portion 3a may include the top and side portions of the drum 3 as well as part of the side portions of the bottom portion. In that case, the rear portion 3b of the drum may be the remaining portion of the bottom portion on the rotating shaft side.

A drum drive unit 6 for rotating the drum 3 is attached to the bottom surface of the drum 3 . The drum driving section 6 has a driving motor 6a, a rotating shaft 6b that connects the drum 3 and the driving motor 6a, and a bearing section 6c that supports the rotating shaft 6b. The bearing portion 6c is configured to support the rotary shaft 6b with a plurality of bearings. The drive motor 6a rotates the drum 3 forward and backward around the rotation axis. The drum-type washing/drying machine 61 performs agitation-beating washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying on the laundry accommodated in the drum 3 by rotating the drum 3 driven by the driving motor 6a.

Next, the configuration of the bottom surface of the water tank 2 included in the water tank rear portion 2b and the vibration isolation mechanism 40 for suppressing vibration of the drum 3 and the housing 1 will be described. First, the bottom surface of the water tank 2 is composed of a plurality of members as described above. In other words, the bottom surface of the water tank 2 itself is open at the center side except for the side surfaces, and a part of the anti-vibration mechanism 40 is incorporated in the opening portion. The anti-vibration mechanism 40 includes a motor support portion 33, a plurality of dampers (a lower damper 4a and an upper damper 4b) provided between the motor support portion 33 and the housing 1, a flexible water sealing member 23, including. The drum drive section 6 is fixed to the motor support section 33 . The motor support portion 33 is positioned at the opening portion of the bottom surface of the water tank 2 and is provided so as to close the opening via a water sealing member 23 that is flexible and watertight. Thus, the bottom surface of the water tub 2 includes the motor support portion 33 and the water sealing member 23 .

A plurality of dampers support the drum drive section 6 and the drum 3 from the housing 1 via the motor support section 33 . The plurality of dampers includes two lower dampers 4a that support the left and right lower portions of the motor support portion 33 from the bottom portion of the housing 1, and an upper damper 4b that supports the upper portion of the motor support portion 33 from the rear portion of the housing 1. be provided. Especially when the drum 3 rotates at a high speed, a complicated whirling phenomenon occurs due to the unevenness of the laundry in the drum 3 and the like. Vibration generated thereby is transmitted to the motor support portion 33 via the drum driving portion 6 . At this time, the lower damper 4 a mainly absorbs vertical and horizontal vibrations of the motor support portion 33 , and the upper damper 4 b mainly absorbs front and rear vibrations of the motor support portion 33 . This attenuates the vibration of the drum 3 and suppresses the transmission of the vibration to the housing 1 .

By the vibration isolation mechanism 40 configured in this way, the vibration of the drum 3 that accommodates and rotates the laundry is transmitted to the motor support portion 33, but the vibration transmission to the housing 1 is performed by the lower damper 4a and the upper damper 4b. , and vibration transmission to the water tank 2 fixed to the housing 1 is suppressed by the water sealing member 23 .

A cloth amount detector (not shown) may be attached to the lower damper 4a. The cloth amount detector detects the amount of vertical displacement of the shaft of the lower damper 4a due to the change in the weight of the clothes in the drum 3 or the like. The drum-type washing/drying machine 61 detects the amount of clothes in the drum 3 based on the amount of displacement detected by the amount-of-clothes detection section.

Further, the position and number of dampers and the shape of the motor support portion 33 are not particularly limited. In short, it suffices if the load of the rotating drum 3 or the like can be reliably supported and vibrations in all directions can be damped accurately.

In the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the fourteenth embodiment, the shield portion includes the door 5, the opening 19, the water tank front portion 2a, the cover portion 24, and the water tank rear portion 2b. The cover portion 24 may be included in the water tank rear portion 2b. The cover part 24 is provided outside the water sealing member 23 and in parallel with the water sealing member 23 so as to cover the water sealing member 23 . The cover part 24 may function as a gap shield part for suppressing leakage of microwaves from gaps in the water tank 2 . The door packing 23a between the water tank 2 and the door 5 is made of a conductor or dielectric, and functions as a gap shield for suppressing microwave leakage from the gap between the water tank 2 and the door 5. You may

In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the water tank 2 includes a motor support portion 33 and a water sealing member 23. The water sealing member 23 ensures watertightness, and the water sealing member 23 is made of an electromagnetic wave shielding material. It is covered with the cover part 24 which is formed. The cover portion 24 is composed of a surface material having conductivity and flexibility. As a result, the housing 1 and at least the water tank front portion 2 a can be separated from the motor support portion 33 that vibrates due to the rotation of the drum 3 , so that the vibration of the drum 3 is less likely to be transmitted to the housing 1 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent microwaves from leaking through the gap that is widened by vibration in the bottom surface of the water tank 2 where the water sealing member 23 is provided. That is, by providing the cover portion 24 having conductivity and flexibility, the drum 3 rotates and vibrates, and even if the motor support portion 33 and the water tank 2 vibrate, the object to be dried is irradiated with electromagnetic waves. It is possible to provide the drum-type washing and drying machine 61 capable of suppressing leakage of electromagnetic waves when drying things.

In addition, since the microwave irradiation unit 30 can be installed in the housing 1 or the water tank 2 with small vibration, the microwave oscillator such as the magnetron can be protected from vibration, and the oscillation performance and durability of the microwave can be improved. can be improved. Among the components of the microwave irradiation unit 30 , part of the components such as the microwave oscillator and the waveguide may be installed in the housing 1 or the water tank 2 .

The cover portion 24 is made of a flexible surface material. As a result, processing and mounting can be facilitated, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. One end of the face member is fixed to the entire circumference of the opening of the bottom surface of the water tank 2 , and the other end is fixed to the motor support portion 33 . The face material may be fixed by another face material such as a belt, or may be fixed by a wire rod such as a wire. In this case, the face material may be fixed by pressing the face material with a belt, wire, or the like from the outside of the face material. Thereby, the configuration for fixing the face material can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Alternatively, the edge of the face member may be formed into a bag shape, and the face member may be fixed by passing a belt, wire, or the like through the bag. As a result, the work for fixing the face material can be simplified, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the stability of the contact can be improved.

The cover part 24 may be configured in a donut shape with a space on the center side by using a stretchable material. In this case, the face material forming the cover portion 24 may be a conductive cloth or mesh material. Also, the face material may be formed by weaving a string-like cloth. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the vibration of the drum 3 to be transmitted by the housing 1 . Moreover, since processing and mounting can be facilitated, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

The cover part 24 may be provided outside the water sealing member 23 as shown in FIG. 15 . When a chlorine-based bleaching agent is used for washing, if washing water containing chlorine adheres to the cover portion 24, the chlorine may corrode the conductive material. However, by providing the cover portion 24 on the outside of the water sealing member 23, it is possible to prevent moisture from adhering to the cover portion 24, so that deterioration of the electromagnetic wave shielding performance and durability of the cover portion 24 can be suppressed. can be done. In addition, since the cover portion 24 can be easily assembled, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

In another example, the cover part 24 may be provided inside the water sealing member 23 . As a result, exposure of the water sealing member 23 to electromagnetic waves can be suppressed, so that deterioration of the water sealing property, airtightness, and durability of the water sealing member 23 can be suppressed. For example, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of abnormal overheating due to electromagnetic waves concentrating on a specific portion of the water sealing member 23 .

In yet another example, the cover portion 24 may also serve as the water sealing member 23 . In this case, the face member forming the cover portion 24 may be made of a conductive elastomer. As a result, the drum-type washer-dryer 61 of the present embodiment can be manufactured by installing only the water sealing member 23 in the same manner as in the conventional drum-type washer-dryer. Manufacturing costs can be reduced.

In other words, the cover portion 24 may be provided at substantially the same position as the water sealing member 23, and may be provided so as to follow the flexibility of the water sealing member 23 so as not to leak electromagnetic waves.

When the water tank front part 2a and the water tank rear part 2b are separately manufactured and connected, the connecting part of the water tank front part 2a and the water tank rear part 2b also needs to be watertight and suppress microwave leakage. Therefore, in this case, the water tank 2 is configured to be fixed with the waterproof member and the conductive member interposed between the water tank front portion 2a and the water tank rear portion 2b.

In the fourteenth embodiment, when the rear part 2b of the water tank is included in the shield part, the flexible cover part 24 is provided at substantially the same position as the water sealing member 23 on the bottom surface of the water tank 2. As a modification of this, instead of the cover portion 24, a choke structure as described in the second embodiment may be provided. Also, a choke structure may be provided in addition to the cover portion 24 .

The detection part 39 may be provided in the area 51 a or 51 b near the contact point between the door 5 and the water tank 2 . The sensing portion 39 may be provided within the region 52 a or 52 b near the cover portion 24 . In the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the present embodiment as well, when a spark is generated in the drum 3, part of the spark electromagnetic wave leaks to the outside from the contact point between the door 5 and the water tank 2 or the cover portion 24. to diffuse. Therefore, by providing the detecting portion 39 in the region 51a or 51b near the contact between the door 5 and the water tank 2 or in the region 52a or 52b near the cover portion 24, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected. It can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

Thus, the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the fourteenth embodiment is fixed to the housing 1 and includes the water tank 2 containing the drum 3, and the shield portion includes the door 5, the drum 3, and the member between the members. a gap shield part for suppressing leakage of microwaves from the contact or gap, the gap shield part is provided in the gap between the water tank 2 and the door 5, and the detection part 39 is provided in the gap It is provided near the shield part. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 15)
FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the shield portion of drum-type washing/drying machine 61 according to the fifteenth embodiment. A drum type washing/drying machine 61 according to the fifteenth embodiment includes a first choke portion 25 in addition to the configuration of the drum type washing/drying machine 61 according to the fourteenth embodiment shown in FIG. Other configurations and operations are the same as any one or more of the first to fourteenth embodiments. Differences from the first to fourteenth embodiments will be mainly described.

In the drum-type washer/dryer 61 of the fifteenth embodiment, the shield portion includes the door 5, the opening portion 19, the water tank front portion 2a, the drum 3, and the first choke portion 25. FIG.

Drum 3 comprises a conductive material, such as metal, capable of reflecting or absorbing microwaves. The first choke portion 25 functions as a gap shield portion for preventing microwaves from leaking from the gap between the water tank front portion 2a and the drum front portion 3a.

The detection part 39 may be provided in the area 51 a or 51 b near the contact point between the door 5 and the water tank 2 . The detection unit 39 may be provided in a region 53 a or 53 b near the first choke portion 25 provided in the gap between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 . Also in the drum-type washing and drying machine 61 of the present embodiment, when a spark is generated in the drum 3, a part of the spark electromagnetic wave is transmitted from the contact point between the door 5 and the water tank 2 or the first choke portion 25 to the outside. leaks into and spreads. Therefore, by providing the detector 39 in the region 51a or 51b near the contact between the door 5 and the water tank 2 or in the region 53a or 53b near the first choke portion 25, It is possible to quickly and accurately detect sparks that have occurred.

Thus, the drum-type washing and drying machine 61 of Embodiment 15 is fixed to the housing 1 and includes the water tank 2 containing the drum 3, and the shield portion includes the door 5, the drum 3, and the and a gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from the contacts or gaps. , and the detection part 39 is provided near the gap shield part. As a result, the spark generated inside the drum 3 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the drum-type washing/drying machine 61 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 16)
FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of washing/drying machine 62 according to the sixteenth embodiment. The washing/drying machine 62 according to Embodiment 16 has a function of washing and drying laundry such as clothes as in Embodiments 9 to 15, and can be used as a washing machine that performs only the washing function. , it functions both as a dryer performing only a drying function and as a washer-dryer performing both a washing function and a drying function. As in the first to eighth embodiments, the dryer may perform only the drying function. The washing/drying machine 62 according to Embodiment 16 has a function of irradiating the laundry in the drum with microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic waves, as in Embodiments 1-15. Differences from the first to fifteenth embodiments will be mainly described.

The main body 81 has an internal space as a storage portion 82, and is configured to be able to store clothes to be washed in the storage portion 82. As shown in FIG. The containing portion 82 corresponds to the drum 3 in the first to fifteenth embodiments. The accommodating part 82 does not rotate, and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, serving both as the water tank 2 and the drum 3 . A door 84 is provided on the front surface of the main body 81 . The door 84 opens and closes the front opening of the housing portion 82 . The clothes in the storage section 82 are stored one by one by being hung on a hanger 85 . A suspension portion 86 from which a hanger 85 is suspended is provided on the top surface of the housing portion 82 . The suspension part 86 is configured to be slidable forward and backward.

The door 84 is provided with an elastic door packing 95 at a position facing the opening of the accommodating portion 82 along the inner circumference. The user can take clothes in and out of the container 82 by opening the door 84 . When the user closes the door 84, the door packing 95 is pressed by the housing portion 82 and elastically deformed, thereby ensuring watertightness of the housing portion 82 to the outside of the machine.

A detergent inlet 88 into which detergent is introduced by the user is provided at the periphery of the opening of the housing portion 82 . Below the detergent inlet 88, there is provided an effect agent inlet 90 into which an effect agent for finishing washed clothes is introduced. Further, a take-out button 91 is provided for taking out the charged detergent and effect agent. Detergent inlet 88, effect agent inlet 90 and eject button 91 are arranged so as to be visible when door 84 is open. A machine room 94 is provided at the bottom of the housing portion 82 . A microwave irradiation port 32 is provided above the machine room 94 . The microwave irradiation port 32 irradiates the housing portion 82 with microwaves from a microwave irradiation portion (not shown).

In the washing process, washing water is jetted onto the clothes. Washing water that has passed through the clothes is collected and circulated. In the rinsing process, rinse water is jetted onto the clothes. Rinse water may also be collected and recycled. In the drying process, the clothes are irradiated with microwaves from the microwave irradiation port 32 .

In the washing/drying machine 62 of Embodiment 16, the shield portion includes a door 84 and a housing portion 82 . A door packing 95 between the door 84 and the housing portion 82 is made of a conductor or dielectric, and also serves as a gap shield portion.

The detector 39 is provided near the door 84 . More specifically, the detection unit 39 is provided in a region near the door packing 95 which is a gap shield provided in the gap between the door 84 and the accommodation unit 82 . For example, a region between the housing portion 82 and the main body 81 and outside the shield portion.

Also in the washer/dryer 62 of the present embodiment, when a spark is generated in the housing portion 82, part of the spark electromagnetic wave leaks to the outside from the contact between the door 84 and the main body 81 and diffuses. Therefore, by providing the detection portion 39 near the door 84, the spark generated inside the housing portion 82 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

As described above, the washing/drying machine 62 of Embodiment 16 includes a main body 81 (housing), an accommodating portion 82 provided inside the main body 81 for accommodating an object to be dried, and an object to be dried inside the accommodating portion 82. A microwave irradiation unit for irradiating an object with microwaves and a detection unit 39 for detecting electromagnetic waves caused by sparks generated inside the housing unit 82 are provided. Further, a door 84 (door body) for opening and closing an opening provided in the main body 81 is provided for taking the object to be dried into and out of the storage section 82 , and the detection section 39 is provided near the door 84 . As a result, it is possible to detect the spark generated inside the housing portion 82 quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the washer/dryer 62 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the shield portion includes a door 84, a housing portion 82, and a gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from contacts or gaps between members. The portion is provided in the gap between the door 84 and the housing portion 82, and the detection portion 39 is provided in the vicinity of the gap shield portion. As a result, it is possible to detect the spark generated inside the housing portion 82 quickly and with high accuracy, so that the safety and durability of the washer/dryer 62 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

The detector 39 may be provided near the microwave irradiation port 32 . The microwave irradiation port 32 may be provided in the vicinity of the upper portion, the lower portion, the bottom portion, or the like of the housing portion 82 . In this case, the detection unit 39 may be provided in the vicinity of the microwave irradiation port 32 provided in the vicinity of the upper portion, the lower portion, the bottom portion, or the like of the housing portion 82 . Also in this case, the spark generated inside the housing portion 82 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy, so the safety and durability of the washer/dryer 62 can be improved. Also, damage to the object to be dried due to sparks can be suppressed.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, Embodiments 1 to 16 have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments with modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like. Also, it is possible to combine the constituent elements described in the first to sixteenth embodiments to form a new embodiment.

Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

In Embodiments 1 to 8, the drum dryer 60 has been described as an example of the dryer. The dryer may be a dryer other than the drum type, a washing dryer, or the like. For example, it may be applied to a vertical dryer or the like.

In the ninth to fifteenth embodiments, drum type washer/dryer 61 and vertical type washer/dryer 70 have been described as examples of dryers. The dryer may be any other type of washer-dryer. Also, the dryer may be a drying-only machine that does not have a washing function. In this case, an outer tank may be provided outside the drum 3 instead of the water tank 2 . In addition, the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to a dryer that dries objects other than clothes.

Note that the above-described embodiment is for illustrating the technology in the present disclosure, and various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.

The present disclosure is applicable to dryers.

1 housing 2 water tank (outer tank)
2a Water tank front part 2b Water tank rear part 2c Water tank opening 3 Drum (receiving part)
3a drum front 3b drum rear 3c drum opening (second opening)
4 damper 4a lower damper 4b upper damper 5 door body (first door body)
6 drum drive unit 6a drive motor 6b rotating shaft 6c bearing unit 7 circulation air passage 8 air outlet 9 outlet 10 drain valve 11 drain pipe 12 water supply valve 13 water supply pipe 14 rotating shaft 15 belt 16 blower fan 17 heater 18 inflow temperature detector 19 opening (first opening)
20 control device 21 dehumidifying section 22 lint filter 23 water sealing member 23a door packing 24 cover section 25 first choke section 26 communicating section (fixed section)
27 Second choke portion 28 Water tank lid (door body)
30 microwave irradiation unit 32 microwave irradiation port 33 motor support unit 34 waveguide 36 drum door (second door)
37 Reflector 38 Resonator 39 Detector 40 Antivibration mechanism 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 45a, 45b, 46a, 46b, 47a, 47b, 48a, 48b, 49a, 49b, 50a, 50b, 51a, 51b, 52a , 52b, 53a, 53b Area near 43a, 43b Area between gap shield parts 44 Pulsator 60 Drum type dryer 61 Drum type washing dryer 62 Washing dryer 70 Vertical washing dryer 81 Main body (housing)
82 accommodation part 84 door (door body)
85 hanger 86 hanging part 88 detergent inlet 90 effect agent inlet 91 button 94 machine room

Claims (12)

a housing;
a storage unit provided inside the housing for storing an object to be dried;
a microwave irradiating unit that irradiates microwaves to an object to be dried inside the storage unit;
a detection unit for detecting electromagnetic waves caused by sparks generated inside the storage unit;
with
In the dryer, the detection unit is provided near a contact point or a gap between members constituting a shield unit for suppressing leakage of the microwave from the housing. 2. The drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the accommodating portion is a rotating body rotatably provided inside the housing. A door body for opening and closing an opening provided in the housing for taking the object to be dried into and out of the storage unit,
The dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detector is provided in the vicinity of the door. The shield part
the door body;
the accommodation unit;
a gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from contacts or gaps between the members;
consists of
The gap shield part is provided between the door body and the housing part, and is a gap between a fixed part fixed to the housing and the door body, and a gap between the housing part and the door body. , provided in at least one of a gap between the housing portion and the fixed portion and a gap between the housing and the door,
4. The dryer according to claim 3, wherein the detection section is provided near the gap shield section. An outer tank that is fixed to the housing and contains the storage unit,
The shield part
the door body;
the outer tank or the housing portion;
a gap shield portion for suppressing leakage of microwaves from contacts or gaps between the members;
consists of
The gap shield part is provided in at least one of a gap between the outer tank and the door body and a gap between the outer tank and the housing part,
4. The dryer according to claim 3, wherein the detection section is provided near the gap shield section. a first door that opens and closes a first opening provided in the housing for taking the object to be dried into and out of the container;
a second door that opens and closes a second opening provided at a position facing the first door inside the housing;
with
The dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detector is provided near the first door or the second door. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of said detection units are provided at a plurality of positions. The gap shield part is provided at a plurality of positions,
The dryer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the detection section is provided between the plurality of gap shield sections. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detection unit is provided near an irradiation port for irradiating the microwave from the microwave irradiation unit to the interior of the storage unit. 10. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the detection unit is provided in the vicinity of a lower side of the storage unit. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a reflecting section that reflects the electromagnetic wave toward the detecting section. 12. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a resonance section provided near the detection section and resonating with the electromagnetic waves.

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